Happenings October 2025
October 2025
Feeding Families, Supporting Farms: A Grant That Grew More Than Food
by Ruby Koch-Fienberg, Ag & Food Systems Coordinator
Something remarkable just came to a close in our community. With the completion of the $2 million New York Food for New York Families grant, we mark not only the end of a program, but the celebration of a milestone that touched thousands of lives across our region. Our partners at Meals on Main Street made each delivery with a smile, while also providing a hub for farmers to deliver their products directly to the warehouse.
Over the course of this initiative, we delivered an incredible 400,000 pounds of food—eggs, meat, produce, and dairy—to 37,500 families in Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester counties. Every bag of groceries was provided at no cost, no forms to fill out, no questions asked—just good, fresh food made available to anyone who needed it.
This was food with dignity, generosity and care at its heart. Although Meals on Main Street will continue deliveries for now, ongoing funding shortages make it uncertain how long the program can be sustained.
Strength in Collaboration
We didn’t do this work alone. It was powered by the strength of our community—over 30 local farms and several dedicated community organizations came together with a shared purpose: to make sure no table went empty.
Investing in Local Farmers
Behind every carton of eggs or fresh bunch of greens was a farmer whose hard work was supported. Through this grant, we paid out $1.3 million directly to farmers across Putnam, Orange, Westchester, Dutchess and nearby counties.
That meant real income for farm families, stronger local economies, and a food supply chain better equipped to weather challenges.
It wasn’t just about the food. It was about what food creates: connection, health, and belonging. One resident from Philipstown captured it beautifully when they wrote this note of thanks:
“My husband and I are in our 70s… the community Food Truck program has played an essential role in improving the variety and quality of our meals and, as a result, our health. Nearly every week we go to the closest location, choose from in-season produce and also come home with protein, bread and, many times, a unique treat. This weekly routine has pushed us to find new ways to eat healthy.”
For them and so many others, the food truck was more than a stop for groceries—it became a weekly gathering space, where neighbors swapped recipes, discovered new foods, and shared smiles with the team who welcomed them week after week.
As this chapter closes, we’re filled with gratitude for the farmers, partners, volunteers, and families who made it all possible. While the funding for this program has ended, the spirit of it lives on: the spirit of communities standing strong together, caring for one another, and ensuring that good food not only sustains us but connects us.
We are proud of what we built together—and even more excited about where we’ll grow next.
Bug of the Month: The Common Bumblebee
by Janis Butler, Master Gardener Volunteer
Scientists and other observers were shocked in the 2010s when reports on global insect decline began to be published. Habitat loss, misuse of pesticides, and introduced and invasive species are recognized as the causes, with climate change making it harder for insects to fight off the challenges.
Without insects, or with diminished populations of insects, ecosystems around the globe become unstable. Insects not only pollinate (one out of every three bites we eat comes from insect-pollinated plants) but also decompose organic matter (clearing dead plants and animals), control pests, and provide food for other animals. For example, about 96% of terrestrial bird species rely on insects, an essential source of protein, to feed their young.
To help spread the word about the plight of insects and how we can help them, Happenings will feature a series of short articles in upcoming months. We’ll start with a closer look at a familiar friend: the Common Bumble Bee, Bombus impatiens.
Bumble Bees and Tomatoes: A Perfect Match
Flowers from certain plants — tomatoes, blueberries, peppers,
cranberries, eggplants, potatoes —have hollow, tube-like anthers, where their pollen is held firmly and must be shaken out. Wind can do this, but not very efficiently. In the insect world, only bumble bees (most species) and some species of carpenter bee, mining bee, and sweat bee are capable of performing the extraordinary feat of releasing that sticky pollen. The bumble bee contracts flight muscles in its thorax so it can vibrate its wings rapidly while remaining stationary. These high-frequency vibrations (hundreds of cycles per second) travel through the bee’s body to the flower’s anthers, shaking out the pollen grains. The bee can adjust the frequency of the vibration depending on circumstances. And they get better at it with experience: they are not merely mindless machines. They learn!
Bumble bees are also masterful transporters of the treasured pollen. Static electricity helps it cling to their hairy bodies. When they’ve gathered enough, they use their four front legs to mix the pollen with nectar and scrape it into pollen baskets (actually concave pockets) on their two hind legs. It’s easy to see these orange lumps as the bee goes about its busy day. When the baskets are full, it’s back to the nest to feed and nurture the next generation.
Fall is the time of year when we find bumble bees clinging to flowers at dusk, motionless and apparently dead. But wait! These are often males who have left the nest in order to mate and just need shelter for the night. Or they might be females, ready to mate, who are too tired or too far from the nest to make it back and simply fall asleep at the wheel, the better to get an early start in the morning.
These late-season males and females mate and, as winter approaches, the males die off as do the founding queen and all the worker bees back in the nest. The surviving females are next year’s queens. Newly impregnated, they spend their time in fall gorging on pollen and nectar and looking for safe places to spend the winter. Winter is a critical time for them and many are lost. Researchers still have much to learn about how they select their overwintering sites, how deeply they go underground, how many survive, and other mysteries.
In spring, the new queens emerge, sometimes as early as late February, and begin to look for safe and dry underground nesting sights. Bombus impatiens is not an excavator and will not damage human property in making a home for her offspring. Instead, she looks for an abandoned burrow made by some other critter — a rodent, perhaps — or a space under a log or building or other undisturbed spot.
She then spends much of her time gathering food and creating wax pots to hold her eggs. She lays one egg in each pot and provisions it with bee bread, a mixture of pollen and nectar. When the eggs hatch, the grubs (rarely seen by humans since the nests are underground and well-camouflaged) feed on the pollen and nectar. Soon they pupate and in about 10 days, emerge as adults. The first batch of eggs produces female workers (the queen chooses their sex), who then take over the tasks of foraging for food and maintaining the nest.
So the bumble bees we see buzzing around our gardens in spring and summer are these female worker bees. The queen never again leaves the nest, keeping herself busy laying additional eggs. Later in the season, she stops producing worker bees and instead creates males, whose only purpose is to mate, and “gynes,” who will become next year’s queens.
Bumble bees are the only native North American bees that are truly social, meaning they live in communities. But don’t worry: since bumble bees (other than the new queens), do not survive the winter and do not provision their nest with honey, they are unlikely to defend it unless severely provoked. They only sting if threatened, i.e. if they fly up your sleeve and can’t escape or are squeezed by a curious and incautious human.
There’s still time to help Bumble Bees this fall!
Celebrate Fall Vegetables
by Mandel Smith, MS, RD, LDN, Former Senior Educator, Penn State Extension
During the fall months, there is an array of produce available at your local farm market or in the grocery store. Explore new ways of cooking fall vegetables to bring out sweet and exciting flavors.
When I venture out for my morning walks these days, I add an extra layer of clothing to stay warm in the crisp cool air. Adding a sweatshirt to my morning attire is not the only addition to daily life at my house; we are also including wonderful fall vegetables in meals and snacks. Just like me, fall vegetables love the cool days and crisp nights of autumn. Take advantage of the bountiful fall produce now available at local farm markets, in the grocery store or from your garden. When shopping for produce in the fall, look for hearty winter squash, root vegetables and heart-healthy cruciferous vegetables. Vegetables supply the body with important vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Some fall vegetables have a reputation for having a strong flavor. If you explore new ways to prepare vegetables, you may be surprised how a different cooking technique will bring out pleasantly sweet and exciting flavors. There are several vegetables available in the fall. Roots vegetables such as beets, potatoes and turnips are in season, as well as winter squash including pumpkin. When it comes to cruciferous vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower are in season.
Root Vegetables
According to the United Stated States Department of Agriculture (USDA) root vegetables are classified as vegetables whose underground roots are edible. The USDA includes vegetables such as radishes, carrots, onions, potatoes, rutabagas, turnips, parsnips and beets in this category.
Red beets can be found in a variety of colors including white and golden yellow. The greens of beets, or leafy tops, are a great source of vitamin C. They are also edible and can be served in ways that you would usually serve spinach. Beets can be boiled, pickled, added to soup or salad and baked/roasted. Store beets in the refrigerator crisper for up to two weeks.
Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of potassium, according to the United States Potato Board. Potatoes can be enjoyed baked, roasted, fried and boiled. Nothing says comfort food more than potatoes. Remember to keep your potatoes healthy by limiting the amount of butter and other high-calorie condiments you add to them. Enjoy the true flavor of potatoes by serving them with simple ingredients such as chives and plain yogurt. Store potatoes in a cool place away from light.
Turnips usually have white flesh and a reddish-purple tint on top. Turnips have only 20 calories per half-cup serving and are rich in vitamin C. There are lots of ways to use turnips. They can be sliced or cubed in stew or soups. Roasted turnips are delicious as are glazed turnips. Store tightly wrapped turnips in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pumpkin and Winter Squash
The different varieties of winter squash and pumpkin have some similar characteristics including a hard-outer shell, fully formed seeds and a fully developed seed cavity. Winter squash and pumpkin are both high in vitamin A and are good sources of fiber.
Winter squash is not grown or harvested in winter but picked when fully ripe, usually in September or October. The hard, thick shell allows it to be stored in a cool dark place for 1-3 months. Some of the common types of squash included in this group are acorn, butternut, hubbard, banana and spaghetti. Roasted winter squash can be served as a side dish, tossed in a salad, stirred into pasta or puréed for soup.
Pumpkins are large, round, and orange. The flesh of pumpkin has a mild sweet flavor, and the seeds are edible when roasted. White "ghost" pumpkins are also edible. Pie pumpkins are smaller, have sweet flesh, and are considered a better option for eating. Once cut, the flesh is orange and suitable for cooking. Traditional ways of serving pumpkin include baked in pies, pureed in soups or added to stews. And of course, on Halloween, pumpkins are carved for Jack-O-Lanterns! Fresh, whole pumpkins can be stored at room temperature for about 1 month.
Cruciferous Vegetables
What are cruciferous vegetables? According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this category of vegetables is very diverse and, in addition to broccoli and cauliflower, includes cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts and collards. The name "cruciferous" refers to these and other mustard family vegetables and comes from the Latin word Cruciferae that means "cross bearing," because the four petals of these vegetables resemble a cross. These vegetables are rich in fiber and low in calories.
Broccoli, with its deep green flower head, looks like a tree with a thick, edible stalk and can be eaten raw in salads or as a snack. Cooked broccoli is good in soups, stews and casseroles. Store broccoli in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 4 days.
Cauliflower is typically found in the white variety at the market or grocery store, but new varieties are now available in green and purple. The entire flower part is edible and like broccoli, is delicious eaten raw in salads or as a snack. Baked or roasted cauliflower has a subtle, sweet flavor. Store cauliflower tightly wrapped, head-down in the refrigerator to prevent moisture loss in the crisper drawer.
Brussels sprouts are another great fall vegetable that have a sweeter flavor when roasted. They are usually harvested between September and November, so now is a good time to find them in local markets. In addition to roasting them, you can serve them raw in salads as you would cabbage.
Proper Handling
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends proper handling of fresh produce. Raw produce can contain bacteria such as Salmonella, and E. coli that can make you and your family sick. Once you arrive home with your fresh fall produce be sure to keep these simple food safety tips in mind:
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2014, October 21). Roasted root vegetables. MyPlate. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 6). Fruit and vegetable safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
Ellis, C. E. (n.d.). The beginner's guide to cruciferous vegetables. EatRight. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
Home of U.S. potato farmers. Potatoes USA. (2021, April 21). Retrieved September 21, 2021.
Nutrition marketing tools. Potatoes USA. (2021, September 16). Retrieved September 21, 2021.
Penn State Extension. (2021, September 14). Pennsylvania Produce: A Guide to Quality Produce Grown in PA. Penn State Extension. Retrieved September 21, 2021. Pumpkins and More: Selection and Use. University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2021.
Summers, P. B., Jen, & Ting. (2017, February 21). Rediscovering our roots in December. USDA. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
Leaf Peeping: From Country Drives to Hikes in the Woods
adapted by Rachael Paradise, Communications Coordinator, from New York Department of Environmental Conservation
The smell of autumn is in the air, and very few things are more beautiful than witnessing the spectacular view of trees changing from their green summer gowns into resplendent reds, oranges and yellows.
A drive down local roads is an easy way to enjoy leaf peeping but hiking, biking and kayaking adventures are all a stone’s throw away!
The Empire State Trail is great for biking through Putnam. Hudson River Expeditions offers kayak and canoe excursions on the river while a rigorous climb up Breakneck Ridge in Hudson Highlands State Park offers incredible views across the water. For those who want a more leisurely stroll, visit West Point Foundry in Cold Spring, Michael Ciaola Conservation Area in Patterson, Nimham Fire Tower in Kent and Fahnestock State Park in Kent.
While a walk through the woods can be a great way to sight-see, it does have its dangers. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offers the following tips for hikers:
If You Are Lost or Injured
If, despite your best efforts, you become lost or injured while in the woods, it is important to stay calm and keep from taking rash actions that might cause your situation to worsen. Remember "STOP":
S is for Sit Down: This is the first and most important step in staying calm.
T is for Think: Ask yourself the most important questions, such as "How did I get here?" "How much time is left before it gets dark?"
O is for Observe: Try to identify landmarks, such as mountains that can help you figure out your position. Listen for sounds, like traffic, running water or even gunshots, which can help you find your way back to safety. Ask yourself the most likely places to look for firewood and shelter.
P is for Plan: Decide if you should try to make it out of the woods or stay put until morning. In making this all-important decision, consider how much easier it is to gather firewood during daylight. The rule of thumb is to make a pile as large as you think will last the night, then make 10 more just like it. People who have been forced to spend the night in the woods have been surprised by how much wood they need to keep their fire going.
Whatever you do, try not to panic. Most people don't think it will happen to them, but it does...and often. Panic leads to wasted time, poor decisions, and often, an unnecessary worsening of your predicament.
By taking a few precautions before entering the woods, you can make your trip safer and more enjoyable. It will also make it easier on your friends and family who await your return.
4-H News: Club Registration and National 4-H Week
by Brandy Keenan, 4-H Educator
Registration is Open for our 4-H Clubs!
Registration for Putnam County 4-H is officially open now through Oct. 31. Parents and guardians can register their youth through our website and our posts on FB and Instagram.
We have added an additional sewing club called Pins and Needles, re-opened the Face Painting club, as well as created two new clubs: NatureCraft and Hay You!
In the NatureCraft Club, youth will learn about pollinators, good bugs and bad bugs, and all things gardening in the Spring and Summer. In the Fall and Winter months, members will learn garden-related activities like flower pressing and plant dyes, as well as canning, cooking and baking. This club will meet monthly.
The Hay You! 4-H Club at Tilly Foster Farm will be a livestock and agricultural focused club. Members will learn how to care for and handle livestock like poultry and goats as well as basic animal science— digestive and skeletal systems, nutrition, and livestock's place in agriculture, our food systems and the environment. This club will meet twice a month.
4-H is an important youth development program that teaches valuable life skills like leadership, communication, and community engagement through hands-on projects in areas like agriculture, STEM, arts and healthy living. Guided by adult mentors, 4-H programs cultivate a sense of belonging and mastery in young people, leading to stronger community and civic participation, better school success, and a more intentional life. The four H's of 4-H—Head, Heart, Hands and Health—represent the values members strive to develop and apply in their lives.
We hope that you (we are always looking for leaders) and your youth will join 4-H today!
National 4-H Week: Beyond Ready!
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs and community events. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, the Beyond Ready initiative, highlights how 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In Putnam County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, raise and take care of livestock, learn new skills like sewing, baking and preserving food and so much more.
4-H gives our youth a space to grow into leaders who care deeply about their community and the future of the world around them. We see that every day in the way they show up to learn and lead.
CCE Putam and its team of educators, volunteers and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. Youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience and communication—skills that will serve them in their careers and for life.
“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers them a place to grow, lead, and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain real-world skills and experiences to help them become confident leaders who are resilient, confident, and Beyond Ready for the future.”
The Labor-Saving Magic of Not Tidying Up
By Janis Butler, Master Gardener Volunteer
Let’s say you do all the right things to help those pollinators and other beneficial insects and spiders in your garden. You grow flowers with many different shapes and colors, including lots of natives, with blooms from early spring through late fall. You avoid pesticides. You keep lawn to a minimum. In October, you pat yourself on the back, tidy up for the coming winter, and put your feet up until spring.
But wait! Back up to “tidy." Tidy for whom? Not for those leg-endowed garden friends you’ve been helping all summer long. Most insects and spiders stick around for the winter, either as eggs, larvae, pupae or adults, and they need a place to live safely. Too much tidying could destroy their winter homes, or worse.
So let’s rethink some of those clean-up chores.
Cutting back perennials: No need to overdo it. The plants don’t mind waiting until spring, and their stems provide winter homes for many tiny critters. Those empty-looking dried flowers can still contain seeds that birds hunt for all winter long. Especially leave coneflowers, sunflowers, black-eyed Susans and others from the aster family (those with wide, flat flowers). As a bonus, your garden will have greater winter interest as attractive dried flowers and seed pods stick out of the snow.
If you feel you must cut back those stalks, consider leaving some of them in small, loose piles around the back of the garden. Fat queen bumblebees would be glad to find a snug haven under such a heap. Stem-nesting mason bees may find them and be grateful. So will spiders, who badly need winter housing. In spring, they will send their progeny out to do battle with aphids, leafhoppers, leafminers, spider mites, spruce budworms, pine sawflies, thrips, cucumber beetles and many more gardeners’ enemies.
Mowing those grassy fields: Could you stand to mow only 1/4 or 1/3 of your meadow each year, leaving habitat for fauna? Katydids drill tiny holes in the stems of goldenrods and asters and lay their eggs there. Butterflies attach their delicate chrysalids to dead sticks and stems in meadows, emerging as adults in the spring. The round galls on goldenrod stems are made by tephritid flies and are eaten by titmice and chickadees during the winter months. Ladybugs and lacewings nest in the dry, sheltered crowns of native grasses.
Raking up leaf litter: This is a tough one. It goes against the grain of all our habits and assumptions. But think of it as free mulch. And remember who lives in that litter. Worms, snails, millipedes, and earthworms feed on it, breaking it up so that other organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoans, algae, and viruses) can decompose it into forms of nitrogen, calcium, sulfur and other soluble chemicals and minerals which are recycled as food by plants, including trees. The little litter critters are themselves food for salamanders, turtles, other insects, birds and larger animals. Insect larvae in particular are eaten by forest birds. When you see a bird pecking through a pile of leaves, they’re looking for food.
Many butterflies and moths overwinter in their pupal state in leaf litter. They’re pretty but, more important, their caterpillars provide essential food for protein-hungry baby birds in the spring. Some moths and bees spend the winter hibernating under leaf litter. Many other critters huddle under the leaves in a semi-dormant state. The list of leaf-litter beneficiaries is long! Leaf litter insulates and provides moisture, the perfect winter habitat.
A closer look at fungi: In addition to providing food for mites, springtails and many beetles and nematodes, the fungi in leaf litter plays a critically important role in breaking down lignin, the tough stuff that gives trees their strength. Without fungi to decompose the rigid cell walls of dead trees, our forests would be covered with millennia of fallen trunks and branches. Mycorrhizal fungi live in close association with plant roots and help them absorb vital nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen from the soil. (The fungi aren’t doing this for free: they get nutrients from the plants, produced by photosynthesis.)
By doing less tidying up, could you be harboring bad bugs as well as good? That’s always a risk but one worth taking, considering the alarming rate at which natural habitat is shrinking for the more desirable critters, especially the natives. And of course you should tidy up any litter that might contain pathogens. Get rid of dead leaves under the grape arbor and the leaf-spot-ridden cherry tree. In fact, carefully clean up the fallen leaves of any plant with leaf spot or any other signs of disease. Dispose of all disease-prone plant material (tomatoes, impatiens, peonies, roses) properly, meaning double-bag it and put it out with the trash unless you are positive it’s healthy. If you have voles eating your plants – and they’ll eat bark, crowns, seeds and fruits as well as roots – you may want to leave some cleared (tidied) space so that hawks can find them.
Keep in mind that the insect and spider lives you save this winter will benefit your flowers next summer and generally contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
Photo by Debbie Roos, N.C. Extension of late November seedheads of Maryland golden aster (Chrysopis mariana)
Give This Autumn Recipe a Try: Peter Pumpkin Squares
from Josephine Quiocho, Nutrition Educator
A perfect treat for pumpkin lovers. A seasonal treat for the holidays or any time of year that you're craving pumpkin.
Ingredients
1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, and oil. Mix well.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
4. Add the pumpkin mix to the flour mix. Stir well.
5. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or margarine.
6. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
Learn more about Pumpkin at snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide/pumpkin
Source: www.myplate.gov/recipes/peter-pumpkin-squares
Last updated October 1, 2025
Erin McNally, Master Gardener Volunteer
Erin grew up on a small farm in the Finger Lakes which introduced her to permaculture practices. Twenty-five years ago, she moved to Hudson Valley for her career and to attend graduate school.
“I’ve been happy to call Philipstown home for twenty years now, where I continue to work, play and volunteer outdoors,” she said.
Her formal training is in the visual arts, art history and art education. “Designing landscapes has allowed me to marry my passion for the arts with my love of gardening,” she said. “For me, landscape design is a form of experiential sculpture that exists in the past, present and future.”
Erin became a Cornell Master Gardener Volunteer in 2022. She feels very fortunate that the flexible instructional model has allowed her to participate in trainings while working as a public school teacher.
As a longtime patron of the Desmond-Fish Library in Garrison, she jumped at the chance when she learned there was a need for a team leader for the Pollinator Habitat at the library. The Pollinator Habitat is located on the grounds of the Desmond-Fish Public Library and was funded by a grant from the Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation District. Designed by Jennifer Lerner, Senior Resource Educator at CCEPC, the garden was installed by a team of volunteers in the spring of 2022. Over the past three years, the plantings have become fully established and no longer require watering. Master Gardener Volunteers continue to act as stewards of the habitat, modeling best practices for supporting pollinators. Stems and seedheads are left standing until late spring so that birds and insects can benefit from the plants year-round. The demonstration garden also serves as a jumping off point for nature-based programming at the library. This has included workshops on seed collecting and sowing, as well as building “houses” for native bees.
How can residents become involved in their community's gardens? “Throughout Putnam County, there are CSAs, garden clubs, pollinator habitats and family farms where residents can volunteer,” Erin said. “The rewards are new skills, long lasting friendships, and sometimes complementary plants and produce. There is also the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to the food security of your neighbors and provided habitat for local wildlife. I would recommend reaching out to CCE-Putnam for specific opportunities within your community.”
When asked if she had a favorite native plant, Erin said, “If I had to choose a favorite native plant, it would have to be Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master). The plant can reach 4 to 6 feet in height, topped with thistle-like flowers that form prickly spheres. The silvery texture creates great visual contrast in the garden, while attracting native bees and serving as a host to butterflies. I was thrilled when I discovered I could grow the plant from seed (with some patience).”
Her advice to anyone who doesn’t think they have a green thumb is “volunteering in local gardens has taught me so much over the years. I find more experienced gardeners are often enthusiastic to share their wealth of knowledge, as long as you are willing to pull weeds in return (and they will show you which ones are the weeds, too!).”
Erin has a 35-year history with CCE and believes “CCE has a myriad of trusted resources to offer all people at every stage of life.” Her experience with the Extension Service started when she learned how to sew as a member of her local 4-H club. “More recently, she has been working with the Community Energy Advisor at CCEPC to research upgrades for her home. And, of course, she continues to take advantage of the many garden-based learning opportunities offered. "For me, CCE offers science-based lifelong learning without the cost of tuition,” she concluded.
October is ...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
REMINDER: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect time to schedule your annual mammogram if you haven’t already. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025 about 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women; about 59,080 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed; and 42,170 women will die from breast cancer. However, breast cancer deaths have been decreasing steadily since 1989 with an overall decline of 44% through 2022. This decrease is believed to be the result of early detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.
Source: American Cancer Society
National Cookie Month
National Cookie Month invites everyone to indulge in one of the world’s most beloved treats. According to UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, cookies are more than just delicious snacks—they carry a rich history and have become a key part of holiday traditions. Did you know that the word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word “koekje," which means “little cake”? According to the Oxford Dictionary, cookies were originally less sweet than the versions we know today. In fact, in some countries, cookies resemble semi-sweet crackers. In many parts of the world, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries, cookies are referred to as “biscuits.”
Source: National Today
Polish American Heritage Month
Since 1608, when the first Polish settlers arrived at Jamestown, Va., Polish people
have been a part of America’s history and culture. In 2025, Polish Americans will mark the 44th Anniversary of the founding of Polish American Heritage Month, an event, which began in Philadelphia, Pa., and became a national celebration of Polish history, culture and pride. During 2025, Poles will mark the
417th anniversary of the first Polish settlers who were among the first skilled workers in America. On July 30, 1619, the Polish settlers accomplished another noteworthy achievement by staging the first labor strike in America. This year, Polish Americans are also marking the anniversary of the deaths of Gen. Casimir Pulaski and Gen. Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Kosciuszko came to America to offer
his services to Gen. George Washington. He was
appointed engineer of the Continental Army with the
rank of colonel. He is known for his fortification
at West Point. Pulaski also joined the Continental Army. Using his own money,
Pulaski formed the first cavalry unit in the Continental
Army.
Source: Polish American Heritage Month
Squirrel Awareness Month
In 1995, Greg Basset founded the Squirrel Lover's Club and celebrated the first Squirrel Awareness Month. You too can celebrate by appreciating the cunning and acrobatic abilities of these bushy-tailed critters. Read Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin" or watch videos online of squirrels figuring out complicated obstacles to obtain seeds and nuts from bird feeders. Did you know squirrels don’t dig up all of their buried nuts, resulting in more trees? They have unintentionally contributed to planting countless trees in our nation’s forests.
Source: The Squirrel Lovers Club
Dry Weather Increases Fire Risk
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton is urging all New Yorkers to exercise extra caution before any outdoor burning. Current warm and dry conditions are causing an increased fire risk across New York State, and DEC encourages people to put safety first, not leave fires unattended, and ensure all fires are fully extinguished.
“Much of New York is abnormally dry and fire risk is either high or moderate for the entire state, so it's absolutely essential New Yorkers are mindful of the risk when doing any kind of residential outdoor burning,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Campers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts should avoid building campfires outside of established fire rings or pits to not only keep themselves safe, but also our Forest Rangers who respond to fires that start burning out of control.”
Daily fire danger ratings may fluctuate based on weather, but the overall risk is elevated beyond what is typical for this time of year. These conditions continued throughout the month of September and may likely persist through October. With the fall foliage and dry autumn season beginning, fire risk will continue to be a statewide concern.
Since Aug.1, DEC Forest Rangers have responded to 53 fires burning nearly 26 acres of land. Approximately half of those were caused by campfires that broke containment or were not extinguished properly. People often think a fire has been extinguished, but in dry conditions, hot embers burn into the ground where they can smolder for days or even weeks before being detected as a wildfire. To properly extinguish a campfire, pour copious amounts of water on the fire, stir any remaining coals to mix the water into the fire bed, and make sure the fire is cool to the touch before leaving it.
If you encounter a wildfire in the forest, dial 911 to report the fire, and be prepared to give a location of the fire to first responders. If you encounter unattended campfires on DEC lands, contact Forest Ranger Dispatch at 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).
Wildfire Prevention Tips
- Completely extinguish all campfires. Fires should be doused with water and stirred to mix ashes and water until ashes are cool enough to touch with the back of your hand. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
- Never discard ashes from campfires, charcoal grills, woodstoves or cigarettes on vegetation or the forest floor.
- Refrain from smoking in areas with flammable vegetation or organic soils. Cigarette butts and ashes should never be discarded in the forest regardless of location. If you carry it in, carry it out!
- Do not drive off established road or park on top of vegetation. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation that touches them.
- When operating chainsaws, generators and other power equipment ensure it has a functioning muffler with spark arrestor. Have supplies (shovel, water, fire extinguisher) to deal with a fire if one should start.
- Check local regulations for your intended destination for any additional restrictions on fires.
- Make sure that all vegetation and flammable material are far away from your fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Always be careful with fire.
- And “Remember…Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
Chronic Wasting Disease Found at Captive Deer Facility
DEC and the Department of Agriculture and Markets have detected chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a captive deer facility located in southern Herkimer County. While there is no evidence that CWD is present in wild deer at this time, DEC is enhancing CWD surveillance and is requesting that all successful deer hunters in the area submit the deer’s head to DEC for testing.
Hunters: Submit the head from any deer harvested in the towns of Columbia, German Flatts, Litchfield, Warren or Winfield in Herkimer County, and the Town of Richfield in Otsego County for free CWD Testing
Instructions for how to do so can be found on the DEC website.
CWD is a fatal disease found in deer, elk and moose that poses a serious threat to wild populations. Consequently, it has the potential to impact all the benefits associated with deer and moose in New York: enjoyment of watching healthy animals; hunting traditions and sustainable use of venison; and economic benefits derived from big game hunting. CWD is not currently known to be in wild deer in New York.
CWD was first discovered within New York in captive and wild deer in Oneida County in 2005. A swift, intensive, and comprehensive $1 million testing and culling operation by DEC and NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets was able to eliminate the outbreak. New York is the only state to have eliminated CWD. For an up-to-date map of where CWD is present in states and provinces, visit the CWD Alliance webpage.
Bear Sightings Becoming Commonplace
Black bear sightings are becoming more common and are regularly reported throughout the Hudson Valley. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as securing trash, removing bird feeders and pet food, and cleaning grills, to prevent encounters and manage the growing bear population. If you see a bear, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) recommends you do not approach it but quietly back away. Black bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans.
Black bears are an important and natural component of New York's ecosystem. Whether you live or recreate in an area with bears, please help maintain and protect bears. At the same time, protect yourself and your property by not feeding bears and by reducing bear attractants.
Here are some facts about black bears from NYSDEC:
County Department
of Health Schedules Seasonal Flu Clinics
The Putnam County Department of Health is offering drive-thru public seasonal flu vaccine clinics for Putnam County residents, 18 years of age and older, on:
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Garrison Fire Department. Not a drive thru.
- Monday, Oct. 20, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at the Putnam County Department of Health, 1 Geneva Road Brewster. Drive thru.
All public flu clinics require appointments and can be made HERE.
The consent form must be completed and signed prior to the clinic, and presented at the time of the clinic, along with proof of residency (Driver’s License). Consent forms will not be available at the clinic and are available HERE.
Cost of the flu vaccine is $30. For those 65 or older or with a Medicare card, the flu vaccine is free.
Short sleeves are necessary for vaccine administration.
For more information, call the Putnam County Department of Health Immunization Program at 845-808-1332.
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Tidbits
Had it with Spotted Lanternfly?
If you’ve had it with spotted lanternflies, you are not alone. They have made sticky messes of our decks, sidewalks and cars, crashed our backyard barbecues, and generally freaked us out with their sheer numbers. You can get some revenge, or at least a little satisfaction by destroying their eggs.
Sweet Revenge!
In Late fall, after spotted lanternflies are killed by freezing temperatures and before they hatch in May, find and destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses. Eggs can be found on any hard surface, including plastic, wood and metal. Check for the egg masses on tree trunks, branches, rocks, lawn furniture and really anything that's outside. The egg masses are often found on the underside of branches or objects and vary in size but are typically about 1 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inches wide and look like grayish splotches of mud or putty. That makes them hard to spot, they are well camouflaged!
Scrape the egg masses into a re-sealable bag or container that contains rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and dispose of them in the solution to be assured they will not hatch.
- Scrape egg masses using scraper cards, or anything else that is hard, tapered and/or flat.
- Kill the eggs by putting them into doubled bags, alcohol/hand sanitizer, or by smashing or burning them.
You won’t get them all!
Because spotted lanternflies lay many egg masses high up in tree canopies, removing egg masses within reach will not eliminate them, but because each egg mass contains up to 50 eggs, it can reduce the numbers, especially early in the season.
What’s being done about them?
While pesticides are available for control of Spotted Lanternfly, biocontrol research holds hope for a sustainable approach. Scientists at Cornell University are looking at strains of Beauvaria, and other entomopathogenic fungi, effective against these insects. There is also a very promising parasitoid wasp—smaller than a poppy seed—parasitizing the eggs of spotted lanternfly. This huge population of spotted lanternfly is a lot of work for these tiny helpers, but biocontrol works in synchrony with pest populations. As the pest populations swell, so do the biocontrol’s population. Right now, they have a little catching up to do!
Photo by Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org
Resource: Cornell Integrated Pest Management
4-H Collecting Supplies for Community Health Pantries
4-H volunteers have created and stocked community health pantries in two locations in Putnam County. A note found in one of the pantries shows just how much the health pantries help people in our community. It stated, "Thank you kindly for the things that you have left in this box. Times are hard but every little bit helps." You can help out too! Our volunteers are seeking items such as travel-size shampoos, toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash, lotions, etc. Items can be dropped off at the CCE Putnam office, 1 Geneva Road in Brewster, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In September, Nutrition Educator Josephine Quiocho held a workshop at the new offices of the Mental Health Association of Putnam County in Brewster. She discussed healthier food options and made a delicious turkey chili for attendees to sample.
At a glance ...
Discipline is NOT a Dirty Word
Thursdays, Oct. 2 through Nov. 13
7 to 9 p.m.
Online
Please join us for a 4-week, virtual program to support parents and caregivers with tools and resources for raising children.
What will you learn?
- Understanding Your Child: Child and brain development, temperament, and why kids misbehave.
- Understanding Yourself Better: Parenting styles, co-regulation, resilience, and self-care.
- Communication Strategies: Active and reflective listening, I Statements, and empathy.
This program is put on by CCE Orange and Sullivan Counties.
Registration is required. The fee is $40 per person/ $0 Solidarity (if you cannot pay at this time).
Register HERE.
Panel Discussion: Legacies of the Hudson Valley’s Landscape Culture
Sunday, Oct. 5
3 p.m.
Boscobel House and Gardens
1
601 Route 9D, Garrison
Join Boscobel for a panel featuring leading voices who will explore the complex and evolving legacies of the Hudson Valley’s landscape.
Artist and former director of the Thomas Cole site, Betsy Jacks reflects on the Hudson River School’s enduring influence; Professor Evan Pritchard shares indigenous perspectives on the region’s past and present relationship with the landscape; environmentalist and author Frederic C. Rich addresses urgent ecological challenges; and artist Jean-Marc Sovak considers the contemporary cultural landscape through his work. Together, they illuminate how history, art, nature, and stewardship work as an ecosystem, continuing to shape the Hudson Valley today.
Admission is $15 for adults; $5 for students; and free to Boscobel members.
Register HERE.
Unpacking the Teen Years -
A Supportive Parenting Series
Wednesdays, Oct. 8 through Nov. 19
7 to 9 p.m.
Online
While the teen years often make parents/caregivers tremble, it really is a wonderful time of growth for teens. What they are experiencing is really a spectacular time of life.
Join us to learn about:
- Changes in your teen
- Ways to build connectivity
- Communication strategies and tools
- Challenging behaviors and know how to identify red flags
- Building relationships for the future
- How a positive approach to your teen will benefit your relationship
The virtual sessions will be on Oct. 8 and 22 and November 5 and 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Registration is required. The fee is $40 per person/ $0 Solidarity (if you cannot pay at this time).
Register HERE.
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Growing More, Longer: Season Extension and Hydroponic Demo
Monday, October 20, 2025
9:30 AM -
2:00 PM
This day-long workshop is designed to give farmers and growers practical tools to extend their growing season and explore innovative production systems. The program brings together research-based insights, technical expertise, and a hands-on demonstration.
Participants will learn from Cornell specialists and NRCS staff about high tunnels systems, feasibility and cost analysis, and the benefits deep water culture hydroponics. Local farmers will share their real-world experiences with high tunnel production and crop management at Ryder Farm by RE Endeavors, followed by an on-farm tour at Pleasant View Farm to explore deep water culture hydroponics and greenhouse systems. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with setting up an ebb-and-flow grow table to reduce labor and improve watering consistency.
The fee is $15-$35
Register HERE.
Adult Intermediate Sewing Class
Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Nov. 18
4-5:30 p.m.
The Adult Intermediate Sewing Class is tailored to those who have experience using a sewing machine but are looking to refine existing skills and learn new techniques.
In this 6-week program, participants will work on specific projects. The class is set up in a collaborative atmosphere where participants can share ideas and receive feedback from the instructor and others in the class.
Registration Fee is $35
Sewing machines are available for use during class or you can bring your own.
Must be 18+ to participate.
Register HERE.
What’s in My Backyard? Managing Your Garden in a Time of Change
Sunday, Nov. 2
8:30a.m.-3 p.m.
Boscobel House and Gardens
1601 Route 9D, Garrison
Learn from experts on how to navigate wildlife, support native plants, and cultivate a backyard and garden to withstand – and thrive – in a changing climate.
During this full day symposium, you will hear from six experts on managing your backyard and garden in a time of climate change, including cultivating pollinator pathways, composting best practices, navigating invasive species and plants, supporting native wildlife and insects, and more. Speakers and a full schedule to be announced.
Registration is required. The fee is $50. For more information, visit www.boscobel.org.
Halloween Safety Tips
Ghosts and goblins aren’t always the scariest part of the Halloween holiday. Parents and homeowners often have to worry about the safety of their homes and families.
Here are some tips and tricks to make Halloween a treat for everyone involved.
Candy Alternatives
It’s important to consider your child’s health when it comes to all the candy they will collect on Halloween. Not only do you need to inspect it for any tampering, but you need to consider what you will do with all of it. Experts suggest a good meal before trick-or-treating. Afterward, let your child pick a few favorite pieces, but then put away the rest. Allowing candy to sit out where children see it is often too tempting to pass up.
Treat kids to candy alternatives, such as popcorn, trail mix or pretzels, this Halloween.
To help promote healthier habits and combat childhood obesity, many parents choose to provide alternatives to the traditional Halloween candy.
Light the Night
Drivers may not easily see trick-or-treaters. For improved visibility, children should carry a flashlight, use glow sticks or wear reflective tape on their costumes. In addition, trick-or-treaters should stay on sidewalks and cross streets only at crosswalks. Finally, children should be supervised by an adult and walk in large groups, which are easier to see than individual pedestrians.
Stranger Danger
Halloween is a fun night to gather with neighbors, but be sure to remind children of “stranger danger.” Remind children that they should never enter a house or a car of someone they do not know. Children should stay in well-lit, populated areas and stick to a pre-planned route.
Fire Safety
According to WVU Extension Safety and Health experts, costumes aren’t always the scariest part of Halloween.
“Being fire-safe doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun holiday,” said John Hyman, WVU Extension assistant professor.
Follow these tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your trick-or-treaters safe.
- Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating jack-o'-lanterns. Use extreme caution when decorating with candle lit jack-o'-lanterns, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o'-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn, including doorsteps, walkways and yards.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes.
- Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.)
- Make sure fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside, that the venting is kept clear and unobstructed, and that the exit point is properly sealed around the vent, all of which is to make sure deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in the home.
- Instruct children who are attending parties at others’ homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
Costume Safety
- If your child wears a mask, make sure the viewing area is big enough so that your child can easily see where he or she is going.
- Be careful of tripping hazards. To lessen the possibility of a fall, wear shoes with a low heel and be sure that the costume does not drag on the ground.
- Props should be made of plastics or foam material to reduce the risk of injury if a child falls.
- Reflector strips help drivers see trick-or-treaters.
Source: WVU Extension
Putnam History Museum: Revolutionary War History Contest
The Putnam History Museum is holding a contest open to Putnam County youth age 12 to 13. All submissions must include a creative work and a written component focused on the American Revolutionary War History in Putnam County.
Cash Awards: First Place ($500), Second ($300), Third ($100), plus honorable mentions
Entries are due Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. An awards ceremony and reception will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
Registration and Full Contest Details can be found HERE.
Putnam County Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Putnam County residents will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fahnestock State Park, Canopus Beach Parking Lot, 1570 Route 301, Kent.
Pre-Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit putnamcountyny.gov/health/recycle#HHWD.
Please bring your confirmation email with you to the event. For more information call (845) 808-1390 ext. 43231.
Please place all materials to be discarded in your vehicle's rearmost compartment or trunk.