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The Farmer and the Grill July 10th
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
7/10/2008
Binghamton - Have you ever thought about purchasing grass-fed meats at the Farmers' Market, but were unsure how it would taste or how you would cook it? Your concerns can now be put to rest. On Thursday July 10 at 5:30 pm, Shannon Hayes of Sapbush Hollow Farm will give a grass-fed meats grilling and tasting demonstration in the Cutler Botanic Gardens of Cornell Cooperative Extension - Broome County.
Shannon will be demonstrating how to grill a chuck eye roast, short ribs, rib eye steak, pork chops, kebabs, lamb chops, and a beef burger. Participants will taste each cut of meat and also make their own burger to order. There will be nutritional and cooking information available.
The price for this grass-fed meats tasting event is $40/couple or $20/person. Space is limited. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by July 1. For more information, or to register, please call (607) 584-9966.
Food Stamp Customers Receive NY Fresh Checks for Otsiningo Park Farmers Market
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
6/26/2008
Binghamton - Beginning June 1, food stamp customers will receive an additional $5.00 to spend at their local farmers market. When food stamp customers purchase a minimum of $5.00 in food stamp tokens to use at the market, they are given an additional $5.00 in the form of a NY Fresh Check.
Part of a statewide effort to attract food stamp customers to farmers markets, the NY Fresh Checks program will run from May 1 through Nov. 15. Consumers can visit the farmers market and receive a NY Fresh Check each week with their minimum purchase of $5.00 in food stamp tokens (limited to one NY Fresh Check for market day).
"The ultimate goal of the NY Fresh Checks program is to bring food stamp customers into their local farmers market. There they can see for themselves that farmers market food is reasonably priced, extremely fresh and an excellent alternative - or supplement - to the grocery or convenience store," says Diane Eggert, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Federation of New York.
In addition to benefiting food stamp customers, the NY Fresh Checks program is advantageous for market farmers. Market farmers will be able to redeem the NY Fresh Checks for 100 percent of their value through funds from the Humpty Dumpty Institute and the Farmer's Market Federation of NY. And farmers will also benefit from increased customer traffic that the NY Fresh Checks program will draw.
"The Otsiningo Park Farmers Market is excited to bring the NY Fresh Check program to our community. The checks are like an invitation, because we're confident once customers visit the market, they'll want to return. It's more than just fresh, healthy food - the market vendors and farmers are so knowledgeable and friendly, customers can get recipes and preparation tips for free," says Laura Biasillo, Manager of the Otsiningo Park Farmers Market.
Tips for Medicare Part D Beneficiaries
Source: Broome County Office for the Aging
4/28/2008
Medicare Beneficiaries who have chosen to change their health and drug coverage for 2008 should experience few difficulties when getting their covered prescription drugs through Medicare Part D, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Although CMS does not expect beneficiaries to encounter difficulties at the pharmacy counter, beneficiaries who have newly enrolled or changed plans should keep these tips in mind when visiting the pharmacy:
The first time you are filling a prescription under a new plan, take your new drug plan membership card with you to the pharmacy. This card will allow the pharmacist to verify your coverage and bill the plan.
If you have not received a plan membership card take an enrollment acknowledgement, confirmation or welcome letter that you receive from the plan with you to the pharmacy. The pharmacist can then call the plan to get your RxID, RxBin, RXPCN, and RxGRP which will then allow him to bill your new plan.
If the necessary pharmacist should send an E1 query to determine Part D plan enrollment. The E1 query will return the information needed for the pharmacist to verify your coverage
Don’t leave the pharmacy counter without your medicine. Work with the pharmacist by asking them to assist you by running an E1 query.
If you have EPIC (NYS Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program), be sure to show the pharmacist your EPIC card so the pharmacy can bill your Part D plan first, and EPIC second which may result in lower co-pays for you.
Keep copies of your receipts. If the pharmacist cannot confirm your enrollment, you can work with your new plan afterward to obtain reimbursement.
As a last resort, if you pay out-of-pocket for your prescription, save your receipts and work with your plan afterward to be reimbursed.
Free help for Medicare beneficiaries is available in Broome County by calling Action for Older Persons (AOP) which offers free, confidential one-on-one counseling though HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program). Call AOP at 722-1251 to set up an appointment.
Men Making Meals
Source: Broome County Office for the Aging
4/28/2008
Men Making Meals
Men! Have you learned to cook yet? More then 100 men in Broome County have taken Men Making Meals. How about you?
After one course a Men Making Meals graduate was surprised to have an opportunity to try his new skills shortly after the class ended. His wife broke her arm and he was able to handle the meal preparation. No fast food or frozen TV dinners for them.
Broome County Office for Aging and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County sponsor the course several times each year. The next session will be offered on Thursdays at the Northminister Presbyterian Church on Farm-to-Market Road in Endwell. Classes will be held on May 15, 22, 29, June 12 and June 19. Classes begin at 10:30am and run until 12:30pm with lunch being served as part of each session.
Men who have taken the course often comment on how much more confident they are. They love the atmosphere for learning and the company of other men. To register call Andrea at 778-2411.
Give your Child a “Head Start” in School
Source: The Whitney Point Reporter
3/6/2008
Give Your Child a “Head Start” In School
Binghamton- Broome County Head Start is now accepting applications for their fall program, for 3 and 4 year old children.
Head Start offers a comprehensive program providing services to children and families of various incomes. Five centers serve families in the following school districts: Windsor, Maine, Endicott, Endwell, Harpursville, Chenango Valley, Chenango Forks, Deposit, Whitney Point and Vestal. New and expanded eligibility guidelines are now available.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 772-6810.
Farmers’ Market Seeking Vendors
Source: www.pressconnects.com
3/3/2008
Farmers’ Market Seeking Vendors
The Otsiningo Park Farmers’ Market is seeking vendors for its 2008 season.
The market, which is sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County and Broome County Parks and Recreation, will operate on Saturdays at the park starting on May 3 and the end of September, with a harvest festival in October.
For more information or a vendor application, contact Laura Biassillo at 584-5007 or lw257@cornell.edu.
Medical van to tour Delaware towns
Source: The Daily Star
3/3/2008
Medical van to tour Delaware towns
By Patricia Breakey
Delhi News Bureau
Margaretville Memorial Hospital's new Mobile Health Unit will take health-care professionals and state-of-the-art equipment to patients in local communities.
The 40-foot van is scheduled to begin making stops in Andes, Grand Gorge and Stamford in April, providing services patients would normally receive during a visit to a physician's office.
Ed Morache, MMH chief executive officer, said the purpose of the Mobile Health Unit is to make health care easily accessible within the hospital's service area.
"Our slogan is ‘Surrounding You With Care,' and this new service literally helps us achieve that goal," Morache said in a media release. "There is a growing elderly population and the Mobile Health Unit will make it much more convenient for these people to readily receive health care."
Services will include routine preventive and primary care, medical treatment for minimal trauma, consultations, routine laboratory and diagnostic testing, patient and family education, pediatric and well-baby care.
Patients can also receive comprehensive physical exams, prenatal and postnatal care, pre-admission workups, follow-up care for discharged patients, dressing changes and suture removals.
"We're essentially taking what we do at our health centers and bringing those services to our local communities," Morache said.
Tom Briggs, Delaware County Office for the Aging director, said his agency gets a substantial number of requests for volunteer medical transportation, so the mobile unit will provide a wonderful opportunity for seniors.
"It will have a positive impact on seniors to have a mobile unit right in their own backyard, so to speak," Briggs. "I am hoping that the access will motivate people to take advantage of the health-care services.”
"Everybody gains from the availability of the unit," Briggs added. "I am quite excited by it, because it's really good for seniors."
A nurse practitioner or registered physician's assistant and a registered nurse will staff the unit.
The van, which is approximately the size of a recreational vehicle, includes a waiting room and two exam rooms.
During visits to Andes, the van will park at the town hall, in Grand Gorge at the Senior Citizens' Center, and in Stamford at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home.
Morache said the Mobile Health Unit is expected to make weekly visits to each community. Other stopping points are also being explored.
Briggs said he hopes that the van will eventually tour throughout the county.
"We probably had 50 individuals who have requested transportation because they have no other way to get to doctor appointments," Briggs said. "As people become more and more familiar with the van, I am sure more of them will use the services."
The hospital plans eventually to provide services such as employee physicals for small companies and fire department members.
Morache said the van was purchased from another hospital at a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle. Grant proceeds assisted with the purchase, and the Auxiliary of Margaretville Hospital and Mountainside Residential Care Center donated funds for a "signage wrap" on the van. In addition to lettering, the wrap includes a scenic photograph of the Catskill Mountains taken by Roxbury-based www.newyorkaerials.com.
The hospital expects to take delivery of the van shortly. At that point, equipment will need to be installed, staff training provided and final approval received from the state Department of Health. The Mobile Health Unit will probably begin rolling in early April.
Patients wishing to utilize the Mobile Health Unit will be able to schedule appointments by calling the Margaretville Family Health Center at (845) 586-3888.
Walk-in patients will be welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
Loans available for medical students
Source: www.pressconnects.com
3/3/2008
Loans available for medical students
Interest-free loans are available to eligible medical students who graduated from a Broome County area high school, according to the Southern Tier Foundation for Medical Care Medical Student Loan Fund of the Broome County Medical Society.
Financial assistance is available to medical students attending an accredited medical school in the United States or Canada. Students must be entering their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year for the 2008-2009 school years. Priority is given to upperclassmen.
Application forms and additional information are available from the Broome County Medical Society, 65 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 201, Binghamton, NY 13903. The application deadline is May 15.
For more information, call 772-8483 or go online to www.medsocieties.org.
-Connie McKinney
Grant boosts Owego River Walk project
Source: www.pressconnects.com
3/3/2008
Grant boosts Owego River Walk project
Summer start possible
By Tom Wilber
Press & Sun-Bulletin
OWEGO -- Village officials have received the final piece of a $1.8 million funding package they hope will make the Susquehanna River a tourism draw rather than a flooding threat for a row of historic properties on Front Street.
A $215,000 state grant will enable work on a scenic walkway and flood-control project along the heart of Front Street's venerable retail district to begin as early as this summer, Mayor John Loftus said Sunday night.
The grant was announced Friday through the office of Sen. Thomas W. Libous, R-Binghamton.
The project could take about four months, and might extend into late this year or early next, said Loftus, addressing about 30 stakeholders and advocates for the project, which has been under consideration in one form or another since 1975.
"You are going to receive the fruits of your labor very shortly," he told the members of group celebrating the news with a roast turkey buffet at The Cellar Restaurant on Front Street. "It's a great conclusion to a lot of hard work."
The project, called the River Walk, will stretch about a quarter mile from Draper Park to Ahwaga Park between the river and a line of historic brick buildings known as Riverow. It will include overlooks, kiosks, benches, trees and other plantings, according to design drawings.
More than $1.675 million for the project comes from a federal grant through U.S. Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey, D-Hurley.
While the project is expected to be an attraction for tourists, shoppers and villagers, it also will protect a sewer line exposed by erosion and stabilize a bank badly eroded from flooding in 2005 and 2006.
That's a big deal for Sandy and Bob Layman, owners of The Cellar Restaurant. Determined to keep their business in a location they love, they bought the flood-damaged building and moved The Cellar to the first floor in 2006. Now, with luck, the River Walk will be completed as they put the finishing touches on renovations, including a new dining room overlooking the river.
"People are drawn to water," Layman said, admiring the view of the river through windows, once hidden by siding and recently uncovered during the renovation project.
Rail Trail extension funding secured
Source: Press and Sun Bulletin
1/21/2008
The Vestal Town Board approved an agreement with the state’s Department of Transportation to secure $50,000.00 for extension of the Vestal Rail Trail. The approval, which came at the board’s meeting Wednesday, is for the second phase of the trail, which will extend from Main Street to Castle Gardens.
The cost does not include funds necessary for a bridge needed to span Choconut Creek. The state’s Department of Environment Conservation has requirements for the bridge that town officials are taking into consideration. One proposed project is to move a defunct historic bridge from Delaware County to Choconut Creek. That plan is in the fact-finding stage, town Supervisor Peter Andreasen said.
WORKplus Serves Eligible Broome County Residents
Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension - Broome County
1/4/2008
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County is currently recruiting for the winter WORKplus program to begin on February 12, 2008. Broome Tioga Workforce New York funds the WORKplus program.
WORKplus offers eligible Broome County young adults the opportunity to receive paid training and support to succeed in today’s workplace and beyond. Through instruction, group work, work experience, individualized planning, earned certifications, peer and staff support, WORKplus helps young adults succeed. To be eligible, applicants must be between 19-21, out of high school (dropped out or graduated), residents of Broome County, meet income eligibility requirements, and be serious about preparing for and entering the workforce. Enrollment is limited.
If you know appropriate and eligible youth that could benefit from WORKplus, please have them call our office at 607-584-5021 for information and/or to register for one of the Information/Application Sessions. Interested young adults can register for:
Tuesday January 15, 2008 10:00 am OR Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:00 pm. The sessions will be held at: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, 840 Upper Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905 (next to Applebee’s)
Home Energy Assistance Program
Source: Richford Quarterly
12/5/2007
HEAP is a federally funded program designed to help persons with their oil, coal, electric, gas and/or wood bills. HEAP may also be available to renters. Applications will be accepted beginning Thrusday, November 1. Applications can be obtained from the Tioga County Department of Social Service, Rt. 38, Owego, or at Tioga Opportunities, Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd., Owego. Phone numbers for Tioga Opportunities are 1-866-352-3680 or 687-4120.
Northern Tioga Neighbors Network
Source: Richford Quarterly
12/5/2007
Volunteers trained by the NTNN are ready to serve their neighbors in Richford and Berkshire by providing such community services as transportation to medical services, grocery shopping and friendly visiting. The services are available Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To call for information or to request assistance, the phone numbers are: 657-2823 or toll free 1-877-657-2823. There is an answering machine, and calls will be returned as soon as possible.
After a request has been made to the office (at the Hubbard Center, next to the Health Clinic), the project coordinator will visit the home before the individual or family becomes a client of the program and before the volunteer is sent to the home. There will be some leeway in an emergency situation.
Nutrition Classes
Source: Dr. Perestam D.C.
11/14/2007
Dr. Alan R. Perestam D.C. will be teaching different nutrition topics each month. Below are the listed dates and topics of the classes. Each class is held at the Owego Treadway Inn at 6 pm.
December 11, 2007 - Weight Loss and Fad Diets
February 5, 2008 - Topics on Diabetes
There will be a fee of $2.00. Payments can be made in advance at Perestam Chiropractic P.C. or before class at the Owego Treadway Inn.
We have a set limit of people per class, so please let us know whether you would like to participate. Please call the office at 687-0800 or email perestamchiro@hotmail.com to reserve your spot. Thanks!
Cornell Cooperative Extension Launches Farm Friendly Broome County Website, www.FarmBroome.com
Source: Broome County Legislative News Release
10/10/2007
(Windsor, NY) 9th District Broome County Legislator Steve Herz (D-Windsor) proudly announced that today, Wednesday, October 10th, at 10:00 AM, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, in collaboration with Broome County Farm Bureau, Broome County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Broome County Government, launched the Farm Friendly Broome County website. The launch occurred at North Windsor Berries and Vegetables, located at 1609 NYS Route 79 in Windsor.
“This website is an agri-tourism tool as well as an educational tool for the general public on the types of agriculture in the county and Broome’s buy local campaign,” said Laura Biasillo, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Agricultural Economic Development Specialist.
The site features interactive forums to facilitate communication between the agricultural community and the public as well as monthly giveaways. There is also an events calendar which will be used by all of the partner agencies to spread the word on workshops, speakers or general information related to agriculture in addition to showcasing tidbits of agricultural information featured on the home page.
As the creator of this concept, Legislator Herz made the development of this website a top priority. Herz founded the original committee that formed the collaboration of Farm Friendly Broome County and acted as a liaison between the County and its partner agencies. “This is a perfect example of the need for cooperation between the public and the private sector. When we all work towards a common goal, the result is very positive for our citizens. I am particularly pleased that no additional taxpayer dollars were spent to create this wonderful opportunity” Herz said.
Legislator Herz went on to elaborate on how beneficial this website will be for our local farmers. “This is not only an excellent opportunity for our farms to market themselves to the general public on a year-round basis but a significant step forward in my goals to better market the value of agriculture in Broome County. I have worked very hard on this site for a long time now and I am glad to see it come to fruition.”
Anyone interested in local agriculture is encouraged to visit the site, www.FarmBroome.com. more
Bassett Moves Toward Restoring Services at Sidney Hospital
Source: The Walton Reporter
4/2/2007
Sidney – Bassett Healthcare and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) have reached agreement on the submission of a Certificate of Need (CON) to establish a hospital in Sidney with 24-hour emergency services and a limited number of inpatient beds. Bassett will submit the CON this week, which includes plans to form an independent, locally-governed hospital affiliated with Bassett. For purposes of the CON, the project is referred to as Tri-Town Regional Healthcare.
Bruce Wilhelm, chief administrative officer for the project, said an agreement was reached with DOH on Thursday. “The delivery model Bassett proposes in Sidney is the one we first envisioned as the initial phase of development,” he said. “The program at the hospital will combine 24-hour emergency care, diagnostic radiology, imaging, and laboratory services, in combination with existing primary care services on the campus.”
Other services will be added in the future depending upon the needs of the community and the interests of local physicians.
Both the State Hospital Review and Planning Council and the Public Health Council must approve the CON. This process begins with the formal submission of the CON next week and is anticipated to conclude with necessary approvals by July.
The Commission on Health Care Facilities for the 21st Century, known as the Berger Commission, as part of its final report, noted the need for the “hybrid” health care facility in many communities. The December 2006 report says, “To better align community needs and resources, the commission recommends that the state and industry collaborate to test and develop new “hybrid” delivery models. Such hybrids would maintain features of a traditional hospital deemed to be necessary while eliminating redundant and unneeded features.”
“The concurrence of the Bassett approach and the Berger recommendations is quite remarkable.” Wilhelm said. “It is certainly my impression after our meeting that this model is of great interest to the department of health as it pursues the Berger recommendations statewide.”
CancerCare Connect Presents Telephone Education Workshops
Source: CancerCare Connect
2/8/2007
CancerCare's free Telephone Education Workshops are educational seminars that are conducted over the phone. The workshops are a way for people from across the country and internationally to learn about cancer-related issues from the convenience of their home or office. Leading experts in oncology provide the most up-to-date information on the telephone.
No phone charges apply.
To see the workshops and their dates please go to our calendar of events or go to the link below.
To register call 1-800-HOPE (4673) or register online at the link below. After you have registered, you will receive additional information and instructions. more
United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
Source: Grants Action News
12/8/2006
The Untied States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, has announced its Community Facilities Program to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas. A Community Facilities loan and/or grant would be approved to finance the following types of activities: Health Care - clinics, ambulatory care centers, chemical dependency centers, hospitals and nursing homes; Public Safety - communication centers, police and fire stations, fire trucks, rescue vehicles and jails; Public Services - adult and child care centers, town/village halls, courthouses, libraries, museums, schools, fairgrounds.
ELIGIBILITY: Rural towns, villages, and cities of 20,000 people or less.
FUNDING: Contact a Rural Development Office for funding details.
DEADLINE: There is no deadline.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact any Rural Development Office listed in the telephone book under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Free Healthy Weight Program
Source: Broome County Health Dept.
1/13/2006
Free Healthy Weight Program Offered by the Broome County Health Department Steps to a Healthier New York Initiative.
The Broome County Health Department Steps to a Healthier NY initiative is on a "mission" to reduce obesity and diabetes in Broome County by offering residents the opportunity to participate in a free, eight-week healthy weight management education program.
The program, Mission Meltaway, originally developed by the Broome County Office for Aging, is recognized nationally for its group approach to weight loss. The program incorporates the National Diabetes Prevention Program strategies, which aim to improve nutrition and increase physical activity levels to initiate and reinforce lifestyle changes. Classes are lead by volunteers who are trained as facilitators from every sector of the community; churches, work-sites, health care systems and learning institutions.
Over 50 facilitators have been trained since 2003 and program participants have lost over 2000 pounds.
Anyone interested in joining Mission Meltaway can contact the Broome County Office for Aging at 778-2411.
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