The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County is holding an “On-Farm Composting “ class on Thursday, March 17th from Noon to 1:30. Join Agricultural Educator, Michelle Proscia for a webinar as she discusses the principles and varying methods of composting! Topics she’ll cover are, the principles, methods, and FSMA regulations of on-farm composting, aerobic and anaerobic composting, small scale vs. large scale composting and the basics of vermiculture. Register for free and for more information at sullivan@cornell.edu or call Michelle at the CCE Office at (845) 292-6180.

Also, a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a highly contagious and deadly poultry disease, has been detected in neighboring counties including: Dutchess, Ulster and Suffolk. If your family is currently raising poultry, is interested in raising poultry, or if you would like to know more about this disease and how to prevent it from spreading, please consider attending CCE Flock Talks on Monday, March 7th from 7p.m.- 8p.m. Attending Flock Talks is free however, registration is required. You can find the link to register in the description below. You will also find an article Cornell University has put together about HPAI below as well. This article has biosecurity suggestions to help keep your flock safe. If you have any questions about Avian Influenza, please let CCESC staff know.

More fun for the kids at the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 19th! Lulu’s Social Club (above Jeffersonville Bake Shop) is planning an event with games and crafts to take place from 10a.m.-1p.m. (before the parade), geared towards families with kids. Then they can watch this great parade from the top floor porch !

If you are interested in marching in the parade or want to enter a float, be sure to contact (845) 482-3872 for more information. It’s not too late to enter, they are looking for floats, kids’ groups, marchers, marching bands, dancers, car clubs, veteran groups, Fire Department & Ambulance Corps to join them. Lineup at Noon on Willy Avenue – Chapel Street is an “alcohol free” zone for the kids. Parade steps off at 1 p.m.

Anyone interested in getting information on Barbara’s Bunch trips can sign up for emails at barbarahahl@ yahoo.com. Barbara currently has an opening for 2 people on her Alaska trip that is July 24-August 5, 2022. Call (914) 799-3362 for information or look on Barbara’s Bunch Facebook for the complete flyer.

The Jeffersonville Area Chamber of Commerce (JACC) is holding their 5K Sap Run on Saturday, May 14th. This year the 5K Sap Run is helping to raise awareness and help support the Service Dogs for Vets with PTSD Program offered by Action Toward Independence in Sullivan County. This program helps pair a Veteran with a compatible dog from local shelters. The dog along with the Veteran will go through a series of training to become a service dog. Service dogs provide much needed emotional support for our Veterans. All 2022 race forms will be available shortly, watch for the forms and easy registration on the JACC website.

Hopefully Spring will be here soon! A big “thank you” to all of the people responsible for keeping our roads safe to drive on with all the ice and snow we have gotten.