Better Living

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A Newsletter of Cornell Cooperative Extension Schuyler County

Jan/Feb 2013

A Message from the Executive Director .................... 2Forecast: Partly Sunny, Mostly Birdy ......................... 3Grass is Green ................................................................ 4New Year-New Garden ................................................ 5When Self Defense Backfires .................................... 6-7HV4H Camp Alumni & Friends .................................... 812 Reasons To Become An RSVP Volunteer .............. 9Highlighting A 4-H Project .......................................... 10Are Portable Heaters The Answer ............................... 11Calendar of Events ........................................................ 12

What’s Inside

For the latest on CCE programs, visit our website: www.cceschuyler.org

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“Better Living” is published bi-monthly by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County, 323 Owego St., Unit 5, Montour Falls, NY 14865.DISCLAIMER The information provided in this publication is for educational purposes only. Any reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cooperative Extension is implied.

REPRINTING Unless otherwise noted, permission is granted to reproduce material in this publication upon notification of the author, providing that full acknowl-edgement is made of the source and no charge is made without approval.

Human Services Complex323 Owego Street, Unit #5 Montour Falls, NY 14865

Tel: 607 535-7161 || Fax: 607 535-6813E-mail: schuyler@cornell.eduWeb: www.cceschuyler.org

Board of Directors:Kate BartholomewWalter AdamPaul BursicDonald J. ChutasCharles FausoldDoris KariusRebekah LaMoreauxDick PetersonRick ReisingerKristine SomervilleLiz Stamp

Program Committees:AgricultureDana Sgrecci George Bulin Lisa BrowerValerie CarocciFrank GigliottiDave Moser

Youth, Families, and Nutrition Program CommitteeNancy BrandMary DeWaltJoAnn FratarcangeloEmily JohnsonMarcia KasprzykDeb MorseErica MurrayKirsten Pierce

January in Upstate New York is always full of surprises. Will we be snowed in? Will a January thaw bring us balmy, sunny weather? What’s the latest news on the Farm Bill or Federal Budget or State government? How is Syracuse University doing this year in basketball (and do I dare hope for March Madness?) It’s a good time of year for seed catalogues to arrive with their promise of new growth and the perfect gardening season. Winter birds flock our feeders, and the home poultry enthusiast starts looking at spring orders for chicks.

We have a great offering of articles for you in this edition of Better Living, with some seasonally inspired items (“New Year – New Garden”), and other pieces that give you good information that might help you keep some of those New Year’s resolutions (“When Self-Defense Backfires: How to Prevent Chronic Inflammation”). Regardless of where you start, I hope you put Better Living down with some new knowledge or plans to join us at a workshop or series. Don’t forget to “friend” us on Facebook and to check out our webpage (www.cceschuyler.org), where we can keep in touch with more time-sensitive information or post items that come out between publication dates. Better Living is our “news you can use” outreach tool, but certainly not our only one. Have an idea about what you’d like to see more of, either in these pages or as programs? Let us know! Contact either the program staff involved in that area, or drop us an email via our main email in-box, schuyler@cornell.edu … we really do check it!

So best wishes to you and yours for 2013, and we hope to continue to serve you well and responsibly with timely, accurate research-based information on the topics that matter most.

Sincerely,

Danielle Hautaniemi

Better LivingCCE Schuyler County Jan/Feb 2013 Page 3

Forecast: Party Sunny, Mostly BirdyMore Project Feeder Watch participants needed to track winter birds...

The 26th season of Project FeederWatch begansNovember 10, and participants are needed more than ever. By watching their feeders from now through April and submitting their observations to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, bird watchers make it possible for scientists to keep track of changing bird populations across the continent. New or returning participants can sign up anytime at http://www.FeederWatch.org.

After unusual winter weather in some parts of the country last season, many participants found themselves asking, “Where are the birds?”

“Warmer temperatures and lack of snow cover means birds can find more natural food so they may visit feeders less,” explains FeederWatch leader David Bonter. “But even if participants are not seeing many birds, that’s still valuable information we need to detect population changes on a broad scale.”

The AccuWeather long range forecasting service is predicting some big storms in the Northeast this winter, so FeederWatchers in the region may see more birds at their feeders than they did last winter. Forecasts also call for another year of below normal snowfall for the Midwest, above-normal snowfall and below normal temperatures for the central and southern Rockies, and a wet winter with above normal precipitation for the Gulf Coast and Southeast.

“We’ll have to see if those predictions pan out and how they might affect feeder-bird numbers,” Bonter says. “The one number we definitely want to see increase is the number of people taking part in FeederWatch. It’s easy to do, and the information is incredibly valuable in helping us better understand what’s going on in the environment and in the lives of the birds we enjoy so much.”

To learn more about joining Project FeederWatch and to sign up, visit http://www.FeederWatch.org or call the Cornell Lab toll-free at (866) 989-2473. In return for the $15 fee ($12 for Cornell Lab members), participants receive the FeederWatcher Handbook and

Instructions with tips on how to successfully attract birds to your feeders, an identification poster of the most common feeder birds, and a calendar. Participants also receive Winter Bird Highlights, an annual summary of FeederWatch findings, as well as the Cornell Lab’s quarterly newsletter, Living Bird News.

Project FeederWatch is a joint research and education project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada.

Better LivingCCE Schuyler CountyJan/Feb 2013Page 4

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Well of course grass is green – especially if you’re a grazier using livestock to turn it into greenbacks by raising “green” locally-grown products like meat, dairy, free-range eggs and even hides and fleeces.

Last month, our regional grass-roots grazing group, the “Tri-County Graziers” hosted an evening presentation in Bath featuring two young graziers who have built successful farm businesses in Tioga County. The speakers, Drew Lewis and Brian Reaser, studied grazing systems in New Zealand and South Africa before eventually returning to farm here. Well-managed, pasture-based production is the cornerstone of both operations. An unusually large crowd of 50+ farmers from up to two hours away attended the evening presentation. Many lingered afterwards to continue talking with the speakers and to discuss ideas heard throughout the evening with fellow graziers before returning home.

The enthusiasm that both this and other grazing events are currently generating suggest that there is a newfound interest in looking to sound grazing management and our rich pasture resources as a profitable and sustainable agricultural system for the region. Record input costs such as fuel and grain have reminded many livestock producers that grazing is often a more economical and environmentally-friendly approach to producing the multitude of livestock products whose demand seem to be growing exponentially.

Not only can grazing be good for the land, the animal, and the bottom-line – grazing is a production system that is applicable to all types of livestock and all scales of farms. Whether it’s a couple of sheep, a small free-range flock of chickens in the back yard or a large herd of cattle covering expansive acreages – grazing can provide most or all of the nutritional needs of most livestock for most of the year if done properly. But developing good grazing skills and knowledge requires an investment of time and experience. The yield and profitability of a well-managed grazing system can be several times that of one that is poorly or passively managed, so it behooves all livestock producers to become the best graziers possible.

Over the next two months there will be a number of excellent grazing conferences and events in the region. If you raise livestock, making the investment to attend these events will pay big dividends in the pasture. For a complete listing of events and other grazing resources, visit the NY Natural Resources Conservation Service’s “Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative” website at: http://www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/pasture_grazing/grazette/january_2013.html. You can sign-up for the GLCI’s free monthly newsletter for events, news and helpful information related to grazing in New York.

Grass is GreenBrett Chedzoy, Sr. Resource Educator (bjc226@cornell.edu)

Locally Grown Foods FestivalFriday, February 8, 20135-8 p.m. Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Corning

Sample locally produced meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese, wines, and other farm products! Meet dozens of Finger Lakes farmers! Learn how and where to buy fresh, healthy, local foods. Meet farmers! Learn about local farms! Taste samples! Purchase local products! Recipes and Demonstrations!

Visit and learn more about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). The event will feature several different CSA’s that offer a vareity of shares for sale.

Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-664-2300 for more information. Reservations are not required.

Better LivingCCE Schuyler County Jan/Feb 2013 Page 5

HorticultureNew Year - New GardenRoger Ort, Horticulture Program Assistant (rlo28@cornell.edu)

I would like to take some time and reflect on where we live. We have the opportunity in this great agriculture-based community to grow whatever crops we wish for ourselves or for others. The diversity of choices include: school gardens, faith gardens, market gardens, vegetable gardening, fruit orchards, value added crops and pastures. In preparing for this year’s planting think about including a little extra space for others in our community; our local food pantries do a great job with donated produce. Here at CCESC we have plans in the teaching garden to expand into a few new trials to help our local gardeners and farmers. These trial varieties include:

• Heirloom garlic varieties -there is more than Music!• Heirloomsweetpotatoes-diversityatitsbest.• Pineberries-whitestrawberrieswithpinkseeds.European

flavors treat. • HeritageberrieslikeTayberry,Ardenberry,Boysenberry,

Marionberry, Thimbleberry, Loganberry, Sunberry, Dewberry, Youngberry and many others for value added products.

Instead of resolutions for ourselves this year let’s resolve to live healthier and happier as a community. Grow a row for the hungry in your community. Grow a little extra and share with family and friends who do not have a garden for fresh produce. Share your bounty with a neighbor who cannot get outside and garden any longer. Volunteer to help the local food pantry and see the need in your community. Donate a CSA (community supported agriculture) share that helps a farmer and a family at the same time. Gardening can help fight obesity and diabetes in our communities and all our communities need each and every one to help at this time.

Get outside and garden this year, North Carolina State extension reports that gardening not only burns calories but tones muscles and increases flexibility. There is no better exercise for the body than gardening. Youth also benefit from gardening by being healthier, more fit and more connected to their communities. A St. John’s university study concluded that youth who garden were more willing to eat nutritious foods, try ethnic and unfamiliar foods, had a greater likelihood to cook and garden, and expressed a greater appreciation for other individuals and cultures. Find a garden to volunteer at like the Watkins Glen Community Garden (call Catholic Charities at (607) 535-2050) , The Cornell Cooperative Extension Teaching Garden or the Hidden Valley 4-H Garden to name a few. Start a new tradition with your family GARDENING!!

For more information contact Roger at rlo28@cornell.edu or call the office at 607-535-7161.

Better LivingCCE Schuyler CountyJan/Feb 2013Page 6

Nutrition EducationWhen Self-Defense Backfires: How to Prevent Chronic Inflammation Gabrielle Gambino, Dietetic Intern, Cornell University (gng8@cornell.edu)

Have you ever wondered why sunburned skin feels warm to the touch, or why a broken toe becomes swollen? These are all signs of inflammation-your body’s basic defense mechanism. Like our own internal surveillance system, inflammation is “turned on” when our body’s tissues are injured. The tissues could become damaged through sickness, infection, or injury.

There are two types of inflammation: acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is the short-term response to a given problem, such as the flu or a physical injury. It works like this:

1. Our bodies’ tissues are damaged by bacteria, trauma and other causes.2. The damaged tissue cells send out signals for help. 3. These signals cause the fluid in the bloodstream to leak out into tissues, and in cases of a foreign substance

(such as the flu), isolate the problem to prevent it from spreading to other tissues. 4. The signals also attract white blood cells that migrate to the isolated site and eliminate the damaged cells.5. Eventually, the problem area is cleared and the immune system reverts back to its normal state.

Some cases of cellular damage cannot be solved quickly. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and poor nutrition can cause long-term damage to cells. Cell damage stemming from lifestyle factors may not lead to noticeable symptoms, and the individual could continue to unknowingly damage his/her cells. This cycle leads to chronic inflammation-a constant state of cell repair.

But why do we care about chronic inflammation? Isn’t it good that our bodies are repairing our cells?

Unfortunately, in chronic inflammation, the repair process never ends. Cells surrounding the problem site may also become injured and even die. This constant state of turmoil weakens our immune system. Many studies have shown a distinct association between this chronic inflammatory state and other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders and even cancer.

How can we reduce our chances of developing chronic inflammation? First off, a healthy eating pattern full of anti-inflammatory foods is key.

An anti-inflammatory eating pattern is rich in:

1. Antioxidants: These substances are important for the protection of the body’s cells. Antioxidants are found in unprocessed and colorful foods such as fruits and vegetables. Vitamins C, E, and A are all examples of antioxidants.

2. Whole grains and plant foods: A diet rich in whole grains and plant foods may lower the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in our blood. Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with chronic inflammation. Whole plant foods may also help to increase the “good” (HDL) cholesterol in our bodies, which counter-act the effects of LDL cholesterol. In contrast, too many simple sugars, such as those seen in refined grains and candy, are associated with a rise in LDL cholesterol, and increase the inflammatory response. LDL cholesterol can build up in our arteries, causing plaque and an increased risk of heart disease.

Better LivingCCE Schuyler County Jan/Feb 2013 Page 7

Nutrition Education3. Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats: Unsaturated fats are found in nuts, seeds, legumes, and

vegetable-based oils, and are liquid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats are associated with a reduced LDL cholesterol level, and an increased HDL level, which is a healthy lipid profile. Unfortunately, the typical American diet is full of saturated fat, found in high fat dairy products and meats, as well as trans fats, found in processed snack products and fried foods. These fats, which are solid at room temperature, can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol. In addition, trans-fats lower HDL cholesterol the “good” cholesterol.

4. Flavonoids: Research is being conducted to determine what role flavonoids play in the inflammatory response. Flavonoids are found in plant foods, including wine and chocolate.

The anti-inflammatory healthy eating pattern may be familiar to you: it is the basis of the MyPlate guidelines, the same guidelines supporting Cooperative Extension nutrition programs.

Follow the MyPlate recommendations:

• Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables.• Makeatleasthalfofyourgrainswholegrains.• Switchtofat-freeorlow-fatmilk.• Optforleanprotein.• Eatfewerfoodsthatarehighinsolidfats.• Eattherightamountofcaloriesforyou

In addition to the healthy eating pattern that protects against chronic inflammation, an active lifestyle is associated with reduced inflammation. There is currently much research being conducted to understand how physical activity affects the body’s inflammatory response. In the meantime, it’s important to keep active! For adults, strive for 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, five or more days per week. For children and adolescents, the goal is 60 minutes of active play every day!

For more information, please contact Paddy Redihan at par87@cornell.edu.

Better LivingCCE Schuyler CountyJan/Feb 2013Page 8

Hidden Valley 4-H Camp

One may think that winter is a slow time for camp, but stop on by the office and see the hive abuzz. We are not hibernating. Camper registration forms and employment applications will be ready to go soon. New and existing partners are eager to plan for 2013 programs and in the off-season we want to remind alumni and friends to reconnect with Hidden Valley.

Alumni –Just in the first two months of my employment as Camp Director for Hidden Valley I was impressed at how many people around the community had connections to Hidden Valley. There is a very deep alumni loyalty. Building on a conversation that Bruce Condi, Alumni Association President, and I had in July, we are continuing to build the strength of the communication to Alumni. There has been an active Facebook page for a few years that now counts 216 members, but a conservative estimate of 20,000 campers have been through Hidden Valley in its 67 year history. We are actively working to collect contact information (name, address, phone, email, camper years at HV, and employment years at HV) from alumni.

Please join the effort and send your information to our office (hiddenvalley4hcamp@cornell.edu) and join the open Alumni Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/2262526130/.

Friends – I consider the Friends of Hidden Valley to be a broader group of people than alumni. Because of the diversity of connections to Hidden Valley, there are many potential roles and opportunities in the 68th season of camp. These opportunities include: a work bee in the spring, volunteers with particular life experiences or skills, and of course, donations for camperships to defray registration costs for campers are. Even referrals to Hidden Valley for potential campers or staff are always appreciated. Please join the effort by staying in touch. Send your contact information to our office, stating your interest in the friends group (hiddenvalley4hcamp@cornell.edu) and join the Friends Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/110272680028/. (This is a closed group, accessible to members only, in order to maintain privacy).

Keep an eye on our website (http://hiddenvalley4hcamp.org/) and Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/HV4HC) to learn about what we’re planning for 2013. We can’t wait to roll out another fun & exciting camp season!

Hidden Valley 4-H Camp Alumni and FriendsTodd Williams, Camp Director (trw62@cornell.edu)

Hidden Valley 4-H Camp Staff 2012Steven (Babycakes), Dustin, Juliana, Twiggy, Natajah, Matt Todd, Anthony, Chris T., Wendys, Peter, Aaron, Preston, Chris Li, Sean, Nian, JennOlivia, Chris S., Peaches, Jessie, Terence, Theresa, Julian, Manda, SarahNot pictured: Lisa, Ronda, Austin

Better LivingCCE Schuyler County Jan/Feb 2013 Page 9

Retired Senior Volunteer Program12 Reasons To Become An RSVP VolunteerRichard Evans, Director of RSVP (rke9@cornell.edu)

R.S.V.P.Lead with Experience!

Retired SeniorVolunteers1. Volunteerism is essential to the United States. Especially a financial crisis, the United States needs volunteers

to keep things running! Presidents have called for increased volunteerism since the 1930s. 2009’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act did the same. The Act mobilized more than 135,000 new volunteers in the past year alone, and these 135,000 have managed to help 1.1 Million people! Some of the most significant volunteerism includes providing skills training and counseling to more than 35,000 unemployed people, 5,400 of whom went on to find new jobs using the skills they learned from volunteers!

2. The American work industry still needs seniors. Despite all the hard work retired people have done in their lives, communities still need active seniors! While all volunteers make a difference in the organizations they serve, the knowledge and experience of seniors helps them make an even bigger difference. A retired volunteer with years of expertise can save our organization money that can be spent in other ways. Imagine how many people would land great jobs if more seniors volunteered to teach others their skills. RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), is the largest national seniors volunteer network and great place to start for a senior looking to share his/her skills.

3. Senior volunteers help bridge the generation gap. Many young people volunteer in all kinds of different organizations, so seniors who choose to do the same help to bridge the generation gap. Cultural differences between current seniors and young people are huge, and include issues such as technology, norms of workplace behavior, and political differences. Young people rarely have the opportunity to work in a team with seniors. Therefore, when seniors choose to volunteer alongside young people, there is an opportunity for each generation to learn something from the other, and for everyone involved to better understand each other.

4. Senior volunteers help create future leaders. Another benefit of volunteering with young people is that a senior’s lifetime of experiences can help young people to become better volunteers! Young people can learn from retired volunteers’ skills and experiences, especially from seniors who did volunteer or non-profit work all their lives.

5. Volunteers can choose work that is meaningful to them. Many people work most of their lives in fields that don’t interest them. Because volunteer opportunities are endless for so many different types of organizations, senior volunteers have the opportunity to choose work they find important and exciting! The Corporation for National and Community Service reports that retired volunteers are more satisfied with their lives than people who continue to work for pay. Retired volunteers volunteer in ways meaningful to them!

6. Volunteering can help keep seniors’ brains sharp. Senior Corps, one of the largest seniors programs and part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, provides an online journal as part of its program. A recent article reports on a very exciting new study that demonstrates that senior volunteers’ work in social programs can not only help keep senior citizens’ brains in good shape, but that such volunteerism can actually increase brain function and cognitive abilities! In short, becoming a retired volunteer can actually make a senior citizen smarter!

To Be Continued Next Issue...

Better LivingCCE Schuyler CountyJan/Feb 2013Page 10

Highlighting A 4-H ProjectMel Schroeder, Youth and Family Development (mcs35@cornell.edu)

Youth and Family Development

Beginning the new year by highlighting a 4-H Project that includes a summary story that was featured on the NYS 4-H Success story web pages in early December . . .

The Wasp Watchers, by Simonne DeWalt, Odessa, NY (reprinted with permission)

The Wasp Watchers is a fun Schuyler County 4-H group that scours the land (well the sandy places) for wasps (Cerceris Fumipennis) that like to feed on the Emerald Ash Borer and its cousins. The Emerald Ash Borer is from Asia. It came here by hiding away in cargo boxes and shipping pallets made from the ash trees. The Emerald Ash borer kills the ash trees in our forest and community.

In our quest for the C.F. wasp in Schuyler County, we were only able to find them in two places. One is at Hidden Valley 4-H summer camp, and the other at the Odessa Montour School. When the six 4-H Hidden Valley campers/wasp watchers looked at the sandy areas around camp, where the wasp live, they found that there were about a hundred holes: that means one hundred C.F. wasp living there. At the O-M school we only located six wasps living at the school. We also went to the marina in Watkins Glen where we found huge Cicada killer wasp living there. When we went to

the Watkins Glen school we found a unique species of wasp that we did not recognize when we netted it. At Havana Glen Park we didn’t find much, but we were able to catch some beautiful butterflies. When we were at the Hector fair grounds, the only thing we could find was how colorful the scenery was and still is.

It’s hard to locate the Emerald Ash Borer but it is a little easier to find the wasp that eats it. The only locations that the C.F. wasps have found dinner nearby is in Steuben county, meaning that the Emerald Ash Borer is coming to Schuyler county soon. This wasp likes sandy soil, like driveways, and it only eats in July and August. This is also when they lay their eggs inside of the Ash Borer they carry back so that when the eggs hatch they are able to have their first meal before they stretch their wings.

I had so much fun looking for these amazing wasps with Cooperative Extension agent Roger, my friend David, and the campers at Hidden Valley. The only way to stop the Emerald Ash Borer is to find Cerceris Fumipennis, but we can’t do it alone. Please call Schuyler County 4-H at 607-535-7161 if you would like to help or find out more about this fun project.

Cerceris Fumipennis

Netting wasp to check for beetles they bring home.

Better LivingCCE Schuyler County Jan/Feb 2013 Page 11

Environment

Don’t be fooled by unscrupulous sales and marketing people. While portable electric heaters are one of the easiest heaters to use for supplemental heat in a home, they are not magic. No matter who developed a particular model or what the marketing descriptions may claim, all portable electric heaters deliver exactly the same amount of heat per watt of electricity consumed.

The key point to keep in mind is that the difference in portable electric heaters is not in how much heat they create -- they all produce exactly the same amount per watt -- but in how the heat that is produced gets transferred to a room. The following information should help you select the type of portable electric heater that best fits your supplemental heating needs.

Natural convection heaters, often designed to look like older style steam radiators, provide even-warmth and are a good application in a room where you want to maintain a slightly higher temperature than the rest of a house or apartment for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of this type of portable electric heater does not get nearly as hot as fan-forced convection or radiant heaters making them safer in terms of fire or burn risks.

Fan forced convection heaters heat the air within a room quickly. This type of heater is considered a good choice when you want to warm up a room quickly but do not plan to maintain that higher temperature over several hours. For example, this type of electric heater would be a good choice if you wanted to quickly heat up a bathroom or a bedroom on a cold morning as you get ready to go to work. But remember that the space directly in front of these heaters gets so hot that it could be a fire hazard if flammable items are not kept a safe distance away. If you plan to purchase a fan-forced heater, make certain to get one with a tip-over switch and an over-heat sensor.

Radiant heaters transfer heat directly to people and objects within a direct line of sight of the heaters’ glowing coils or tubes. Use of radiant heaters is recommended when you want to feel warmer while you are in a cold space. For example, if you are sitting and working at a sewing machine or workbench in

a cold basement or garage and want heat to flow directly to your body so that you feel warmer in this cold space, this heater would be a good choice. While radiant heaters provide warmth almost instantly to objects, they heat rooms, even small rooms, very slowly. Like fan-forced convective heaters, they also get hot enough to cause a fire or severe burns if not used carefully.

While portable electric heaters may increase comfort levels in cool spaces of your home during winter, it is unlikely their use will significantly reduce overall home heating costs. In New York State it costs 132% more for each BTU of heat produced from electricity compared to each BTU produced via natural gas. Compared to heating fuel oil, electricity is 87% higher per BTU, and 40% higher per BTU than propane .

When shopping for a portable electric heater, make your selection decision based on the heat transfer method that best fits your needs. Styling and features such as timers or remote control may also be a factor in your selection. And of course the purchase price is an important consideration. Do not let marketing terms such as “miracle heater,” “revolutionary technology,” or “state-of-the-art-technology” affect your decision. The amount of heat that can be produced from each watt of electricity is set by basic physical laws and cannot be changed. All types of portable electric heaters will deliver the exact same amount of heat per watt of electricity consumed.

This information was taken with permission from a publication entitled “Purchasing a Portable Electric Heater? Don’t Get Zapped by Misinformation” by Mark Pierce, Cornell University. For a copy of the full article please contact, Jenna Hicks, Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-535-7161.

Are Portable Electric Heaters The Answer To Wintertime Warmth?Jenna Hicks, Environmental Science Educator (jlh254@cornell.edu)

AGRICULTURAL PLASTICS RECYCLING

Bunk Cover and Bale Wrap can now be recycled free of charge in Schuyler County. Contact Jenna for more information. jlh254@cornell.edu

Calendar of Events Call 535-7161 to register OR email schuyler@cornell.eduUnless otherwise noted, FEES are due at the time of registration.

323 Owego St., Unit 5, Montour Falls, NY 14865(607) 535-7161 phone || (607) 535-6813 fax

schuyler@cornell.edu•Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/ccesc•www.cceschuyler.org

January15-16: Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Workshop: Berries The focus is on berries, but all fresh produce growers are invited. Food Science Room 251, NYSAES, Geneva, NY. For more information and updates contact Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu or (585) 735–5448. Registration by Jan 16: http://tinyurl.com/b7vmbyx.

19: Cloverbuds Create! 10:30 -11:45 a.m., Human Services Complex, Montour Falls. For all youth, ages 5-8, in Chemung, Schuyler, and Tioga Counties! Pre-registration required each month by the Wednesday before the workshop. Fee: $20 ($15 for 4-H members); Family rate: $30 for 3+ youth. To register call or e-mail Cate at 607-535-7161 ces38@cornell.edu.

25: Open House 4-H First Lego League (FLL) Robotics Teams the Servo Slammers and the Servo Hackers, 6-9 p.m. at the Human Services Complex, Montour Falls. Featuring the robots the teams constructed for last year’s Senior Solutions Challenge, robot demonstrations, and an opportunity to learn more about the science, technology, math, and engineering opportunities for youth in Schuyler, Tioga, and Chemung counties. Youth ages 8-14 who would like to become involved and teens and adults who are interested in volunteering with the teams or other youth development programs are invited to join us. For additional information please call Cornell Cooperative Extension Schuyler County at 607-535-7161 and ask for Roger Ort.

25-27: NOFA-NY Winter Conference 31st Annual Organic Farming & Gardening Conference, Saratoga Hilton & City Center, Saratoga Springs, NY https://www.nofany.org/events/winter-conference.

February8: Locally-Grown Food Festival in Corning Cornell Cooperative Extension will present their 4th Locally-Grown Food Festival 5-8 p.m. at Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Corning. The event features tasting of meats, vegetables, cheese, fruits, breads, preserves, wines and more! Come sample dishes created with local products, meet dozens of local farmers, and purchase locally grown products on

site. Growers interested in participating should call 607-664-2300 for more information! Visit the website at www.putknowledgetowork.com for the latest details.

9: The Peter Levatich Memorial Seminar for Rural Landowners 9 a.m.-12:30 pm hosted by the Southern Finger Lakes Chapter of the NY Forest Owners Association, at the Spencer-Van Etten High School, SR 34 Spencer. This year’s theme is “Do It Yourself Woodlots” with talks related to achieving greater enjoyment, value and productivity from private woodlands through personal efforts – done safely and efficiently! This event is free and open to the public. A raffle to win a chainsaw and other prizes supports 4-H forestry educations programs. For more information, contact Brett Chedzoy at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County at 607-535-7161, or by email: bjc226@cornell.edu

16: Cloverbuds Create! 10:30 -11:45 a.m., Human Services Complex, Montour Falls. For all youth, ages 5-8, in Chemung, Schuyler, and Tioga Counties! Pre-registration required each month by the Wednesday before the workshop. Fee: $20 ($15 for 4-H members); Family rate: $30 for 3+ youth. To register call or e-mail Cate at 607-535-7161 ces38@cornell.edu.86

21: Glenora Pasta Night to Benefit Hidden Valley 4-H Camp at Veraisons Restaurant at The Inn at Glenora. Dinner is from 5-8:30 p.m. $17.95 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Glenora at 800-243-5513.

March2: Garlic Growing Workshop & Roundtable 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Room 120, Human Services Building, Montour Falls. Register: www.reg.cce.cornell.edu/garlic_244. $15/ea or $25/farm/family. Bring a dish to pass for potluck and get a discount at the door!

26: Grafting Workshops Tuesdays 6-8:30 p.m., Silver Spoon Cafe, Human Services Building, Montour Falls. $20. You will make grafts and take two grafted trees home! Limited class size - register early at: www.reg.cce.cornell.edu/GraftingWorkshop1_244.

For more information, see our events calendar online - www.cceschuyler.org Like us on Facebook!