2015
Mission Statement
Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well‐being. We bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.
Vision Statement
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a national leader in creating positive change on behalf of families and communities through rigorously-tested extension programs. We create measurable change in the following priority areas by aligning local needs with the resources and priorities of the land grant system and its state and federal partners. Priority Areas:
*Agriculture and Food Ststems
*4-H Youth Development/Children, Youth and Families
*Nutrition, Food Safety and Security and Obesity Prevention
*Community and Economic Vitality
Board of Directors
Walter Adam
Paul Bursic
Donald J. Chutas
Charles Fausold
Michael Lausell
Sam Maggio
Dick Peterson
Mark Rondianro
Steve Sierigk
Jerome Smyder
Karen Stewart
Erin Thaete
Program Committees:
Agriculture
Walt Adam
Ryan Bossert
Lisa Brower
Kathy Engel
Brud Holland
Lorin Hostetler
Ken Mansfield
Nicole Rawleigh
Cheryl Richtmyer
Youth, Families, and Nutriton Program Committee
Nancy Brand
Mary DeWalt
JoAnn Fratarcangelo
Emily Johnson
Marcia Kasprzk
Deb McDonald
Deb Morse
Megan Scuteri
Erin Thaete
Hidden Vally 4-H Camp Advisory Committee
Rebecca Bowers
Don Chutas
Molly Lane
Autumn Lavine
Bernadette Raupers
Megan Tift
Tom VanDerZee
Front Cover: Apples growning in the CCESC Teaching Garden
ED Letter, September/October
This November marks fifteen years since my original hire at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County. (Yes, I’m surprised myself.) I was brought on fresh out of graduate school as the Director of Planning and Community Development, and I have always been grateful for the opportunity of that first position, and for the chance to work in a community that nurtured both me and my family. However, this edition of Better Living will be my last as Executive Director, as I will move in October to a State Extension Specialist position in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. Entering my last two weeks of official duties at CCESC, I find that even little tasks are now imbued with meaning and a sense of occasion. I can admit to enough sentimentality to say that these moments can be bittersweet, but truthfully I’m not sure that payroll approval or monthly financial statement reviews require quite this level of emotional engagement! Still, I am enjoying every last minute that I can here in Schuyler County, knowing what a special place it is and how much my time here has shaped me.
Despite any personal trepidation regarding this upcoming transition, I am not at all concerned about the future of CCESC, short- or long-term. Our excellent staff continues to provide relevant, research-based programming and information that helps Schuyler County individuals, families, businesses and organizations make decisions that result in personal and public benefits. Our Board is vibrant and engaged, and more diverse in background, interests and skills than ever before. We recently completed and are in the process of implementing a grounded and viable strategic plan, and with every opportunity we prove that we are willing and able to take a fresh approach to what it means to provide Extension programming in the 21st century. Examples from this issue of Better Living include: strategies to support youth in learning, a review of “mob” grazing, an opportunity to bring your favorite canine companion to Camp, and information on brown rot on stone fruits.
So my future in Schuyler County will involve less commuting and more wine-tasting; fewer meetings and more dinners with lake views and live music. At least I hope this is the case, because after 15 years, I know a good thing when I see it, and that most certainly is Schuyler County.
As always, I hope to see you at one of our workshops, an event, or just out and about in the community. Have a wonderful fall!