The Board of Directors of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties and the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau will hold a joint meeting on Wednesday, November 30th, 8:00 p.m., at the Cooperative Extension office in Canajoharie. Residents interested in agriculture programs are welcome to attend.

Just a reminder that the Montgomery County public hearing is scheduled for tomorrow night, November 22nd at 6:30 p.m. in Fonda. The agenda is the 2012 Tentative Budget. It seems likely that a budget may be adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors that will take place immediately following the hearing.

This public hearing is the opportunity for residents to voice their support for funding CCEFM at last year's level, without any reduction. Returning the 10% reduction ($8,000) that is in the proposed budget at this time will make no meaningful impact on the tax rate. Please voice your support to fund CCE at the 2011 level.

Because of the short staffing situation the CCEFM office hours this week will be abbreviated. The office will be closed to the public on Wednesday, November 23rd. Please plan your business with the office accordingly.

The office will also be closed on Thursday, November 24th in observance of Thanksgiving Day. The office is normally closed to the public on Fridays.

Voicemail and email are available 24 hours and communications will be answered as soon as possible after the office reopens on Monday, November 28th.

CCEFM staff thanks you for your patience and looks forward to your communications with the office.

The New York Wind Education Collaborative (NYWEC) is offering a series of webinars on hot topics and major issues in wind energy. These informational online meetings are free and open to the public; morning and evening sessions are available for each topic. During the sessions, experts will discuss the current state of wind energy development in New York.

• Wind Energy’s Role in the Electric Grid and Clean Energy Economy
• Wind Energy Issues: Aesthetics, Property Values, Sound and Siting
• The Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Our Energy Choices

Click here to learn more and to register.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Statewide 4-H Volunteer Forum

November 19, 2011, 7:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m., Ithaca, NY

This conference will provide volunteers and staff who are working with youth the opportunity to learn new skills, explore new resources hands-on, and network with 4-H Leaders, other volunteers, and staff from around New York State.

The cost for the day conference is $25 and includes breakfast, breaks, luncheon, and workshops. Registration is due no later than Monday, November 14th. Full conference details below.

The 4-H Officer Training that was scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 10^th is cancelled.

4-H staff create a learning session for your club individually to work with newly elected officers at a convenient time. While it is important that all officers learn and practice their duties, of most concern are the secretaries' ability to record club business and report to the club and the 4-H office. Additionally, young or inexperienced treasurers need help to know the recording and banking process. Officers who have held office in the past may benefit from a session as a refresher.

Please call Bonnie Peck at 518-673-5525 x 115 to talk about training 4-H club officers.

The Autumn Rush Raffle and Coupon Book Sale has been going well, but time is running out to purchase your raffle ticket. The raffle drawings will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Annual Dinner & Meeting next Wednesday, November 16th. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win. Each ticket that is drawn will be returned to the bin, making each ticket eligible to win more than once!

The Annual Dinner & Meeting will be held at Crystal Ristorante, Lyons Street, Amsterdam. Reservations may still be made. $16.50 per person includes a choice of entree.

One raffle ticket is attached to the front of every discount coupon book. All of the discount coupons, which provide discounts to 20 restaurants located in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, are valid until May 2012.

Raffle/Coupon Books are $15 each or two for $25. They are a great deal!

Purchase your books from any CCEFM Board  member, staff member or at our office in Canajoharie. Hurry, though, because time is running out!

Congratulations to all Fulton-Montgomery 4-H members for a 4-H year filled with learning, sharing, giving and growing! 4-H members, leaders, and families will celebrate with 4-H staff and volunteers tonight at 4-H Member Recognition Program. Some of your project work may have been a struggle but your hard work reaps rewards. We hope you enjoy your celebration and look forward to a new 4-H year. 

You are invited to join Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton & Montgomery Counties on Wednesday, November 16th for dinner and program at Crystal Ristorante, Amsterdam. Enjoy topical entertainment by a talented young man, celebrate NYS Exension's Centennial, and be present for the Autumn Rush Raffle drawing. There will be a brief meeting that will include elections. Plan to arrive at 6:15 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Download an invitation and R.S.V.P. by November 8 with your dinner choice.

Are there times when your cupboard is bare?

Download this collection of recipes, lists of food items and helpful tips to help you keep your cupboard full and your family fed well