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

April 2022

Understanding Gypsy (Spongy) Moth Outbreaks Gypsy moths (also known as the North American Gypsy Moth or the European Gypsy Moth) were imported to North America from Eurasia in 1869 for a silk production experiment. They have caused periodic defoliations in New England since then and particularly severe defoliations in the early 1980s and again in Connecticut and Massachusetts in 2016 and 2017. (Gypsy moths do not build webs – the webs you see in cherry trees are tent caterpillars.) Female moths lay between 500 and 1,000 eggs that overwinter until spring when they hatch. Eggs are usually found underneath the bark scales of trees, on trunks, branches or other protected sites. Eggs last for 8-9 months before they hatch. Adults only live for about one week while they mate and lay eggs. Gypsy moth populations can persist with very low numbers for years but under the right conditions can have outbreak years where populations explode. The caterpillars feed on leaves of most deciduous trees and many conifers as well. After feeding for some time they descend to the ground by means of silk threads to change size (molt). Silk threads and numerous hairs on the bodies of small, earlyinstar (stage) caterpillars allow them to be spread by the wind. These caterpillars change size three times before entering the pupal stage and maturity.

In this issue:

Photo by: Tom Worthley

Gypsy moths only damage trees during the larval (caterpillar) stage when they are feeding on the leaves, and leaf-feeding and defoliation is the only type of damage they do. In high numbers they can completely defoliate the trees. One gypsy moth caterpillar can eat as much as eleven square feet of leaf area. Most deciduous trees have the ability to re-set buds and produce a second set of leaves following defoliation. Coniferous trees do not have this ability. Multiple defoliations can be problematic for the trees. Gypsy moth caterpillars will feed on most (Continued on page 3)

Master Gardener Corner: Growing Plants from Garbage

Pocket Gardening for Small Spaces

Scented Geraniums

Brushing is Best for Pet Dental Health

Four Tips to Help You Eliminate Food Waste & Save Money

Building Strong Family Relationships

Improve Your Memory with Super Foods

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 Dr. Marybeth Mitcham, Nutrition, Food Safety & Healthy Living Roxanne Westcott, 4-H Family Living Educator Kali DeMarco, Farm to School Coordinator Rebecca Devaney, Community Horticulture Coordinator Sharon Bellamy, Finance Manager Amy Sabattis, Public Relations/Publications Manager Michele Baker, Administrative Assistant Chris Dittus, Administrative Assistant Connor Eastman, Maintenance

Board of Directors David Strainer - President Jim Kneeshaw - Vice President Dan Bruno - Secretary William Hamelin - Treasurer Aimee Azaert Lisa Earl Maureen Folk Ed Griesmer David Little Cynthia Muratori

Extension Service Committee Chair - Ben Driscoll Daniel Bruno Andrea Hogan Brad Magowan Debra Runyon

Warren County Connection

CALENDAR

Please visit our website for more events www.cce.cornell.edu/warren 4/15/2022 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cornell Cooperative Extension + Adirondack Thunder = Night of Fun! - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County will be taking over the Cool Insuring Arena as we are the “Non-Profit of the Night” at the Adirondack Thunder Vs. Reading Royals hockey game. Tickets can be purchased for $15.00 per person by calling 518-623-3291 or stop by our office at 377 Schroon River Road, Warrensburg. Location: Cool Insuring Arena, One Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls, NY 12885

4/18/2022 - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Fisheries Identification & Management - Come learn about fish of the Adirondacks. How to identify the various species by shape, color, and where they live. We will also discuss if you are allowed to fish for them and more. For more information, or to sign up by April 4th, please contact the CCE office by emailing mlb222@cornell.edu or calling 518-623-3291 or 518668-4881. Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension Warren County, 377 Schroon River Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885 4/18/2022 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 4-H Sport Fishing Program - Warren County 4-H will be holding a fun-filled workshop where we explore the best ways to catch trout. We will look at where they hide, what they eat, and, we will even practice the kinds of casting techniques that we will need to get the bait in front of them. So, whether you have been fishing for years, or just starting out, come join in on the fun! For more information, or to sign up by April 4th, please contact the CCE office by e-mailing mlb222@cornell.edu or calling 518-623-3291 or 518-668-4881. Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension Warren County, 377 Schroon River Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885 4/19/2022 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sportsman Education Program - Must be at least 11.5 years old and have completed the required homework. The homework can be completed online or can be picked up by April 1st at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Warrensburg. No fee for materials or class. Registration for this program must be done through the DEC—please visit: https:// www.dec.ny.gov/. Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension Warren County, 377 Schroon River Road, Warrensburg, NY

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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tree and shrub species (500 total species!) but prefer oak and beech. Tulip trees (yellow poplar) are not affected. Pines and hemlocks are likely to die after one defoliation. Multiple defoliations combined with drought are causing individual tree and stand-level mortality in some areas. Trees that have not “leafed-out” in 2018 can be seen in numerous locations around the state. In some places, large individual roadside trees and trees near structures that have died present potential future safety hazards. In forest stands on state and private forest lands, sufficient oak mortality can be observed to warrant consideration of forest harvesting activities to salvage timber value. Private woodland owners are well advised to consult with a CT-Certified Forester to evaluate their woodland conditions. Since the 1980s, a fungus from Japan, Entomophaga maimaiga, has been keeping gypsy moth populations under control but during dry conditions the fungus is less active. Gypsy moth populations seem to explode when there are dry conditions during the spring and summer months. Natural controls include: • Birds (limited effectiveness, small instars only) • Vertebrates (deer mice and shrews) • Invertebrates (ants and ground beetles, parasitic flies and wasps) • Viral Disease Wilt • Pathogens like Entomophaga maimaiga fungus There are a few management tools available: • Bacteria-based treatments exists. • Soapy water sprays (horticulture soap/oils mixed with water). • Traps to catch adults. • Finding and destroying egg masses

Pesticides are not commonly used because of chemical toxicity and are impractical for entire forests. If used for an individual tree be sure to read the label. Source: Article by Tom Worthley, University of Connecticut

For more information on how to manage Gypsy moth call the master gardeners office at Cornell Cooperative Extension 518-623-3291

Master Gardener Corner: Growing Plants from Garbage Bored? Looking for something different to do? Did you know that some kitchen vegetable scraps can be grown into attractive houseplants? You need a sunny window, water or potting soil, containers and some patience. “Garbage gardens” are great indoor projects for children and adults. Kids may find it amazing to grow a plant from something that otherwise would have been thrown away or composted. Pineapple tops, avocado pits, citrus seeds and carrot tops are just of few of the things that can be used to grow an indoor garden. While many of these scraps will not produce fruit, they will grow into plants that will brighten up a window sill. Sprouting carrots is an easy project. Carrot tops will sprout and grow new leaves, but you will not end up with another carrot. Start with whole, firm carrots that have their tops intact. Soft carrots may rot before rooting. Cut off the top of the carrot leaving about 2 inches of carrot. Fill a pie plate or shallow bowl with small pebbles or decorative rocks. Place carrots among pebbles, cut side down. Add lukewarm water, enough so the top of the pebbles are wet. Place in a sunny window. In a few days the leafy part will sprout lovely ferny leaves. Keep the container filled with water. It will make a unique table centerpiece. If your carrot sends out roots you can pot it up for a ferny houseplant. Try using other root crops such as turnips and beets. To grow your own avocado plant, save the pit (from a ripe avocado) and rinse it off. Allow it to dry for 2 to 3 days and then remove as much of the onion-like skin as you can. Stick three or four toothpicks into the seed, about a third of the way down from the pointed top and equal distance around the seed. Put the seed in a glass or jar of water, using the toothpicks for support. Place the pit so that a half-inch of water covers the bottom of the pit and then put it in a sunny window. When the roots are 4 inches long, transplant the pit to a pot and keep it in a bright, warm window. Keep half of the pit exposed above the soil line. Your avocado plant should be kept moist and fertilized every 3 to 4 weeks for best results. It will do best in bright light. You can let your avocado tree spend the summer outdoors but bring it inside before temperatures go down to 50 degrees F. An interesting houseplant but it is (Continued on page 4)

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unlikely that it will ever set fruit. You can also use the water and glass suspension method for sweet potatoes and white potatoes. This makes a good project for young children. They can watch the progress of the plant growing shoots on top and roots on the bottom. Mini fruit trees can be grown from seeds removed from oranges, grapefruits, lemons and tangerines. Soak the seeds overnight in water. Plant seeds a half-inch deep in moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a piece of plastic wrap and put in a warm spot (70 degrees F). It can take three to six weeks for the seeds to germinate. When the seeds start to grow, remove the plastic and put the container into bright light. Do not put in direct sun or it could burn the young plants. Citrus seeds are interesting in that you may get several seedlings from each seed. Once the seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant into individual four- to six-inch pots filled with a sterile potting soil. Fertilize according to manufacturer’s instructions, repeating the application every two to four weeks. Do not overwater, but keep the soil slightly moist. Plants need about four hours of direct sunlight daily and temperatures between 60 – 70 degrees F. A south or west window is best. Citrus plants may be put outside in the summer to take advantage of the extra light and warmth. During the winter reduce watering, stop fertilizing and keep the plant in a warm, draft-free spot. Plants grown indoors are particularly susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. A citrus tree grown from a seed may eventually fruit but it can take as long as 15 years. If you need instant gratification, plant the prickly crown of a pineapple for an exotic houseplant. Patience is needed if you want fruit as it can take two years or more. Select a fresh pineapple with attractive, green foliage. Twist the leafy crown from the fruit. Remove all the fruit flesh and also remove the small bottom leaves. To help prevent rot, put it in a dry, dark place for a week. This allows the stem base and leaf scars to heal. Put about an inch of coarse gravel (for good drainage) in a clay pot and fill with a good, light potting soil. Plant the pineapple top. Make sure soil does not fall into the center of the crown as it can kill the plant. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, during the rooting period. Place the pineapple top in bright, indirect light. After 2 to 3 weeks, the plant can be placed in a sunny window. Pineapple leaves are very spiky, so make sure you put the

Warren County Connection

plant in a place where it can spread without stabbing people. Pineapple plants require a lot of light. Keep yours in a sunny window throughout the winter as they will stop growing if they receive limited sun. Also put it in a spot that is protected from drafts and cold temperatures. Pineapple plants should never be subjected to temperatures lower than 60 degrees F. Pineapples are slow growing plants. Most plants mature in 2 to 3 years, which is when they are capable of blooming. To encourage flowering, put an apple in with the mature pineapple plant in a plastic bag for 3 or 4 days. The apple gives off ethylene gas, which stimulates flowering of the pineapple. Hopefully your plant will flower 2 to 3 months after treatment. After flowering the fruit begins to develop. When the fruit is six months old it will ripen, becoming sweeter and turning from green to a rich gold on the inside and outside. Pineapples do not ripen once picked, so wait until the fruit is mostly golden. Each plant produces one fruit. You can also try planting fresh, unroasted peanuts, herb seeds and dry beans. Keep in mind many plants are hybrids so their seeds will not yield the same fruit and vegetable varieties as the parent plant. Kids will love experimenting with kitchen scraps to see what they can grow. You may not get anything edible, but it is fun to try. Resources for this article include: Cornell Waste Management Institute, Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Vermont, Iowa State University, Missouri Botanical Garden & Doleplantation.com. (Continued from page 6)

When using scented geranium flowers or leaves in cooking, be sure to gently wash leaves and flowers under running water and pat dry just as you would do with fresh herbs you would be using. Also, use quality leaves/ flowers that do not show any sign of disease. Make simple syrup of equal parts sugar and water. Boil to dissolve and reduce somewhat. While hot, add up to an equal amount of leaves. Cool, strain, and store up to two weeks in the refrigerator or longer in the freezer. This syrup can be used in drink recipes and to enhance sorbets and granitas. Infuse the flavor into sugar by layering clean, dry leaves with sugar in a sealed container. Shake every few days for a few weeks. Remove the leaves and store the sugar in an airtight container. Use to flavor your tea or in baking.

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Warren County Connection

Pocket Gardening for Small Spaces By Marion Loiola, Highland Mills Master Gardener Volunteer As February comes to an end and we get closer to spring, I am noticing small, underutilized areas in my yard that could use some aesthetic enhancement. Perhaps you have a bare spot, a barren corner, or a rocky slope in your yard that you could dress up with a few plants. If you do, it might be time to develop this un-gardened area by creating a pocket garden! Pocket gardens provide an opportunity to become creative with landscape design by adding plantings in small otherwise unusable areas. They are a wonderful place for flowers, herbs, succulents, and vegetables. They can be used to add color and texture and attract birds and pollinators. Once established a good pocket garden will Pocket garden in hollowed out look like it always belonged stump (Brunnera sp., dead there. nettle, fern, and Tiarella sp.) There are endless possibilities in terms of how to create a pocket garden. Determine key focal points that will work well with your design. Perhaps add a focal point using a dwarf conifer surrounded by annuals or vegetables that change each year. If your pocket garden is near the kitchen or back door you may want to plant edible herbs. Whether planted in the ground or a container, herbs are can add color, texture, attract pollinators, and/ or provide you with delicious flavors for cooking. On your deck or patio, you can create a privacy screen using a vertical pocket garden made by planting vining plants in a container and training them to a trellis. If you are using raised beds in your pocket garden, you can use various border shapes to enhance your design. When using containers, make sure to choose one that adds to the aesthetic of the garden. Succulents can be used to enhance a rocky area. A great way to grow vegetables in an otherwise unusable space is growing them in straw bales. You can also pair vegetables with ornamentals in a pocket garden. Whatever you do, make sure that the pocket garden fits the space you have. Balcony herb pocket garden

Once you decide where you want to place your pocket garden, make sure you note the lighting, drainage, and any other environmental conditions that may affect your plants. Before planting, it is always a good idea to get your soil tested so you properly amend the soil to meet the needs of your plants. If you are using containers, you will want to use potting soil as opposed to garden soil. Don’t pack the potting soil too tightly and remember to water and fertilize as needed. Plant choice is key. Research your plants and group those with similar needs together. When possible, use low-maintenance native plants which will need less water and have fewer pest issues. Stay away from aggressive plants that will take over the space and impede the growth of other plants in the garden. Look for plants that will remain interesting throughout year and think about how to use your pocket garden to attract wildlife such as birds and pollinators. The design you use for your pocket garden is up to you. Take advantage of vertical gardening, container gardening, small raised beds, and other space efficient techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various sizes, textures, and colors. Soften your hardscape, Using vertical space can create a personal space where enhance your pocket garden you can relax and find joy. (Clematis ‘Doctor Ruppel’) As we get ready for spring, think about how you can brighten up your space with a pocket garden or two. Get creative, pick a theme, make a statement, use plants with different sizes, textures, and colors but most of all, have fun! (Continued from page 7)

teeth, tumors, and loose teeth. “If extractions are needed, we give your pet a local anesthetic block to prevent pain before performing the extraction and send your pet home with pain medicine.” Your pet’s dental health is just as important as other preventive health strategies to help your pet live a long healthy life! Source: College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign

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Warren County Connection

Scented Geraniums By Susan Marquesen, Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver, Allegheny County, PennState Extension

There are dozens of cultivars and great diversity of leaf shapes, textures, and shades of green. Leaf shapes can be palmate, finely dissected, or rounded, and the surface may be smooth or fuzzy. Some varieties have silvery or variegated foliage accented with white, gold, or cream. Flowers are often small and have five petals—two upper and three lower. They bloom in clusters of white, pink, or lavender with darker markings on the two upper petals. A geranium's scent may be strong or subtle and perceived differently by one person or another. 'Nutmeg' has a spicy, pungent scent unlike culinary nutmeg. Likewise, the pleasing scent of 'Old Spice' is not reminiscent of the popular men's cologne.

The beautiful, scalloped leaves of Rober's lemon rose scented geranium are incredibly aromatic when rubbed. Photo credit: Susan Marquesen

Scented geraniums (Pelargonium) are in the same genus as the colorful geraniums grown as summer annuals. However, these geraniums are primarily grown for their fragrant leaves. Scented geraniums (Pelargonium) originally from South Africa can bring the scent of rose, citrus, fruit, nut, mint, and other fragrances to your home and garden. They are tender perennials grown as annuals in Pennsylvania. Site them where their delightful scents can drift into walkways, porches, and patios. When used in containers with other flowering plants, the leaves add texture as well as fragrance. The edible flowers and leaves, particularly from the rose and citrus varieties, can be used to flavor baked goods, beverages, and vinegars. Most varieties grow well in full sun and well-drained soil amended with organic matter to retain moisture. Grow them organically if you plan to eat them. Water when dry and keep mulch away from the stem to prevent disease. Fertilize during the growing season according to cultural instructions. When night temperatures drop to 45°F, it's time to bring the plants indoors. Placed in a sunny window or under grow lights in winter, these plants can enliven and refresh the indoors. If your indoor space is limited, smaller plants can be easily propagated from cuttings in the fall. Select healthy stems with three to five leaf nodes and cut just below a node. Remove any flowers or buds and the bottom two or three leaves. Fill a 2-inch container with moist potting soil, make a hole for the stem and plant the cutting, burying one or two nodes. Firm the soil and water. The cuttings should root in about four weeks.

Rose-scented geraniums are among the most popular. 'Dr. Livingston's Skeleton Rose' is named for its narrowly dissected leaves. 'Rober's Lemon Rose' has a tomato leaf shape and a combination of rose and lemon scents. 'Variegated Rose' has a green leaf with a thin white margin, and 'Mint Rose Variegated' has variegated green and white leaves and a mint/rose scent. The deeply cut foliage of 'Pungent Peppermint' adds interesting texture to mixed plantings. 'Chocolate Peppermint' has green leaves with a dark brown blotch in the center. 'Wooly Peppermint' has a trailing habit, dark green, fuzzy leaves, and sprays of white flowers. Consider it for a spiller in your mixed container. There are many choice varieties of intensely lemonscented geraniums. 'Mabel Gray' is tall with sharply pointed leaves, while 'Frensham' has fan-shaped leaves. Pelargonium crispum is lemon-scented, has small, crinkly leaves, an upright habit, and is often trained as a standard. Other classic scents include apple, coconut, lime, and strawberry. Whether you are just getting started or want to add to a scented geranium collection, local herb societies and specialty herb growers are likely to have some selections for you. While scented geraniums are delightful in the garden, many varieties become splendid in your kitchen. Fragrance becomes flavor. The flowers can be added fresh to a fruit or mixed green salad, or you can choose to sugar them to decorate cakes and breads. The leaves are more versatile. They can be used fresh or preserved in many ways for later use. Grind fresh leaves with sugar in a food processor and stir into a fruit salad. (Continued on page 4)

Warren County Connection

Brushing Is Best for Pet Dental Health Did you know that gum disease is the most common health problem in cats and dogs and it is completely preventable? Dr. Suma Rao, a veterinarian working in the dentistry service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, offers her insights. Benefits to Routine Dental Care Keeping bad breath at bay, although a plus, is not the most important reason for attending to your pet’s dental health. In pets as in people, the mouth can harbor harmful bacteria that can affect other parts of the body. “Gingivitis can lead to systemic inflammation that can affect other organs in the body,” says Dr. Rao. She also notes that problems in the mouth can be painful for your pet. “Swollen and red gums indicate inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. Calculus, the hardened form of plaque, shows that there is inflammation as well,” she says. “With proper preventive care, your pet’s mouth won’t hurt and your pet will be happier.” Brush Your Pet’s Teeth Daily The best way to help prevent dental disease of any type in dogs and cats is for their teeth to be brushed every day. “The consensus is that brushing teeth every day is the most beneficial,” says Dr. Rao. “Brushing every other day can help too. Anything less than every other day is not going to prevent buildup of plaque.”

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This strategy could also be used with young kittens. It’s very important to use toothpaste marketed specifically for animals. Toothpaste not formulated for animals can contain chemicals that are harmful to pets, such as xylitol or fluoride. Consult your local veterinarian to learn about recommended dental products for pets. The Veterinary Oral Health Council maintains a list of approved products for pets. Practices to Support Tooth Brushing So what if your dog or cat doesn’t cooperate with your daily toothbrushing plan? Dr. Rao offers other dental health options that can slow down the buildup of bacteria in your pet’s mouth. “Besides brushing teeth, owners can use pet dental care products such as oral rinse, water additive, dental diet, teeth sealant, and dental chews to help keep the mouth healthy,” she says. She recommends using a combination of these dental care products designed for animal use. For dogs, feeding a diet of hard kibble has been shown to help control calculus buildup. “The kibble is abrasive, so it removes plaque on the teeth before it hardens into calculus,” says Dr. Rao. “Prescription dental diets, such as Purina DH and Hill’s t/d, have been proven to prevent plaque buildup.” However, if you have a pet that does not chew its food, then that mechanical action of the food against the teeth won’t take place, so it won’t be effective in reducing plaque. Don’t Skip the Professional Dental Exam Even with the best daily dental routines, your pet will periodically need a dental exam and cleaning by your local veterinarian. During this process, your pet will be put under general anesthesia so the doctor can perform a thorough oral exam to check for problems and remove any calculus buildup that is present.

So how do you go about daily tooth brushing for your pet? Since it can be hard to get pets used to brushing, Dr. Rao recommends that you start when they are young.

“When you bring your pet to the dentistry service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we first perform bloodwork to determine if the pet is healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia,” explains Dr. Rao.

“When you get a new puppy, it is best to start brushing their teeth early, so they get accustomed to it,” she says. “First, let the puppy lick the toothpaste from your fingers. Then, introduce a finger brush with paste. Finally, graduate to a small children’s toothbrush.”

“Then, we place a catheter to give intravenous fluids during the procedure. We perform full-mouth dental radiographs, just like your own dentist does. We carefully check for pockets of infection in the gums, fractured (Continued on page 5)

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Four Tips to Help You Eliminate Food Waste and Save Money By: Melanie Jewkes, USU Extension associate professor, Utah State University The average American throws away nearly 275 pounds of food each year. The USDA estimates between 30 to 40 percent of America’s food supply is wasted. Not only is good food wasted, but good money, too, equating to about $390 per year per person. While no one should eat unsafe food, consider these strategies to minimize food waste—and put the saved money toward a financial goal. Use fresh foods first. Most fresh and perishable foods that have to be thrown away are simply forgotten. Shop with a list and a plan how you will use the food you purchase. It can be easy to over-purchase when there are sale items, or when many fruits and vegetables are in season, so be realistic about how much your household will eat. Place fresh items at the front of the fridge so you see them when you open the door. Make a list of your fresh foods and place it in a prominent place on the fridge. If you find yourself throwing away fresh produce often because it spoils too quickly, purchase reusable containers or bags that ventilate the air and keep water from sitting on the produce.

Store fresh foods properly. Apples can cause nearby produce to ripen or decay more quickly, due to a harmless ethylene they contain that causes food to ripen. To prevent this, keep apples in a produce bag or store them alone in a drawer in the fridge. Onions, potatoes and tomatoes last longer when NOT refrigerated. For storage tips, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. Understand food “expiration” dates. These dates are not created equal, are not required by federal regulations (except infant formula) and do not necessarily mean food is unsafe or expired. Save money and minimize food waste by knowing the difference.  The “sell by” date simply tells the store how long to display the product. Consumers should eat or freeze within 3-5 days of the date printed on fresh meat packages.  The “use by” dates refer to peak quality, but are not safety dates (except infant formula). They are found most often on fresh and chilled foods like bagged salads.  “Best if used by/before” dates indicate when food will have the best quality or flavor. Even if the “best, if used by” date, has passed, it should be safe if stored and handled properly. Moisture, time and

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temperatures affect how quickly food spoils.

Use safe methods for preserving foods. Freezing is the quickest way, and most foods freeze nicely. Dehydrating, canning and freeze-drying are other options. Don’t preserve food that is going rotten, as this will affect the quality of the final preserved product. Be sure to follow safe USDA-approved food preservation and storage recommendations. Contact Dr. Marybeth Mitcham (518-623-3291) for money savings tips at the grocery store.

Money $aver Recipes Eggs are good for the budget and are good sources of protein and iron. Egg & Veggie Scramble Makes 4 servings Cost per recipe: $3.68 6 eggs ½ cup chopped red bell pepper 2 cups chopped fresh spinach leaves or other greens ½ cup reduced-fat cheese Salt and pepper to taste Cooking Spray Directions 1. Pre-heat a 10-inch nonstick pan on medium heat. 2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs with a fork until foamy. 3. Stir vegetables, salt and pepper into egg mixture. 4. Lightly spray skillet with cooking spray. Add egg mixture. 5. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. When egg is cooked thoroughly (160° F), sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Bread Pudding 1. Cut 4 to 6 slices of bread into ½ inch squares. 2. Coat 8-inch pan with cooking spray; add bread. 3. Mix 3 cups milk, 2 eggs, ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla or cinnamon. 4. Pour over bread. 5. Bake at 300° F for 60 minutes until mixture is firm and an inserted knife comes out clean. Source: Washington State University

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Building Strong Family Relationships Our society thrives on strong families. Our family teaches us how to function in the world. It should provide love and warmth to all of its members. A strong family gives its members the support they need to make it through life’s toughest spots. Strong families have good communication. Strong families have open lines of communication -where all family members feel heard and respected. One of the best ways to strengthen your family is to increase your listening skills and those of other family members. Until we can hear each other, we cannot build strong relationships. To build strong family relationships, listen actively to each other.  Give the person your full attention, turn off the TV or put down what you are doing.  Focus on what the person is telling you -- rather than thinking about your reaction or response to what is being said. (There will be time for that.)  Listen for how the other person is feeling and relay back what you think they were saying and how they are feeling. ―I hear you saying that you don’t like your sister. You look pretty mad. Did something happen?  Resist giving advice or your reaction until you are certain you have fully understood what the person was saying to you. Use “I” messages rather than “You” messages when talking.  I messages are more difficult because they require us to be clear about our own thoughts and feelings. They, however, increase the chances that our message will be heard and decrease the chances that a fight will begin. * "I don’t like all this fighting. It upsets me to see the two of you not getting along." Rather than ― "What’s wrong with the two of you? You’ are making me crazy! Can’t you ever get along?"  Teach everyone in your family to talk with "I" ― mes-

sages as much a possible. ―I am feeling…. (upset) when I see you (playing video games before you finish your homework). *"You" messages should be discouraged because they often lead to bad feelings and increase fighting. ―"You" messages seldom resolve the problem.

Encourage all family members to share their thoughts and feelings. Strong families allow all family members -- no matter how young or small -- to talk about their thoughts and feelings. This does not mean that members are not respectful of one another, but rather that feelings and ideas are respected. Everyone should be expected to express themselves in appropriate ways -- such as with ― "I" messages. When people feel heard and respected, they feel better about themselves, are more open to solving problems, and are more likely to allow others to express themselves. Strong families spend time together. In today’s busy world it can be difficult for families to find time to be together. All relationships need attention -and this includes the family as a whole.

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Family rituals can offer a set time for families to get together and give each other the attention needed. A family ritual is simply a time that is set aside on a regular basis for a family to get together. This can mean having dinner together, celebrating a holiday together, going to church together, or going for a walk together. It is important that the family ritual be predictable and that other activities are not allowed to upset it. Family rituals help define who we are as a family. It allows time for the family to get together, to share experiences with one another, and to reconnect with each other. Knowing that the family will have time together can help us deal with those times when we are apart. Even though parents may work, children can know that each evening, each weekend (or whenever works for your family) they will have some ― "special time" with you. Every child is special and every child needs some special time when he can have his parent all to himself. Giving your child some "special time" helps develop a close relationship with your child. If you can make it a predictable ritual, your child can depend on it — and look forward to this time with you. Be sure that this " special time" is not easily interrupted by other activities. For example, don’t answer the phone during this time. Allow your child to help you decide how to spend this time. You could read books, sing songs, go for a walk, play a game -- or whatever your child enjoys. The more you are able to spend ―special time with your child the stronger your relationship will be. Look for opportunities to connect with your child. Although setting aside time with your child is important, also look for small moments that you can use to connect with your child. Researchers say that spending frequent, brief amounts of time (as little as 1-2 minutes) involved in child-preferred activities is one of the most powerful things parents can do. You can make up stories together while doing chores, talk about concerns while on the way to the grocery store, read a book together while waiting for dinner to finish. We often think we have to wait for our "special time" but all these small moments help us stay connected in between the more scheduled times. Strong families handle their conflict fairly. All families have conflict – it’s a natural part of human relationships. Strong families are able to work through things they disagree about by focusing on the problems, rather than by "tearing each other down."

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Keys to Fair Fighting Stay focused on the behavior or problem. Use "I" messages to express your thoughts and feelings about the problem. For example, if you and your child are arguing about bedtime, you could say "I get angry when you continue to argue with me even after I’ve told you my decision. I want you to go to bed now." instead of "You never listen to me. Go to bed now or I’ll spank you." Stay focused on the present problem. Do not bring up old issues and problems. These only distract from the present issue. You can discuss them later. Respect each other’s right to safety. Fights should never become violent. When people are so angry that they feel like hitting one another or throwing things, call for a time out. Agree to get together to talk again after everyone has had a chance to calm down. Use your problem solving skills to create new solutions to the problem and teach your kids to think of ways to resolve conflict. It is not useful to fight about what isn’t working. Instead, focus on what has worked in the past or what could work now. For bedtime problems, you could say, "I am tired of always arguing with you about your bedtime. Let’s come up with some new ways that you can get to bed without all this hassle." Then you and your child could think of some solutions and decide which one to try. The more you include your child, the better problem solver he will be -- and the more likely to follow through with the plan. Strong Families Develop Trust. Strong, healthy families recognize the importance of developing trust. Trust is the glue that holds relationships together. Some ways to develop trust in your family are: Give your child opportunities to earn your trust. Let her do small tasks around the house and praise her for doing it on her own. Show your child that you can be trusted. Children need to know that they can count on what their parents say. Follow through with the things you promise to do. Allow people in your family to make amends. We all make mistakes. Teach your child to forgive and allow yourself to forgive others. Holding on to past hurts often only hurts us. (Continued on page 11)

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Improve Your Memory With Super Foods Boost your memory by including super foods in your daily diet, along with brain exercises. Lifestyle changes for better health include exercise and a balanced diet. Consider this thought: We exercise our bodies in gymnasiums, or at home to help us stay sharp; however, we don’t always consider that our brain cells diminish over time. Brain cells naturally degenerate as we age, yet we generally don’t give our brain the attention and workout it needs until a medical diagnosis or noticeable forgetfulness occurs. We can help our brains through diet as well as exercise.

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with brain exercises along with eating a balanced diet of brain foods – often called super foods. Don’t get dehydrated! Regardless of climate, season or geographic location, your brain needs water. Drink six to eight, eight ounce glasses of water daily. Get your body and mind in motion. Start your day with a glass of water, drink it throughout your day; and end your day with water – hydrate! Start today with conscious efforts toward revving up your memory. You’ll notice differences as you put into practice intervention and preventative measures. Source: Michigan State University Extension.

Just as nutrients are necessary to keep our bodies tuned up, the same is true for our brain. After all, the body and mind is a whole unit. Brain cells need to be stimulated to become, and remain sharp through the life span. Nutrients are necessary to prevent cell damage to the brain and can help improve memory, in addition to exercising and implementing a variety of brain games. Michigan State University Extension recommends including these nutrients in your diet daily to boost your memory:  Egg yolks – The yolk of an egg contains chlorine; rich in vitamin B (in order to keep cholesterol levels down, eat egg yolks in moderation).  Glucose – Fiber helps glucose absorb into the body. You need glucose to supply your body (and brain) with energy.  Folic acid – Contained in kale, greens, spinach and arugula.  Whole grains – Bran, quinoa, oatmeal and brown rice.  Berries – Blueberries, blackberries, raisins and cranberries.  Beets – Cooked, fresh or juiced.  Rosemary – Have a test coming up? Sharpens your senses, excellent for concentration.  Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) – Fish rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, recommended to be ate three times a week.  Colorful vegetables – Broccoli, eggplant, peas, asparagus, bell peppers (of any color).  Vitamins E, C and B12 – From nuts and seeds. While you’re doing brain games like crosswords, Sudoku, guided imagery or meditation, add the foods above and notice a marked change in memory. Be consistent

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Teach everyone how to say “I’m sorry.” Taking responsibility for our good and our bad behaviors is important and helps to develop trust. People learn to trust that they can be loved even though they are not perfect. Source: Pat Tanner Nelson, Ed.D. Extension Family & Human Development Specialist & Dr. Elizabeth Park, graduate of the Department of Individual and Family Studies, University of Delaware, was a major contributor to this issue. Suggested Citation: Nelson, P. T. (2012) In Families Matter! A Series for Parents of School-Age Youth. Newark, DE: Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware.

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