2012 Annual Report
President Abraham Lincoln signed The Land Grant Act into law on July 2, 1862. That legislation provided grants of federal land to states and territories to help establish colleges that would offer practical education for all. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 recognized the value of this early work, and established a formal relationship between New York State, federal, and local governments to support the work of Extension in this state, which continues to this day. Cornell University provides overall leadership as New York’s Land Grant institution and, by statute, as agent for the state in this three-way partnership. Ninety-eight years later, with the guidance of the Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Dr. Helene R. Dillard, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County (CCE-NC) is pleased and proud to present its 2012 Annual Report to Nassau County residents, elected leaders, stakeholders, and its many constituents. This year has been one filled with challenge and change, most notably in the elimination of county budget funding and the June hiring of our new Executive Director, Laura. Our present goal is to chart a course toward sustainability. Achieving this objective will be no easy task and it necessarily calls for our view of CCE-NC to evolve; we must adapt pragmatically to the environment which now exists. We must achieve more with less in no small part because county fiscal constraints led to sharp funding cuts in recent years, and culminated with the removal of CCE-NC from our annual county budget. Nevertheless, we aim to continue undaunted, charting this new course in 2013 and intend to then turn our focus to organic growth for the future of CCE-NC. Fortunately, some forms of public funding still remain, including important assistance from the Nassau County Departments of Health, Senior Affairs, and Social Services; the New York State Departments of Children and Family Services, Temporary Disability and Assistance, and Environmental Conservation; as well as the United States Department of Agriculture, and its USDA Forest Service. Despite the challenges of these times, including Hurricane Sandy damage, we intend to expand our educational programming, improve our presence in the community, increase our various event offerings, and augment our public visibility, all while growing and nurturing the already incredible corps of CCE-NC volunteers whose efforts redound to our many successes. We must accomplish all of this while reducing public funding reliance and obtaining new revenue sources, much of which we aspire to achieve through better utilization of an improved 4-H camp, as well as a variety of other development activities, events, and partnerships. No small task, to be sure, but we are emboldened by the talent, dedication and intelligence of our staff, volunteers and board members, and confident all of this and more can be achieved for this almost century-old organization that has survived for the benefit of so many over the years and that means so much to us all. It is certainly no secret that Nassau non-profit public service organizations like
County faces significant fiscal difficulty and ours were among the first to experience
funding cuts. The days of county funding may be over for the foreseeable future and our very survival depends on new revenue sources, including tax-deductible donations, in an austere era. The newfound discipline, ingenuity and persistence this environment requires should be viewed optimistically, because in the long term, as we evolve and CCE-NC becomes more nimble and responsive, achieving more with less, we will be positioned to grow and enjoy new successes for years to come. Our constituents are counting on us to find solutions to these vexing issues, and we urge each of you to consider how you might join us in reaching our goals. We thank you for the incredible support you provided in 2012, and for joining us in recognizing what we achieved this year, doing far more with decidedly less. Please accept our sincere gratitude, we are genuinely humbled and fortunate to work with such a talented and supportive community. Yours truly,
Laura K. Hunsberger Executive Director
Marc Leno Board of Directors President
CCE-NC Campus-County Connections The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) aims to reduce disaster impact severity through research-based extension education. The EDEN network of multidisciplinary professionals ensures the Cooperative Extension System responds appropriately to local, state, regional, national, and international education needs during times of crisis.
Sandy damaged a number of our DPF camp structures
EDEN employs resources to help mend personal loss, rebuild farms and families, help communities recover, and restore homes and businesses when natural disasters strike. EDEN is active in all phases of informational response and assists communities and individuals to become more resilient and better prepared to avoid the harmful effects of natural disasters. Communities that are disaster resilient are economically more sustainable. Their citizens are less dependent on local, state and federal support. Disaster preparedness and education ultimately reduces the amount of public funding needed for response and recovery and is needed here in Nassau County.
New York Sea Grant (NYSG) is among 33 university-based programs under the auspices of the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and a cooperative program between Cornell University and the State University of New York. The Sea Grant network includes a National Law Center and Library. Since 1971, NYSG has promoted coastal vitality, environmental sustainability, and public awareness about New York water resources, through its statewide network of integrated services and resources.
U.S. Coast Guard Photo Rob Simpson—Reuters
NYSG provided timely information to managers and stakeholders in Hurricane Sandy’s wake. NYSG has long supported fundamental research regarding environmental causes and effects of extreme weather events by funding the Stony Brook University Storm Surge Research Group. NYSG responded nimbly by funding several important new research projects. The extension staff of NYSG specialists who collaborate directly with stakeholders have been instrumental in surveying the extent of Sandy’s devastating reach on Long Island’s many coastal businesses. NYSG educates Nassau County residents on Green Tips for Coastal Living, Boater Safety, Climate Change, Seafood Safety and Technology, Sandy flooding on Long Island, October 30, 2012 and cooperates with the highly-reputed Long Island Sound Study, which studies and implements research to restore and protect the Long Island Sound. We are excited to expand our riparian resources for Nassau County residents in 2013 and well beyond.
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East Meadow Farm New Design and Reloca on Our Environmental Horticulture Center relocated on March 19, 2012, to a new farm building acquired by Nassau County through the Federal Open Land Act. The building is situated on 2.5 acres of organic farm land centrally located in East Meadow. Following months of preparation, and thanks to the tireless help of our dedicated team of incredible Master Gardeners, our new Horticulture Center & Demonstration Gardens were ready for the public after being transplanted from our previous Eisenhower Park site to our new home in East Meadow. Rose, herb, butterfly, and raised-bed vegetable gardens were all prepared for transplant in fall 2011 and transplanted successfully in spring 2012. Community Gardens Forty 5’ x 20’ cedar raised beds were built and filled by our teams of Master Gardeners and other volunteers. Families were chosen by lottery and provided basic vegetable gardening instruction with follow-up Q&A sessions. Demand for the 2013 growing season has vastly exceeded our available space. Earthkind Rose Trial Garden We are pleased to host the first Earthkind Rose Trial Garden on Long Island (only the third in New York). 2012 Cornell Vegetable Trial We partnered in a Vegetable Garden Trial using seeds supplied by Cornell University. Trial sites encourage local gardeners to plant new varieties and record their experiences at the Cornell Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners website. Our Master Gardeners also rated all planted trial varieties. Diagnos c Informa on Center We fielded approximately 2,200 calls and/or visits for Plant and Insect Diagnostic services, Soil pH Testing, and Diagnostic Hotline in 2012. We had more than 700 participants at our public gardening presentations this year with our valued team of Master Gardener volunteers enthusiastically assisting us with all we do. We are thrilled our community is utilizing these services so enthusiastically at our new location. Other Developments We welcomed gardening expert Vinnie Drzewucki (formerly of Hicks Nursery) to our staff in 2012; hosted 25 Master Gardener beautification events; provided 38% more community presentations (year-over-year); realized an 8% hike in horticulture website visits; a 43% jump in horticultural memberships; and an 85% increase in “Ask a Master Gardener” Clinics. If you have suggestions for programs or ideas on how to improve our services, or if we can help your home landscape, garden, or business, please contact us anytime at 516.565.5265 (ext. 7) or blk28@cornell.edu. Please feel free to stop by your farm during regular business hours, T-W-Th-S (10 a.m. to1 p.m.) and Thursdays (4-7 p.m.), and look for East Meadow Farmers’ Market announcements in spring 2013!
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Urban Forestry
Tree Display Garden We created a Tree Display Garden this year featuring seven tree species, including lilac, red bud, stewartia, parrotia, and river birch, which will be expanded to include signage and educational materials. This unique tree display highlights species suitable for our climate and diverse soil types. This project was generously funded in part by a $2500.00 grant from the NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Suburban Forestry We educated green industry professionals and municipality officials about how to safely and wisely increase the green canopy over the Long Island landscape during our first annual Urban Forestry Education Day Symposium. We designed this symposium to inform municipal public works employees and those responsible for tree care. Symposium topics included: Municipal Tree Issues; Pruning Safely as a Priority; Economical Bidding Procedures; Species Diversification; Planning for Growth; Drafting Municipal Tree Ordinances; Suburban Tree Successes & Failures from a Botanist’s Perspective; and Storms & Trees - what to do before and after a storm. School Gardening We created a children’s garden this year with East Meadow teachers, students, and the local Kiwanis Club, featuring daffodils and other bulb flowers that represent East Meadow school colors. Flower and vegetable gardens were established in CCE‐NC’s Nancy Youngfert, Leg. Norma Gonsalves (Presiding Officer) & Mitch Allen of East Meadow Kiwa‐ dedicated comnis help to celebrate the opening of a new kids’ garden munity garden beds with onions and garlic planted for a spring harvest. Two persimmon trees were also planted to demonstrate the difference between perennial and annual blooming cycles. We hope to create more school gardens in 2013.
Professional and Residen al Hor culture We conducted sixteen site visits in 2012 for municipalities, green industry professionals, and local residents, identifying landscape problems and offering solutions. Each visit was followed CCE‐NC’s Julie Seghrouchni makes site visits throughout with a detailed written the county to diagnose local landscape problems and report of Landscape Cor- recommends research‐based solu ons for Nassau residents nell Integrated Pest Management (IPM) recommendations including turf, flower, shrub, and tree care best practices. Diagnos c Hotline: 516.565.5265 (ext. 7) nassau@cornell.edu
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Dorothy P. Flint ─ History, Tradi on and New Growth We celebrated our 88th year at New York’s oldest continuing 4-H summer camp, located at 3186 Sound Avenue in Riverhead and situated on a spectacular 140 -acre wooded site on the majestic shores of the Long Island Sound. The camp features a 42-acre working farm and ample sandy beach access. We are committed to offering campers high-quality 4-H educational programs, on par with the excellence of Cornell University. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the Suffolk County Health Department. Camp Programs and A endance We offered eight full camping weeks in 2012, with 739 campers participating in overnight summer programs, 359 who were also weekend stay-overs. Campers enjoyed exciting new program activities including zumba dancing, magic, I Hear Music (w/the camp band), and recycled item crafts, as well as our traditional favorites, including, farming, archery, drama, kayaking, environmental science, fashion, fishing, rocketry, swimming, super soccer, woodworking, outdoor cooking, sewing, survival skills, and our comprehensive equine program. We can provide your children abundant opportunities to connect with nature, participate in human-powered activities, and help them build strong relationships that can last a lifetime. Volunteer Work Weekends We brought 4-H alumni, counselors, campers and friends together for specific projects during 12 Volunteer Work Weekends in 2012, to improve and preserve the DPF camp for future generations. Our volunteers helped to secure the camp before Sandy descended on Long Island, and even with the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated and talented team, we still lost one cabin and two others were severely damaged. Tree damage has also resulted in additional work for our staff and volunteers, and will result in substantial expense for CCE-NC in 2013 because at least 112 trees were damaged, and most of the removal costs are not covered as insured losses, but nevertheless must be completed well before we commence the new camping season to
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ensure the safest possible environment for our campers and staff.
NY’s Oldest
Camp
Off‐Season Rentals Camp facilities are available for license by organizations during the off-season. Examples of groups who enjoyed off-season camp rentals include: Dog Agility, Girls Scouts of America, Cornell University, Nassau and Suffolk County BOCES, Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Center, Nassau Youth Group, National Junior ROTC, Stagecoach and Shelter Island Elementary Schools. Call us today at 516.433.7970 to reserve your organization’s camp getaway! The Survival Race We hosted the inaugural Long Island Survival Race to approximately 3,000 competitors in 2012, and are hosting the popular family-fun event again in 2013, with races on May 4th, 5th, and in early September after Labor Day. Sign up now for some good clean fun! Call 888.418.0978 or visit thesurvivalrace.com to secure your adventure today! First‐Time Camper Introduce new campers to the excitement of camp without a full-week commitment. Available for 3day / 2-night stays during the season’s first week. Campership Dona ons The Homemaker’s Council of Nassau County, Inc., generously donates scholarships for deserving kids to enjoy the lifetime memories of a camping experience. Camp benefits extend far beyond a memorable summer of fun and fitness, broadening hundreds of horizons, inspiring imaginations and shaping new skills for future leaders. Contact us at nassau@cornell.edu for campership applications or to make your tax-deductible donation and help our community’s kids realize their true potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. High Ropes Climbing Adventure Campers gain confidence overcoming our 5-station high ropes challenge course, with a 35-foot rock climbing and rappelling tower, zip line and platforms. The tower includes a moveable “vertical playpen” allowing climber pairs to work together to navigate obstacles and reach the top, increasing self-assurance, sharpening collaboration skills, and realizing the satisfaction of achievement! Learn more at dpf4hcamp.org and the CCENassau YouTube channel.
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Nassau County CCE‐NC Nutri on Educa on Impacts Lives in Nassau County ─ Our nutrition programs are varied and diverse, and enhance the health of Nassau County residents by helping families establish healthy eating habits and improve physical fitness. We collaborate with a host of community partners to provide youth, families, adults, and senior citizens with high-quality education. Our 2012 nutrition programs educated 2,716 Nassau County residents.
2012 CCE‐NC Educa on Results
Nassau Legislative Minority Leader, Kevan Abrahams (Dist. 1), visits with friends at a CCE‐NC nutrition event
100% improved in at least one behavior construct
Here’s What Some of Our Recent Par cipants Say:
95% improved in at least one of four nutri on prac ces
“My son and I are eaƟng healthier by eaƟng more fruits and vegetables.” Mother of one
91% improved in at least one
of four food resource
“I am now reading nutriƟon fact labels.” Senior Ci zen
management prac ces 61% improved in at least one
“The shopping on a budget class has really helped me save money.” Mother of one
food safety prac ce Eat Smart New York (ESNY)* ─ We promote community health by helping modest means individuals establish healthy eating habits and a physically active lifestyle. Poverty is a risk factor for numerous health problems including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, poor pregnancy outcomes, and obesity. Positive change in nutrition and physical activity is needed to avoid the negative consequences of these health conditions. Our nutrition educators teach the important connection between nutrition and health to hundreds of the nearly 70,000 (5.3%) Nassau County residents who subsist at or below the poverty level.
*This successful program has been funded by the USDA Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) which face uncertain futures presently as part of the Farm Bill legislation.
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Nutrition Programming Eat Be er For Less! ─ These free nutrition and lifestyle educational programs are offered to modest means families with children under age 20, as well as people eligible for food assistance. During 2012, after participating in 6-8 classes, 365* Eat Better for Less! participants, representing 1,119 family members, learned how to: Use the nutrition facts label on food packages to choose healthier foods Plan and cook easy, tasty, and healthy meals Shop smart and save money on food Keep stored food safely Increase physical activity
Community Nutri on Educa on Programs ─ Nutrition presentations at libraries, adult education programs, workplaces, schools, child care providers, and a host of other community organizations.
585 adults, parents, and youth participated in community nutrition presentations, the majority of which were hosted at local libraries and schools in 2012
814 adults received nutrition and health information at health fairs and a variety of other one-time 2012 events
Senior Nutri on Educa on Program ─ Funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging, this free nutrition education programming for seniors is hosted at 26 designated sites located throughout Nassau County.
952 senior citizens participated in one or more nutrition presentations
195 presentations offered opportunities to increase awareness regarding the following:
Healthy Recipe Modifications
Reading Food Labels
Smart Snacking
Heart Healthy Nuts
Think Your Drink
Choose Whole Grains
Think Before You Take . . . Vitamins
Keeping Food Safe
Eating Healthy Away From Home
Hempstead Councilwoman, Hon. Dorothy L. Goosby, visits with CCE‐NC’s Mae Bennett (center) and friends to share nutrition knowledge
*Approximately 72% of all Eat Better for Less! participants completed the full series of lessons in 2012.
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CCE-NC Funding Historical and Affordable Performance Nassau County began its Cooperative Extension program in 1914, pursuant to the Smith-Lever Act and NYS County Law 224, under the auspices of community leaders who formed the first Board of Directors. For almost a century, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County has been a trusted steward and accessible resource for university research-based information and education with deep local connections to multiple stakeholder constituenciesadept at creating and working in partnerships while making Cornell knowledge, resources, and programs useful and readily available, addressing an array of issues of interest and/or concern, typically at little or no direct cost to Nassau County residents. Recent fiscal developments County FSNEP
$210,679
tial cutbacks and
Federal
$193,613
resulted in changes and challenges for our continuing State including substanCounty FSNEP 14% 13% layoffs, as well as
reduced services
State
$214,222
and program cuts.
Our task is to
Other
$964,588
locate sustainable
sources of finan-
Total
$1,583,104
cial support during
public service,
an era of in-
Federal 12%
creasing austerity.
We urge our constituents to make a generous tax-deductible donation to 61% Program Fees, Dona ons, etc.
CCE-NC today so we can continue to serve this great community for a second century with all the attentiveness and quality it so genuinely deserves.
2013 Fundraising Events
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May 4th & 5th @ DPF 4‐H Camp The Survival Race!
Art Shows @ Chelsea Mansion
Polo Exhibi on for Sandy Relief
East Meadow Farm’s Barn Sale
Retail Therapy for a Cause
East Meadow Fall Farm Fes val
Executive Director Laura K. Hunsberger
Senior Resource Educator Nutrition Programs
Resource Educator Horticulture & Urban Forestry
Finance
Jennifer Colletti
Julie Seghrouchni
Deborah Farr Dawn Avento
Nutrition Program Staff
Printing & Operations
Environmental Horticulture Program Staff
Hayden Cust
Mae Bennett Janet Maruna Grace Moyano Theresa Whitehead
Bonnie Lynn Klein Vinnie Drzewucki
Part‐time Association Staff Ann Bender George Distler
Executive Assistant & Human Resources Dionne Marshak
Dorothy P. Flint Summer Camp Administrator
Director
Facilities Manager
Maria Devlin
Matt Jackson Karen Nelson
Brian Skelton
(appointed March 2013)
Farm Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Robert Peterson
Karen Bloom
(Plus roughly 100 valued counselors, nurses, directors, and dedicated program staff)
Board of Directors Officers
Members
Members
Robert Sympson
Marc Leno, President
Susan Sciglibaglio
Nancy Youngfert
Elaine Carr, Vice‐President
Sally Reinhardt
Joseph Koczko
Kathleen Rathgeber, Treasurer
Barbara Fotinatos
Harry Riker
William McCabe, Secretary
Andy St. Angelo
Laura K. Hunsberger, Executive Director Building Strong and Vibrant New York Communities
Cornell Cooperative Extension in Nassau County provides equal program and employment opportunities
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5 Old Jericho Turnpike
NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 234 GARDEN CITY, NY
Jericho, NY 11753 Follow CCENassau Like CCENassau
Order your ckets now Call 516.779.1189 Dorothy P. Flint Camp Sat. June 22, 2013 at 1pm
Charity Polo Event for Hurricane Sandy Relief