2020 *Virtual* Open Farm Days Monday, September 21, 2020 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Every year CCE Tompkins hosts the Open Farms Days program, giving visitors a chance for in-depth and behind the scenes access to our local farms. This year we’re teaming up with CCE Cortland to bring our area farms to you!Since public tours aren't possible right now, we're excited to be able to offer a monthly series of virtual visits to farms when their key produce is in season. This month, we'll be visiting with three local APPLE producers. We'll be talking with an orchardist, a u-pick farmer, and a cider-maker:Hemlock Grove Farm: http://ithacaorganicapples.com/Indian Creek Farm: https://indiancreekithaca.com/Hollenbeck's Cider Mill: https://www.hollenbeckscidermill.com/Pre-Registration (follow the link HERE or below) is required in order to get the zoom link to this event. All registrants will receive an info packet with bios of our farmers, info about where to pick or purchase local apples and apple products, and recipes. To maximize the fun of this event, consider visiting one of our host farms for an apple treat, spending some time at an area U-Pick apple farm (find them HERE) or picking up local apples at your closest Farmers Market ahead of our Zoom date and have an apple tasting during the event! FREE! Mila Fournier, ymf5@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 ext. 194 ========================================= ZOOM VIRTUAL CLASS: Growing Great Garlic Tuesday, September 22, 2020 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Growing garlic is easy and it is a great crop to add to even the smallest of gardens. The period between Halloween and Thanksgiving is the best time to plant garlic in our region.  This class with Jennie Cramer, our Horticulture Program Manager, will cover proven methods for growing great organic, disease-free, flavorful garlic. Instructor Jennie Cramer is our Horticulture Program Manager and coordinates our Master Gardener Volunteer Program. She is a former conservation biologist with expertise in organic gardening, regenerative agriculture, natural history and botanical education.Register and pay here, or on the LEARN MORE link below.Setting Up Zoom:To download and install the Zoom Application:Go to https://zoom.us/download and from the Download Center, click on the Download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”.This application will automatically download when you start your first Zoom Meeting, but installing before class is a good idea.Once the download is complete, proceed with installing the Zoom application onto your computer.Once Zoom is installed, click on the emailed Zoom link to begin viewing the class in Zoom $0-$20/person self-determined sliding scale; pay what you can afford Margaret Royall , mr2285@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 voicemail ext. 244 ========================================= 2020 Master Gardener Volunteer Bulb Sale Wednesday, September 23, 2020 12:15 am - 11:45 pm It's time to order bulbs! These will arrive in October to plant and brighten your spring garden! To help you decide, check out the bulb sale sell sheet and order form - a Master Gardener-curated list of their favorite bulbs they have grown successfully, covering a variety of colors and bloom-times (March to June/July). In addition, there are suggested groupings of bulbs to meet your specific garden needs: Early bloomersDeer resistantPollinator favoritesShade tolerantNaturalizing bulbsPlease also consider donating to our Garden Angel Program. Master Gardener Volunteers will be planting bulbs in an underserved community in Ithaca, NY. Each $1 will purchase one bulb to share the joy of flowers and color popping up in the spring!This bulb sale will be happening online from now until September 23rd. Top-quality bulbs are from Van Engelen, the wholesale branch of the popular John Scheepers Inc. garden supplier. Contact-free pickup will be in the parking lot of CCE Tompkins in mid-October. Exact timing will be announced after bulbs are shipped from the supplier.Due to COVID-19, the annual Spring Garden Fair & Plant Sale was downsized, and MGVs were unable to host their usual sales booth. This fundraiser will help replace that lost income and cover Master Gardener Volunteer program costs.For more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Tompkins County, visit: http://ccetompkins.org/MasterGardeners. To sign up for our upcoming online class, “Selecting & Planting Bulbs” on Wednesday, September 16th, visit: http://ccetompkins.org/BulbWorkshop. Margaret Royall , mr2285@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 voicemail ext. 244 ========================================= Food Preservation Zoom Classes Friday, September 25, 2020 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Our colleagues at CCE-Saratoga are offering a series of food preservation classes online.  Register for one or all of these FREE classes taught by Diane Whitten, CCE Nutrition Educator and Cornell Certified Master Food Preserver. For additional information, contact Diane at dwhitten@cornell.edu.Friday, June 12, 11 am, Making Strawberry Jam: Learn how to make a full sugar, low sugar or no sugar jam, plus freezer jam (a no cook recipe great for kids). This class will cover the basics of canning in a boiling water bath or steam canner, including equipment needed. Link to Registration: Making Strawberry JamFriday, June 26, 11 am, Fermenting Vegetables: Learn how easy and fun it is to ferment foods at home, including sauerkraut and kim chi. This class will include equipment, tips and techniques for successful fermentation. The health benefits of probiotic bacteria in fermented foods will be discussed. Link to Registration:Fermenting Vegetables.Friday, July 17, 11 am, Canning at Home; An Intro to Boiling Water, Steam and Pressure Canning: Learn when and how to use these different canning methods. This class will include a discussion of low acid and high acid canning, plus how to avoid botulism food poisoning. Link to Registration: Canning at HomeFriday, July 31, 11 am, Quick Pickling: Learn tips and techniques for successful pickling, including making a crisp pickle. Pickling ingredients will be discussed. This class will cover the basics of canning in a boiling water bath or steam canner, including equipment needed. Link to Registration: Quick Pickling.Friday, August 14, 11 am, Pressure Canning Vegetables, Meats & Soups: Learn the procedures for safely canning low-acid foods, such as vegetables, meats, and soups in a pressure canner. This class will include a discussion of dial gauge vs. weighted gauge pressure canners and how to use them. Link to Registration:Pressure Canning Vegetables, Meats & SoupsFriday, September 11, 11 am, Canning Salsa & Tomatoes: Learn how to can whole and diced tomatoes, plus make salsa. This class will cover the basics of canning in a boiling water bath or steam canner, including equipment needed. Link to Registration:Canning Salsa & TomatoesFriday, September 25, 11 am, Dehydrating Fruits & Vegetables: Learn tips and techniques for getting quality dehydrated fruits & vegetables. This class will include a discussion of types of dehydrators. Link to Registration: Dehydrating Fruits & Vegetables.Friday, October 16, 11 am, Making Meat Jerky: Learn how to safely make your own jerky in an oven or food dehydrator. This class will include the three methods of making a safe jerky, options for marinating, and testing for doneness. Link to Registration: Making Meat Jerky. Setting Up Zoom: To download and install the Zoom Application: Go to https://zoom.us/download and from the Download Center, click on the Download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”. This application will automatically download when you start your first Zoom Meeting, but installing before class is a good idea.Once the download is complete, proceed with installing the Zoom application onto your computer.Once Zoom is installed, click on the emailed Zoom link to begin viewing the class in ZooIf you’ve never used Zoom before, learn the basics of joining a Zoom meeting at this site. FREE! ========================================= Chicken BBQ Benefits 4-H Youth Programming Saturday, September 26, 2020 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Lansing Community Center, 29 Auburn Road , Lansing, New York 14882 C’mon out and get a delicious chicken BBQ dinner and support Tompkins County 4-H Youth Programming. 10:30 AM till gone.Fee$10 - Full Meal ½ chicken, salt potatoes w/butter, baked beans, Texas Road House Roll w/cinnamon butter, homemade dessert!)$8 Half Chicken onlyLocationPark next to the Lansing Community CenterProceeds will go toward the funding of the 4-H Youth Programming in Tompkins County $10/full dinner; $8 1/2 chicken only Brenda T. Carpenter, btc6@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 ext. 142 ========================================= ZOOM VIRTUAL CLASS: Improving Your Garden Soil Tuesday, September 29, 2020 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Learn tips and tools for working in all kinds of soil, including our area's tricky, clay soils. Main topics include: improving your soil fertility, tilth, microbial and fungal diversity, using tools such as sheet mulching, compost and vermi-compost, cover crops, compost teas and juices, biochar, broad forking, double digging, and more. In addition, we'll take a look at different styles of compost bins and tumblers and chat about the pros and cons of each.Instructor Jennie Cramer is our Horticulture Program Manager and coordinates our Master Gardener Volunteer Program. She is a former conservation biologist with expertise in organic gardening, regenerative agriculture, natural history and botanical education.Register and pay here, or on the LEARN MORE link below.Setting Up Zoom:To download and install the Zoom Application:Go to https://zoom.us/download and from the Download Center, click on the Download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”.This application will automatically download when you start your first Zoom Meeting, but installing before class is a good idea.Once the download is complete, proceed with installing the Zoom application onto your computer.Once Zoom is installed, click on the emailed Zoom link to begin viewing the class in Zoom $0-$20/person self-determined sliding scale; pay what you can afford Margaret Royall , mr2285@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 voicemail ext. 244 ========================================= CANCELLED: 2020 Gardeners Pot Swap Recycling Event Wednesday, September 30, 2020 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm Due to limitations placed on our staff and volunteers by Covid-19, CCE-Tompkins will not host the annual Gardener's Pot Swap Recycling Event in 2020. Gardeners with extra pots to share are encouraged to ask their local nurseries if they will take pots back to reuse; and to reach out to other local gardeners via platforms such as Ithaca Freecycle, the Facebook group Ithaca Families Gift Economy or post them on CraigsList. Many garden pots are recyclable and the Tompkins County Recycling Center will accept any pots that are stamped with a number #1,2, or 5. Please do not leave your pots at Cooperative Extension! Jennie Cramer, jrc10@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 ext 146 ========================================= 2020 Community Beautification Nomination Deadline Thursday, October 1, 2020 9:00 am - 5:00 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The Tompkins County Community Beautification Program invites nominations of local sites that have done an outstanding job beautifying their properties, and that deserve to be recognized with a Tompkins County Community Award for Beautification. Nominate your favorite site in 1 of 4 Categories: Business Residential Civic Association PlacemakingTo nominate your favorite examples of beautification send an email to beautification@cornell.edu and include the address of the location, category in which you'd like to nominate it,  and attach adigital photos if possible.Nominations should be submitted any time between now and 5pm on 10/1/2020 and should be for highly visible public sites that have NOT been developed and maintained by the Tompkins County Beautification Program, sponsor of this award!)SEE PAST WINNERS HERE Janine Willis, beautification@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 ========================================= Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, October 1, 2020 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The CCE-Tompkins Board of Directors usually meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue in Ithaca. Meetings begin at 5:00pm and typically end by 7:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Note: January meeting is generally training and orientation for new board members; November or December meeting coincides with our Association Annual Meeting, date to be determined. FREE! ========================================= ZOOM VIRTUAL CLASS: Dividing Perennials Tuesday, October 6, 2020 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Join this class on dividing perennials and propagating shrubs with cutting and layering. We will talk about techniques appropriate for many fruiting bushes, ornamental shrubs, and herbaceous perennials that are simple straightforward and can be done with the tools you already have in your gardens THIS season!Mila Fournier is a garden designer and educator with two decades of design experience that started with guerilla gardening in Brooklyn and has moved her through designing some of the most sophisticated gardens in NYC. Once in Ithaca, Mila has worked as an educator, designer, and horticultural consultant, including managing Ithaca Children's Garden and helping large developers create beautiful landscapes and habitats to offset new construction.Register and pay here, or on the LEARN MORE link below.Setting Up Zoom:To download and install the Zoom Application: Go to https://zoom.us/download and from the Download Center, click on the Download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”. This application will automatically download when you start your first Zoom Meeting, but installing before class is a good idea.Once the download is complete, proceed with installing the Zoom application onto your computer.Once Zoom is installed, click on the emailed Zoom link to begin viewing the class in Zoom $0-$20/person self-determined sliding scale, pay what you can afford Margaret Royall , mr2285@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 voicemail ext. 244 ========================================= Consumer's Rights & Responsibilities in the Marketplace Thursday, October 8, 2020 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 In this Consumer Issues Program, NYS Assistant Attorney General Mike Danaher will discuss ways consumers can be more informed when they make their purchasing decisions. The public is invited to learn how to avoid consumer problems and what to do if a problem occurs.After his presentation, Danaher will consult individually with members of the public about specific issues they have been unable to resolve locally. Arrive by 12:30pm for a consultation. FREE and open to the public. No appointment is needed. Presentations are videotaped for broadcast on Public Access Channel 15 on Mondays at 7:00 am, 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm. FREE! Kenneth McLaurin, Jr., kem228@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 x120 ========================================= Winterizing Your Garden Tuesday, October 13, 2020 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The key to GREAT Spring gardening is good Fall preparation!  Learn how to "put your garden to bed" for the winter: prepare your property and protect your soil from winter cold and spring rains, ensure optimal nutrition and soil tilth for great gardening the rest of the year. Fee: $10-$20/person self-determined sliding scale, no one will be turned away. Instructor Jennie Cramer is our Horticulture Program Manager and coordinates our Master Gardener Volunteer Program. She is a former conservation biologist with expertise in organic gardening, regenerative agriculture, natural history and botanical education. Register and pay here, or on the LEARN MORE link below.Setting Up Zoom:To download and install the Zoom Application: Go to https://zoom.us/download and from the Download Center, click on the Download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”. This application will automatically download when you start your first Zoom Meeting, but installing before class is a good idea.Once the download is complete, proceed with installing the Zoom application onto your computer.Once Zoom is installed, click on the emailed Zoom link to begin viewing the class in Zoom Self-determined sliding scale, no one will be turned away. ($10-$20 suggested) Jennie Cramer, jrc10@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 ext 146 ========================================= Food Preservation Zoom Classes Friday, October 16, 2020 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Our colleagues at CCE-Saratoga are offering a series of food preservation classes online.  Register for one or all of these FREE classes taught by Diane Whitten, CCE Nutrition Educator and Cornell Certified Master Food Preserver. For additional information, contact Diane at dwhitten@cornell.edu.Friday, June 12, 11 am, Making Strawberry Jam: Learn how to make a full sugar, low sugar or no sugar jam, plus freezer jam (a no cook recipe great for kids). This class will cover the basics of canning in a boiling water bath or steam canner, including equipment needed. Link to Registration: Making Strawberry JamFriday, June 26, 11 am, Fermenting Vegetables: Learn how easy and fun it is to ferment foods at home, including sauerkraut and kim chi. This class will include equipment, tips and techniques for successful fermentation. The health benefits of probiotic bacteria in fermented foods will be discussed. Link to Registration:Fermenting Vegetables.Friday, July 17, 11 am, Canning at Home; An Intro to Boiling Water, Steam and Pressure Canning: Learn when and how to use these different canning methods. This class will include a discussion of low acid and high acid canning, plus how to avoid botulism food poisoning. Link to Registration: Canning at HomeFriday, July 31, 11 am, Quick Pickling: Learn tips and techniques for successful pickling, including making a crisp pickle. Pickling ingredients will be discussed. This class will cover the basics of canning in a boiling water bath or steam canner, including equipment needed. Link to Registration: Quick Pickling.Friday, August 14, 11 am, Pressure Canning Vegetables, Meats & Soups: Learn the procedures for safely canning low-acid foods, such as vegetables, meats, and soups in a pressure canner. This class will include a discussion of dial gauge vs. weighted gauge pressure canners and how to use them. Link to Registration:Pressure Canning Vegetables, Meats & SoupsFriday, September 11, 11 am, Canning Salsa & Tomatoes: Learn how to can whole and diced tomatoes, plus make salsa. This class will cover the basics of canning in a boiling water bath or steam canner, including equipment needed. Link to Registration:Canning Salsa & TomatoesFriday, September 25, 11 am, Dehydrating Fruits & Vegetables: Learn tips and techniques for getting quality dehydrated fruits & vegetables. This class will include a discussion of types of dehydrators. Link to Registration: Dehydrating Fruits & Vegetables.Friday, October 16, 11 am, Making Meat Jerky: Learn how to safely make your own jerky in an oven or food dehydrator. This class will include the three methods of making a safe jerky, options for marinating, and testing for doneness. Link to Registration: Making Meat Jerky. Setting Up Zoom: To download and install the Zoom Application: Go to https://zoom.us/download and from the Download Center, click on the Download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”. This application will automatically download when you start your first Zoom Meeting, but installing before class is a good idea.Once the download is complete, proceed with installing the Zoom application onto your computer.Once Zoom is installed, click on the emailed Zoom link to begin viewing the class in ZooIf you’ve never used Zoom before, learn the basics of joining a Zoom meeting at this site. FREE! ========================================= Holiday Bake-Off for Kids Saturday, October 17, 2020 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Shops at Ithaca Mall, 40 Catherwood Rd , Ithaca, New York 14850 The 4-H Holiday Bake-Off is open to all youth, you do not need to be a 4-H Member to participate!Participation Guidelines: Open to youth 5–18 years of age; youth do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to participate; Cloverbud (5–7 years), Junior (8–12 years), Senior (13–18 years)Each youth must have an adult helper/partner; they work together to bake/create their entry at home, then bring it to the contest.Entry fee is one non-perishable food item, or $2 per exhibitor; to be donated to a local food pantryCategories: Cookies-all types, may be frosted but not decorated; 3 cookies/entryBreads/muffins/rolls -all types; quick, yeast, bread machine; 1 loaf or 3 items of smaller productCakes/Cupcakes -may be frosted, not decorated; 1 cake (8x8 or 9x9) or 3cupcakesDecorated Items-cupcakes, cakes, cookies, gingerbread; evaluated on visual appearance and will not be tastedHealthy Choices-any baked product that is made with less fat, sugar or total calories by modifying a recipe, using an already modified recipe or making a traditionally healthy product such as Angel Food cake; indicate on recipe modifications made or why this is a healthy choiceCandies-any type; 3 items/entryDetails: Every entry must include the Entry Form and recipeMixes may be used in creating the product; this must be indicated on the entry formBring your creations to the registration table between 11:30am and 12:00pmEvaluations will start at 12:00pmAwards Announcement at 2:30pm Cloverbud members will receive a certificate of completion and mini golden spoon awardAll entries will receive a participation certificate; the winner in each category will receive the “Golden Spoon” award; the “Best In Contest” winner receives the Giant Golden Spoon AwardHoliday Bake Off Entry Form Participation guidelines Brenda T. Carpenter, btc6@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 ext. 142 ========================================= Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, November 5, 2020 8:00 am - 10:00 am CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The CCE-Tompkins Board of Directors usually meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue in Ithaca. Meetings begin at 5:00pm and typically end by 7:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Note: January meeting is generally training and orientation for new board members; November or December meeting coincides with our Association Annual Meeting, date to be determined. FREE! ========================================= CLOSED for Veterans Day Wednesday, November 11, 2020 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. ========================================= Charitable Giving Update Thursday, November 12, 2020 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 In this Consumer Issues Program, NY State Assistant Attorney General Michael Danaher will make a presentation on charitable giving, scams, and things to consider when making donations.After his presentation, Danaher will consult individually with members of the public about specific issues they have been unable to resolve locally. Arrive by 12:30pm for a consultation. FREE and open to the public. No appointment is needed. Presentations are videotaped for broadcast on Public Access Channel 15 on Mondays at 7:00 am, 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm. FREE! Kenneth McLaurin, Jr., kem228@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 x120 ========================================= CLOSED for Thanksgiving Thursday, November 26, 2020 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. ========================================= CLOSED for Thanksgiving Friday, November 27, 2020 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. ========================================= Avoiding Consumer Problems on the Internet Thursday, December 10, 2020 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 In this Consumer Issues program, Mike Danaher, NYS Assistant Attorney General, will explore ways for consumers to protect their identity, financial accounts, and personal information, and what they can do to resolve problems should they occur.After his presentation, Danaher will consult individually with members of the public about specific issues they have been unable to resolve locally. Arrive by 12:30pm for a consultation. FREE and open to the public. No appointment is needed. Presentations are videotaped for broadcast on Public Access Channel 15 on Mondays at 7:00 am, 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm. FREE! Kenneth McLaurin, Jr., kem228@cornell.edu, (607) 272-2292 x120 ========================================= CLOSED for the Holidays Wednesday, December 23, 2020 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will be closed for the Holidays. ========================================= CLOSED for the Holidays Thursday, December 24, 2020 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will be closed for the Holidays. ========================================= CLOSED for the Holidays Friday, December 25, 2020 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue , Ithaca, NY 14850-3555 The offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will be closed for the Holidays. =========================================