Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County

2009 Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County

Hit the Farm Trail and learn about local agriculture! Meet the farmers and see where your food is grown! ccetompkins.org

Program Highlights 2009 Board of Directors & Program Advisory Committees

Association Officers Shawn Martel-Moore, President Christine Barksdale, Vice President Mimi Thuesen, Treasurer Kirsten Gabriel, Secretary

At-Large Board Members Josephine Allen Jeannie Barnaba David Dier Dominic Frongillo

Our Mission: Program Committees To strengthen Agriculture & Horticulture Program Environmental Issues Program Jeanine Kirby, Chair Wendy Fillmore, Vice-Chair Katie Borgella Marian Brown Christine Ashdown John Fleming Brian Chabot Anthony Gallucci youth, adults, Sharon Garland Chris Grant Aaron Dennis Barry Goodrich Shuly Gross Carol John David Keifer Caroline Kellogg families and Dan Segal Brent Welch Margaret McCasland Stefan Minott Tom Shelley communities Consumer & Financial Education Program Family & Community Development Patrick Woods, Chair Kevin Nickerson, Vice-Chair Susan Hatch, Chair John Barrett through Barbara Nellenback, Secretary Carol Clark Christine Barksdale Eloise Barrett Jasmine Cubero Steve Hopkins Wayne Gooden Kathy Lind Elizabeth Krohn Billie Nordby Susan Monagan Teri Reinemann learning Rebecca Schwed Trisha Tamara

Nutrition, Health & Safety Program 4-H Youth Development Program partnerships Srijana Bajracharya, Chair Ronald Benson,Vice-Chair Joann Gruttadaurio, Chair Patricia Haines Jean Bowering Travis Brooks Bruce Abbott, Vice-Chair Lauren Liotta that put Deborah Bush Bonita Davis Emma Loughman Cindy Easton Soledad Exantus Amy Frith Lucy Garrison-Clausen Extension Representative knowledge Suzanne Gervais Lara Kaltman Charles Fausold Julia Lapp Lynnette Scofield to work. Mary Dawn Wright Legislative Liaison Will Burbank, Tompkins County Legislator

Cover: Simon LeRoux is impressed with what he sees on the 2009 Local Farm Trail. 1 Rural Youth Services Program Delivers Value to Communities

Making sure that ‘tweens and grams may be offered during RYS staff meets regularly to teens have access to quality youth school breaks and can include share program ideas, and has programs can present a big chal- field trips to local sites of inter- become a network of peers who lenge for rural towns with limited est, and overnights. All activities work with the same age groups. funds and infrastructure to cover are designed to be fun, promote To stretch RYS resources, they staff salaries, benefits, training healthy choices, and supervision. and to encourage Through a unique and cost ef- the development of fective partnership with 9 munici- positive social and palities and the Tompkins County life skills. Youth Services Department, Though the day- CCE-Tompkins is providing over to-day operations ,000 rural young people each of RYS are handled year with a diverse assortment by CCE-Tompkins, of fun and skill-building activities, the individual pro- right in their own communities. grams are over- Since 1995, the Rural Youth seen by youth Services (RYS) program at commissions or CCE-Tompkins has offered after community coun- school and summer programs cils in Caroline, throughout the county, primarily Danby, Dryden, for middle-school aged youth.1 Enfield, Groton, Most RYS programs happen right Lansing, Newfield, after school, and many are held at and Trumansburg/ the school for easy access. Ac- Ulysses, and a tivities are open to all, and offer- Joint Youth Com- Youth in the O.U.R.S. Program display dreamcatchers they have made. O.U.R.S. is offered by RYS in partnership with the Cornell Public Service Center and pairs ings change throughout the year, mission that serves college-aged mentors with youth who live in rural trailer parks in Dryden and ranging from one-time events to the Town of Ithaca Freeville. RYS educator Julie Newman, is at center right, in blue. those that meet for 6-to-10 weeks and the Villages of or longer. Cayuga Heights and Lansing. regularly invite colleagues from This community-level involve- other CCE-Tompkins programs - 98% of youth ment ensures that all offerings in composting, food and nutrition, surveyed said their are in keeping with what each gardening and Primitive Pursuits town believes its youth need and -- to offer special activities at their RYS adult leader want. An annual Municipal Youth sites. was someone they Services legislative appropriation RYS programs are much more to the Tompkins County Youth than fun and games, however. could count on for Services Department is matched While the common focus of RYS advice and support by the rural communities, and is on building strong communities CCE-Tompkins is contracted by fostering life skills, the to hire, train and supervise the programs also “give back” to Activities are designed to appeal Youth Community Educators / their communities in tangible to young people and include top- Program Managers who plan and ways. Community service is ics such as cooking and fitness, deliver RYS programs in each lo- encouraged at all RYS sites. outdoor skills, rocketry, crafts, stilt cality. In Danby, for example, youth walking, sign language, photog- The Community Educators volunteer at the Danby Farm- raphy, hiking, geocaching, ani- are supervised by Linda Schoffel, ers’ Market, and have helped to mal studies, and more. Most are a veteran youth development develop trails at Jennings Pond. provided free of charge or with professional who for many Caroline youth distributed garden small fees requested from those years ran the Trumansburg After plants and information on how who are able to pay. Special pro- School Program (TASP). The to grow continued on p. 14

1. Exceptions are programs at Trumansburg’s High School, Groton Elementary, and the O.U.R.S. program in Dryden. For more information on the O.U.R.S.program and a project they undertook with the Robert S. Smith Award, see page 12. ccetompkins.org New Events Connect Regional Meat Producers and Consumers

In Tompkins County, local foods two events in 009 to teach con- questions from the audience. enjoy strong demand however sumers more about local meats, Most of the 60 to 65 attendees the “Buy Local” movement here including information on pricing, were people who didn’t currently has focused largely on fresh label claims, various cuts, yields, buy locally raised meat, but who seasonal produce. While picking and weights, and the importance were interested in learning more a good local tomato at the farmers’ of knowing your farmer. The about it. A hand-out called “Learn market is easy, buying local events in turn gave participating More About Local Meats” was meats is often more daunting to livestock producers an opportu- developed for this workshop, and nity to con- is now being used by CCE offices nect with in at least seven other counties. a targeted All evaluation survey feedback audience was positive, and the audience of people was eager for more programs of seeking this kind. locally In October, a “Local Meats raised Tasting & Education Fair” was meats. held on a Sunday afternoon In May, at the Women’s Community a “How to Building in Ithaca. In addition to a Buy Local reprise of LeRoux’s “What’s Your Meats” Beef…” presentation, the event class was featured on-site meat sales, offered and a demonstration by Karma as a pilot Glos of Kingbird Farm on how to to gauge divide a whole chicken carcass community into individual cuts. Serendipity interest Catering of Ithaca prepared a in this dozen different meat recipes Volunteers (left) offer tastes of “Blamb” - a combination of ground beef and lamb topic. Matt for tasting, and 1 volunteers - to visitors at the first Local Meats Tasting & Education Fair in October 2009. LeRoux, (from CCE-Tompkins, students Agricultural from Cornell’s Farm to Cornell consumers, who know less about Marketing Specialist at CCE- Club, Hotel school and CALS livestock farming than they do Tompkins and the event organizer, dept. of animal science and from “We plan about vegetable production. opened with a slide presentation the Ithaca community) offered Terms such as “natural” and called “What’s Your Beef?: How visitors samples kept at safe on buying “grass-fed” initially can be con- to Buy Local Meats”. LeRoux, temperatures in chafing dishes. fusing to consumers, and many whose background is in natural Over 00 people attended the want to know whether locally and grass-fed beef marketing, Fair, with an admission fee of $5/ meat from raised meats carry the same defined for the class the various person to cover the cost of meat concerns that they associate terms applied to local meats, samples and their preparation. these farmers with commodity meats, such as explained how and where to buy Participating farms reported that antibiotic and hormone usage, them, discussed cuts and pricing, sales at the event exceeded feed sources, humane treatment, and the economic advantages of their expectations, with 5 of the in the future food safety, and health issues. buying in bulk. LeRoux counseled 17 farms reporting over $1,000 Many have become vegetarians buyers to develop relationships in sales. Once again, the event on a regular due to concerns about large with local farmers, to talk with enjoyed very positive feedback scale livestock farming, however them about how their products from both the farms and the locally raised meats generally are raised, and to visit their farms public, with a high percentage of basis.” offer an alternative that wary and when possible. survey takers reporting that they well-informed consumers accept. A panel of seven farmers intended to purchase locally- With this background of de- who raise bison, beef, goat, raised meats in the future. Visitor to the mand for locally produced foods, lamb, pork, chicken and certified Several other Cornell 2009 Meat Fair Cornell Cooperative Extension organic then described their farms Cooperative Extension Asso- of Tompkins County developed and practices, and answered ciations continued on p. 17 Second Graders Learn about Local Foods with “Feast For Health”

The current childhood Cooperative Extension supported obesity epidemic has led many a partnership between Cornell researchers to focus on sustainable Nutrition researcher Jennifer environmental change in schools Wilkins and CCE-Tompkins to and other settings where children expand and revise the curriculum, can be exposed to a healthier diet and to pilot and evaluate it in that includes more vegetables second through fourth grade and fruits. Concurrently, citizens classrooms at Caroline and Groton have learned that eating more Elementary Schools. The program locally grown foods can reduce the was renamed FEAST for Health2 environmental costs of our present and was revised and updated by food system, while supporting the CCE-Tompkins educator Carole local economy. Fisher. FEAST for Health is a In 009, FEAST for Health comprehensive school-based was introduced to second-graders nutrition education program at Trumansburg Elementary originally developed at CCE- School by CCE-Tompkins Nutrition Tompkins to address these issues. Education staff with funding from The program works with school the Carman and Sandra Brink food service staff to improve Hill Fund of the Community the school food environment by Foundation of Tompkins County. including more locally grown plant An enthusiastic proponent was foods in their menus. Children Trumansburg’s School Food are introduced to a seasonal Service Director, Deborah Bush, vegetable in the classroom, and a Registered Dietitian with over learn to prepare a recipe featuring 0 years of experience in school it. The children then name the food service. Bush is strongly dish and promote it to the rest committed to serving healthy of the school. Finally, the dish is food to children, and has made introduced on the school lunch many steps in that direction in her menu and everyone is urged to district’s school food program. try it. In November 009, CCE- The foundation for the FEAST Tompkins staff and Bush met for Health curriculum was laid in with the second grade teachers the mid-1990s through a Healthy to introduce them to the program, Heart/Health Promotion grant from review an introductory lesson, and the NYS Department of Health. set a schedule for implementing The grant enabled CCE-Tompkins the project. At a second session, and the Tompkins County Health the Winter Squash lesson was Department to develop and pilot a reviewed. In the classrooms, -unit nutrition education project teachers cut open several varieties called Field to Table1 which linked of squash, children removed classroom instruction with cafeteria the seeds for roasting, and the food service. From 006-008, cafeteria staff assisted by baking new federal funds from Cornell the squash continued on p. 15

1. The Field to Table curriculum was developed at CCE-Tompkins by Susan E. Travis, PhD, RD, CDN, now a faculty member of Cornell University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences; Cornell Extension Associate Tracy Farrell; Theresa Lyczko, TCHD Health Promotion Director; and Shirley Cuykendall, food service director at the Lansing Central School (now retired). 2. The acronym “FEAST” stands for Families, Education, Agriculture, and Schools Together. CCE-Tompkins educators, Myra McKinney, Karen Robinson, Carole Fisher and dietetic intern, Vanessa Hoffman, conducted the school pilots at Caroline and Groton. Helen Howard arranged for Feast to be delivered at Trumansburg Elementary by consumer and food safety Children sample “Mystery Delight” (squash apple educator Carole Fisher, nutrition educator Heather Bastian and CCE-Rural Youth Services crisp) at Trumansburg Elementary. program manager Carissa Mann Parlato. ccetompkins.org 5 Spreading the Message of Energy Efficiency, One Home at a Time

Demonstrating to local house- tially could reduce local energy A total of undergradu- holds the benefits of home consumption, keep more “energy ates from Cornell University weatherization -- with the idea dollars” in Tompkins County, and and Ithaca College took part in that they in turn would “spread support local businesses by en- the Energy Conservation Corps the word” -- was the focus of couraging more homeowners to in summer and fall 009. The the 009 Energy Conservation undertake home weatherization summer crew of 1 interns re- Corps, a grant-funded pilot proj- upgrades. searched home energy improve- ect at CCE-Tompkins that trained The idea for an Energy Conser- ments and designed the pilot vation Corps program, under the supervision arose from of Dominic Frongillo. conversa- With the help of local home tions be- performance contractors and tween Peter Mark Pierce (a Cornell Exten- Bardaglio, sion building science expert), head of the the interns devised a process for Tompkins conducting relatively quick and County simple energy tests that could Climate help homeowners identify the Protection highest priorities for weatheriza- Initiative (TC- tion upgrades. CPI) and Ken The process included a hom- Schlather, eowner interview, visual inspec- CCE- tion of the home and appliances, Tompkins’ a whole-house blower door test Executive for air infiltration, and a follow- Director. The Associ- The average New ation already Members of the 009 Energy Conservation Corps pose with the CCE-Tompkins had created York household banner with CCE staff Dominic Frongillo (center front) and Shawn Lindabury a “Path to spends over (center rear). Energy Ef- $2,500 per year college students to perform free ficiency” web-site (at http:// energy tests on local homes. ccetompkins.org/energy/energy- on energy... and Home weatherization efforts efficiency-path) that outlines 20-60% of that can yield substantial savings. The steps to make a home more en- average New York household ergy efficient -- from no-cost amount can be spends over $,600 per year on and do-it-yourself projects, to saved through energy for electricity, heat and those requiring a skilled con- hot water, and 0-60% of that tractor. Bardaglio and Schlather home energy amount (or up to $1,500 a year) thought that a streamlined ver- improvements. can be saved through home sion of an energy audit -- energy improvements. conducted by volunteers or To achieve these savings, interns -- could persuade up visit to review the results, however, homeowners must homeowners to improve the all offered free-of-charge to the know specifically what upgrades energy efficiency of their homes. homeowners.2 By August, the are needed. Finding an easy They also believed that partici- interns had performed 50 free and inexpensive way to identify pant word-of-mouth would en- energy tests on homes located 1 home “energy wasters” poten- courage others to do the same. throughout continued on p. 18

1. Some earlier exploration of this idea was done in 2008 by Schlather and local home inspector Anne Korman, who together had photographed homes in Fall Creek with an infrared thermal imaging camera, to determine whether it could be an effective tool in a volunteer- based energy testing program. 2. Note that the resulting energy reports are for educational use and are not a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified energy audit (as would be required for a renovation project to qualify for NYSERDA incentives). A full home energy audit assesses the home’s heating system, air infiltration, insulation (in floors, walls, ceiling and rim joists), utility consumption, hot water, appliances, windows and doors and lighting use and can cost $200 or more. 6 Grant Supports Local Radon Education & Outreach Efforts

A $000 grant from the for many years, in partnership U.S. Environmental Protection Central New York Coalition with the Tompkins County Health Agency estimates that radon is for Healthy Indoor Air enabled Department, Fisher says. responsible for more than 0,000 Tompkins CCE-Tompkins to undertake a During National Radon lung cancer deaths per year. two-month, county-wide public Action Month in January 010, Radon levels can, however, be County is information campaign in 009 to CCE-Tompkins also will be lowered through mitigation, and encourage local residents to test able to offer free radon test kits new homes can be built to be for radon in their homes. to Tompkins County residents radon-resistant. considered a The campaign included the while supplies last, thanks to Bus posters produced for the production and display of ten another grant also obtained by public awareness campaign were high radon exterior bus posters on Tompkins Fisher. designed by CCE-Tompkins staff Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) Radon is an invisible odorless in September using the EPA’s buses slated to travel on a variety gas that is the leading cause “Green Sox” campaign design, risk zone, of different routes throughout of lung cancer among non- to which local contact information the county in December 009 smokers. It results from the was added. The message stated, with radon and January 010. Additional natural breakdown of uranium “Living Green Starts From The public awareness events have in soil, rock and water, and can Ground Up. Test Your Home For been planned for January in enter your home undetected Radon.” present at conjunction with National Radon through cracks in walls or solid Grant funds were used to Action Month. floors, through pipes entering contract with RS Advertising, a elevated “While many people test for your home, in your water supply, Binghamton firm that exclusively radon when they are about to and other ways. Levels can handles advertising for the TCAT buy a house, it’s important for vary widely, even from home to bus line, to produce ten posters levels in about homeowners and renters to be home in the same neighborhood. and run them on TCAT buses for aware of what radon is, how Tompkins County is considered a two months. Five buses had a 34% of local to test for it, and to know that high radon risk zone, according sign in the tail light position and radon problems can be fixed”, to Fisher, and radon is present at five other buses displayed a larg- says Carole Fisher, a community elevated levels in about % of er sign on their curb or “queen” homes. educator with CCE-Tompkins Tompkins County homes. sides. Because the buses trav- who wrote the successful grant “Radon gas becomes a health eled throughout Tompkins Coun- and implemented the radon hazard when it accumulates ty on a variety of routes, the signs education project. CCE-Tompkins indoors and is breathed in,” were seen by residents in all ar- has offered radon education she explained. The radioactive eas of the county. programs and information on how energy bursts can irritate the lung An extra two weeks of display to obtain low-cost radon test kits tissue and damage DNA. The time were continued on p. 16

Bus posters in two sizes appeared on TCAT buses throughout Tompkins County In December 009 through January 010, funded by a grant from the Central NY Coalition for Healthy Indoor Air. ccetompkins.org 7 Cornell “Greeks Go Green” With Help from CCE-Tompkins Cornell’s “Greeks Go Green” practices could add up to big Copeland’s summer work piloted a model composting environmental impacts. About plan included collaborating with and recycling program in three 0%, or 000 Cornell undergrads Master Composter volunteers sorority and fraternity houses are involved in Greek life. In the Tom Shelley, Valerie Ober, and as part of a longer-term effort to winter of 009 an online survey Kristen Vitro to create a ten- support a culture of sustainability of the 5 chapters with residen- minute presentation that would tial houses cover the basics of composting showed that over half of By initiating the respon- composting dents do not always recycle practices in early the hundreds 2010, Alpha Chi of empty cans and bottles Omega expects to that are left af- save $64/month ter parties, nor do they have and reduce their an everyday trash pickups to recycling pro- two per week. gram that members use consistently. and steps needed to implement a About half program in a chapter house. She also reported researched the available options using dispos- (on-site, at Cornell, or by contract Christina Copeland surveys kitchen disposal and sorting practices in Greek able dishes with Cayuga Compost) and residential housing as part of the “Greeks Go Green” waste assessment the major- the economics of choices that project (photo provided). ity of the time. support waste reduction, such and waste reduction on the Clearly, there was room for im- as loan payback time for buying Cornell campus. Some of the provement. reusable plates. preliminary work for this pilot was A grant from the Tompkins She also projected the accomplished at CCE-Tompkins County Solid Waste Manage- potential savings from fewer Over half during the summer by Christina ment Division (TCSWMD) and trash pickups when a composting Copeland, a Natural Resources some additional funds from program is added. While of the 53 major in Cornell’s College of Cornell University enabled CCE- reviewing her own sorority’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Tompkins to hire Copeland for six trash invoices, Copeland was and a co-founder of Cornell’s weeks as a 009 Summer Intern. surprised to learn that they were residential “Greeks Go Green” initiative. She worked concurrently with paying over $00/month for Copeland had heard Ken CCE-Tompkins’Environmental three weekly trash pickups. By houses did Schlather, CCE-Tompkins’ Exec- Issues team and Master initiating composting practices utive Director, give a presentation Composter volunteers, and in early 010, Alpha Chi Omega on local Extension programs at a with staff from Tompkins expects to save $6/month and not recycle University Neighborhood Coun- County Solid Waste, to design reduce their trash pickups to two cil meeting in March 009 and the components of a fall waste per week. empty cans contacted him afterwards about management education pilot, At least five of these com- ways that CCE might assist with and to develop the accompany- post presentations were given at sustainability education among ing educational materials. different Greek chapters in Fall and bottles Cornell’s Greek chapters. “This is a quintessential ex- 009 by CCE-Tompkins’ Master A member of the Alpha ample of how Extension works Composters, who will continue after parties. Chi Omega sorority, Copeland with people to develop their ideas upon request to make presen- knew that fraternities and so- and interests into a form they can tations and consult with Greek rorities were an area where small take back to their communities,” houses on ways to set up or im- changes in waste management Schlather said. prove their continued on p. 16 8 Primitive Pursuits Educators Co-Teach New Ithaca College Course Two Primitive Pursuits edu- gram in the Town of Dryden by within 15 minutes on the first day cators have taken their wilder- Dave Hall, a -H educator with with no intention of going back” ness expertise to another level CCE-Tompkins’ Rural Youth Ser- according to Jordan, “About 90% – as co-instructors of the popular vices Program. Hall had studied of the time is spent outdoors.” Environmental Sentinels class at with some of the nation’s leading In addition to required readings, Ithaca College. A core course wilderness skills instructors, and students complete an ongoing within IC’s new Environmental wanted to share Studies department, the class his experiences is designed to help students de- with youth. Jor- velop a personal connection with dan and Drake the natural world - something came to the pro- that the Primitive Pursuits staff is gram along simi- known for bringing about in their lar paths. Drake day-to-day public programs. studied with The Environmental Sentinels some of the same class was conceived, co-created, teachers as Hall, and offered as a pilot in 008 by while Jordan Jason Hamilton, then a faculty had spent many member in Ithaca College’s biol- years travelling in ogy department, along with Jed wilderness areas Jordan and Tim Drake, two of of the U.S. As in- three co-founders of the Primitive terest in the pro- Pursuits -H program at CCE- gram grew, the Tompkins. Hamilton had encoun- three developed tered Primitive Pursuits six years and refined the earlier when his son enrolled in popular outdoor the program. Excited by the work classes that now Jed Jordan (left) and Tim Drake of Primitive Pursuits navigating in the National that he saw, Hamilton joined the reach more than Forest, 007. Photo by Carolyn Wiley. adult apprenticeship and contin- 600 youth and adults each year. journal assignment that requires ued on as an adult volunteer with A shared principle of both them to spend at least three the program. Primitive Pursuits and the Envi- hours each week in the forest ronmental Sentinels class is for recording their observations, “What’s exciting participants to learn how to use which counts for 0% of their for us is that their senses, identify what they grade. “Sometimes they go bout 90% see and observe, and predict into the woods at night, and A we’re working changes in the ecosystem. The it’s initially really terrifying to primarily with course syllabus defines an “en- them,” Drake recounts. “You of the class vironmental sentinel” as a citizen can see it in their journal Environmental and member of the community, entries.” Students also must time is spent Studies majors who will be able to notice when create resources such as changes start, understand what maps of plant communities or who have a is causing the changes, and can trails at a location that they outdoors. commitment to then participate in developing so- choose and observe over the lutions. Throughout, wilderness semester. As members of leadership in living skills are taught as a con- “clans” into which they are this field,” text for deeper connection. Drake grouped early in the semester, describes the approach as, “Tak- students also make individual Drake says. ing ecology out of the text book and group presentations to the and going back into the forest to class on what they’ve learned. Primitive Pursuits first was experience it.” Class projects change with offered to the community-at- Requirements for the -credit the seasons and outdoor activ- large by Jordan and Drake in course are rigorous and involve ities can range from identifying 001, several years after it was many hours of first-hand nature natural fiber plants and making started as an afterschool pro- study. “We leave the classroom rope from continued on p. 17 ccetompkins.org 9 Way2Go Helps Residents to “Go Green and $ave Green” on Travel A new community resource form of travel, and the financial by staffing a WayGo display designed to help Tompkins and environmental pros and cons table and speaking with people at County residents “take charge of each. Visitors can find useful community events. of their transportation” was tips on topics such as how to set At workshops and events, launched by CCE-Tompkins in up a successful carpool, what to Somerfeldt is fond of describing 009. Named WayGo, this look for when buying a bicycle, how the existing alternatives to grant-funded program now and ways to get around for less. private, single-occupancy autos offers a comprehensive website, To ensure that the WayGo can save consumers substantial free consumer workshops, website, workshops and pro- amounts of money. One adult educational materials, and motional materials reflect and could, for a year, ride the bus, trainings for commute employers and by vanpool, social service drive an Way2Go agency staff, Take Charge of Your Transportation! Ithaca all with the aim Carshare web pages on of helping local car for two consumers hours a make informed week, spend the “Ways to – and hopefully, $0 on taxis sustainable -- per month, Get Around” transportation buy $150 choices. walking Way G o shoes, in Tompkins development invest $50 began in 008, in a bicycle, County detail with the hiring and rent a of Chrisophia Save money. Stress less. Go green. car for a Somerfeldt full week’s how to access as program Visit: way2goinfo.org vacation— manager. and still each form of Somerfeldt compiled data on respond to community needs, save over $,000 over the consumer transportation hab- Somerfeldt recruited a diverse average cost of owning and using its and needs, local services, Community Team to guide the a car. travel and the money-saving and safety tips, program. Members include so- “While we hope that people individual planning tools, and cial service agency staff, people will make sustainable choices,” financial and more. of color, differently-abled people, Somerfeldt says, “WayGo is These resources now can and others with an interest in here to show how our transpor- be found on the WayGo web- transportation issues. tation choices can save money, environmental site (at ccetompkins.org under The Team provided input and support health and well-being, “Community”, or at waygoinfo. feedback as Somerfeldt devel- lessen pollution and climate pros and org). Sections of the website oped a “Go Green, $ave Green: change, and promote a strong target the needs and interests Getting Around For Less” work- and equitable community.” of specific groups such as new- shop for consumers, and a user- Another important goal for the cons of each. comers, parents, seniors, people friendly packet of transportation WayGo program is to encour- with disabilities, rural residents, information called the “Transport- age communication between in- households with limited eco- folio” for human services profes- terested citizens, staffs of local nomic resources, those who are sionals to use with their clients businesses and organizations, interested in saving money, go- and program participants. and transportation providers, ing ‘green,’ transportation equity, In the first year of the program, planner and advocates. and other priorities. Somerfeldt delivered workshops “Part of helping people to Of general interest are pag- to 60 participants, distributed overcome transportation barriers es on the many “Ways to Get “Transportfolios” to 15 human is to make those barriers more Around” in Tompkins County, service professionals, and apparent to the service providers,” which detail how to access each reached another 00 individuals says continued on p. 19 10 Safe Food Preservation Skills Taught in CCE-Tompkins Class

Tompkins County has Team, and have developed the experienced an upsurge of New York State Master Food interest in food preservation. In Preserver Manual which was January 009, CCE-Tompkins used in the training. Twelve cosponsored a community people enrolled in the training, meeting -- with Sustainable including a nutrition educator Tompkins and IthaCan (a web- from CCE-Tompkins who wanted based social network for local to teach canning techniques to food preservers) -- to discuss her program participants, and a variety of food preservation several people with an interest in topics, including food storage, becoming Master Food Preserver and the possible need for a volunteers for CCE-Tompkins. shared community kitchen. The workshop was fast- Approximately 10 people paced and covered a lot attended the gathering. of information. It included With a long history of providing many small group, hands-on public workshops in home activities so participants could canning and drying according practice what they had learned. to USDA guidelines, the food During the first morning, the class preservation staff at CCE- learned about the economic and Tompkins was concerned that nutritional considerations of home any community-wide planning or preserved foods, studied the education efforts should use and science behind food preservation, share only safe, reliable, and up- and watched a demonstration of to-date information on home food canning basics and equipment. preservation methods. Although That afternoon, they learned many home canners have about high acid canning, and learned handed-down canning then rolled up their sleeves techniques that “have always to prepare and can hot pack worked”, following the current and raw pack tomatoes and safety guidelines will ensure that unseasoned tomato sauce using the foods preserved will always the boiling water bath canning be of high quality, and safe for method. They also learning your family to eat. about techniques for freezing as CCE-Tompkins food preserva- a food preservation method, and tion staff Ann Gifford and reviewed the day’s lessons. Carole Fisher next met with key On Day , the class was representatives of the community introduced to procedures for low- groups to explore possible acid canning, and then prepared collaborations during the coming and canned both carrots and food preservation season. A stewed tomatoes using a result of that meeting was a -day pressure canner. They learned Master Food Preserver training, about drying foods while waiting offered April 15-17 at the CCE- for their canned foods to finish Tompkins Education Center. processing, and learned how The class was instructed to unload the pressure canner by a team of two Extension before lunch. Food Preservation experts, Next covered were pickling Katherine Humphrey and techniques, and the group Judy Price, and assisted by prepared and canned hot chili Ann Gifford and Carole Fisher salsa, pickled green beans, and from CCE-Tompkins. Humphrey marinated peppers using a boiling and Price make up the CCE water bath. Finally, they quickly Scenes from the Master Food Preservers Class in State Food Preservation Expert reviewed continued on p. 19 April 009. ccetompkins.org 11 Robert S. Smith Award Supports Civic Leadership Development

A vibrant new weekly market vegetables and fruit, and other in Southside, and an improved produce that is in high demand outdoor recreation area at a in the community. Freeville mobile home park are Vendors sell ethnically di- two of the inspiring community verse foods, clothing, and locally projects funded by The Robert produced goods. All profits from S. Smith Award for Community vendor fees and the produce Progress and Innovation, ad- stand are reinvested in the Mar- ministered since 008 by CCE- ket as needed, and in Southside Tompkins. Community Center programs. The awards support partner- Music, crafts, entertainment and ships between grassroots community leaders and area college The Awards students to jointly plan and carry out innovative projects that support partner- strengthen Tompkins County ships between communities. Awards can be as much as grassroots $,000 for project expenses. community Proposals that involve people from local communities of color, leaders and area immigrant communities, and/or college students low-to moderate-income communities as team members and to jointly plan project leaders receive priority in and carry out the selection process. innovative projects Congo Square Market that strengthen Longtime Ithaca resident and social worker Jhakeem Haltom Tompkins County conceived the idea for the weekly communities. Congo Square Market after years of conversations with African- culturally relevant health/well- American community members. ness will be added as the Market Located in the small park next to takes on its mission for the com- the Southside Community Center, munity. the market provides a safe space The Robert S. Smith Award where people of color from the was one of several sources of community can have access to support that helped Haltom to es- affordable healthy foods, and tablish the Congo Square market. positive social interaction. Haltom’s partner on the pro- Named for New Orleans’ fa- posal was Christian Duncan, mous Congo Square, the market a Cornell Business School honors African-American history. student. Nonprofit partners In the early 1800s, recently en- were the Multicultural Resource slaved Africans and others could Center, GIAC, the Southside gather in Congo Square on Sun- Community Center, and the days for music, dance and sto- Whole Community Project. Lo- ries. cal youth were hired through Ithaca’s Congo Square Mar- Youth Employment Services to ket opened on June 1, 009 work in the market during its first and operates on Friday evenings summer. Haltom and Jemila Se- Scenes from the Hanshaw Village Mobile Home Park Beautification Project, recipient of a 009 Robert S. from May to October. It features quiera of the Whole Community Smith Award. a weekly stall that sells local Project continued on p. 13 1 the Cornell University Public President) partnered with Sharon 2 Patte (a Hancock Village resident Smith from p. 12 Service Center’s Y.O.U.R.S. Program work with the youth and parent of an O.U.R.S through mentoring, games, Program student) and members serve as co-managers of the crafts, outdoor activities, of the O.U.R.S Teen Leadership weekly market. and field trips. Established in Council to apply for this award. 005, the program now serves The project was overseen Mobile Home Park Beautification about 5 youth, ages 7-17, each by Julie continued on p. 18 In another funded project, year. Most young people at the Hancock participate in Village mobile home park in at least two Freeville saw a need for a “green programs space” where youth could play each week safely and adults could watch during the them while socializing with one school year another. The youth believed that as well as by beautifying their park, they during the also could increase its sense of summer community. and school The mobile home park is a site breaks. of the O.U.R.S.1 Program, a -H/ For this Rural Youth Services afterschool project, Alice and summer offering for youth Connors- who live in or near the Hancock Kellgren Village and Congers mobile (a Cornell home parks in Freeville. student and Each week, volunteers from Y.O.U.R.S In addition to fresh vegetables and prepared foods, vendors at the new 1. O.U.R.S. stands for Opportunity, Understanding, Respect, Success 2. Y.O.U.R.S. stands for Youth Outreach Undergraduates Reshaping Congo Square Market in Southside sell ethnically diverse clothing and crafts Success (photo courtesy of Jemila Sequeira).

About the Robert S. Smith Award The awards The Robert S. Smith Award for Community Progress and Innovation was endowed in 199 by the Tompkins Trust Company in honor of the late Robert S. Smith, former bank chairman and W.I. target Myers Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance at Cornell. In 008, CCE-Tompkins was chosen to administer the awards program. While CCE-Tompkins oversees the program, the Robert Smith grant “everyday” selection committee consists of representatives from the Tompkins Trust Company, Cornell Cooperative Extension-related faculty and staff from Cornell, and established leaders from the prioritized downtown communities. or “natural” The Natural Leaders Initiative (NLI), along with Cornell Work Study students, provide assistance and support to applicants, when needed, for writing proposals, matching student and community leaders who partners, and fine-tuning project ideas. Margo Hittleman, NLI Coordinator, says “The Robert Smith grant committee’s goal is to target these awards to “everyday” or “natural leaders” – members of the community who often have wonderful community-building ideas, passion and commitment, but who generally lack often lack access to other established funding sources. NLI is a collaborative project of CCE-Tompkins, GIAC, the Multicultural Resource Center and TCAction. access to Recognizing that many grassroots leaders do not have established relationships with college students, NLI and the Work Study students act as “brokers” to help community leaders with good ides other funding find and partner with students interested in helping develop those ideas into action projects. If needed, project teams can also get help linking with established community organizations already working in their areas of interest. sources. There are benefits even for projects that are not funded, says Ken Schlather, Executive Director of CCE-Tompkins. “The application process initiates student-community partnerships, and sometimes conversations with nonprofit community partners. Good ideas can result and we can help people to think about ways they might be implemented, even without the Smith funding. Our intention is that people also will learn from participating in the proposal process,” Schlather concludes. ccetompkins.org 1 help with “odd jobs”, and have Rural Youth, from p. 3 been able to quickly identify and refer income-eligible youth for summer TANF jobs, Joblink, and them to Caroline Food Pantry local grant initiatives. participants, and re-established Equally important are the a composting system near the opportunities RYS gives young Center. Enfield youth helped people to develop a sense of prepare for and run the Enfield belonging, while connecting with Fall Harvest Fest, learning life a caring adult mentor. Notices skills such as how to raise large of upcoming programs are sent tents, cooking, and appropriate home with students, and the ways to interact with the commu- Youth Community Educators nity while enjoying their volunteer also spend time at the schools, work. Lansing youth host an an- get to know the youth, and are nual fishing derby at Myers Park, in a position to recruit them and help with the Harbor Fest. individually to programs. Many These activities all provide youth develop friendships with the experience that can help kids adult educators and are drawn to get their first jobs; other offerings try new things they might not have directly address job readiness. RYS programs at several sites Research on train participants for potential adolescent babysitting jobs. “Cool Careers”, development offered during lunch at Dryden Middle School, brought local shows how professionals in to talk about their important it is for jobs and describe what they did, academically and experientially, teens to interact to get where they are today. with supportive In “Get a Job!” - another Dryden program - youth identified adults from outside careers of interest, learned how the family. to create a resume and fill out an application form, and practiced interviewing skills. Although the considered simply because they 6th graders in this program were know, trust, and enjoy spending too young to be employed, they time with that adult. These youth focused on finding volunteer often become leaders and role work that could help make them models in teaching skills to new job-ready. participants. Perhaps the most visible job Research on adolescent training and community service development shows how im- opportunity has been staffing the portant it is for teens to interact CCE-Tompkins youth stands at with supportive adults from the summer Farmers’ Markets in outside the family. Relationships Danby, Groton and Trumansburg. with RYS staff - who are strong Youth are recommended for and positive non-parent role positions at the markets by the models -- may well be the most RYS Youth Community Educators critical contribution that RYS who know their abilities, help makes to county youth. In a them apply and coach them on recent evaluation, 35% of youth necessary skills. And, because surveyed reported they did RYS has established connections not have this support before to youth throughout the county, entering the RYS program. At new job opportunities for youth the program’s end, 98% of youth increasingly come their way; reported that they could count Community Educators often are on the Community Educator for Scenes from Rural Youth Services Programs from contacted by individuals and advice and support. around Tompkins County. businesses looking for youth to Many continued next page 1 Rural Youth, from p. 14 youth choose to join programs because the subjects interest them, or they know and enjoy the company of the adult educator. The Community Educators also make special efforts to include young people who aren’t involved in other school activities or sports, or who are referred by school staff, and invite them to join. “They may notice a young person who consistently sits alone at lunch, or who they know has moved around a lot or isn’t part of an established group at the school,” says Schoffel. Guillermo Metz (center), Green Building and Renewable Energy Program “Many times, this personal Coordinator at CCE-Tompkins, talks with a visitor at the Home Wood Heat invitation is what gets the youth Expo, held in October at Cayuga Nature Center. Visitors to the event could involved.” This creates balanced learn about buying and stacking firewood, best burn practices and proper groups that bring together a maintenance of wood stoves, and the latest in high-efficiency technology. diverse range of youth, providing Tours were given of Cayuga Nature Center’s new high-efficiency wood chip- them with opportunities to learn fired boiler. from each other, appreciate their differences, and build generate excitement about the while meeting existing learning new friendships and a sense of program and a FEAST for Health standards can present a challenge. belonging. newsletter (customized for the FEAST for Health offers eight Research also shows that Trumansburg school by CCE- educational units, developed for youth who have these opportu- Tompkins) was sent home with second through fourth grades, nities and have adult supports students. It contained information which can be integrated into outside the family have better about the classroom activities, curriculum goals, including math, developmental outcomes. When and provided the recipe used language arts, science, and social these needs are met, they devel- in the classroom, along with studies. Classroom education op characteristics (or life skills) additional activities or readings is reinforced when the recipes that protect them against becom- about the food. The newsletter prepared in the classroom are ing involved in risky behaviors. aims to encourage parents to ask served as part of the school lunch “Adolescence is a time of questions about the program, and menu, and the pilot showed that change, and youth need to take also to try the recipe at home. new menu items are more readily risks by trying new things,” con- Art teacher Katharine Sinko accepted when students have cludes Schoffel. “Through RYS had all the second graders make studied, prepared, and tasted the programs, they can do this in a squash hats which the children food already. safe place with adult support.”☼ wore on the day that the recipe For more information about was served in the cafeteria. Many FEAST for Health, contact Jemila second graders chose the item on Sequeira, Whole Community the lunch line, and Food Service Project Coordinator at CCE- FEAST, from p. 5 Director Deb Bush encouraged Tompkins, at (607) 7-9 x157 children to taste the item even if or [email protected]. ☼ they had not taken it on their trays. and seeds for tasting. Later each As a result, many children returned class made a Squash Apple Crisp to the serving line to request a full recipe, again with help from the helping. The entire cafeteria staff cafeteria staff. participated enthusiastically in the Second graders named the process. squash dish “Mystery Delight” Although most teachers and created posters to promote appreciate the importance of it, that were displayed on the including nutrition education hall walls. A FEAST banner was in the elementary curriculum, hung outside the building to help incorporating this subject matter ccetompkins.org 15 that can help with that. Adam Michaelides, Compost Education Program Manager at CCE-Tompkins, worked with Co- peland and the Master Composter volunteers to develop strategies for educating the Greeks and for making the project sustainable. Michaelides was familiar with fraternity life as a 1996 Cornell graduate and member of the Seal & Serpent Society. “I knew the project could have a great potential impact,” Michaelides recalls, “But I also was concerned with helping Christina create a program that would be sustainable, Posters promoting home radon testing appeared on Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit that wouldn’t simply end when its (TCAT) buses on a variety of different routes throughout the county in December 009 and student originators graduated.” January 010. With sustainability of the program in mind, Copeland and Vitro recruited a “Greeks Go CCE-Tompkins. Copeland Green” committee of mem- Radon, from p. 7 then shadowed Kat McCarthy bers that had its first meeting in and Dan Carrion of TCSWMD October 009. The members on a real assessment of a local divided into four project teams received at no cost when the housing complex. She used that that focus on green purchasing, posters were installed two weeks experience to develop a step-by- outreach, composting, and recy- early, on November 16. In step procedure for performing a cling. Each also is assigned to addition, some of the bus posters waste assessment in a Greek work with sustainability chairs at remained on display beyond house. three chapters, so each house January and into February and A short application was sent now has a contact to help them March 010. to the sustainability chairs of improve an existing recycling The impact of the posters all Greek chapters at Cornell, system or implement a new one, has been difficult to measure as inviting them to participate in identify green solutions for their other forms of radon outreach a pilot waste reduction project. individual needs, and provide also were taking place at this Two sororities and one fraternity information on green purchasing time. However, calls to the CCE- (Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa and composting. Tompkins Consumer HelpLine Gamma, and Phi Kappa Tau) “I would say that the pilot for radon information more than were selected, through discussion program of doing waste assess- doubled during the last quarter of with Kat McCarthy of TCSWMD, ments on Greek Houses was 009 compared to the previous Adam Michaelides and Sharon a success,” Copeland reflected. quarter, Fisher reports.☼ Anderson of CCE-Tompkins, and “Many of the houses know that Master Composter Kristen Vitro they could be doing things in a (Cornell Class of ‘11 and incoming more sustainable manner, and president of the 010 Cornell this program really gives them the push they need to take ac- Greeks, from p. 8 “Greeks Go Green” committee). Copeland and Kat McCarthy tion.” completed two assessments in Thanks to Master Composter composting programs. September, and a third in De- volunteers Valerie Ober, Tom Concurrently, Copeland work- cember. Participating houses O’Connell, James Rounds-Jones, ed with TCSWMD to create the each received a personalized Tom Shelley, Sarita Upadhyay waste assessment and reduction waste report that included recom- and Kristen Vitro for their work portion of the pilot program. She mendations for establishing and on this project. Note: Greeks Go researched waste management strengthening a waste reduction Green is a sustainability initiative practices of other universities, program. Additional material was for fraternity men and sorority and reviewed the results of the developed by Copeland on how women to participate in on col- free TCSWMD ReBusiness to live sustainably in a house with lege campuses across the United Program waste assessment a large group of people, and on States. ☼ performed two years earlier at resources in Tompkins County 16 mental Studies graduates yet Environmental Studies degree Primitives, from p. 9 -- the first will come several program, with sections years from now -- the connec- offered in December 009. A tion with Ithaca College already fourth section is planned for them, to silk screening the has benefitted the Primitive 010. class logo onto t-shirts using Pursuits program. “Some for- Primitive Pursuits offers a dye made from black walnut mer Environmental Sentinels wide variety of public courses hulls the students have gath- students now volunteer with year round, which are described ered. Finally, each student the program, and five students online at ccetompkins.org/ must pass a minimum compe- from another core Environ- primitive-pursuits. For those tency test in four areas: tree mental Studies class fulfilled who are interested, the 009 identification, forest forensics, a required field placement as reading list for Environmental track identification and inter- Sentinels follows. Required pretation, and ancestral fire Since its inception texts: Wessels, T. Reading skills. in 2008, the class the Forested Landscape; For Drake and Jordan, Gibbons, D. Stories in Tracks there are new challenges in- has evolved from & Sign, Farrar, J.L. Trees of volved in working with a dif- a pilot course the Northern United States and ferent age group, as well as a Canada and Localbirds.com. slightly different set of duties: with one section, Local Tracks of N. America: their usual -H public pro- to a core require- Quick Guide to Commonly Seen Animal Tracks & Scats.☼ grams don’t involve the grad- ment for the ing that accompanies a college course, or reading and provid- Environmental ing feedback on 80 journals, Studies degree for example. Both, however, are enthusiastic. “What’s excit- program. Meats, from p. 4 ing for us is that we’re working primarily with Environmental interns with Primitive Pursuits Studies majors who have a afterschool programs,” says in neighboring counties now are commitment to leadership in Jordan. planning similar events as is a this field,” Drake says. “While Since its inception in member of the Meat Science it’s extremely satisfying to 008, Environmental Sentinels faculty at Penn State University. work with younger groups and has evolved from a pilot This project was made possible, introduce them to the Primi- course with one section, to in part, by funding from the New tive Pursuits skills and ideas, a core requirement for the York Farm Viability Institute. ☼ when you’re teaching at this level, you know they’ll take this unique approach and experience with them into their lives and careers.“ Graduates from the public Primitive Pursuits -H program already have gone on to share their skills and experiences. One former participant, now enrolled at Syracuse Univer- sity, has started a “Primitive Pursuits Club” with 0 members. Another former participant, now at Tufts University, heads an outdoor club and co- ordinates and leads wilderness trips. According to Drake, IC students have been inspired to Nancy Munkenbeck (standing) of Ellis Hollow Farm responds to a question do the same, and several now from the audience at the “How to Buy Local Meat” class in May 009. Other are planning an “Environmen- panelists from left are: Richard Sabol of Sabol Farm, John Wertis of BWW tal Sentinels Club” at Ithaca Farm, Tina MacCheyne of High Point Farm and Tom Quinn of Quinn’s Irish College. Hill. Not shown: Greg Reynolds of Glen Wood Farm and Michael Glos of While there are no Environ- Kingbird Farm. ccetompkins.org 17 all of whom were thought likely Greenfeld, Lindsey Hardy, Dana Energy, from p. 6 either to share the information Hills, Alexis Izor, Shene James, they received on home energy Sofia Johnson, Matt Lowe, Sherry efficiency, or to contribute to local Martin, Ariane Moss, Clayton Tompkins County. policy development. Munnings, Angelica Romeo-Hall, In fall 009, 1 new interns Renters were not targeted Nick Roscoe, Alex Rosenblatt, were enlisted to work part-time for the pilot in 009, however a Andrea Sanders, Kimberley DC on the project. They met with landlord-tenant pilot is planned. Schroder, Roy Segura, Ariana participating homeowners to re- Developing a replicable, intern- Shapiro, Noah Slovin, Kimberly view the initial test results, and based program that can be used Standridge, Reed Steberger, to recommend energy conserva- in other communities, and provid- Alyssa Y. Tsuchiya, Ann tion measures. ing students with weatherization- Velazquez, Nancy Webster and During these follow-up related summer work experience Shay Yu. ☼ visits, interns also shared have been two early benefits of “path to energy efficiency” the project. information, a deck of cards In 010, interns will reach out Smith from p. 13 showing financing options and to the broader public through NYSERDA incentives, and a list workshops, tabling, efficiency of area BPI certified contractors competitions, and other efforts. It Newman of the Rural Youth who could be hired to perform is hoped that leaders who have Services Program at CCE- energy upgrades3 (available been through the leadership Tompkins, with approval from online at: http://ccetompkins.org/ education program will help the the Hancock Village landlord. energy/home-energy-savings-0). project reach the broader pub- Project work was done by the Finally, interns talked with lic by publicizing and organizing applicants, 50 Cornell University participants about the economic educational programs over their student volunteers, 5 O.U.R.S development potential of large networks of community contacts. youth from Hancock Village and scale energy efficiency retrofit- Funds for the Energy Conser- Congers mobile home parks, and ting and how community leaders vation Corps project have been Hanshaw Village residents. can help develop the education, provided by Tompkins County Elements of the project design financing, and workforce devel- Climate Protection Initiative (TC- were conceived by the youth, opment programs needed to CPI), The Park Foundation and who surveyed residents to get dramatically increase residential CCE-Tompkins. Shawn Linda- their input and involvement. An energy efficiency throughout the bury was co-coordinator of the area near tenant mailboxes was county. Energy Corps interns during Fall redesigned, and on four week- To date, all 50 participating 009. ends in May and June, youth and households have signed up for Special thanks to: The Park adult residents and volunteers the project’s benchmarking pro- Foundation, TCCPI, Mark built and installed two picnic ta- gram in which GECO (Green Pierce of Cornell University bles, two locust benches, a “bus Energy Compass) software de- Cooperative Extension; John & shelter” where residents can wait veloped by Performance Sys- Elisabeth Harrod of SnugPlanet; for a community van, a tire swing tems Development of Ithaca will Paul Myers of Upstate Energy and an 8’ x 15’ geo dome climber be used to compare their home’s Solutions; Conrad Metcalfe, suitable for youth of all ages. energy use to that of similar Rich Andrulis and Alywn John The park landlord provided ice homes. In a year’s time, energy of Performance Systems cream and new swing sets on the bills for each participating house- Development; Stacey Murphy project’s first day, and residents hold will be compared to see if & Jaime Hazard of Tompkins of the park celebrated with a pot- energy usage has decreased Community Action; Ian Shapiro luck dinner and barbeque funded There were no income require- of Taitem Engineering, and by the grant when the redesign ments for households to enroll in Anne Korman of Every Square was completed. the project. Participants were Inch Home Inspections, LLC; “I’m always impressed by identified for this Leadership Interns: Josh Betances, Dan the passion, commitment and Education Program by Schlather Bogan, Alexandra Bond, Jason ideas of the many ‘everyday’ and Frongillo with an eye toward Button, Naomi Childs, Rachel leaders throughout Tompkins including local government Cluett,Keegan Ebbets, Justin County,” said Ken Schlather, representatives and officials, Finkle, Tristan Fowler, Jake CCE-Tompkins Executive Direc- and informal community leaders, Friedman, Kevin Gill, Bari tor. “While we could only provide monetary grants to some, we will 3. The Building Performance Institute (BPI) establishes the standards for the building performance contracting industry, providing an integrated certification, accreditation, and look for other ways to help all quality assurance program. In order to qualify for NYSERDA incentives, homeowners must interested applicants turn their contract with BPI contractors. ideas into action.” ☼ 18 offers pages on commuting op- Preserve, from p. 11 Way2Go, from p. 10 tions, employer opportunities, and commuter tax incentives. WayGo is funded by a Job other preservation methods Somerfeldt. To this end, Access and Reverse Commute such as preserving garlic in oil, she welcomes comments, (JARC) grant from the Federal making flavored vinegars, curing, suggestions and even complaints Transit Administration (FTA) ad- fruit cellaring, and techniques for about routes, schedules and preserving without using salt and other transportation issues at Our transportation sugar. her workshops, and the WayGo choices can save website is designed to allow Day began with a lecture money, support on jams and jellies, followed users to submit feedback. by hands-on preparation of General feedback thus far has health and concerned the challenges of rural freezer-jam, and boiling water well-being, lessen bath canning of pectin-added households with limited resources jam, low-sugar jam, sugar-free to meet their transportation pollution and jam, and artificially sweetened needs, the lack of familiarity many climate change, jam. That afternoon, the class consumers have with Ithaca took the Master Food Preserver Carshare, vanpooling, ridesharing and promote examination, and received strategies, and questions about a strong and their Master Food Preserver ways to overcome barriers to certificates documenting class bicycling or riding the bus. equitable participation and passing of the “TCAT and other service pro- community. exam. Those wishing to become viders are very interested in hear- certified Master Food Preservers ing from the public and in making have to complete specific further their services more responsive to ministered locally by the Tompkins training activities under the community needs,” Somerfeldt County Department of Social direction of local CCE staff and says. Services. Employers, Human Re- take another exam. It usually In 010, WayGo will begin to sources professionals, and non- takes another food preservation target professional and employer profit agency staff who would like season to earn certification. audiences with information on the to schedule a meeting or work- benefits of sustainable transpor- shop, may contact Chrisophia tation to an employee workforce. Somerfeldt at (607) 7-9 or “I had expected to The WayGo website already [email protected].☼ learn the science behind what I was already doing, and I did. But I learned a whole lot more that will change the way I do food preservation.” 2009 Class Participant

Evaluations of the class were enthusiastic and CCE-Tompkins hopes to hold another Master Food Preserver Training course Beekeeper Mike Griggs gives visitors a tour of White Dog Apiary during the in the spring of 011. Please 2009 Farm Trail Open House. The event was held on Saturday and Sunday, check our Calendar of Events August 1 & 2, with half the farms open each day. Participating farms included in early spring for details and Cayuga Pure Organics/Earthly Mirth Farm, Farmer’s Choice Blueberries, registration information. ☼ Heaven Llama Farm, Lew-Lin Farm, Littletree Orchards, Locust Woods Blueberries, Plantasia Nursery, Quinn’s Irish Hill Farm, Settlement Stables, Three Sisters Farm (out of business) & White Dog Apiary. ccetompkins.org 19 Ithaca Children’s Garden YHAP Program industry. This program is well garden replanting. known in the Ithaca community In addition to these site devel- for providing high quality experi- opment projects, the apprentices ential learning and employment also piloted an ICG farm stand opportunities to underserved and developed farm entrepre- youth during the summer. Most neurship skills. They spent one participants are 1 and 15 year day on The Ithaca Commons with olds seeking first-time work ex- the Community Beautification perience. Coordinator and mulched planter In 009, the program em- boxes throughout the area. Fif- ployed 1 youth. Their wages teen community members shared were funded by a grant from the their expertise by introducing gar- Dryden Youth Commission and a den-related topics and careers in partnership with the Ithaca Youth the green industry. Bureau’s Youth Employment Ser- This year, the YHAP also Participants Participants in in the the Youth Youth Horticultural Horticultural Apprentice Apprentice Program Program at at ICG ICG vice (YES). welcomed weekly visits from a during summer 2009. The YHAP apprentices per- CCE-Tompkins Farmers’ Market formed daily garden maintenance Program representative who pro- The Youth Horticulture Appren- and worked on the following proj- vided lessons on nutrition, local tice Program (YHAP) at Ithaca ects: design and installation of foods and produce identification. Children’s Garden is a six-week the Bird Habitat Garden and kid- YHAP also was highlighted on youth development and workforce sized bird’s nest; construction of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s preparation program that teaches gates, pergola and deer fencing Celebrate Urban Birds Program job skills, fosters personal growth, in the Edible Garden; renova- Partners’ webpage.☼ and introduces youth to career tion of 4 bench swings; entryway opportunities in the horticulture beautification, seed starting and

Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)

Center in Ithaca NY. MRC offers ing women and their relation- a variety of programs and cultural ships, The Diversity Roundtable, celebrations throughout the year, and others. Community partners diversity workshops and train- for these events included Cornell ings, and a lending library with University, Ithaca College, Great- resources on undoing racism and er Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), diversity education. Cornell Cooperative Extension In the area of diversity educa- of Tompkins County, Tompkins tion, MRC served 987 people in County Public Library, City of 009. These included 678 adults, Ithaca, the MLK Community Build, and 09 teens and youth at area and others. schools, community centers and MRC’s Talking Circles on Race workplaces. and Racism enrolled 167 people MRC collaborates with other in 2009; 40 people attended an local groups and institutions to of- Interfaith Talking Circle; 35 people fer the community special events attended a Talking Circle Brunch; Members of the Community Unity Music Education Program entertain Members of the Community Unity Music Education Program entertain that enhance local knowledge and 8 people attended Talking guests at the 2009 Sister-Friends Luncheon. and appreciation of cultural and Circle Think Tanks. The Multicultural Resource racial diversity. Events in 009 To learn more about any of Center (MRC) started in 1987 and reached 1,56 people and in- these programs, contact MRC is a small, grassroots 501(c)() cluded: The Martin Luther King, at (607) 7-9 or visit http:// non-profit organization housed Jr. Day of Celebration, the annual multicultural-resource .org/ ☼ at the CCE-Tompkins Education Sister Friends luncheon celebrat-

0 Tompkins County Appropriation Leveraged the Following Support in 2009

Other Contracts/Grants, Cooperative Extension uses its unique partnership Fees & Contributions 47.72% County Appropriation 14.35% with federal, state, and local governments, adding volunteer involvement, fund raising and in-kind State & Federal Appropriations contributions to bring an 11-fold return in educational 2.87% resources for each Tompkins County tax dollar received.

Direct Support Ratio 1 : 7 County/Federal/State County Contracts Fringe Benefits, Pass Through 7.13% NYS 19.81% County Appropriation $709,674 8.12% State and Federal Appropriations 141,969 Fringe Benefits, NYS 979,480 4,944,406 County Contracts 401,557 County Fed./State Pass Through 352,714 Other Contracts/Grants, Fees & Contributions 2,359,012 709,674 Total $4,944,406

Cornell State & Federal Program Resources 24.51% In-Kind & Direct Support County Ratio 1 : 11.4 Appropriation 8.76% County Appropriation $709,674 State & Federal State and Federal Appropriations 141,969 Appropriations Fringe Benefits, NYS 979,480 Vounteer 1.75% Cornell State & Federal Resources 2,551,846 Efforts Volunteer Efforts 1,168,457 14.43% Other Contracts/Grants, Fringe Benefits, Fees & Contributions 2,359,012 NYS 12.10% Total $8,097,327

Other Contracts/Grants, Fees & Contributions 38.45% 8,097,327

709,674

2009 Expenses by Type 2009 Employees (FTEs) by Funding Source

Programming Expenses Personnel Costs Core Funded Positions $1,173,340 $2,320,985 15.5 32% 63%

Building & Property Expenses $172,565 5% County Contracts All Other Contracts Pass 11.5 45.2 Through Contracts 5.8 1 Thanks to our 2009 Donors!Gifts to 12/31/09 2009 Tribute Gifts Richard Coogan Frances Littin & Chuck Robert Talda & Jeanne Edwin A. Cowen, III Tauck Kisacky In Honor Of: Lorraine Cummings Bruce & Bunny Lloyd Alan & Debbie Teeter Marie Layer Pat Curran Barbara Logan & Ray Bud & Priscilla Tennant Darlene Moody Carolann Darling Gozzi Jill Tibbett Barbara Stewart Everett & Meredith Davis Jacqueline Lopez & Jennifer Tiffany Beverly Dawson Craig Higgins Megan E. Tifft In Memory Of: Theodore & Josephine Lark Carlyle Ludlow Leonard & Janice David & Rosemary Abbott Denmark Gwyneth Lymberis Topoleski C. Biesdorf Roy & Fran Dexheimer Steve & Lois Maki Gregg & Sue Travis Elma Canfield David Dier Timothy E. Martinson Sharon Travis Jennifer Guyer Margaret Dieter Ann C. Mathews Anne Treichler Fred Morris Judy & Jerry Dietz Saoirse McClory George & Sandy Trutt Peter M. Rinaldo Dirk Dugan Mary McGinnis Ari van Tienhoven Patricia Ziegler Sharon & Richard Durfee Dolina Millar John & Marjorie VanDeMark Tim & Susan Durnford Kenneth & Barbara Miller Thomas & Jane VanDerzee Richard Durst Thomas & Cindy Miller John & Hummy VandeWeert Individual Donors Jennifer Edmondson Charles & Carol Mohler Cindy Wagner Bruce Abbott Herb Engman Andrea Mooney Carol Warshawsky Barry & Molly Adams Milton & Janice Esman Larry & Denise Moore Julie Waters Leslie Adelson David & Grace Evans Nancy Moore Robert L. Wehe Palmer Agnew Mary Faber Richard & Kay Moore Peter & Margaret Werner Lee & Irene Alexander Betty Fedorka Lucinda Noble Tracey White Phyllis L. Allen Martha Ferger Graham O. William & Olivia White Dorothy B. Anderson Theresa Flacco Thomas & Kathleen Beth L.O. Wilcox ANONYMOUS – 5 gifts Barbara Johnson Foote Overbaugh Steve & Sandy Wraight Wendy & Chip Aquadro Ben & Carolyn Franklin Catherine Kullman Paddock Bettie Lee Yerka Fred & Irene Asay Ardyth & Gil Gillespie Robert & Ellen Plaisted Marjorie & Milton Zaitlin Noreen B. Atkins Mary Gloster Marsha A. Powell Jerome Ziegler Renee Baker Sandsted Kurt & Sorel Gottfried Frank Proto JoAnne Baldini Brad & Mary Grainger Susan Quick Isaac G. Bampoe Robert & Eileen Gravani Suzanne Raupp Corporate/ Joan Barber Megan Gregory Elsie M. Reynolds Foundation Donors Priscilla Barber Thomas Gudeman Dorothy Rinaldo 4-H Clubs William E. Barnett Annette Guyer Christina Rivers Acorn Designs Doug & Kathy Barton Martha Hamblin Richard Robinson & Ithaca Agway Harriet Becker Sharon Hammond Catheryn Obern-Robinson Allison’s Acres Clarence & Mary Benson Ernest E. Hardy Mrs. John W. Rudan Atwater Vineyards Debra & Richard Benson Ellen & Rick Harrison Stephen & Susan Ruoff Audrey Edelman Heinz B. Biesdorf Susan Hatch Bob Schindelbeck Associates Katrina Binkewicz Charles & Barbara Hatfield Ken Schlather & Donna Autumn’s Harvest Farm Jeffrey Bishop Joyce & David Heck Ramil Baker’s Acres John H. Bishop Mr. & Mrs. Todd Henderson Ray & Kathy Schlather Barton Valley Farms Mrs. William J. Bishop Nancy & Jim Henion Charles Schlough Beck Farms, L.P. Kerry Boisvert Mike Herbster Laurie Schutt Bed, Bath & Beyond George & JoAnn Broadwell Mary Lee Herbster Debra Steele Schwab Ben & Jerry Foundation Marjory Brooks Tom Hirasuna & Jean Tim Setter Best Buy Children’s Elizabeth A. Brown Hunter Cynthia Seymour Foundation Tag Janice Brown Mayfred S. Hirshfeld Bonita R. Shelford Team Awards Charlotte Bruce Jessica Houle Sloan Sheridan-Thomas Bet the Farm Winery Joan Jacobs Brumberg Alicia Irwin Duane R. Shoen Billsboro Winery Ken Burr Joan Jedele Michael & Karen Shuler The Boarding Barn Jim & Terry Byrnes Dawn Jewell Arthur & Charlotte Shull BorgWarner Morse TEC Evan & Brenda Carpenter Siri Jones Rachel J. Siegel Burr-Ayr Farms, Ltd. Brian Chabot & Kathleen Dr. & Mrs. Francis Kallfelz Mark & Nancy Sorrells C.S.P. Management Rasmussen Mary M. Kelsey Ron & Ivy Space Carey Farms Richard & Joyce Church Irene Kiely Tatiana L. Stanton Cargill, Inc. Deicing Charlotte & Ronnie Travis Knapp Evelyn S. Stevens Technology Coffman Meredith Hill Kwiatkowski Nicole Stumpf Cayuga Landscape Mary Ann & Tim Colbert Gregory Lawrence Lewis & Linda Stuttle Company Tom Cole & Meg Ann Levatich Edward & Sandra CFCU Community Wahlig-Cole Stephanie Levy Swayze Credit Union CNY Hot Tubs The Community Foundation of Tompkins County Cornell Dining Cornell Orchards The Cornell Plantations The Corning Museum of Glass Cortland Bulk Milk Producers CSP Management Damiani Wine Cellars Nelson B. Delavan Foundation Jerry Dell Farm Dottie’s Ice Cream Shop Doug’s Fish Fry Dryden Grange Early Morning Organic Farm East Hill Car Wash F&T Distributing Company Fessenden Dairy, LLC Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty First Pioneer Farm Credit Friendly’s Restaurants Donations from friends and family in memory of Patricia Ziegler, a long-time Master Gardener volunteer Donations from friends and family in memory of Patricia Ziegler, a long-time Master Gardener volunteer Funding Factory and 2007 Friend of Extension award recipient, funded the creation of the Patricia Ziegler Memorial Funtronics Garden at the CCE-Tompkins Education Center (above) Genex/CRI Cooperative GIAC Maxie’s Supper Club TidBITS Publishing Groton Fitness Center Millbrook Farm Tompkins Charitable Gift The Hangar Theatre Moore’s Tree Farm Fund Martin F. Hatch Fund Museum of the Earth Tompkins County Soil & Hawk Hall Meat Goats NHP Foundation Water Cons. District Hazelnut Kitchen NYS 4-H Foundation, Inc Tompkins Trust Company Hewitt Brothers, Inc. P&C Foods Tops Friendly Market The History Center in Park Foundation Inc Tractor Supply Company Tompkins County Parkside Vista, LLC Triad Foundation The Helen Thomas Pioneer Hi-Bred Trumansburg Rotary Howland Foundation International, Inc. Club Ithaca Beer Company Plenty of Posies United Way of Tompkins Ithaca Board of Realtors Ramada Inn County Ithaca Farmers’ Market Razorback BBQ Waid’s Apiaries Ithaca Materials Remembrance Farm Wal-Mart Research & Testing Rocky Top Farm Wegman’s Markets Ithaca Public Education Rotary Club of Ithaca West Haven Farm Initiative Sabol Farm Wideawake Dairy Juniper Hill Bed & The Sciencenter Charles O. Wood, II & Breakfast Serendipity Catering Mariam M. Wood Just A Taste The Service League Foundation Kestrel Perch Berries Serviente Glass Studios Peg O’Neill Kimball Silk Oak Realtors Simply Red Bistro Kingbird Farm Note: this list does not reflect Snow Top Farm of Danby donations to the Ithaca Kiwanis Club of Ithaca Southern Tier Vetrinary Children’s Garden or the Lakewatch Inn Medicine Association Multicultural Resource Center The Legacy Foundation Specialty Trophy which are independent 501(c)(3) of Tompkins County Squeaky Clean Car Wash organizations that operate under Littletree Orchards Sweet Land Farm the CCE-Tompkins umbrella Ludgate Farms Taverna Banfi’ at The and maintain separate financial records. Mansour Jewelers Statler Hotel ccetompkins.org Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 332 Ithaca, New York

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