Cornell Cooperative Extension

New to Farming in New York?  Take the Beginning Farmer On-line Course.

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Vegetable Program will present the 2009 Annual Fresh Market Produce Winter Educational Meeting.  The meeting will be held at the Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension Center in Lockport (4487 Lake Ave. Lockport, NY 14094) on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The program runs from 9am - 3pm with walk-in registration starting at 8:30am.  DEC credits will be available.  The cost is $25 for CCE enrollees and $35 for non-enrollees if you pre-register by 1/12/09.  At the door registration is $30 for enrollees and $40 for non-enrollees.  To register call 716-433-8839 ext. 221.  For more information call Robert Hadad 585-739-4065.

Fromthe Cornell Cooperative Extension:

Course instruction and intensive training in tractor and farm machinery safety, leading to certification, is being planned for Saturday mornings in Genesee County beginning on February 14th, 2009.  Classes include general tractor maintenance, safe farm equipment operation and safety issues in general. This training is offered only once a year and is for youth ages, 14-15.  Please call Amy Berry at 343-3040, ext. 106 to register to receive further information about this class when it becomes available.

Christmas is only 8 days away! Have you gotten your Christmas tree yet? If not, consider going local this year. There are Christmas tree growers in our area that sell trees direct or you can pick and cut your own tree. Not sure if that perfect tree you are looking at was grown in NY? Then ask the seller. New York has more than 1,000 Christmas tree farms so it should be easy to find a tree that was grown in New York.

New York Christmas tree farms offer a wide variety of Christmas trees.  Fraser Firs and Balsam Firs are the most popular varieties in New York State, while White and Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, and other firs, such as Douglas and Concolour are also available.  Many local Christmas tree farms offer other holiday items such as wreaths, swags and fresh roping, along with wonderful handmade crafts. I found some great wooden ornaments and other decorations at the Christmas tree farm I visited. All were locally crafted.

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:
 
January 5 to 8, 2009 - Kiln Drying Workshop: Drying Quality Lumber for Profit. Held at State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse This course will provide practical knowledge about how wood is effectively kiln dried, and scientific background on related wood properties and drying processes. It will have value for novice as well as experienced kiln operators, and sales, purchasing, marketing and manufacturing managers. Instruction will be in the classroom and through hands-on lab exercises using a modern kiln. Fees: received by December 17: $445 OR received after December 17: $495. For more information or go to http://www.esf.edu/outreach/kiln/default.htm
 
Tuesdays, January 6th through February 10th - Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin February 24th. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
January 9 & 10, 2009 - New York State Maple Producers Winter Conference. Held at Verona-Sherrill High School in Verona, NY. The V.V.S. High School is located between Utica and Syracuse, on State Rte 31 two minutes from NYS Thruway Exit 33.
 
The conference starts Friday evening with a featured speaker at 7:00 PM and industry trade show highlighting maple equipment, manufacturers, and vendors scheduled from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Saturday’s trade show opens at 8:00 AM with workshops starting at 9:00AM. Saturday’s program features 30 of the industry’s leading maple experts from throughout North America and Canada presenting in a variety of concurrent workshops. The conference is open to the general public, as well as maple producers, and is geared to all levels of sugar makers.
 
For additional information contact V.V.S. FFA advisor Keith Schiebel at kschiebel@vvsschools.org. Registration forms will also be available at the New York State Maple Producers Website: www.nysmaple.com or the Cornell Maple Program Website http://maple.dnr.cornell.edu/ .
 
January 12th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. in Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
January 14th - WNY Corn Congress. Held at the Holiday Inn, Batavia. Contact Cathy Wallace at (585) 343-3040 x138 for more information.
 
January 17th - Western NY Maple School. For more information contact Lutie Batt, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County, 401 North Main Street, Warsaw NY 14569, Phone: 585-786-2251.
 
January 17 and 31, 2009 from 9 am to 3 pm - Beginning a Successful Small Farm Operation. Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY. Pre-registration is required by January 9th. Cost $100.00 per family/farm enterprise. If you would like to learn more about the opportunities for small scale farming, please join us at the next workshop series. This introductory course is designed for small, part-time or perspective farmers with little to no previous agriculture experience. Contact Paul Lehman at 716-433-8839 x241 (E-mail: pel5@cornell.edu) for more information.
 
January 20 - 21 - Best Management Practices for Potato Production. Held at the Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway in Liverpool NY. This annual "Potato Short Course" is intended to provide more in depth education for potato growers and associated industry personnel in selected topics of major importance to potato production and utilization. This January we will provide extensive information on how to best use production inputs, reduce crop risk and produce a quality crop. Biology and physiology of the potato plant and disease/pest organisms will be discussed to help growers understand what conditions are most favorable for good crop production or are more favorable for disease or pest development and potential for spread. Management strategies will be illustrated which incorporate aspects of the pest’s biology, grower cropping history and control options. Potato varieties will be discussed which have multiple attributes such as various levels of disease or insect resistance, offer excellent competition to weeds and are well adapted to NYS growing conditions and hence require fewer chemical inputs. DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits have been requested.  There is no fee to attend. Sponsored by the Empire State Growers, Inc. Contact Don Halseth, Cornell University, if you plan to attend at 607-255-5460 or deh3@cornell.edu.
 
January 28th - Ontario County Maple Beginners Workshop. For more information contact Russell Welser, Cornell Cooperative Extension Ontario County, 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424, Phone: 585.394.3977
 
January 29th from 7 to 9pm - Farmland Protection and Purchase of Development Rights. Held at Genesee County Building II, 3837 West Main Street Rd. in Batavia. Designed for community leaders, farmers, grant writers, town planners, town attorneys, appraisers and anyone with an interest in farmland protection in our region. The workshop provides a comprehensive review of the process for creating successful Purchase of Development Rights projects and programs in your communities including a review of grant applications and case scenarios. Please RSVP to Holly McAllister, Genesee County Planning Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5467 or hmcallister@co.genesee.ny.us.
 
February 4th - WNY Soybean/Small Grains Congress. Held at the Batavia Party House in Stafford. Contact Cathy Wallace at (585) 343-3040 x138 for more information.
 
February 9th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. in Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
February 10th - Becker Forum on Ag Labor. To be held at the Holiday Inn Liverpool, Syracuse, NY. Contact NYSVGA@twcny.rr.com for more information.
 
February 11th and 12th - Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Held at the Oncenter Convention Center, Syracuse, NY. Contact NYSVGA@twcny.rr.com for more information.
 
Saturdays beginning February 14th - NYS Tractor and Farm Machinery Safety Course - Course instruction and intensive training in tractor and farm  machinery safety, leading to  certification is being planned for Saturday mornings at various dealerships in Genesee County  beginning on February 14, 2009.  Classes include general tractor maintenance, safe farm equipment operation and safety issues in general.  This training is offered only once a year and is for youth ages 14-16.  Please take a look at the flyer on our website for more details (http//genesee.cce.cornell.edu). Please call Amy Berry at 343-3040, ext. 106 to register to receive further information about the class when it becomes available.
 
February 21st from 9 am to NOON - 4-H Public Presentations. Genesee County 4-H members will have an opportunity to make 15-minute presentations on a topic of their choice.  Held at Byron-Bergen Central High School. Free and open to the public.  For more information call Barb Sturm at 343-3040, ext. 122 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
March 16th to 20th - Ag Literacy Week. Ag Literacy Week unites communities and schools.  Volunteers bring New York agriculture into local schools by sharing a special story and leading educational activities.  Volunteer in your community and get this year's book donated to your school of library.  For more information on volunteer for Ag Literacy Day, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at bbs28@cornell.edu.
 
March 21st - 7th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner – Held at the Alexander Fire Hall, Route 98 in Alexander, NY. Sponsors of the event include Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District. This extremely popular community tradition has become firmly established as a festive, fun filled get-together, and an opportunity to come together and socialize before the beginning of another growing season. Open to the general public. Tickets are $25 per person or $230 for a table of 10.  Only 400 tickets will be sold and no tickets will be sold at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets call Michelle at 343-3040, ext. 107.
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of "emergency information" for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association's annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
4-H Local Government Intern Program - Designed for high school Juniors & Seniors. Orientation meeting 7 pm on February 2nd at the Old County Courthouse in Batavia.
For more information on this program contact Chip Malone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 130.
 
Coffee and Dessert Series - If you want to socialize and learn about gardening, why not consider participating in the Coffee and Dessert Programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.  This is the fourth year of this popular program of classes presented by Community Educator Gail Culver and Genesee County Master Gardeners.  During the program participants will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with desserts homemade by the Master Gardeners. For more information and to register call Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York - This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners - Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management. Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service - Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more. Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour. Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers' Bureau - Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more. Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs. Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties. For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

FREE energy saving and financial management workshops will be offered in December at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.

Save Energy, Save Dollars will be offered at 9 a.m. on December 12th and will be followed by Making Ends Meet at 11:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend one or both of these informative sessions.

The Save Energy, Save Dollars session helps participants learn about low-cost and no-cost ways to reduce energy bills, learn about programs that can help you afford energy-efficiency improvements with subsidies, low-interest loans, or free services to qualifying households.  All attendees receive an assortment of energy saving items.

Making Ends Meet shows participants how to develop a household-spending plan, ways to maximize resources and how to reduce energy usage. Money management kits will be provided to all in attendance.

Pre-registration required.  For more information or to register, contact Kristine Fisher at 343-3040, ext. 114 or kaf35@cornell.edu,  or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County has announced events through the end of the year. Check the Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu for more details about these and other programs.
 
Tuesdays, November 4 through December 16- Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin in 2009. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
Thursdays, October 2 through November 13 - Positive Parenting Series – times vary. Held at the First Baptist Church - 5 East Main St. in LeRoy .  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 1st from 9 am to 2pm - New York Agriculture In The Classroom “Food, Land, And People Educator Training”. Held at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue in Buffalo, NY. Food, Land & People (FLP) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people of all ages better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment, and people of the world. Food, Land & People’s science-and social-science-based curriculum, “Resources for Learning”, currently serves Pre-K to 12th grade students with 55 hands-on lessons, developed and tested be more than a thousand educators. Attendees will  receive Food, Land and Peoples Resources for Learning CD-Rom (includes 55 lessons), Various NY Ag in the Classroom Materials including lessons plans, book lists, brochures, and more. Four hours of professional development credits and a participation certificate are included in a fun-filled day at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens (including lunch and tour of the gardens). If you are interested in attending or would like to learn more about the program contact Barb at 343-3040 ext. 122, visit the Cooperative Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu or stop by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 6 at 6 p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Winter Birds”.  Held at the Extension Building. This presentation is back by popular demand. Did you know that there will be different birds at your feeders during the winter months?  Do you know that to feed them or how to identify them?  Let our “birding” expert, Jan Beglinger give you in-depth information on this subject, while you enjoy coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
November 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
November 10th, November 12th, November 17th, November 19th, November 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spanish For (Ag) Working People. Instructed by Camy Sorbello. Learn enough Spanish in ten hours to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking agricultural employees. English-speaking managers & co-workers learn enough job-oriented basic Spanish that allows them to greatly improve job performance, workplace quality & business functioning. Camy's teaching method is suited to people who have little time to learn Spanish, as she uses simple phrases & a non-grammatical approach, with an emphasis on the words & language customarily used in each specific business or job function. Camy is a professional Spanish translator. To ensure the best learning experience, we will have a maximum of 20 participants. Cost is $125 per person (includes handouts). Register by November 3rd by calling 585-343-3040 ext 126 or stopping by the Extension office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 20 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Feed Dealer's Meeting. Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center, Varysburg, NY. For more information contact Cathy Wallace at 585-343-3040 x 138 or by email at cfw6@cornell.edu.

December 4 at 6 p.m. Holiday Greens Workshop.  Join Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver and the Master Gardeners for a fun-filled hands-on holiday greens workshop. Participants will  be able to make a Holiday Wreath or Holiday Centerpiece. This workshop will be held at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in  Batavia. Cost is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. Contact Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia or log on to http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
December 8 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
December 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference. Held at Cornell University, Kennedy Hall - David L. Call Alumni Auditorium. This year's conference will explore the theme of improved market access for New York farmers. The opening session, which will begin at 10 am, will examine emerging trends toward demand for local and regional food systems and emerging marketing and business opportunities in more distant markets. The theme of this portion of the program is Market Access for NYS Producers: Local and Long Distance Dimensions. For more information contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
December 9 - 11 Northeast Region Certified Crop Advisor Training. Holiday Inn, Waterloo, NY (Just off I-90 exit 41, south on Rt. 414) New Crop Advisers: Individuals seeking certification should attend CCA Basic Training to prepare for the regional and international certification exams. Basic Training does not include exam registration. Basic Training registration is for all three days.  The 3-day training event costs $225, and includes all coffee breaks, 3 lunches and one dinner. Register before November 8 for early discount! Next CCA Exam Date: February 6, 2009. Registration Period: October 1 - December 12. For registration materials, visit https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/become-certified/exams/registration/ . Contact: Jeanette Marvin at 315-986-9320, jmarvin@rochester.rr.com
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of “emergency information” for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association’s annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009.  Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York – This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners – Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management.  Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service – Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more.  Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.  Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau – Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more.  Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs.  Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties.  For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:

Food, Land & People (FLP) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people of all ages better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment, and people of the world.  Food, Land & People’s science-and social-science-based curriculum, “Resources for Learning”, currently serves Pre-K to 12th grade students throughout the United States. The curriculum consists of 55 hands-on lessons, developed and tested be more than a thousand educators.  The subjects range from environmental science and stewardship to human populations and land use issues.  Twenty of the lessons are available in Spanish.  FLP’s mission is to develop citizens literate about the relationships between agriculture, the environment, and human populations.
 
There will be an educator training on November 1, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY 14218.  Phone: 716-827-1584, Website: www.buffalogardens.com .  Attendees will  receive Food, Land and Peoples Resources for Learning CD-Rom (includes 55 lessons), Various NY Ag in the Classroom Materials including lessons plans, book lists, brochures, and more. Four hours of professional development credits and a participation certificate are included in a fun-filled day at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens (including lunch and tour of the gardens).
 
If you are interested in attending this workshop contact New Your State Agriculture in the Classroom, 106 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853; call 1-607-255-9253; Fax: 607-255-7905; or e-mail: hed24@cornell.edu.  You can also check out the Ag in the Classroom website at: wwwnyaged.org/aitc.
 
As of December 31, 2006, 30,292 educators have been trained to use Food, Land & People’s lessons in twenty-seven states.  It is estimated that they have reached over 6.5 million students since 1998. New York Agriculture in the Classroom is the state affiliate agency for Food, Land, and People in New York.  They have aligned the 55 lessons with New York State Learning Standards in all curriculum areas. 
 
If you are interested in using Resources for Learning, or would like to learn more about it, contact Barb at 343-3040 ext. 122, visit the Cooperative Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu or stop by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:
 
October 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Unwanted Pharmaceuticals Collection. Pavilion Fire Department, 11310 S. Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), Pavilion (1 mile south of Route 63). Residents will be able to dispose of unwanted, outdated and unused medicines, both prescription and over the counter drugs, FREE OF CHARGE and anonymously. Appointments are NOT required for this event. Residents from Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming Counties are eligible to participate. Sponsored by GLOW Solid Waste 1-800-836-1154.
 
October 6th through October 11th - National 4-H Week. 4-H is the only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and latest research of Cornell University. 4 H members learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in science, engineering and technology, healthy living, or citizenship. 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in America with more than 6.5 million young people ages 5-19, 538,000 volunteers, 3,500 staff and 60 million alumni. Learn more about the 4-H adventure at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
October 7th at 5:30 p.m. - Achievement Night and Volunteer Recognition Event. Held at the Kennedy Building located on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in Batavia. This is the perfect time to see what the best kept secret in Genesee County is all about. Join the 4-H youth, dedicated volunteers, and staff as they recognize the accomplishments of the past year.

October 9th at 6p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Putting Your Garden to Bed”. Held at the Extension Building. Your gardening tasks do not end with that killing frost.  There are many things you can do in your garden to assure gardening success next spring.  Let the Master Gardeners share their knowledge and tips with you. Other titles in the series include Spring Flowering Bulbs and Winter Birds. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
October 16th from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic. LeRoy Village Highway Garage.  Offered by the Genesee County Department of Health. A $5 voluntary donation per dog, cat or ferret is requested to offset clinic expenses.
 
October 15th. Leadership Genesee Applications Deadline for 2009 – Applications are currently being accepted for the Class of 2009.  Application deadline is October 15th. For more information or to obtain an application, contact Program Coordinator Peggy Marone at 343-3040, ext. 118, stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia or visit the website http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu.
 
October 18 - Agriculture Career Camp - Careers Related to the Viticulture Industry & Field Crop Farms. This is the second in a series of opportunities for 7th - 12th graders to explore the many careers that agriculture provides. The cost is $5 per session or $30 for all seven sessions. To register or for more details contact the CCE Ontario County office at 585-394-3977 x 427. Or visit http://fusiongrant.org and click on "Ag Career Camp".
 
October 20th at 5:00 p.m. – Board of Directors Finance Committee Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
Tuesdays through October 21st - Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin November 4th. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
October 23rd at 6p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Spring Flowering Bulbs”. Held at the Extension Building.  Do you know when and how deep to plant your tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, etc.  What is the latest you can plant your spring flowering bulbs?  This program will give you the “ins and outs” of spring flowering bulbs. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some dessert while learning about your spring garden! “Winter Birds” will be offered November 6th. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
Thursdays, October 2nd through November 13th - Positive Parenting Series – times vary. Held at the First Baptist Church - 5 East Main St. in LeRoy .  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
October 28th from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Achieving Greener Communities through Civic, Private and Government Sector Innovation. Held at the Genesee River Restaurant, Mt. Morris, NY. This one-day conference of the Rural Learning Network of Central and Western New York will explore: The roles of local/regional/state governments, The contributions of citizens, civic organizations and public and private entities, The roles of research and innovation, The interrelationships among energy, land use, and climate change issues. For more information contact Jan at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
Fridays through October 31st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Extension Educators at the Farmers’ Market.  Extension educators will be at the market Fridays throughout the summer and fall to offer hands on activities, food samples, soil testing and to answer any of your gardening, agriculture, 4-H and Youth Development or Nutrition questions. For a complete schedule of educators at the market call 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
November 6th at 6 p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Winter Birds”.  Held at the Extension Building. This presentation is back by popular demand. Did you know that there will be different birds at your feeders during the winter months?  Do you know that to feed them or how to identify them?  Let our “birding” expert, Jan Beglinger give you in-depth information on this subject, while you enjoy coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
November 10th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
November 10th, November 12th, November 17th, November 19th, November 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spanish For (Ag) Working People. Instructed by Camy Sorbello. Learn enough Spanish in ten hours to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking agricultural employees. English-speaking managers & co-workers learn enough job-oriented basic Spanish that allows them to greatly improve job performance, workplace quality & business functioning. Camy's teaching method is suited to people who have little time to learn Spanish, as she uses simple phrases & a non-grammatical approach, with an emphasis on the words & language customarily used in each specific business or job function. Camy is a professional Spanish translator. To ensure the best learning experience, we will have a maximum of 20 participants. Cost is $125 per person (includes handouts). Register by November 3rd by calling 585-343-3040 ext 126 or stopping by the Extension office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
December 4th at 6 p.m. Holiday Greens Workshop.  Join Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver and the Master Gardeners for a fun-filled hands-on holiday greens workshop. Participants will  be able to make a Holiday Wreath or Holiday Centerpiece. This workshop will be held at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in  Batavia. Cost is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. Contact Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia or log on to http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
December 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference. Held at Cornell University, Kennedy Hall - David L. Call Alumni Auditorium. This year's conference will explore the theme of improved market access for New York farmers. The opening session, which will begin at 10 am, will examine emerging trends toward demand for local and regional food systems and emerging marketing and business opportunities in more distant markets. The theme of this portion of the program is Market Access for NYS Producers: Local and Long Distance Dimensions. For more information contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of “emergency information” for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association’s annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009.  Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York – This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners – Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management.  Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service – Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more.  Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.  Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau – Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more.  Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs.  Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties.  For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.