August 2022 | Vol. 14 Issue 8 |
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We provide programming in four major areas: |
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Heat Smart Open Houses continue throughout the summer |
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In-person opportunities to check out heat pumps for clean heating and cooling are continuing throughout the summer. Visit your neighbors’ homes and local small businesses and find out why they decided to “Heat Smart, Cool Smart,” ask questions, and see the technology.
This month the open house series will be featuring the home of our own Executive Director, Tess McKinley with her husband Sean. On Wednesday, August 3 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. visit Tess and Sean at 158 E. Morris Street in Bath to check out their Air Source Heat Pump Mini Split and Other Variations.
Complimentary light snacks will be served and the events are free and family-friendly. Participants will be entered into a raffle for a $10 gift card to a local hardware store. Those who attend three or more events will be entered for a $50 gift card.
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We welcome a new SNAP-Ed New York nutrition educator to our team |
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Brooke Shaffer joined the CCE Steuben team this past month. She is the newest SNAP-Ed Nutritionist and holds an Associates Degree in Math and Science from Corning Community College and a Master’s of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. She graduated from Watkins Glen High School and has been a receptionist at the Watkins Glen Vet Hospital.
At CCE Steuben Brooke will be providing the public with information on eating and living healthy in an affordable way. She is excited about being included in the great services that CCE has to offer to the public. Her goal is to provide others with successful advice and to further her own knowledge.
Brooke lives in Burdett with five cats, two border collies and a hamster. She has two siblings, a nephew and two nieces. She enjoys fostering kittens and walking dogs for the Schuyler County Humane Society. She does running and yoga, and is a pretty good artist and painter.
Her giving, relaxed and hardworking style makes her an awesome addition to the CCE team!
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39 Fellows Graduate from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Leadership Institute
We congratulate our Executive Director, Tess McKinley, for being one of these distinguished fellows
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WASHINGTON, D.C., July 28, 2022—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is proud to announce that 39 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a leadership and economic development program sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Members of the Class of 2022, along with their friends and family, attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“My sincerest congratulations to the 2022 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows! Over the past nine months, this dynamic group of changemakers has dedicated themselves to sharing and building the knowledge needed to create long-lasting impacts on the region, all while growing camaraderie that will help bridge partnerships across state and county lines long after graduation,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “These fellows have a lot of work ahead of them in their own communities, and ARC looks forward to cheering them on as they use the skills gleaned during their time at the Appalachian Leadership Institute to help bolster the economic strength and vitality of the region.”
In the nine months leading up to graduation, fellows participated in three virtual sessions and three in-person sessions, all of which included skill-building seminars with regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis. All aspects of the curriculum were designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and network needed to create positive change in their communities.
“Congratulations to the Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows Class of 2022! The hard work and dedication that each and every one of you have put in during the last nine months has better prepared you to effectively serve your communities in a different number of fields,” said ARC States’ Co-Chair Governor Larry Hogan. “We are excited to see all the positive change that you, along with the rest of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network, will drive in your local communities.”
Fellows will continue serving their communities through civil service, finance, healthcare, recovery, tourism, and a variety of other public and private sectors. Additionally, as graduates of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, they are now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. This program will allow them to continue connecting with, and learning from, other leaders across Appalachia. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate learning and idea exchange across the 13 Appalachian states.
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Plan to support our youth at the annual Market Animal Sale - August 20th |
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The 2022 CCE Steuben Annual Meeting will be held on November 4 at the Main Place in Hornell. Following dinner and our annual awards, we will once again be putting Knowledge to Work (and Play) with TRIVIA led by Bob Smith of Bulldog Sounds DJ Services from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Bring your teams or join one when you arrive - either way we plan to have a lot of fun to celebrate another great year of service in Steuben County.
We want to thank Farm Credit East and Charles Oliver Equipment for their generous support of our event this year.
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Welcome to our suggestion box. We use your feedback to improve our services. We will not ask for your name or personal information.
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Empire Farm Days is Aug 2-4, 2022 |
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As it becomes an ever more integrated part of our everyday lives, social media – and social media influencers – hold more sway. This is especially true of “agvocates,” those either directly involved in agriculture or speaking out about its benefits and importance. These social media presences often have multiple thousands of followers, and their posts receive millions of views. That’s why we’re excited to announce some well-known influencers will be a part of this year’s Empire Farm Days, slated for Aug. 2 – 4.
Always friends of the show are the NY Farm Girls (on Instagram and TikTok @nyfarmgirls), three sisters from Western New York who use their following of over 141,000 followers on Instagram to simply share what life is like on their farm.
Also attending is Farmer Grayce (@thefarmergrayce), who boasts more than 145,000 followers. She describes herself as an eighth-generation farmer, “somewhat of a welder” and “driven by coffee and Cummins.” She’ll be making her way to the Empire State from the Bluegrass State (Kentucky).
Confirmed to be attending Empire Farm Days as well are the folks from Bar 7 Ranch (@bar7ranch), first generation ranchers from Central Texas. They’ll be talking with visitors about their experiences while learning about agriculture in New York at the same time!
All of these influencers will be posting their appearances at Empire Farm Days. They will also be present at the Caz-Gear booth all three days of the event from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to meet and greet fans, take pictures and chat.
Caz-Gear is continuing to finalize other content creators under their brand to attend, so don’t be surprised to see more internet celebrities stopping by.
Empire Farm Days will be taking place Aug. 2 – 4 at Palladino Farms in Pompey, NY. The show is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday. Free admission to the show, parking is $10 per car.
The show is produced by Country Folks newspaper, Country Folks Grower Magazine and Country Culture. See news and updates on EmpireFarmDays.com or the show’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
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September 7, 2022 – September 27, 2022
October 12, 2022 – November 1, 2022
Implementing Good Agricultural Practices is a 3-week web-based course intended to improve your understanding of GAPs to guide assessment of risks and implementation of practices to reduce risks on fresh produce farms. Taking this course will not result in your farm being "GAPs Certified". GAPs certification is done by a third party (e.g. USDA, Primus, Global GAP) and involves the successful completion of an on-farm audit.
Class size is limited to 25 people on a first come, first serve basis. A minimum of 10 participants must be registered for us to offer the course. Special arrangements can be made for large groups to ensure everyone is in the same class together. The course price is $225.
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Spotted Lanternfly has been found in SWNY |
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Spotted Lanternfly Found in WNY- Squish Any That You See and Report Them!
Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest that has a huge appetite for grape vines, fruit trees, maple trees, and other plants, has been sighted in WNY. Help us delay the spread of this invasive pest by killing any that you see in place and reporting them to Brian Eshenaur.
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August is National Peach Month
Don't miss out on locally produced, delicious peaches this summer! Find local farms growing peaches and u-pick opportunities right on Finger Lakes Farm Country!
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Our Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops team is at your service |
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Upcoming:
2022 Soil Health & Climate Resiliency Field Days
- August 2, 2022
- August 4, 2022
- August 9, 2022
- August 25, 2022
- August 31, 2022
Join the New York Soil Health team and partner organizations at a soil health field day! The statewide event series will take place through August 2022.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
August 2, 2022
- DGA opportunities available as an Apprentice or farmer Mentor
- What managed grazing looks like on a dairy farm, with real life scenarios
Finger Lakes Fiber Festival
September 17 - September 18, 2022
Hemlock, NY
Join us for shopping, classes, lectures, and demonstrations!
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USDA Awards over $70 Million in Grants, Increases Access to Local, Healthy Foods for Kids |
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding more than $10 million in Farm to School Grants to 123 projects across the country. Additionally, for the first time, the department is empowering states with $60 million in non-competitive grants to develop stronger and sustainable Farm to School programs over the next four years. Both actions will help more kids nationwide eat healthy, homegrown foods.
Farm to School increases the amount of locally produced foods served through child nutrition programs, while also educating children about how their foods are harvested and made. Various child nutrition operators can participate in farm to school, from states and tribal nations to schools and community organizations.
“The expansion of Farm to School is more important than ever for our kids,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “When schools and local producers work together, children benefit from higher-quality foods on their plates and program operators have stable sources for the products they need.” Vilsack added farm to school is an investment in the next generation and one of many ways the department is advancing nutrition security – the consistent, equitable access to healthy and affordable foods that promote well-being.
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Introducing Ag Energy New York |
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Would you like to save on your farm energy bills? There are many opportunities to reduce energy use through efficiency improvements that save money, labor, and maintenance costs. Energy efficiency also has co-benefits, buffering farms from high costs in energy market fluctuations and making it easier to transition to electric power and renewable energy.
Ag Energy NY is a program by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, offering a smartphone-friendly website and factsheets describing farm energy efficiency technologies, techniques, and incentives. Ag Energy NY focuses on the following farm sectors: crops and vegetables, beef, swine, poultry, grain drying, maple, orchards, berries, and vineyards. Ag Energy NY is part of a broader NYSERDA program, Energy Best Practices in Agriculture, which also provides support for dairies and greenhouses.
After reviewing energy efficiency measures online, you can reach out to the Ag Energy NY team with questions and to connect with a NYSERDA FlexTech Consultant for farm-specific advising. NYSERDA offers no-cost, no-commitment energy assessments to help farmers prioritize areas for improvements and identify incentives to help with implementation. For more information, visit www.agenergyny.org.
Interested in finding out more? Click HERE to fill out the survey.
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Financial & Consumer Education News |
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Free Workshop on Long Term Care Planning |
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It is an aging society, so there are some important facts everyone should know to begin planning for long term care for your loved ones. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is offering a free workshop, Long Term Care Planning, to help sort through the options from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25 at the Southeast Steuben County Library, 300 Nasser Civic Center Plaza, Corning.
The workshop will be led by Patrick J. Roth, Elder Law Attorney, CPA from Corning. He will explain what Medicare covers, veteran options, Medicaid eligibility for a nursing home, long term care insurances, and planning options for you and your family. The session will include:
- Discover the four parts of Medicare and what is covered by each part.
- Learn about financial benefits that you may be eligible for if you (or your spouse) are a veteran.
- Discover the Medicaid eligibility rules surrounding long term care.
- Learn how to plan for your future long term care costs.
Register your free space in this class by calling 607-664-2300. For more information visit PutKnowledgeToWork.org.
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Financial Aid 101 Workshop
August 18 3:00-4:00 p.m.
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will be joined by the U.S. Department of Education to explore “Financial Aid 101” and share resources to help students and educators create a plan to pay for college. This presentation will provide a timeline to help students and families navigate the paying for college process and managing student loan debt. Learn about classroom resources that can help you guide groups through the process of learning to use federal agency tools. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.
Instructions for registering for this free webinar:
Event Name: CFPB FinEx Webinar: Financial Aid 101
Event Date and time: Thursday, Aug 18, 2022 3:00 pm
Webinar password: nhGHvPux$623 (64448789 from phones)
Join by phone +14043971590 US Toll Access code: 2760 690 8865
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Move Forward
Do You Want to Move Forward?
Give us an hour and we can show you how!
What is Move Forward?
Move Forward is an educational program that is designed to help individuals identify steps they can take to improve the quality of life for themselves and/or their families.
It begins with a person completing a survey tool called the Stoplight. It’s a visual, comprehensive assessment tool to help a person see how well they are doing overall.
After reflecting on their responses with the Facilitator/Progress Partner, the person identifies areas they would like to improve. The Progress Partner provides information about local resources that could help address the issue. The person then creates an action plan.
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Registration Discount ends August 1st!!!
The 8th annual Southern Tier Women's Financial Conference is scheduled for September 24, 2022
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Quick and Easy Summer Recipes
Mondays in August 3-4 p.m.
Join your local SNAP-Ed Nutritionist for a FREE Nutrition Workshop followed by an easy summer Food Demo each week!
Join us for this virtual workshop by cell phone, laptop or tablet, or dial in!
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Kids Cook-Along
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Aug. 3 at 4 Peanut Butter Balls
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Aug. 10 at 4 Personal Pizzas
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Aug. 17 at 4 Cranberry Balls
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Aug. 24 at 4 Rainbow Wrap
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Aug. 31 at 4 Fruit Pizza
Join your local SNAP-Ed Nutritionist via Zoom for a nutrition lesson and a fun food demo. To register, call or email ahead for the recipes, and have fun cooking along.
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Eating Healthy on a Budget |
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Join SNAP-Ed New York for a free workshop entitled Eating Healthy on a Budget to be held August 29 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Southeast Steuben county Library in Corning.
Learn the 3 steps for healthier eating on a budget, skills to plan meals and snacks ahead of time, and use a Weekly Meal Planner. To register, contact knw38@cornell.edu or call 607-664-2300. If modifications are needed, please call in advance.
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National Farmer's Market Week |
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Farmer’s Market Week is the first full week of August, making it August 7 through the 13 this year. When you shop at your local Farmer’s Market, you eat more fruits and vegetables that are fresh, local, and in season. Most grocery store produce travels an average of 1,500 miles to reach your plate! Check out your local market to find great tasting foods that travel just a short distance from the farm to your table.
Why shop at the Farmer’s Market?
- It builds a sense of community by supporting local farmers and businesses. Spending your money locally helps keep these small farms alive.
- It is better for the environment. Food from the Farmer’s Market uses less packaging and travels fewer miles to get to your table.
- The food is fresh and in season. The food you will find is just picked and at its peak flavor.
Smart Shopping Tips at the Farmer’s Market
- Shop early in the day for the best selection.
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SNAP and WIC Benefits are accepted at many Farmer’s Markets – look for signs or visit www.snaptomarket.com to search the Market Locator for markets in NYS that accept SNAP, WIC, and other coupon programs.
- Ask questions if you are unsure how to use a fruit or a vegetable.
- Take your kids! Allow them to pick out a fruit or vegetable they would like to try.
How to Choose Fruits and Vegetables - Select colorful fruits and vegetables
- Vegetables should be crisp and firm. Avoid any that are limp, wilting, or wrinkled.
- Fruits should have a sweet smell. Avoid fruits that are bruised, wrinkled, or moldy.
- Less-than-perfect produce is still ok to eat. The size or shape of the fruit or vegetable doesn’t impact the way it tastes!
Be Prepared – It is helpful to bring a few things with you when shopping:
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Reusable shopping bag or basket. Many Farmer’s Markets don’t supply plastic bags, so bring your own. A basket can help prevent produce from getting crushed or bruised. Always place heavier items on the bottom of your bag or basket.
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Cash and small bills. While some markets take credit cards, shopping will be easier and faster if you have the exact change.
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Cooler. You may find meats, fish, milk, cheese, yogurt, and other ready-to-eat foods that need to be kept cold while you shop.
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Check out these recipes using foods you might find at your local Farmer’s Markets:
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Visit www.snapedny.org for more tips and resources to help you and your family save time, save money, and eat healthy!
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Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program News |
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So Easy to Freeze Bell Peppers |
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Green, red, yellow and orange bell peppers are abundant this month at farmers’ markets and farm stands. Bell peppers are perfect for freezing to use during the winter in any cooked dish. Bell peppers are an incredible bargain in the summer compared to per pound prices during the winter months.
According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation website (http://nchfp.uga.edu) it is easy to freeze bell peppers.
- Prepare peppers by selecting crisp, blemish free peppers. Wash, cut out stems, cut in half and remove seeds. Cut into strips, rings or pieces.
- Place raw, cut peppers in freezer zip top bags or freezer containers, leaving no headspace.
- Remove air (if using zip top bags), seal and freeze!
During the winter months, use your frozen bell peppers in soups, stews and casseroles. It’s so nice to be able to have peppers available when you want them and to know they are farm fresh and locally grown!
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In Season This Month: Lots of Fruits and Vegetables |
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While visiting your local farmers’ market, look for these farm fresh fruits and vegetables: green and yellow beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, leeks, mustard greens, onions, peppers, potatoes, radishes, Swiss chard, tomatoes, winter and summer squash, apples, blueberries, cantaloupes, peaches, pears and plums. Don’t forget to use your Farmers’ Market Nutrition coupons, your WIC fruit and vegetable check or EBT card. |
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4-H Youth Development News |
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Fair Clean Up Day
August 7th
10 am - 1 pm
Lunch provided at noon!
Stop into the Youth Building to Sign-In for Community Service Credit.
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Looking for Fair Sponsors |
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Attention 4-H County Fair Exhibitors |
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If you have any scratches please let the office know as soon as possible.
We are beginning to prep to get pens and barns setup for fair and need to know what animals will not be attending.
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4-H Shooting Sports Program
NY State 4-H Shoot - Fall 2022
September 10 & 11
Camp Wymoco
2780 Buffalo Rd.
Varysburg, NY 14167
Interested in attending the NY State Fall Shooting Sports State Shoot? The events will be archery, air rifle, air pistol, and 22 rimfire. Informational meeting on attending on August 7 at 2pm at the Bath Rod and Gun Club.
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Save the Date: 4-H Day at Enchanted Forest Water Safari |
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Herkimer County 4-H is once again holding its annual 4-H Day at Enchanted Forest Water Safari on Thursday, August 4. Admission tickets are $37 per person. Admission with an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is $47 ($37 for those 3-7 years of age).
The buffet includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken breast, salt potatoes, corn on the cob, chips, watermelon, and all-day beverages. The lunch buffet will be served from 12:30 – 1:30 pm so come at the beginning, middle and end to get your fill. Also included with the lunch buffet option will be all-you-can-eat ice cream novelties. They will be served from 3:30 - 4:30 pm in the pavilion, which will be a great afternoon snack.
For those that choose to purchase the lunch option, you will have use of the reserved pavilion for the day to get out of the sun, store your stuff, etc. Only those purchasing the lunch option will have access to the pavilion.
Tickets will be on sale thru July 28 at the Herkimer County 4-H Office. Tickets must be paid for in full before they will be given out. Contact the Herkimer County 4-H Office at 315-866-7920 to get yours today! Feel free to invite family and friends (even if they are not in 4-H) and to take advantage of this great price.
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FLX 4-H Learning Launchpad
Join us for virtual learning sessions on Facebook for a number of 4-H project opportunities.
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The Veggie Van has been a hit! Don't miss it! |
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Elder Abuse Awareness Workshops-make plans to attend!
Learn the signs of elder abuse, and what YOU can do to prevent it. Generously presented by Roth Elder Law, PLLC, this informative presentation is perfect for caregivers, professionals, or anyone who knows an older adult. The workshop still has Wednesday, August 3 available.
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Thank you to our sponsors |
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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County
20 East Morris Street | Bath, New York 14810
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Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality,
ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and
research based solutions together, helping New York State families and
communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
CCE does not endorse or recommend any specific product or service.
This newsletter is solely intended to educate consumers about their choices.
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