Warren County Connection - October 2020

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

October 2020

Biochars and Their Uses in Agriculture

By Sandy Vanno, Master Gardener Warren County Although it has been around since the times of ancient tribes, biochar is only recently becoming a popular topic of discussion among modern home gardeners, commercial farmers, land managers, and wastewater treatment operators. Originating from the term “terra preta” or dark earth, the use of biochar has been around for thousands of years. Many practices have been proven to increase soil health and fertility, such as manure application, cover crops, and no-till. Biochar, an emerging soil amendment, also shows promise in improving soil health and fertility.

In this issue:

generating energy. This reduces the amount of air emissions. The material used as a source for producing biochar is a key point in what makes biochar a popular topic. Biochar can be produced from a variety of materials- trimmings from woodland and yard maintenance, agricultural waste like corn stalks, and purpose-grown biomass such as bamboo. The pH and composition of the biochar that is produced are directly linked to the material used to produce the biochar, so if making your own, be sure to avoid contaminants such as treated or painted lumber. From Cornell CALS Soil and Crop Sciences Section:

What is biochar? It is a fine-grained, black charcoal material. It is different from traditional charcoal, mostly in that it is generally designed for use as a soil amendment instead of as a fuel for heating or cooking. When an organic material, like wood, is burnt, it gives off smoke that contains methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon Benefits of Biochar: monoxide gases. These gases are  Increased moisture retention in then typically released to the atmossoils; good for plant growth phere. During the process of creating when there is limited rainfall; biochar and charcoal, known as pygood for water quality because it rolysis (high temperature 500°C or reduces runoff 932ºF), the smoke given off is cap Increased nutrient retention in tured in a closed system. That smoke soils; good for plant growth in is redirected back to the heat source soils with poor nutrient content; to add more energy to the charcoal, good for water quality because it or an alternative heat source, then reduces nitrogen leaching into used as fuel for another process like (Continued on page 3)

The Unwelcome House Guest: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

4

Houseplants for Health

6

Itchiness Could Mean Allergies

7

Federal Student Loans

8

Working from Home?

Kids Home Too!

9

Nonprofit Spotlight United Way Volunteer Connection

10

Roasted Tomato Fennel Leek Soup

11

Preserving Herbs by Drying

11

Special points of interest: 

Calendar of Events

Warren County Connection

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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, Associate Team Leader Dan Carusone, 4-H Natural Resources Coordinator Marybeth Mitcham, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Healthy Living Educator Roxanne Westcott, 4-H Family Living 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 Samantha Sprague, 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 Daniel Bruno John Diamond Ben Driscoll Susan Shepler Matthew Simpson Michael Wild

Warren County Connection

CALENDAR Please visit our website for more events www.cce.cornell.edu/warren 10/1/2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip Party! Fall means apples and pumpkins, so why not join us for this workshop, where we will make pumpkin cheesecake dip together! Preregistration is required, and there is no cost for the webinar. To sign up for this free webinar, register at this zoom link https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYlf-urz0jGt1CzCuVZObEOnNf4sEPwYS0. For a shopping list for the class, please email MB at: mem467@cornell.edu.

10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29/2020 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Community Parenting Program - Cornell Cooperative Extension offices in Warren and Washington Counties are collaborating to offer a community parenting program via Zoom each Thursday night in the month of October from 6-8 pm. The 5-week series will focus on replacing ineffective or hurtful parenting styles with effective, childfriendly skills and will teach five basic parenting skills that highlight key parenting issues. The skills are applicable for parents with children of every age. The classes are free of charge but registration is required by September 29, 2020. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 518-746-2560 to register. Registrants must have an email address and internet to participate. For more information or questions, please contact Cathy Sweet (Washington County) at 518-7462560 or cjs58@cornell.edu or Roxanne Westcott (Warren County) at 518-668-4881 or rmw38@cornell.edu.

10/3/2020 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Plant-Based Diets - If you have wanted to learn more about the benefit of following a plant-based diet, this is the class for you. Join us for an experiential presentation, during which participants will learn about the benefits of plant-based diets, information about different variations and some cooking and recipe ideas! Participants will gain knowledge, recipes and newfound skills on how to prepare delicious and healthy plant-based food. To sign up for this course, contact SUNY Adirondack Continuing Education at 518-743-2238. Online Training Via Zoom.

10/8/2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Buttermilk Biscuit Party! - Buttermilk biscuits are delicious, and incredibly easy to make from scratch.

Join us for this live cooking webinar, where we will make buttermilk biscuits together. To sign up for this free webinar, register at this zoom link - https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJYuceurrD8iEtaIZ48LnbI1n9VG4GJwYpxt. For a shopping list for the class, please email MB at mem467@cornell.edu.

10/8/2020 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) Trail Walk - Let's explore the activities and scenery of fall in the Adirondacks. we will look for birds mammals and possibly amphibians are reptiles. This program is open to youth over the age of five and up to 19 as of January 1st and their parent/guardian. Registration is preferred, please call John Bowe or Michele Baker for location at 518-668-4881 or email jfb32@cornell.edu.

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.

Warren County Connection

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groundwater and runoff into surface water. While biochar is not a fertilizer, research indicates it can help retain nutrients in the soil due to its charged surface and high surface area (from its porous structure), which allows it to absorb nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon. Some scientists have even found that when biochar is used in combination with compost, it can retain the nutrients provided by the compost and can help decrease the need for commercial fertilizers.

Stable storage of carbon; provides a way to sequester carbon from these various organic wastes instead of releasing the carbon into the atmosphere through traditional burning Very absorbent surface with many functions; it can capture and filter pollutants out of the water, including metals; for this reason, biochar has been successfully used in the wastewater treatment process as well. It is also exceptionally well suited for restoring degraded soils, such as those found near mining sites, because it tightly binds toxic heavy metals and neutralizes unnaturally acidic soils.

Not all soils are well suited for biochar. Research at Michigan State University (MSU) is currently examining how well-drained sandy soils experience biochar benefits such as increased soil moisture retention, but moderately well -drained and/or clay soils may not always respond as positively. MSU advises before applying biochar to your fields or gardens; it is important to consider how the biochar was produced as well as the conditions of your soil.

According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, all biochar is not created equal. Each material used to make it gives it differing properties. Biochar made from straw is different than those made from coconut husks, yard waste, or wooden pallets. Also, the temperature at which they are charred will create varying chemical and physical properties. In addition, biochar effectiveness is highly dependent on soil characteristics, such as texture, organic matter content, and mineral nutrient levels present.

Biochar may be a soil amendment you could try for enhancing your crops or backyard gardens or reducing your impacts on the environment. At the very least, you will be helping put carbon back into the soils where it can reside for hundreds of years. It may also be benefiting our local waterways, which are significantly impacted by nutrient pollution. If you decide to use biochar, monitor your plants in the first few months for signs of nitrogen deficiency. Small experiments in your garden may help determine if biochar could benefit your soils.

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Pre-packaged biochar can be purchased from garden centers and agricultural supply stores, or biochar can be made at home by buying or building a biochar kiln for home use. Many low-cost designs can be found online and enable the conversion of biomass (wood) into charcoal to amend the soil.

If you have access to fireplace ash, this can be another ready source of charcoal and other beneficial soil amendments. Wood ash is a good source of potassium, lime, and micro-nutrients (which are taken up from the deep roots of hardwood trees used for firewood, such as oak and maple). It is best to add ash to the compost pile rather than directly to the garden, as the high concentration of lime can alter soil pH and may burn sensitive plants. The alkaline nature of wood ash can also have a neutralizing effect on compost, as the decomposing materials in a compost pile can become somewhat acidic.

Do not use ash from a charcoal grill, as this ash may contain chemical residue from the lighter fluid. Because of the alkaline nature of wood ash, avoid using it around acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries. Wood ash can also be used as a natural repellent for pests such as snails and slugs, who will resist crossing a line of wood ash laid around their favorite plants (the salts in wood ash are an irritant to these softbodied pests). The wood ash needs to be reapplied after rain or watering to remain effective.

Carbon in the soil is the key to soil life. Growing plants exude carbon into the soil through their roots in the form of sugars produced through photosynthesis. These secretions attract and feed beneficial bacterial, fungi, and other microorganisms that live and die in the area surrounding plant roots, providing plants with nutrients they need to be healthy. The addition of carbon to the soil, in the form of charcoal, can provide additional material for this symbiotic relationship to play out in the garden soil. And in doing so, we can play an important role in removing carbon from the air and returning it to the soil through our everyday love of gardening!

References: Penn State Extension “Using Biochar for Water Quality” https://blogs.cornell.edu/master-gardenerscce-oc/tag/biochar/Michigan State University Extension “Biochar” An Emerging Soil Amendment” University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Backyard Gardener; “Using Biochar in the Garden”; 1/8/2020 The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. ~Author Unknown

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The Unwelcome House Guest: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug A Guide for Residents, Property Managers, and Pest Management Professionals

Warren County Connection

ple become alarmed at the large numbers that invade their homes (and even hotel rooms). This insect cannot reproduce indoors, cause structural damage, or bite.

They can produce unpleasant odors in large numbers.

By: J. Gangloff-Kaufmann, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University When first detected in western Maryland in 2003, most people had never heard of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), also known as Halyomorpha halys. This newcomer is thought to have been accidentally introduced from Asia into the Allentown, PA area during the mid 1990s. Since that time, populations have soared in the mid-Atlantic states, resulting in extensive crop damage.

The BMSB is also attracted, often in large numbers, to buildings because they provide safe winter hiding spots.

It is expected that the range of this invasive pest will grow. Within a few years, New Yorkers could be dealing with large numbers of BMSBs. This article provides tips for dealing with structure-invading BMSBs. The shield-shaped adults are ⅝ to ¾ inch (17mm) long with grayish-brown speckling on the top and bottom.

There are bands of light and dark along the edges of the body, giving this insect the description of “marmorated”.

Light bands on antennae and legs are found on both adults and young (nymphs). Adult females lay clusters of 20-30 round light to orange-colored eggs on the undersides of leaves. The nymphs are between 1∕16-½ inch (2mm and 12mm) long. Nymphs have no wings and do not fly. They are tear-drop shaped and colored more brightly than adults, with a black and orange pattern and red eyes. There are five nymph stages (instars) that range in size from ⅛ inch to ½ inch (3mm to 12mm). It has been observed that the BMSB is limited to one generation per year in cooler northern parts of the Northeast. However in coastal areas there may be two during favorable seasons.

Brown marmorated stink bug adults emerge in April-May to mate and lay eggs through the summer. Nymphs hatch and begin to feed on juices from leaves and fruits.

As numbers of BMSBs increase regionally, damage to commercial fruit production is expected. BMSB adults begin to seek protected hiding spots for overwintering.

They are attracted to host trees close to structures and find gaps for entry into structures for winter protection.

Although the BMSB is not a threat to human health, peo-

What to do?

If a single or few BMSBs are found indoors, the best thing to do is to vacuum them or remove them without crushing them. Belonging to the group “stink bugs”, BMSBs will give off an unpleasant pungent smell if crushed. In the spring steps should be taken to build them out.

Commonly, hundreds or thousands of BMSBs invade a home without the resident noticing. During the winter, warmth inside will draw the bugs out from under base molding, window/door trim, or ceiling vents. They will fly around the home attracted to the light outdoors. If a structure has previously become inundated with large numbers of BMSB it is a good idea to try and locate entryways. It might be a gap along a door or window frame, the chimney, or eaves.

It is not recommended that homeowners use aerosol or total release fogger insecticides for BMSBs indoors. Foggers used in living areas will not prevent the emergence of more BMSBs. Even application of dust insecticides to wall voids and the attic is not advisable. The bugs will die indoors and remain there. In large numbers this could produce a terrible smell and may eventually result in an infestation of carpet beetles or other scavengers. Instead, vacuum up the bugs you see including in accessible attics. Note spots where BMSBs have come out into living spaces and seal those openings with caulk or sealant.

Build them out - The best way to deal with BMSBs entering the home or building is to make sure they don’t find a way in. Check the outside of the structure around (Continued on page 5)

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Warren County Connection

windows and doors, looking for openings. Seal gaps with weather-proof sealant. Check the area under the siding near the sill plate (top of foundation). Brush away any debris and check for gaps. These must be sealed as well to build out this and all other pests. Make sure screens are in good shape; even small openings will allow pests in. Take air conditioners out of windows in early September or as soon as possible. The gaps and openings around an air conditioner are ideal for BMSB entry. In wallmounted air conditioners cover them as early as possible to prevent BMSB access. Check the attic eaves from the inside on a sunny day—looking for openings (you will see sunlight). These openings must be sealed but this can be done from outside. Permanent fixes (as replacing deteriorated materials) are always better than temporary ones (such as stuffing a gap with steel wool).

Time your actions - The timing of the BMSB life cycle in New York is unclear and probably varies from downstate to upstate. However, the BMSB is thought to begin seeking overwintering sites earlier than other fall homeinvading pests, such as Asian ladybeetle and cluster flies.

Adults begin to move from host plant to host plant toward structures. They are attracted to landscape shrubs including holly, crabapples and other fruiting and seedproducing plants. For severe BMSB infestations, the building and its vicinity may be treated once the insects are seen in the surrounding landscape, usually late August or early September. Use only insecticides labeled to control BMSB and for use in structures and the perimeter. Have a pest management professional treat the outer structure first and in detail. The PMP should treat eaves, soffits, roof ridge vents, flashing, chimneys, louvered vents, and around windows and doors. After treating the structure, treat the landscape shrubs to kill BMSBs. Follow all label directions. This method will not prevent future problems. An emphasis on building the bugs out is recommended for long-term control.

Beware of impostors!

Western conifer seed bugs stray indoors for overwintering sites but in low numbers. Boxelder bugs may appear in large numbers when there is a boxelder tree next to the house. Both can be confused with brown marmorated stink bugs.

A few other stink bugs very closely resemble the BMSB with their shield shape and brown mottled color. These may be hard to distinguish without help.

The brown stink bug is very similar in appearance to BMSB but is less common in the northern US. Look for white banding on antennae and tarsi to identify the BMSB. The dusky stink bug has distinctly pointed “shoulders” (the pronotum) and no white banding. The four-humped stink bug has a longer, more irregularly shaped body and no white banding. These three species of stink bugs can cause damage to crops but are not known to be nuisance pests of structures.

The leaves are falling all around,— Reluctant, waveringly they fall!...

Time's annual shades are gathering, And winter's coming step I see!...

We hear, but heed not, nature's knell; We see, but mark not, time's decay; We cling to pleasure's flowery spell, Till ev'ry leaf has dropped away. ~Caroline E. Richardson, "Stanzas, Written in October," c.1832 (Continued from page 11)

Herbs can be dried by: •Oven Drying •Air-drying •Microwave Drying •Dehydrator Storing Herbs Store dried herbs and seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark area away from moisture. Storing them near the stove, sink, or windowsill is not recommended.

Most dried herbs keep well for one year. Storing herbs whole is preferred because the herb holds its oil retaining its flavor longer, but they can be stored whole or crushed. Dried herbs can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer by placing in freezer jars or wrapping in heavyduty aluminum foil—to avoid odor transfer. Be careful when removing them from cold storage to a warm area so that condensation does not form, and the herbs do not absorb moisture.

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Warren County Connection

Houseplants for Health

By Sue Gwise, Consumer Horticulture Educator

Lastly, we cannot underestimate the therapeutic effects that plants have. They are pleasing to look at and gardening reduces stress. You can take advantage of these benefits simply by bringing plants into your home!

In an effort to improve air in space habitats, NASA has been researching indoor air pollution and how plants can improve air quality. The research has been so positive that plants will be launched into space for use in biological life support systems aboard space stations.

We all know that plants are good for the environment.

They are especially helpful in improving the air that we breathe. In fact, trees have been called “the lungs of the earth.”

All plants carry out photosynthesis as they grow. It is through this process that plants improve our air. Green plants are the only living things that can produce their own food. The photosynthetic process produces food for plants and a by-product of this process enriches our air.

During photosynthesis, plants take in sunlight and carbon dioxide. As these are converted into food for plants, oxygen is released. Plants are beneficial because they remove carbon dioxide from the air and they give off oxygen.  One large tree will provide one days supply of oxygen

for a family of four.  Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree produces oxygen worth over $31,000.  An acre of trees removes the carbon dioxide produced by a car driven 26,000 miles.

In addition to carbon dioxide, plants also absorb sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, airborne ammonia, and nitrogen oxide. Trees and plants can reduce dust counts by as much as 75%. They also intercept and filter fumes and bad odors.

Plants also give off water through a process called transpiration. This humidifies our air. 

One large tree can lift 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air in one day.

Much of the indoor air pollution that we deal with here on earth comes from everyday products that are used in building interiors. Many of these products give off chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Paints, varnishes, plastics, rubber, insulation, particle board, grocery bags, tissues, paper towels, oils, inks, carpeting, permanent press clothing, natural gas, kerosene, and cigarettes are just some household items that give off chemicals.

So, why is this a problem now? Well, our houses are super-insulated. There is very little air circulation. Indoor air can linger for five hours, or more. This allows pollutants to accumulate. Houseplants can absorb indoor contaminants. The root zone actually absorbs certain air toxins and turns them into nutrients which are then used by the plant!

The following plants were found by NASA to be the most effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide:  Bamboo Palm  Chinese Evergreen  English Ivy  Gerbera Daisy  Dracaena  Mother-in-law’s Tongue  Pot Mum  Peace Lily Most of these houseplants have large leaves; this makes them more effective. It is recommended that one potted plant be used for every 100 square feet of home or office space.

Source: THE JEFFERSON—Farm and Food E-News , Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County and Jefferson County, NY 4H

Warren County Connection

Itchiness Could Mean Allergies

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service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, steps are taken to discover the source of the itchiness.

“We perform a work up to figure out the cause,” Dr. Souza says. The first step is to ensure that the pet is regularly taking a medication to prevent parasites, mostly fleas and ticks. This will help to rule out an allergy caused by an ectoparasite.

With winter’s dry air and cold temperatures, it’s no wonder everyone—including your furry friends—has dry skin!

But unrelated to the weather, dry and itchy skin caused by allergies is a very common chronic problem in animals year-round. Dr. Clarissa Souza, a veterinarian in the dermatology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says pets with allergies come to the hospital every single day.

“Allergies are definitely the most common skin disease we see in dermatology,” says Dr. Souza. “No matter what the cause of the allergy is in the pet, they all exhibit the same clinical sign: pruritus, which is veterinary-speak for itchiness.”

“Itchiness,” however, can look different in each patient.

“Signs of itchiness include not only scratching but also licking and chewing paws, shaking heads, plucking hair, and scooting,” says Dr. Souza.

In addition to these more obvious signs of itchiness, there are also secondary effects that could indicate that an animal has allergies.

“Skin sores and ear infections are secondary signs commonly associated with allergies,” explains Dr. Souza. “In addition, your pet might have allergies if you notice that your animal has recurring lesions on the skin, excessive earwax, or smelly ears.”

It’s critical that these signs are noticed and acted on as early as possible, because allergies tend to progress over time and can negatively affect the animal and owners’ quality of life.

Diagnosing the Itch According to Dr. Souza, the three major causes of allergies are external parasites, food allergies, and environmental allergies. When a pet is seen by the dermatology

The next step is to assess the likelihood of a food allergy.

“The only way to diagnose or rule out a food allergy is to go through a restrictive diet trial,” she says. In this trial, certain foods will be left out of the diet to see if the problem is resolved. If the allergy problems persist after the food trial is over, an environmental allergy is the diagnosis and a treatment plan can be made for the pet.

Managing Allergies It is critical for owners to understand that allergies aren’t something that will just go away. “There is no cure for allergies,” states Dr. Souza. “An owner should not expect to have one single treatment and have the problem fixed.” Chronic skin problems, such as allergies, will require life-long management. However, there is hope for these patients. Even though there isn’t a definitive cure for allergies, it is a manageable skin disease.

For dogs and cats allergic to ectoparasites, the consistent administration of medications to prevent flea and tick infestations will keep these animals comfortable. If food is the allergy cause, special diets will be recommended in order to avoid flareups.

But if an environmental allergy—the most common cause of allergies in animals, unfortunately—is diagnosed, medical therapy will be discussed. Treatment options for environmental allergy include daily pills, monthly injections, or even immunotherapy (allergy shots), which are developed based on the results of a skin test.

The therapy is prescribed to control the itchiness and to avoid secondary skin lesions and ear infections.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s skin health, schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian.

Source: College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana— Champaign

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner

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Warren County Connection

faster. If you’re on an income-based repayment program and/or a forgiveness program, you should check out Federal Student Aid's Coronavirus page to see which option makes sense for you.

If you have federal student loans, read this

By Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

4. If your federal student loans are in default, the U.S. Department of Education has stopped making collection calls, and sending letters or billing statements through December 31, 2020. And if your federal loans were in default and your employer continues to garnish your wages, you’ll get a refund.

This program only applies to federal student loans. Not sure what kinds of student loans you have? Here are two things you can do to find out:  Get a complete list of your private and federal student loans by pulling your credit report. (In fact, you can get your report for free every week.) Read through it and find your student loans, taking note of the companies that are your lenders or loan servicers. Compare it to the full list of federal loan servicers found here.  Confirm which of your loans are federal. Log into FSA or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243.

A few months ago, we told you that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act gave some flexibility to federal student loan borrowers. Understanding these options can help you make more informed decisions about paying your bills and prioritizing your debts.

The benefits have been extended until December 31, 2020.

One more thing: you don’t need to hire a company to help you get this student loan payment relief. The program is already in place and there’s nothing you need to do to enroll.

So, just to recap, what does the CARES Act mean for you if you have a federal student loan?

1. The CARES Act gives temporary payment relief to borrowers with qualifying federal student loans. But some federal student loans don’t qualify – for example, older Family Federal Education Loan (FFEL) program loans or Perkins Loans that are owned by the school you attended. Contact your federal loan servicer online or by phone to find out if your loans are eligible.

2. If your federal loans are covered, the U.S. Department of Education has automatically placed your loans into what’s called “administrative forbearance.” That means you can stop making payments on those loans right away, up through December 31, 2020. If your payments automatically come out of your bank account, check if any payments have been processed since March 13, 2020. If they have, you may be able to get a refund as part of administrative forbearance.

3. If you want to keep making payments on your qualifying federal student loan through December 31, the interest rate is now 0%. So any payments you make during the forbearance period may help you pay off your debt

Updated September 14, 2020 with new information about how the CARES Act flexibilities for federal student loan borrowers have been extended until December 31, 2020.

Ways to Save – Transportation      

Keep your car in good running condition. It will be safer and will cost less to operate.

Walk more, drive less. You will save on transportation costs and improve your health.

Learn how to do some of your own car maintenance chores. Change the oil, oil filters, and air filters.

Form a car pool to go to work, to meetings, and even on shopping trips.

Ask yourself each time you get in your car, Is this trip really necessary?

Make things-to-do and things-to-buy lists before leaving home. Forgetting something and having to make a second trip is costly.

Source: A&M University

Warren County Connection

Working from Home? Kids Home Too!

By Cynthia Pollich, MS Ed, PennState Extension Associate, Food, Families & Health Everyone benefits from knowing what to expect. Setting a schedule is one way to accomplish this.

Well, welcome to the new normal.

To make this time fun and productive, it is important to think about consistency, having a schedule and being flexible. Build in family time throughout the day to reconnect and break up the monotony of the routine.

So, consider an appropriate schedule for your family. You may choose to have one for the work week and one for the weekend, or you may keep the same schedule seven days a week. This is something you can decide as a family. Remember to build in breaks and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) throughout the day and staying hydrated with water.

Begin by waking up at the same time every day. Keep your usual morning routine. After having time to yourself, organize your workday. You may want to make a task list and check off the tasks as you go.

Wake the children the same time every day. Maintain their schedule for clean-up and breakfast that they would follow for a typical school day. Give the children time to transition from the morning routine to schoolwork by allowing them 30 minutes of screen time after breakfast. Just like your work, organize theirs by setting goals for the morning and the afternoon. This is the academic time of day. English, math, science, history. Ask them to check off their tasks as they go too. It's mentally satisfying to see their finished work.

Remember to take breaks regularly. Adults should take 2-3 minutes every 30 minutes to stand and move around the room. Children will need more time. Take at least 10-15 minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity every 3060 minutes depending on the children's age. Pick your favorite exercises. Windmills, jumping jacks, squats, marching, running in place‌or just go outside for a short bike ride, a jog, or a ball game. Yoga may be fun at this time too. Remember to keep yourself and the children hydrated by drinking plenty of water after physical activity.

Remember to include snacks during break time. Make it healthy such as fresh fruit, veggies, or a yogurt smoothie.

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Research shows that small energy-rich snacks help children and adults work more efficiently during cognitive tasks. Then the children have a quiet reading time. Audio books are great too. While they are reading, you are working. While they are reading you can devote that time to completing another task on your work list.

Time for some more physical activity. Yoga may be fun at this time. After lunch, provide additional quiet or nap time allowing the children to transition to the afternoon schedule. Having a break will reenergize the children to complete any unfinished schoolwork tasks before playtime. Playtime is learning for children. So, organize a variety of activities for music, art, and dramatic play. If you need ideas, Common Sense Media has put together a huge list of free music lessons, art, writing, virtual tours and so much more. Pick the children's favorite activities.

Busy children will buy you more time to finish your “to do" list for work.

Remember after each transition to wash your hands and have a drink of water. One more snack time of fun, healthy foods and you're in the last stretch of the day.

Children can finish any academic work they need to at this time. If they have finished all their schoolwork for the day, they can do what they would normally do when they get home from school. Maybe more independent reading time. You can wrap up your workday and get organized for tomorrow morning.

At the end of the day, plan and create a great meal together as a family that you can enjoy sitting around the dining table. Make conversation starters and put them in a jar. During each dinner time, pull one out and use it to have a fun conversation time. Ask the children about something nice that they did for someone or share their favorite part of the day.

While cleaning up after dinner or getting ready for bed, start a conversation about everyone's accomplishments of the day. Acknowledge the children's successes including yours. Take a few minutes to plan for the next day including ideas from the children. After the children fall asleep, briefly review your task list and consider listing new ones for the next day. Staying organized will help you to feel more efficient and less overwhelmed.

Remember, routines and consistency are so important every day, but even more so as we settle into this new normal.

Everyone benefits from knowing what to expect. We don't have to fear this time but embrace it for what it is.

Page 10

Warren County Connection

Warren County Nonprofit Spotlight

OUR PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY Tri-County United Way has partnered with local community nonprofit agencies to present you with diverse volunteer opportunities for Warren, Washington, and Saratoga County, all in one easy-to-use site. Here’s what Volunteer Connection can do for you:      

Provide volunteer opportunities aligned with your interests, skills, availability and favorite nonprofits Keep track of your volunteer hours and the financial impact they have on our community Help you pick a shift and check in for your volunteering via our website or mobile app Earn you recognition for your volunteerism Share your volunteer activity and invite your friends to join Help your company find engaging volunteer opportunities for teams of employees to participate in

Download the Volunteer Get Connected app to get involved. For more information, listings of community events and volunteer opportunities for individuals, teams and families, head to Volunteer Connection today! https://volunteer.tricountyunitedway.org/

                       

Alzheimer’s Association – Northeastern New York Chapter American Red Cross of Eastern New York Big Brother Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks Catholic Charities — Domestic Violence Project The Conkling Center Cornell Cooperative Extension Crandall Public Library Family Service Association of Glens Falls, Inc. Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Area Friends of the Glens Falls Farmers Market Glens Falls Hospital Glens Falls Lions Community Service Fund Habitat for Humanity Literacy NY Greater Capital Region Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) Moreau Community Center Nearcare Open Door Mission Southern Adirondack Independent Living Tri-County United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) WAIT House Warren Washington Association for Mental Health Warren/Washington RSVP

Warren County Connection Warren County Connection

Page 11

Roasted Tomato Fennel Leek Soup

Preserving Herbs by Drying

By Marybeth Mitcham, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Healthy Living Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County

By Stacy Reed, MS Senior Extension Educator, PennState Extension

With the cooler temperatures, my mind (and stomach!) automatically turn to soup. Although I dearly love fresh tomatoes and fennel in salads, they are absolutely incredible when roasted along with leeks, and then pureed into a delicious, low-fat, and nutrient-rich soup.

Ingredients: 3 cups of tomatoes, chopped (or one 28-ounce can of whole, peeled tomatoes if you do not like tomato peels in your soup) 1 fennel bulb, cut into eighths 1 large leek, center sliced into rings 4 cloves garlic 3 cups low-sodium veggie broth 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more if you prefer spicy food) Salt and black pepper to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degree Fahrenheit.

Line two large baking trays with parchment paper. Place chopped tomatoes and garlic on one, and spread evenly.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Place sliced cut and sliced sections of fennel bulb and leeks on the second lined baking tray, and spread evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Bake the tomato mixture and onion/fennel mixture in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring and tossing midway through baking.

Remove from oven and carefully transfer to a large pot.

Add the broth and spices, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook another 15 minutes.

Turn off the heat. Use immersion blender to puree soup in the pot. If you do not have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in small batches.

Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information: Serving size: 1/4 recipe | Servings per recipe: 4 | Calories: 86.9, total fat: 0.4 g, saturated fat: 0.1 g, cholesterol: 0 mg, sodium: 333.3 mg, carbohydrates: 18.3 g, fiber: 3.9 g, sugar: 9 g, protein: 3.1 g

If you grow herbs in your garden, you can easily dry these herbs to extend their shelf-life for use later. You can use many parts of the herb including the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds.

Adding dried herbs to a dish is a wonderful way to add flavor to any meal while lowering sodium or salt. Dried herbs and seeds are more powerful in flavor than fresh herbs.

Dried herbs are 3 to 4 times stronger than fresh herbs.

When substituting dried herbs for fresh herbs, a general rule of thumb is to use less dried herbs, about ¼ to ⅓ the ratio compared to fresh herbs.

General Conversion: 1 Tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 tsp dried herbs = ¼ tsp powdered herb.

Harvesting Herbs When harvesting herbs, pick them just before the flowers first open. Flowering herbs tend to taste bitter. Gather herbs mid-morning after the dew has evaporated. Cut stems just above a leaf or pair of leaves. Seeds should be harvested when mature. Rinse herbs in cool water and shake them to remove excess water. Only dry non-bruised and unsoiled leaves and stems.

Drying Herbs Drying herbs is the easiest way to preserve herbs. To successfully dry foods, heat, low humidity, and air movement are needed. Sun-drying herbs is not recommended during high humidity because it prevents the quick removal of moisture. Even at low temperatures, the herbs can lose their nice color and flavor if dried outside.

(Continued on page 5)

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