3 Pulteney Square East ~ Bath, New York ~ 14810-1557 ~ Phone: 607-664-2300 ~ Fax: 607-664-2303
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Kris Kringle pays a visit to elderly Corning couple It’s true that “what goes around, comes around!” Just ask Robert & Barbara Eskridge of Corning. This 87-year-old couple is actively raising twin 14-year-old granddaughters, and recently found out they were the winners of a $250 gas card! Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County offered the prize to encourage people to participate in their strategic planning survey last fall. “There’s many people who have a need as we do, and we’re so appreciative of this blessing,” said Robert Eskridge when he was informed of this early Christmas present. Robert is a retired pastor/minister, and first learned about Cooperative Extension programs through a Financial Pyramid series held at the Corning library. “Like a lot of people, we’re looking for opportunities,” he said. “I have a tendency to respond.” So he visited the Cooperative Extension website and took the 12-question survey on which programs he thought were the most critical for the agency to focus on in the next three years. The Eskridges are the perfect recipients of the windfall because, despite their age, they adopted their 14-year-old twin granddaughters, Amber and Brandy, when they were three years old. “They’ve been a blessing…and a challenge to stay as healthy as we can,” Robert says. Barbara’s daughter, Misty, is the girls’ mother and lives in assisted living in Elmira with a mental disability. “They don’t keep you young,” Barbara says. “They don’t let you think about getting old.” The girls are eighth graders at North Blodget Middle School in Corning. They both received their red belts in martial arts through the generosity of a local instructor. However, the family is not in a financial position to allow them to continue on for their black belts at this time. Robert says Brandy’s drawings are “unbelievable.” A psychologist shared her artwork with a professor at Cornell University who was so impressed with their quality, that he invited Brandy for a second visit. Barbara also helped Brandy get a scholarship for her artwork at 171 Cedar Arts in Corning. Amber is a high honor student and enjoys music and art. Both girls take swimming lessons at the Corning Y. Robert’s pastoral career was with the Baptist Church in the Greater New Orleans area. Many of the churches he was involved with are now gone, having been destroyed by the major hurricanes. Both his and Barbara’s first spouses died, and they found each other 30 years ago. Ten years later, they moved to New York because of Misty’s medical problems. Robert acted as an interim pastor at a church in Elmira while the church was in the process of purchasing land. Robert has two daughters and a son. His daughter, Hannah, was involved with the Child Evangelism Fellowship camp for 15 years, and now lives in Tennessee. Her son and son-in-law have both gone into ministry. His other daughter, Debbie, lives just outside of Binghamton. His son, Mark, lives in Ottawa, Canada, where he worked at the U.S Embassy for a time following his tour of duty in the Marines. Barbara has been involved with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill for the 26 years since her daughter was diagnosed with the disease. She works with support groups, the Finger Lakes Parent Network, and says Dr. Robert Anderson in Bath is her mentor. She says she enjoyed being a pastor’s wife. “I like to talk,” she says. Robert says he learned about Cooperative Extension through the financial series held at the Corning library. “I came in late,” he says. “I was looking primarily at the standpoint for what we could do to protect ourselves at our age. I had been thinking about borrowing money and making investments. I look at any kind of educational material I can get.” Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County began their strategic planning process earlier this year. Part of the process was to invite input from the public. Executive Director Tom Tomsa asked participants to rate importance of their programs in Agriculture and Food Systems Sustainability, Improved Quality of Life for Individuals and Families, Natural Resources and Environment, and Youth Development. Early results indicate a high preference by Steuben County residents on developing renewable and alternative energy sources and local food systems. To increase participation in the survey, the gas card bonus was advertised. The winning entry was selected at last week’s annual business meeting of Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, board and committee members. The name selected seems to be a very deserving Steuben County family. The Eskridges say their resources may be limited, but it seems like they have very big hearts! Join us July
28 for Climate Change: Climate change may bring new opportunities (such as experimenting with new plant species, including "biofuel" crops), but also will pose new risks and challenges for gardeners, farmers, and land managers, specifically:
A variety of ways in which farmers and gardneers can adapt to cdhange and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will also be discussed. Those interested in this topic should also check out the climate and farming website.
David W. Wolfe is Professor of Plant Ecology in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University. He is a member of Cornell’s Biogeochemistry Program, and is on the advisory boards for the New York Water Resources Institute, Cornell Plantations, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Change Planning Committee. He is a leading authority on the effects of climate change and rising atmospheric carbon dioxide on plants, soils, and ecosystems, with many peer-reviewed research publications and several book chapter reviews on the subject. He is the author of an award-winning popular science book on soil ecology, Tales from the Underground: A Natural History of Subterranean Life, published in 2002. His recent research documenting earlier spring bloom date of lilacs, apples, and grapes in the Northeast received national media attention. Dr. Wolfe is currently working with a team of scientists in the Northeast on a regional climate change impacts assessment available here, and he led the development of a new website with resource materials for gardeners, farmers and agricultural educators. Southern Tier Baleage & Hay Field Day Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a baleage and hay making field day July 11, 2007 at Lone Oak Farm in Dundee from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Demonstrations to be held include mowing, raking, tedding, baling, and wrapping. A special highlight of the day will be a side by side field comparison of a Claas 250 Roto cut round baler to a John Deere 582 round baler. Those in attendance will be able to see each baler in action and compare the silage bales they produce. Other Equipment to be demonstrated: Equipment demonstrations will run from 10:00am – Noon and then be repeated from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Please feel free to come either the morning or afternoon demonstration. A light lunch will be served at noon, during this time we will hear from the owners of the round balers about their experience with transitioning from conventional haylage to a baleage system. Reservations are appreciated for a lunch count. Please contact CCE-Steuben at 607-664-2300 to make a reservation or for more information. Lone Oak Farm, owned by the McCann Family, is located on Hallock Road, approximately ½ mile south of State Route 230. From Wayne (Steuben County) take 230 east 1.5 miles, turn south on Hallock Road. From the east take 14A to 230, turn south on 230, go 5 miles to Hallock Road. From Tyrone (Schuyler County) take county road 23 west to Weston. Go north on Hallock approximately 4 miles. Equipment generously provided by Monroe Tractor,
Kevin McCann, and Kevin Cleveland. Lunch sponsored by Monroe Tractor.
In case of rain the field day will be held July 12th! Small Ruminant Pasture Walk April 28th Cornell Cooperative Extension invites you to attend a sheep and goat pasture walk at Bear Farm in Burdett, NY on Saturday April 28, from 10:00am – 12:00pm Mark and Carole Harth own and operate Bear Farm in Schuyler County. They lamb approximately 145 Corriedale and Corriedale-Dorset cross ewes in late March/early April. Mark and Carole have spent the last few years establishing perimeter fencing and individual paddocks to maximizing grazing. The Harths sell wool yarn from their sheep and sell a small amount of lamb for freezer trade. Check out their website at www.bearfarmyarns.com to learn more about the Harths and their sheep! Please join us for this educational and fun sheep and goat pasture walk. We will discuss grasses for pasture, establishing and maintaining small ruminant pastures, fencing requirements for sheep and goats, and pasture watering systems. John Wickham, Schuyler County Soil and Water Grazing Advocate will discuss grazing programs and incentives available to sheep and goat producers. The pasture walk will be held from 10:00am to Noon, with a light lunch provided. There is no charge to attend. However, we ask that you do register for this event by April 27th. To register contact CCE at 607-664-2300. Directions: Bear Farm is located at 4860 Satterly Hill Road in Burdett. Take State Route 79 to Burdett, at the only 4 way stop, go North onto Satterly Hill Road. Bear Farm is located 3.4 miles north on Satterly Hill Road. This event is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County SWCD, and Graze-NY. Healthy and Productive Small Ruminants Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County will host a small ruminant health workshop January 22, 2007 at the Civil Defense Center in Bath from 7:00 – 9:00p.m. Productive animals are the key to any profitable farm operation. Dr. Glenn Fahnestock, a former producer and veterinarian, will discuss how to keep small ruminants healthy and productive by focusing on prevention. Sheep and goat producers will learn how to improve the bottom line of their farm business with healthy animals. Whether you own a single sheep or a large herd of goats you will find this discussion full of valuable information. Topics to be addressed: There is no cost to attend this meeting, however
reservations are appreciated. Reservations can be made by contacting
CCE-Steuben at 607-664-2300. The Civil Defense Center is located
on Route 54, approximately 2 miles north of Bath, across from
the Kwik Fill gas station. Three Steuben 4-H members earn invitation to national contests
Amy Quanz, a 10-year member of the Southern Tier Livestock and Willing Workers 4-H Clubs, was a member of the New York State Dairy Judging Team that placed first overall out of 15 teams at the 2006 Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in September during the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, PA. The New York State team also placed first in Brown Swiss and Holsteins. Amy placed second individual overall. Placing fourth in the New York State Fair Livestock Judging Contest-A Division, Amy was selected as a member of the New York State Livestock Judging Team. The team will compete at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY in November. Amy, the daughter of Tom and Paula Quanz of Wayland, is a junior at Wayland-Cohocton Central School. As a Steuben County 4-H member, she has completed extensive projects in sewing, food and nutrition, dairy, swine, as well as public presentations. Amy has also been active in dairy judging, dairy quiz bowl, livestock judging, livestock skillathon and has exhibited her swine at the New York State Fair and the NYS 4-H Meat Animal Show and Sale. She is a member of the 2006-2007 NYS Junior DAIRY LEADER Program and the NYS 4-H Technology Team. In 2004, Amy was a member of the NYS Livestock Skillathon Team that competed in the National Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville, KY. Amy was a recipient of the 2005 "I Dare You Leadership Award" and the 2006 "Outstanding 4-H Member Award". Amy is also an active participant in the Allegany-Steuben Jr. Holstein Club and is currently the Steuben County Alternate Dairy Princess. Andrew Schubmehl earned a spot as a member of the New York State 4-H Livestock Skillathon team by placing first in the Sr. Division at the New York State Fair 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, but he will be unable to compete in November. Andrew completed his 11th year in the Steuben County 4-H Program and was a member of the Southern Tier Livestock and Willing Workers 4-H Clubs. Andrew has completed extensive projects in swine, market lambs, market steers, vegetable gardening, sewing, food and nutrition, as well as public presentations. Andrew, a freshman at Paul Smiths College, Paul Smiths, New York is majoring in Wildlife Sciences and is the son of John and Linda Schubmehl, Wayland. Andrew was a recipient of the 2005 "Outstanding 4-H Member Award". Andrew has exhibited swine at the New York State Fair. In 2004 Andrew was a member of the New York State Livestock Judging Team that competed in the National Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, KY. Jenna Kurtz was named an alternate to the NYS Livestock Skillathon Team by placing sixth in the NYS Fair Livestock Skillathon Contest. She is an 8-year member of the Southern Tier Livestock and Willing Workers 4-H Clubs. Jenna, a sophomore at Wayland-Cohocton School, is the daughter of Gerald and Julie Kurtz of Atlanta. She has completed extensive projects in sewing, food and nutrition, arts and crafts, rabbit, flower and vegetable gardening, horticulture, as well as public presentations. Jenna was a recipient of the 2006 "I Dare You Leadership Award". Jenna participated in the 2006 New York State Fair Clothing Revue and the 2006 New York State Public Presentation Event. Farm Field Day offers walking and wagon tours The Musgrave Research Farm Field Day to be held on Thursday, July 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is a day full of information and networking. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County's Plant and Soil Science Educator Carl Albers recommends this event for those interested in crop and soil sciences. The walking tour will feature: The wagon tour will feature: Following lunch there will be an opportunity for discussion with the presenters. The Musgrave Research Farm is located on Poplar Ridge Road south of Aurora, NY. For more information contact Brian Flannigan, Facilities Manager, Crop & Soil Sciences at (607)255-2926. Pasture Walk scheduled for July 20 Cornell Cooperative Extension and Schuyler/Chmeung GLCI will sponsor a Pasture Walk on July 20 from 10:00 a.m. - Noon at the Sgrecci Organic Dairy Farm in Odessa. The walk will provide an opportunity to view pastures, fencing, laneways and the water system. Discussion will center on transitioning to organic production. Lunch will be provided. To register, call 607-664-2300. A dozen volunteers ready to teach financial skills Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is taking its recent United Way of the Southern Tier funding to the bank! The two-year grant was awarded to help Cooperative Extension provide Family Resource Management and Home Energy Efficiency education throughout Steuben County. “People are living on tomorrow’s dollars today,” says Financial Management Educator Nancy Reigelsperger. “The need is out there. Financial management difficulties are not limited to low income people. People across the board are having issues.” Nancy is addressing these ever-increasing issues by multiplying her efforts across the region. In June she trained 12 new Volunteer Financial Counselors to help with the caseload of requests. They learned goal setting, family communication, basic budgeting, managing credit and debt, savings and general financial decision-making. Attorney Peter Baker, Hammondsport, also spoke to the group about the changes in bankruptcy laws that went into effect last fall and the importance of having wills and other valuable documents. “We are very proud of these volunteers,” Nancy said. “What a wonderful group of folks who are eager to learn and share their skills.” They will work confidentially with individuals and families to offer trusted advice on how to develop goals and get control of their budgets. Attorney Christine Valkenburgh from Bath, took the workshop because she sees how difficult it is for members of the community to be gainfully employed. “Maybe there’s something I can do to help.” she said. Nancy gave a lot of good ideas on how to motivate people and how to focus. I was heartened to hear some of the stories. People want to do the right thing – they just need to know how.” Retired from Corning Inc, Carlton Joseph of Painted Post, said he took the training because he enjoyed tutoring for the New Jersey land grant university – Rutgers University - in the 1970’s. “The presentation was excellent – very energetic. I’m looking forward to being of help. I’m retired and in good financial solvency. I can help be in tune with the black families of the area.” Armed with such enthusiastic volunteers across the county, Cooperative Extension is now ready to accept requests from Steuben residents who want help with their budgeting needs. Assistance can be provided individually or offered to groups and is provided free of charge. Those interested in joining the Volunteer Financial Counselor ranks are required to attend training before handling calls. Contact Cooperative Extension at 607-664-2300 to get on the waiting list for the fall training session or for more information on talking to a counselor in your area. Pasture Walk June 23 in Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension and The Finger Lakes RC&D Council will host a pasture walk in Schuyler County on June 23rd from 10:30-12:30. The focus of the walk will be to view test plots that were established the spring of 2005 on two farms that have different types of soils. Four companies, Agriculver, King’s Agriseeds, Doeblers, and Seedway donated clovers, alfalfas and various grass varieties. This will give grazers the opportunity to compare the thirteen different pasture mixes. The first farm that will be visited is located on Rt. 228, between Odessa and Mecklenburg. The second is in Catherine. Also at the second farm you will be able to see their cheese plant. Follow the signs from Odessa or Mecklenburg. There will be light refreshments offered. Please contact CCE at 607-664-2300 if you plan on coming or have any questions. You can make a difference to struggling families Many Steuben County families and individuals are in crisis today as they try to deal with their finances. Many just don’t know where to start to make their budgets work, talk to creditors, handle credit cards and protect their identity. With a little encouragement and planning with a Volunteer Financial Counselor, these people can get control back in their lives and begin to feel good about themselves again. More Volunteer Financial Counselors are needed to handle the case load. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is offering free training to potential Volunteer Financial Counselors. The six-hour series will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on June 12, 19, and 26 at the Cooperative Extension office at the Steuben County Office Building, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath. “Becoming a Volunteer Financial Counselor was an excellent opportunity for me to share financial ideas with others, and at the same time receive additional training and ongoing support to meet the need of prospective clients,” says Julie Cummings of Hammondsport. When Alice Stillman of Hornell is assigned to a case, she sits down with them first to go over their budget. “I’m helping individuals who just need to talk it out with someone. Some just need to re-work their budget,” she says. Alice counseled one young lady who was buried under a college loan and credit cards. Alice said the girl was so proud when she finally paid off four credit cards. Alice has found that budget problems are not limited to those earning low incomes. “It’s the middle class people who are having real difficult times,” she says. “I’ve had 95 percent progress with everyone I’ve met. I thoroughly enjoy the cases I have done.” Volunteering can be a great way to learn more for yourself while helping others. Cooperative Extension Financial Educator Nancy Reigelsperger offers support and ongoing training for her volunteers. No experience or special math skills are necessary. All that is required is a desire to help others. To receive additional information or to register for the training classes, contact Nancy Reigelsperger at 664-2300 Extension publications can help battle plant pests BATH –Problems with pests in your lawn and garden? Homeowners and businesses can benefit from an Integrated Pest Management approach with the help of the 2006 Cornell Pest Management Guideline series. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County has publications for sale focusing on Commercial Production and Maintenance of Trees and Shrubs, Commercial Turfgrass, and Berry Crops. Professional nursery managers, landscapers and arborists will find the 177-page 2006 Cornell Guidelines for Commercial Production and Maintenance of Trees and Shrubs indispensable. The latest control measures are provided for managing the most common insect, disease, and weed pests of urban, landscape and nursery grown trees and shrubs. Turf managers will find the 2006 Cornell Guidelines for Commercial Turfgrass full of up-to-date information using an Integrated Pest Management approach to successful turfgrass care including sections on selecting turfgrasses, cultural practices, and disease, insect and weed control and strategies for minimizing wildlife damage. The 2006 Cornell Berry Crop Guidelines aids berry growers with information on site selection, soil fertility and insect, mite, disease, and weed management decision-making. It includes pest management information for blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Information in these publications is drawn directly from Cornell University research, extension demonstrations and on-site experience. The Turfgrass Guidelines are $11.00 per copy and the Berry Crops and Trees and Shrubs Guidelines are $18.00 plus postage and handling if you wish them mailed to you. For more information visit Cornell Cooperative Extension-Steuben County, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY, 14810 or call 607-664-2300.
Shannan O’Brien
named 2006 Steuben County Shannan O’Brien was crowned the 2006-2007 Steuben County Dairy Princess April 13th at the Steuben County Dairy Pageant. Shannan is the daughter of Kerry and Elizabeth O’Brien of Greenwood. The O’Briens milk 60 Holstein cows and farm approximately 600 acres. Shannan is 17 years old and a junior at Canisteo-Greenwood High School. She has been a member of the student council, Academic All Stars, chorus, and National Honor Society. Shannan has been on the honor roll and received the Math Student of the month award. Shannan served as a Steuben County Dairy Ambassador last year. Shannan’s future plans include becoming a licensed nurse practitioner and continuing to help on the family dairy farm. Amy Quanz of Wayland was named the Alternate Dairy Princess. Amy is the 16 year old daughter of Tom and Paula Quanz. Amy is a sophomore at Wayland-Cohocton School. She is a member of the Southern Tier Livestock 4- H Club and the Willing Worker’s 4- H Club. She participates in dairy judging, dairy quiz bowl, livestock judging, livestock skillathon and exhibiting her registered Brown Swiss at the County Fair. She is also a member of the NYS Junior Holstein Club. In school Amy is involved with band, chorus, Interact Club, Drama Club, and Honors Club. She has also been the recipient of the Steuben County Outstanding 4-Her award and the Paul Emo award. Amy hopes to pursue a career in the medical or agricultural field. Amy has served as a Dairy Ambassador for two years. There are currently two Dairy Ambassadors involved in the Dairy Promotion Program; Carlie and Kate Brown. They are the daughters of Bill and Cindy Brown of Hammondsport. The family owns Stone Rise Dairy, which is home to a 60 cow registered Holstein herd. Carlie, 16 and Kate 13, attend Hammondsport Central School. They are both active in the Cream of the Crop 4-H club and own cattle themselves. This will be Carlie’s second year promoting the dairy industry as a Dairy Ambassador. The committee is very pleased to welcome Kate as our newest Dairy Ambassador. Royalty runs in the O’Brien family, as Shannan will follow in the footsteps of her older sister Megan, the 2005 Dairy Princess. Special thanks to Megan for all her hard work over the last year. Megan attended numerous events in the interest or promoting milk and dairy products. Megan is currently pursing a degree in Environmental Science at Alfred University. If you are interested in having the Dairy Princess
or a member of her court attend an event please contact Shannan
at 607-225-4413. The dairy princess program is overseen by the
Steuben County Dairy Promotion Committee. For more information
on joining the program or events please contact Stacey at 607-368-0078
or Kerri at 607-664-2300. The committee is still actively seeking
young women interested in being dairy ambassadors for the next
year. Teleconference
will review impact of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is pleased to present a satellite videoconference from Iowa State University on the New Dietary Guidelines: Impact on Consumers, Industry and Nutrition Programs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday April 20, 2006 at the Cooperative Extension office in the County Office Building, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans make specific recommendations to aid consumers in their quest for a healthier lifestyle. Each sector of the food industry has responded to the guidelines with changes in formulations, new products, and marketing. Federal nutrition programs will be modifying their requirements to reflect the guidelines. This conference will explore issues related to the guidelines and how the food industry is using them to provide new products and marketing to consumers. The broadcast is live with time scheduled for questions from the viewing audience. Topics to be covered include:
Cost of the conference is $10.00 per person with registration due by April 13 to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810, or by calling 607-664-2300, or register online at www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben. Lunch will be on your own. Continuing education units will be available. For more information contact Cooperative Extension at the locations above. Finger
Lakes District Public Presentation Contest Purchase
tack to support the Steuben County 4-H Horse Program Renewables for the Future Monday,
April 3, 2006 ·
Overview of Bio-Diesel Production, Acceptance and Utilization These presentations all tie together and we encourage participants to enjoy the day. If you can only come for part of the program that’s okay too. Lunch will be available at $5 per person. To make a lunch reservation please call CCE – Steuben County at 607-664-2300 by Friday, March 31, 2006. Sub choices are roast beef, ham, Italian, and turkey. This workshop is open to farmers, rural businesses and area residents, the press and electronic news media, and anyone interested in energy and agricultural policy. Sponsored by American Corn Growers Association in cooperation with Farm Aid, National Farmers Organization, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol, Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, New York Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties. For more information please contact Carl Albers at 607-664-2309. Renewable
Energy for Homeowners For
more information please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension
Introduction
to Farming Workshop Cornell Cooperative Extension will offer an Introduction to Farming workshop Saturday March 25th at the Civil Defense Center, Route 54, in Bath. This workshop will address the ins and outs of establishing a farm or farm business. Topics to be covered include: business planning basics, Ag districts, how to become a “farm”, farm taxes, building exemptions, and much more. Break out sessions for those interested in Natural Resources (includes forestry, tree fruits, small fruits, gardening, ect) and livestock (poultry, goats, beef, ect) will provide general management tips and address the rules and regulations for various agriculture enterprises. Registration begins at 9:30am. The General Session will start promptly at 10:00 am followed by break out sessions from 11:00 – Noon. Registration is required by March 22. When you register please specify your farming interest (vegetables, fruit, beef, goats, ect). Cost to attend is $10 per person ($5 for each additional person from the same family). This fee includes morning refreshments and handouts. For more information or to register contact CCE at 607-664-2300. Dairy
Princess & Ambassadors Sought for Steuben County Applications
sought for 2006 Dairy of Distinction Award The award is based on the idea that attractive farmsteads enhance consumer confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and stimulate milk sales and public support for the dairy industry. Roadside judging will take place in May. Winning farms will be notified in June, and will receive an 18 by 24 inch Dairy of Distinction sign to display in front of their farm. Since 1984, NY’s Dairy of Distinction Program has recognized more than 1200 dairy farms. New York is part of the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program, which also includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Vermont. For more information or to obtain an application contact Kerri at 607-664-2311 or get the application from CCE’s website www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben. Calf Feeder’s Workshop
Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a three-day calf feeder’s
workshop March 16, 21, and 23 in Schuyler County. This three day
series is designed to give persons with calf care responsibilities
practical, hands-on information that will improve their skills
and in turn improve calf health and growth. The three sessions
will focus on calf health, common calfhood illnesses, calf nutrition,
and post weaning nutrition and care. Each day will consist of
a two hour classroom session followed by a two hour hands-on demonstration
session at a local dairy farm. On-farm demonstrations will include
dehorning, tail docking, injection sites, drawing blood, and much
more. All participants will receive a calf care kit which includes
a thermometer, stethoscope, calf weigh tape, and several handouts
and laminated charts. Local Veterinarians, Cornell University
Staff, and Industry representatives will be involved with teaching
the classroom sessions and on-farm demonstrations. Support
Cooperative Extension’s 4-H cookie and candy sale Steuben 4-H Program collects for hurricane victims
Steuben
County 4-H has come through again for those less fortunate. In
fact, our 4-H program is one of only five New York counties that
came through for our compatriots in the south. 2006
Crop Symposium Renewable Energy Options for Homes and Farms Montour Falls, NY - A mild winter does not stop many people from wondering if it would be better to have a small-scale renewable energy system for their home or farm, like solar panels or a wind turbine. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County is hosting the first in a series of public workshops to discuss renewable energy options and the importance of home energy conservation on Saturday, February 25, 2006. Learn about NYSERDA incentives to help with the cost of these systems, find out what you can be doing right now to ease energy bills, bring your key questions about home solar or wind systems, and assess your readiness for home-scale renewable energy. Future workshops will provide more detail about balancing your use of energy utilities with power you could possibly generate at home. Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County presents: You can make a difference to struggling families Many Steuben County families and individuals are in crisis today as they try to deal with their finances. Many just don’t know where to start to make their budgets work, talk to creditors, handle credit cards and protect their identity. With a little encouragement and planning with a Volunteer Financial Counselor, these people can get control back in their lives and begin to feel good about themselves again. More Volunteer Financial Counselors are needed to handle the case load. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is offering free training to potential Volunteer Financial Counselors. The six-hour series will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on September 19, 26 and October 3 at the Cooperative Extension office at the Steuben County Office Building, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath. “Becoming a Volunteer Financial Counselor was an excellent opportunity for me to share financial ideas with others, and at the same time receive additional training and ongoing support to meet the need of prospective clients,” says Julie Cummings of Hammondsport. When Alice Stillman of Hornell is assigned to a case, she sits down with them first to go over their budget. “I’m helping individuals who just need to talk it out with someone. Some just need to re-work their budget,” she says. Alice counseled one young lady who was buried under a college loan and credit cards. Alice said the girl was so proud when she finally paid off four credit cards. Alice has found that budget problems are not limited to those earning low incomes. “It’s the middle class people who are having real difficult times,” she says. “I’ve had 95 percent progress with everyone I’ve met. I thoroughly enjoy the cases I have done.” Volunteering can be a great way to learn more for yourself while helping others. Cooperative Extension Nancy Reigelsperger offers support and ongoing training for her volunteers. No experience or special math skills are necessary. All that is required is a desire to help others. To receive additional information or to register for the training classes, contact Nancy Reigelsperger at 664-2304. Impact of separation or divorce to be explored in fall program One divorce takes place each day in Steuben County. Whether contested or not, the vast majority of divorces involve children. Parents seeking information about the impact of separation or divorce on themselves or their children are welcome to attend a New York State certified Parenting through Separation & Divorce Program to be offered Oct. 4 and 6 from 3:00-6:00 p.m., November 15 & 17 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or December 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Steuben County Office Building in Bath. This is the only program offered in Steuben County that is currently state certified. Supported by the Steuben County Cornell Cooperative Extension, Family Court, Association of Collaborative Law Attorneys, NYS Parent Education Board, Cornell University and the Honorable Evelyn Frazee, Judge, the Parenting through Separation & Divorce Program aims to teach parents ways they can reduce the stress of family life changes and protect children from the negative effects of ongoing parental conflict. The program
is conducted by certified parent educators and lawyers who cover
the following topics: The six-hour
program includes a Parents’ Handbook Resource Manual and
a certificate upon completion. Children are not permitted to
attend the classes, and a $50 registration fee is required.
Class size is limited to 20 people, so early registration is
suggested by calling Nancy Torp at 664-2300. Registration information
will be kept confidential. This past year, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County’s connection to the Cornell Wide-Area Network (WAN) was upgraded to a full T-1. Now, thanks to NYS Legislative Initiative Funding secured by Senator George Winner and Assemblyman Jim Bacalles, Cooperative Extension will be able to provide videoconferencing and distance learning opportunities to the people of Steuben County using equipment that will be installed in our offices in the Steuben County Office Building. The PolyCom videoconferencing unit that will be purchased using funding from this initiative will provide Cooperative Extension and our audiences with the capacity to participate in meetings, attend workshops, receive training, observe demonstrations, and even take courses that originate from Cornell University, at other Cornell Cooperative Extension offices, or from any similarly-equipped site around the world. Thanks
to a previous intiative by Congressman Kuhl (then our State Senator)
and the current initiative by State Senator Winner and State Assemblyman
Bacalles, videoconferencing will be available in both the Chemung
and Steuben County Cooperative Extension offices. This represents
a significant advance in the implementation of broadband communications
technology for the communities of the central Southern Tier of
New York. We look forward to creatively developing this new capacity
to the benefit of families and communities in Steuben County. Got
bears? Here’s a few neigh‘bear’ly tips… "Trends in the black bear population and potential consequences of bear-human interactions are emerging issues for the Southern Tier as well," says Tom Tomsa, CCE-Steuben Executive Director. "On the lighter side, bears appeal to a broad spectrum of interests and provide an entertaining theme to this event." The
evening will include a silent auction during the opening social
hour and an exciting live auction later in the program. There
will be numerous ways to win interesting bear items, outdoor equipment
and local services. Proceeds of the auction will benefit Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Steuben County which serves Steuben residents
with free education on a variety of topics including agriculture,
family management, youth development and healthy nutrition. CCE-Steuben’s
mission is to help people improve their lives and communities
through our connection to Cornell University expertise. Four
Steuben County 4-H members are selected Annual Meeting topic centers on healthy wine
“Reservatrol:
New York’s Contribution to Health” was the keynote
topic at the Steuben CCE Annual Meeting on Thursday, November
18 at the Bath Country Club.
Above, top: CCE-Steuben Educator Carl Albers, CCE-Steuben Board President Paul Wolcott and CCE-Steuben Executive Director Tom Tomsa. Above, bottom: CCE-Steuben Executive Director Tom Tomsa, Steuben County Legislator Robert Nichols, CCE-Steuben Board President Paul Wolcott, and Steuben County Legislator Don Creath. |
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updated 12/17/08 |
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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