Warren County Connection A Publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County
April 2020
Jumping Worms Also known as crazy snake worm, Alabama jumper, Asian worm
In this issue: Jumping worms threaten forest health 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 matter that supplies vital nutrients for plants and provides food, protection and habitat for wildlife. However, jumping worms are especially concerning. These Asian exotics devour organic matter more rapidly than their European counterparts, stripping the forest of the layer critical for seedlings and wildflowers. Jumping worms grow twice as fast, reproduce more quickly and can infest soils at high densities. In areas of heavy infestation, native plants, soil invertebrates, salamanders, birds and other animals may decline. Jumping worms can severely damage roots of plants in nurseries, gardens, forests and turf. They, along with other invasive worms, can also help spread invasive plant species by disturbing the soil. Jumping worms are widespread across much of the Northeast, Southeast and Midwestern US, and the first records date to the late 19th century. Unfortunately, relatively little is known about them compared to European earthworms.
Gardening With Pollinators in Mind
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Proper Birdhouse Placement
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Don’t Overlook Dry Eye 6 in Dogs This mature jumping worm can be identified by its characteristic smooth, often milky white clitellum (band near the head of the worm). PC Susan Day/ UW- Madison Arboretum
Where to find them? They can be found on the soil surface and in the leaf litter, making them easy to find. They can live anywhere from urban parks and suburban backyards, to rural forests. You are very likely to find them in compost piles and along roads. Not one problem, but THREE! Jumping worms all look very similar, but there are actually at least three species: Amynthas agrestis (which is most often cited as the culprit), Amynthas tokioensis, and Metaphire hilgendorfi. We know that species co -occur, but we need more information on the distribution of each species and their respective impacts. A highly invasive species Many worm species can reproduce without mating, which means a sin(Continued on page 3)
Talking To Tour Children About the Coronavirus
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Protect Yourself Financially From The Impact of The Coronavirus
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MB’s Chicken Soup
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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, 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
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CALENDAR Please visit our website for more events www.cce.cornell.edu/warren Based on the recommendations of Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension administration and the Governor, all programs are cancelled through the end of April. All programs in May are subject to cancellation or postponement based on the suggestions of Cornell University administration. We will be working to keep you up to date about this situation as frequently as possible. In the meantime, you should have noticed that we are posting all sorts of information about virtual tours, webinars, YouTube videos, and other resources to help you stay mentally and physically healthy. Here is the link to our website: http://warren.cce.cornell.edu/ and our Association Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/cce.warren/ so you can access all of the Association’s resources as they become available. If you need some specific information, please reach out Dr. Jim Seeley (jas744@cornell.edu) or John Bowe (jfb32@cornell.edu) and we will connect your request or questions with the specific staff that can help you. Please submit your email and telephone with your question.
The CCE Team
Extension Service Committee Chair - Andrea Hogan Daniel Bruno John Diamond Ben Driscoll Susan Shepler Matthew Simpson Michael Wild
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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Warren County Connection (Continued from page 1)
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gle worm can start a whole population. Because jumping worms are more aggressive and their populations can grow faster than the common European species, they may outcompete existing worm populations. Adults die prior to winter, but their young survive harsh New York winters in tiny, resilient cocoons. Cocoons are very small and dirt colored, so they are nearly impossible to spot with your own eyes. Cocoons can be spread easily in
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inches long Crazy behavior! They jump and thrash wildly when handled, moving more like a threatened snake. They can also shed their tails in defense. Clitellum (the narrow band around their body) is smooth to the body, unlike most other species, which have a raised and pink colored clitellum. Their clitellum completely encircles the body and is often cloudy white to gray colored. Body looks metallic. Soil signature Jumping worms leave distinctive grainy soil full of worm castings. The soil becomes granular and looks like dried coffee grounds. Timing Best time to find them is late August or September when they are largest.
Jumping worms are PROHIBITED by the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Prohibited invasive species cannot be knowingly possessed with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport or introduce. potted plants, and on landscaping equipment, mulch, tire treads and even hiking boots. Stop the SPREAD! We currently have no viable earthworm control methods, but we CAN prevent their spread! • •
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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 themin a bag and leave out in the sun for at least 10minutes.Then throw bag away.
What to look for: • Worms are smooth, glossy gray or brown; 1.5 to 8
Report Your Sightings If you see jumping worms, please report your sightings to www.nyimapinvasives.org. Source: Prepared by Karen Ceballos, NY Master Naturalist Volunteer Program Assistant Cornell Cooperative Extension Department of Natural Resources.
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Regardless of the size of your garden, try some of the practices described above to attract and support pollinators in your area. You may not be able to provide everything listed, but even one positive change makes a difference. Every little effort contributes to a lasting positive impact on our pollinators and us. For more information on garden practices that support pollinators, visit the links below. https://www.pollinator.org/guides https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ gardening.shtml
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Gardening With Pollinators in Mind By Shellie Wise, Master Gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension Warren County
While you may not be able to dedicate an entire garden plot to a pollinator garden, there are small practices you can incorporate into any sized garden to support our local pollinators. Over 75% of our agricultural crops depend on pollinators. We need to do what we can to support them. Pollinators include more than just butterflies and honeybees. An assortment of wild bees, beetles, moths, bats, wasps, birds, flies, and other insects all play an essential role in pollinating plants. Their needs are as basic as ours – food for themselves and their young, water, shelter, and a place to reproduce and raise the next generation. A diverse planting of native pollen and nectar-producing plants grouped together is an excellent food source for pollinators. Native plants co-evolved with native insects, birds, and wildlife. It’s important to maintain that ecosystem, so use native plants in your garden. Clusters of plants are easier for the pollinators to spot and feed on than single individual plantings. Group flowering plants together and include different species. It’s important to provide food throughout the entire growing season with plants that bloom from spring to fall. Avoid hybrid double-flowering plants that make it difficult for the insects to reach the pollen. Some hybrid plants have been bred not to produce pollen, rendering them useless to pollinators. Instead, choose flowers that have one ring of petals around a central disc. Plant flowers with a variety of shapes, like tubular, bowl-shaped and flat-topped, to appeal to a large variety of pollinators. Some annual flowers you can plant as a gardener are alyssum, borage, calendula, lobelia, fuchsia, marigold, milkweed, nasturtium, sunflowers, and zinnia. Perennials you could use include asters, coneflowers, foxglove, monarda (bee balm), sedum, and yarrow. Allow some of
Warren County Connection
your herbs to flower later in the season. Pollinators are attracted to the flowers of basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, and thyme. Add night-blooming plants like 4 o’clock, datura, moonflower, evening primrose, and nicotiana to benefit the evening pollinators like moths and bats. Butterfly and moth larvae require non-flowering plant parts like leaves of carrots, dill, parsley, and milkweed. In addition to many of the plants listed above, hummingbirds enjoy hyacinth bean flowers, petunias, and columbines. Water is provided to pollinators in a variety of ways, like water drops on plants, birdbaths, and shallow dishes of stones. Keep the dish of stones filled with water, especially during the heat of summer. Having natural material nearby, like small stacks of stones or large rocks, a pile of branches, dead logs, and small patches of the bare ground, provides sites for resting, protection, and nesting. Remove weeds, diseased plants, and pest-infested material from your garden, but allow some leaf litter and flower seed heads to remain. In addition to food from the seeds, the hollow stems and leaves provide great hibernating sites throughout winter. Keep yourself and your local pollinators safe by reducing or eliminating your use of herbicides, pesticides, and chemicals. Instead, practice proper gardening techniques. Use native plants, clean and remove pestinfested plants, and use pest management strategies. Support beneficial insects and predators, like ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, toads, and birds, to help control pests naturally. Use barriers and traps to thwart pests. Paper collars and garden fabric are examples of barriers that prevent specific pest damage. Lure plants away from your garden by using trap plants – those preferred by pests – and plant them outside the garden plot. When natural methods of pest control are not enough, opt for less toxic pesticide options. When you use pesticides to kill the pests, you also kill beneficial insects, upsetting the balance in your garden, so use it as a last resort. Instead of herbicides, remove weeds while they’re young and easier to manage. Use mulches, like newspapers, straw, cardboard, or wood chips, to prevent weeds from sprouting. (Continued on page 3)
Warren County Connection
Proper Birdhouse Placement By Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor University of Vermont
If you want to be successful at attracting birds to your landscape, you can’t just buy any birdhouse and put it anywhere. Birds are particular in what type of house construction they prefer (such as depth and hole opening), as well as where the birdhouse is placed. Buy or build the right type house for the birds that you want to attract, then place them properly, and you’ll not only have better luck attracting birds, but will be providing them with a safe home. Of the 85 or so species of North American birds that live in “cavities”, about three dozen also can be attracted to birdhouses. You’ll find nests of others in trees or shrubs. Some of these can be attracted to birdhouses open on the front, or “nesting shelves”.
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en post. Experts usually recommend to avoid mounting houses on trees just because of this, particularly if there are squirrels or cats in the vicinity, or raccoons that easily climb posts. If you do use wooden posts, install a baffle or guard below the birdhouse. A piece of stovepipe around a pole makes a good baffle. If you’re in an area where snakes may climb posts to get at the birds, wrap deer or bird netting around the post to prevent them. Baffles and even grease on poles won’t work to stop snakes climbing. Look for a birdhouse with some form of mounting device already attached. Mounting height varies with species, from 4 to 8 feet above ground for chickadees and titmice; 5 to 10 feet above ground for bluebirds, house wrens, nuthatches, and tree swallows; 15 feet high for bats and purple martins (bats have special house needs); and 8 to 20 feet high for woodpeckers. Location of birdhouses also is important, depending on what species of birds you want to attract. Bluebirds prefer an area facing, or surrounded by, open fields where they can feed on insects. They like a tree 20 or 30 feet in front of their house so they have a place for their young to fly, or to perch and watch for unwanted guests. As with most birdhouses, orient them facing away from prevailing winds to provide the inhabitants more protection in bad weather.
Mount nesting shelves under the eaves of a building or deck for the phoebe, in a barn or similar building for a swallow, and on the side of an arbor or building for a robin. While the phoebe needs a source of mud for its nest, the robin nest a grassy area to hunt for worms. Shelves for mourning doves should be mounted in tree branches 6 to 10 feet off the ground. For these you also can provide a cone of hardware cloth on which to build their nests. Simply cut a wedge shape out of a 12-inch square piece of this wire mesh, then attach the cut ends, forming a cone.
On the other hand, chickadees prefer their homes in a small stand of trees or large shrubs. For house wrens, mount their houses on a small tree or post in an open yard. Place houses for tree swallows near water if possible, where they can feed on aquatic insects. Purple martins like apartment houses with many holes for communal living, mounted high above open spaces. Woodpeckers like their houses mounted on trees, preferably in woodlands. If mounting birdhouses in a managed lawn or landscape, don’t place them where pesticides are used. These not only may harm birds, but also will destroy their main food source—insects.
Proper mounting to deter predators is important for safety of birds and their young. Mounting the birdhouse on a metal pole makes it harder for a predator to gain access than if it were on a tree or wood-
Since birds are rather territorial during breeding and nesting, you may only get a pair or two of a particu(Continued on page 6)
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lar species nesting, unless you live on several acres. A rule of thumb is to have no more than four birdhouses in an acre area. While a small city or town lot may only be large enough to host a pair of wrens or other species, larger rural expanses and lots will host more. One solution towards attracting the most bird species is to have several different types of houses, in different parts of your landscape. Another method is to pair houses back to back, or on poles about 25 feet apart. While birds of the same species usually won’t next nearby, different ones such as tree swallows and bluebirds will. Having swallows nesting nearby also may help deter the main problem birds—house wrens, house sparrows and starlings. While the latter two are introduced species to this country, and so you can destroy their nests, the house wrens should be left alone as they are legally protected. Having nesting boxes just for them, in the habitat they like, may keep them from invading other birdhouses. Place houses for swallows at least 30 to 35 feet apart, shelves for robins at least 65 feet apart, boxes for house wrens about 100 feet apart, 300 feet apart or more for wrens and bluebirds, and those for chickadees over 600 feet apart. Recommended for mourning doves is one nesting site for each 2.5 acres, and one site per 6 acres for the brownheaded nuthatch. Get birdhouses up as soon as possible in the spring, by mid- to late-March is ideal. Even if they aren’t up by then, they still may be used by birds this spring, or used later in the summer, and will be ready for next year. In addition to all the details on bird nesting from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (nestwatch.org), another complete resource is available online from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov/birds/). Under this site follow the links to “bird enthusiasts”, on to “backyard”, then to “homes for birds.”
Warren County Connection
Don’t Overlook Dry Eye in Dogs
Most Common Eye Problem In Dogs Tears have an important role in keeping the eye healthy. They cover the cornea and wash away debris and infectious agents. They even have germ-fighting properties! When the eye’s tear film—the thin but complex layer of fluid coating the eye—does not contain enough tears, dogs (and people) are subject to a condition known as “dry eye.” (The medical term for this condition is keratoconjunctivitis sicca.) Dr. Bianca Martins, a board-certified ophthalmologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says dry eye is the most common ailment she sees in dogs. Signs and Causes of Dry Eye “Dogs with this condition typically have red eyes from irritation as well as some thick mucoid discharge. They will squint frequently and may blink excessively or keep their eyes closed,” Dr. Martins says. Dry eye can be painful, so the animal may paw at the eye more than normal or shy away from the area being touched. These signs often occur in both eyes. Dry eye usually shows up in dogs that are between 4 and 6 years old, but can happen at any age. Flat-faced breeds, such as shih tzus, pugs, and Boston terriers, are more likely to develop it. There is a qualitative form of the condition, related to underproduction of a specific type of high-quality tear, but most dogs have a quantitative form of dry eye, in which the eye simply doesn’t produce enough tears. “Dry eye is most commonly caused by an immunemediated reaction of the lacrimal glands, the structures (Continued on page 7)
Warren County Connection (Continued from page 6)
that produce tears,” Dr. Martins says. “Immune mediated” means that the body’s immune system attacks the lacrimal glands and shuts them down. Other causes include certain medications, such as longterm administration of oral antibiotics that contain sulfonamide, and genetic factors, such as a gene that predisposes some dogs to be born with abnormally small glands.
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“The most common treatment option consists of medicated drops or ointment that goes directly on the affected eye or eyes,” Dr. Martins says. The medication works to decrease the body’s immune response and stimulate the lacrimal glands to produce tears again. Treatment takes up to 4 weeks to start working, and the dog will need the medication lifelong.
Diagnosis and Treatment “Most veterinary clinics are able to perform a Schirmer tear test to diagnose dry eye. The test is performed by placing a sterile paper strip on the surface of the eye to measure how much tear is present,” Dr. Martins explains.
Chronic, untreated dry eye with extensive scar tissue and pigmentation of the surface of the eye, leading to blindness.
Patient with uncontrolled dry eye, with excessive ocular discharge. If the strip determines that there is decreased tear production, then the dog has the quantitative form of dry eye. If this test does not reveal inadequate tears, a visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be required. A specialist can diagnose the qualitative form by using special stains on the cornea. Treatment focuses on increasing the dog’s quality of life and making sure the dog isn’t in pain. Luckily, if dry eye is caught and treated early, the animal has a good chance of maintaining vision and eye comfort. Artificial tear drops are sometimes used to treat dry eye, but because the drops don’t stay in the eye for long they aren’t very effective.
If medical therapy is not effective in the patient, doctors may perform a surgical procedure called “parotid duct transposition.” One of the ducts in the mouth that produce saliva is surgically moved to the eye. Although this transposed duct adds moisture to the eye, because the moisture differs from tears in its normal pH and mineral content, this procedure is not curative and leads to chronic problems. For this reason, the surgery is not often done. Don’t Overlook Dry Eye Pets that have red eyes or discharge should see a veterinarian right away. Not only does dry eye cause pain and impact the pet’s quality of life, but severe and life-long consequences may occur without prompt veterinary treatment. “Chronic dry eye may lead to ulcers that may become infected and rupture,” warns Dr. Martins. “Without the proper lubrication on the eye, pigment will build up over the cornea and result in permanent blindness.” If you have any questions about your pet’s eyes, please contact your local veterinarian. Source: College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign
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Warren County Connection
Talking To Tour Children About the Coronavirus • Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of talking to your children about the novel coronavirus. News stations, social media and conversations among family and friends are dominated these days with talk of the novel coronavirus. As rumors swirl about school’s closures, parents stock up on supplies in case of quarantines and vacations are cancelled, many parents are wondering how to talk to their kids about coronavirus. What should you say? How much information should you provide? Should you say anything at all? The short answer is yes, you should talk to them about coronavirus. Michigan State University Extension offers the following do’s and don’ts for parents as they tackle these tough conversations. DO talk about the novel coronavirus with your children. When something captures the headlines the way coronavirus has, parents often find themselves wondering if they should talk to children about it at all. After all, they’re kids, and it’s not their responsibility to prepare or worry about these types of things. However, not talking to children about things can actually make them worry more. Children have very active imaginations and will fill in the absences in information with what they hear from friends, on the playground or bus, or catch in adult conversations. Your goal as a parent is to be the accurate source of news and information for your children, providing enough information to keep them informed but not so much as to cause panic. Jacqueline Sperling, PhD, with Harvard Health recommends parents think about what their child absolutely needs to know to understand the virus and what to do about it. Dr. Sperling also recommends the Center for Disease Control’s FAQ page and the World Health Organization’s Myth Busters page for current information and correct answers to common misconceptions. DO explain the facts in a developmentally appropriate manner. Children often have very basic questions. Answer these factually and simply. • What is coronavirus? It is a type of germ that causes people to get sick. Sometimes they get a little sick. Sometimes they get a fever and cough. Sometimes it can make it hard to breathe. • How do people get it? Coronavirus spreads like most colds and the flu through tiny droplets in the air and
on surfaces when people sneeze or cough. These droplets get into a healthy person’s body and they carry the germ that makes you sick. What can I do to not get sick? Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue. Wash your hands very well using soap and water. When you wash your hands, count to 20 or sing the ABC’s or Happy Birthday. Try to not touch your face, mouth, nose, eyes, etc.
DO NOT show your anxiety. It is important to stay calm while discussing coronavirus. Janine Domingues, PhD, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, cautions parents in her article “Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus.” “When you’re feeling most anxious or panicked, that isn’t the time to talk to your kids about what’s happening with the coronavirus,” says Dr. Domingues. Children look to you for the cues in how to react in frightening situations. Model calmness and provide factual information about what you are doing to stay safe. Limit children’s news exposure by watching after they are in bed or reading the news separately. DO focus on what you and others in the community are doing to stay safe. Children feel as if they have more control in a situation when they have steps they can do to stay safe. Explain that simply washing their hands is the best thing they can do to keep the coronavirus germ from making them sick. They might see people wearing masks to be extra safe. In some areas, people are avoiding large crowds to reduce the spread of germs. DO NOT disrupt routines whenever possible. If your children’s child care, school, after school activities or your work is disrupted, remember to maintain normal routines at home. Keep your usual bedtimes and meal times, and limit screen time. Children do best with predictable routines and structures. DO keep an open line of communication. Assure your children that you will answer any questions they have about COVID-19. It’s OK to let them know that we still do not know a lot but that you will keep them updated as we learn more. Your goal is to be their trusted source of information so that they will come to you when they have questions. It's very normal for children to ask questions about the things they’re hearing about in the world around them. Take time to be prepared, focused and calm in your responses and provide children with factual, developmentally appropriate information. Source: Michigan State University Extension
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Protect Yourself Financially From The Impact of The Coronavirus
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If you’re not able to pay your bills on time, contact your lenders and servicers to let them know about your situation. Being behind on your payments can have a lasting impact on your credit. The CFPB and other financial regulators have encouraged financial institutions to work with their customers to meet their community needs. Credit card companies and lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like ATM, overpayments, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.
Federal, state, and local governments are working to respond to the growing public health threat of coronavirus, or COVID-19 . As communities across the country are dealing with an increase in the number of reported cases, many areas may be impacted by the temporary closure of businesses, schools and other public facilities or events, and in some cases, quarantines. While these actions are necessary steps to help reduce exposures, it may bring financial uncertainty for many people who could experience a loss of income due to illness or workplace closures. For updates about the virus and how to stay safe visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s coronavirus webpage . As you plan for the potential impact of the coronavirus, there are a number of steps that you can take to help protect yourself or a loved one financially, both in the short and long term.
Keep reading for steps to take in the following situations: • You have trouble paying your bills or meeting other financial obligations • You experience a loss of income • You think you may be targeted by a scammer Steps to take if you have trouble paying your bills or meeting other financial obligations If you have trouble paying your bills, or loans, or paying on time, there may be a number of options to help, especially if you reach out early to your lenders or creditors. Contact your lenders and loan servicers
When contacting your lenders, be prepared to explain: • Your situation • How much you can afford to pay • When you’re likely to be able to restart regular payments • In the case of mortgages, be prepared to discuss your income, expenses and assets If you are having trouble paying our auto loan payments your lender may have options that will help. Our tips include changing the date of your payment, requesting a payment plan, and asking for a payment extension. If you have student loans, you may qualify for a delayed or reduced payment program. Just remember, even though you don’t need to make payments now, interest will continue to accrue, and you will have to make up these amounts eventually. Contact your student loan servicer to find out more about your options. If you have a federal student loan, also ask your servicer about alternative repayment plans . Work with housing and credit counselors to understand your options These trained professionals provide advice for little or no cost, and they will work with you to discuss your situation, evaluate options, and even help you negotiate with your lenders and servicers. • HUD-Approved Housing Counselors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)approved housing counselors can discuss options with you if you’re having trouble paying your mortgage loan or reverse mortgage loan. This may also include forbearance or a modified payment program. • Credit Counselors. Reputable credit counseling organizations are generally non-profit organizations that can advise you on your money and debts, and help you with a budget. Some may also help you negotiate with creditors. There are specific questions to (Continued on page 10)
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ask to help you find a credit counseling organization to work with. Warning: If you’re considering working with a debt settlement company to address your debts, be skeptical of any company that promises to do it for an upfront fee. Contact debt collectors If you currently have a debt in collections, you can work with collectors to identify a realistic repayment plan. The Bureau offers a number of resources for contacting and negotiating with debt collection companies. Check your credit reports If you’re working with lenders on payment assistance programs or forbearance, routinely check your credit reports to make sure the statements are accurate and that any delinquencies have not been improperly reported. Your credit reports and scores play an important role in your future financial opportunities. What to do if you lose your income State and local governments vary in the programs and offerings to help those financially impacted by the coronavirus. You can look to your state’s unemployment policies to identify current options for benefits. Your state's public health office may also have information. Older adults may be impacted by the coronavirus and quarantine procedures in different ways than the general public. There may be government benefits available to older adults who need financial help. Visit benefitscheckup.org for more information and to see if you qualify for any state or local assistance. Be aware of potential scam attempts Scammers look for opportunities to take advantage of the vulnerable, especially during times of emergencies or natural disasters. Be cautious of emails, texts, or social media posts that may be selling fake products or information about emerging coronavirus cases. The Federal Trade Commission has tips to protect yourself from possible coronavirus-related scams . The FTC and the Food and Drug Administration have also cautioned consumers to be on the look-out for sellers of unapproved and misbranded products , claiming they can treat or prevent coronavirus.
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Learn more about how to prevent, recognize, and report fraud and scams. Protecting Older Adults Scammers often target older adults because they may have more assets or regular income in the form of retirement benefits or savings and because they’re often more polite and trusting than other age groups. As older adults are at a higher risk for serious illness they may also be isolating themselves. Social isolation is already an issue for older adults and can lead to a host of issues, including an increased likelihood of falling for scams due to a need to connect to others. This issue could grow in response to virus prevention tactics like social distancing and quarantines. Phone calls and video chats can help older adults and their families connect during this period where health officials encourage limiting contact. Older adults, as well as their family members should be aware of common types of scams, as well as how to prevent and report them. Our Money Smart for Older Adults Resource guide can help. Need more help If you have a problem with a financial product or service, try reaching out to the company first. Companies can usually answer questions unique to your situation and more specific to the products and services they offer. We can also help you connect with the company if you have a complaint. You can submit online or by calling (855) 411-2372. Companies generally respond within 15 days. The company may contact you directly to confirm information provided in your complaint before it responds. In some cases, the company will let you know their response is in progress and will provide a final response within 60 days. Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
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MB’s Chicken Soup By Marybeth Mitcham, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Healthy Living Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County My take on a traditional Yemenite recipe, this chicken soup is nutrient-rich, easy to make, and best of all, delicious! It is a perfect choice for boosting immunity as well as for helping those who are feeling poorly to feel better! Ingredients:
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4 boneless and skinless chicken breast halves, cubed 3 Cups chicken stock 4 russet potatoes, diced 1 medium leek, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 large carrots, chopped ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (dry pack) 2 cloves (or 2-3 teaspoons) garlic, minced 1 Tablespoon hawaij (recipe below) 2 Tablespoons yellow curry powder 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper 1 Tablespoon dried sage Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Directions Instant Pot: 1. Turn on sauté setting. Add chopped chicken, potatoes, leek, celery, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, hawaij, curry powder, crushed red pepper, sage, and chicken stock to pot. 2. Turn off sauté setting, and cover. Set vent to seal, then press manual setting, and set for 30 minutes. 3. When timer is done, either manually vent (using safety precautions to prevent burns), or allow to vent naturally. When venting is done, remove lid, turn to sauté, and then stir contents of pot. Serve hot. Enjoy! Stove Top: 1. In large stock pot or Dutch oven, add ½ cup of broth, then turn to medium-high. 2. Add minced garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. 3. Add cubed chicken, and cook until pink color is gone. 4. Add remaining ingredients, stir, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes (or until vegetables are soft), uncovering and stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
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5. When vegetables are soft, season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. Enjoy! Nutritional Information: Serving size: 2 Cups | Servings per recipe: 8| Per Serving: 208 k Cal,3.1 g fat, 0.6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat. | 28 g carbohydrates, 4.2 g fiber, 4.8 g. sugar | 18.1 g protein
Hawaii Spice Blend Recipe from Tory Avey Although you can purchase this spice blend, it can also be made at home. This traditional Yemenite spice goes very well in soups, stews, on meat, vegetables…the sky is the limit for its uses! Ingredients: • 2 Tablespoons cumin seeds • 1 Tablespoon caraway seeds • 1 Tablespoon coriander seeds • 1 1/2 Tablespoon ground turmeric • 1 1/2 Tablespoon black peppercorns • 2 teaspoons cardamom seeds removed from their pods (about 30 pods) • 6 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
Directions: 1. Lightly toast the cumin, caraway and coriander seeds in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful to not burn. 2. Pour the toasted seeds into a cool bowl, then, when cooled, place the toasted seeds in a coffee or spice grinder along with the remaining spices. 3. Pulse the grinder in long, slow pulses to grind the seeds into a powdery spice mix, stirring inside the grinder periodically to evenly distribute the seeds. It may take a few minutes for the spices to reach the desired powdery texture. 4. Store in a cool and dry place
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