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MONARCH BUTTERFLY + OTHER POLLINATOR ONE-SHEET

6 Aug

BY KRISTEN MOORE

We’ve been able to gather quite a bit of information about pollinators, including Monarchs in the last few years. From raising rescued Monarch caterpillars, observing chrysalis and releasing butterflies we’ve moved to learning about pending legislations and how to help more! Please continue reading to learn basic facts about Monarch butterflies and other pollinators that may surprise you.

The Monarch butterfly seen above was experiencing the first few moments outside of it’s chrysalis. Raising butterflies is a wondrous activity, definitely good for mental health!

Worrying about butterflies and other pollinators is not good for our health, unless it drives us to action. There are many actions we can take to help other species, including pollinators.

New York State just stood up for pollinators by requiring special permits for use of neonicitinoids, nicotine based insecticides; as of January 2023. According to Dan Winter, President of the American Beekeeping Federation; New York is leading the nation with this protection. He is now looking with hope to the EPA to make the same stance on the federal level.

Molly Jacobson, native bee guru from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; developed an amazing pollinator garden webinar that you can utilize in planning your own native pollinator garden. Find Molly’s webinar here.

Between Molly Jacobson and Jim Norwalk of Butterfly Effect Plants in Waterloo, I’ve become quite the native plant nanny! Through Moore Dirty Boots we created/improved four native plant gardens in the Finger Lakes. Plants were welcomed by Earth Eden Farm in North Rose, the Waterloo Public Library, Lodi’s Community Garden and on the east side of Cayuga Lake. We’ve been involved in various conversations about pollinator pathways and various certifications. It is rejuvenating to think of these projects continuing to grow-pun intended!

Here are a few basic facts about Monarch butterflies courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation:

Diet:  Monarchs, like all butterflies, change their diet as they develop. During the caterpillar stage, they live exclusively on milkweed plants. Milkweeds are wildflowers in the genus Asclepias. Milkweeds contain glycoside toxins that are harmless to the monarch but poisonous to its predators. Monarch caterpillars feed on all the different parts of milkweed plants and store up the toxins in their body. The toxins remain in their system even after metamorphosis, thereby making adult monarchs poisonous as well.

Adult monarchs feed on nectar from a wide range of flowers, including milkweeds. 

Typical Lifespan:  Most monarch butterflies do not live more than a few weeks. There are about 3 to 5 generations born each spring and summer and most of the offspring do not live beyond 5 weeks. The lone exception is the last generation born at the end of the summer.

The last generation of each year is the over-wintering generation that must make the journey back to Mexico. Rather than breeding immediately, the over-wintering monarchs fly back to Mexico and stay there until the following spring. In the early spring, they fly north to the southern United States and breed. Over-wintering monarch butterflies can live upwards of 8 months.   

Our dedication to butterflies and pollinators led me to host a POLLINATOR PARTY! this year. All our favorite bee and native plant people and companies were there, including IDEA Collective. We had honey tastings, honey candy, cool educational information, native bees on display and being discovered. Children arriving dressed as bees and butterflies received a special prize-a kit from IDEA Collective! We were so glad to have such a turnout, even though rain was pouring down. We gave away signs the Girl Scouts had made to help support the NYS Pollinator Protection Plan requiring residents and highway departments to work together to protect pollinators beside roadways. These signs have prompted many smiles and it has been really fun to give them away. Two signs left currently!

In addition to sparing milkweed from mowers, one can help butterflies and other pollinators by limiting use of chemicals personally. Sharing your love of pollinators via visual art, social media, writing and more can make an incredible impact! Naturalist and author, Maria Sibylla Merian (4/26/1647-1/13/1717), opened the eyes of the world when she wrote in Latin about the metamorphosis of butterflies.

Two incredible places to view Monarch butterflies in a good year are the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve and the Sterling Nature Center! When we held Butterfly Yoga and other Butterfly Walks in August and September at 1712 Black Brook Road in Seneca Falls, many of us were impressed with numerous butterflies and pollinator habitat. McIntyre Bluffs on the western edge of the Sterling Nature Center has often been a breathtaking stage for Monarch butterflies feeding in the goldenrod in early September.

Lake shore spaces with milkweed are critical for the migrating Monarch butterfly as it travels south from Canada. I’m looking forward to sharing a favorite book about the Monarch’s migration and perhaps a Monarch puzzle from IDEA Collective along the lake shore at the height of Monarch season. I do hope we see more of these amazing butterflies this year. Heat and water shortages affect these small creatures too. A small dish of fresh water can be just what many species need, even butterflies.

Many thanks to everyone who think about pollinators and join in to help however you can!

Kristen

PS A PDF of NYS 2020 Pollinator Protection Plan below: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/02/pollinatorreport.pdf

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Spring is Really Here! By Kristen Moore

7 Apr

Raindrops falling down, greening our grass. Birds busy at feeders. Phone ringing with home school groups looking to arrange trips. Kids and moms seeking to learn and serve, signing right up to help add native plants. Comments waiting approval, like: Hi! I planted some strawberries about eight years ago but they did not like the conditions and vanished from the small planted bed. Little did I know, they were making their way stealthily underground and via runners to a flower bed about twenty feet away – and emerged there this spring!! With lovely fruit!!!

A salve to a soul nearly battered by email and messaging. As the waves were to my psyche as they crashed at my favorite place. Too busy to visit, too busy to feel the calm of this land and the invitation to explore and linger.

We look to June 17 and 18th for the Ithaca Reggae Fest! Beyond often tedious planning, we radiate happiness that such a team has gathered to create a conscious celebration of Cayuga Lake. Information about various happenings will begin to be shared as festival time nears. How might you celebrate Cayuga Lake? Will it be through dance, observation, food, environmental education, art or yoga? We’re so glad to hear from people who already have their tickets and are stoked to attend! How might this goodness ripple out? It is a grand question to ponder. In the meantime, we try to see who flies or crawls beside us. Let our breath fill our bellies and our dreams our minds.

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Fresh Market Success in Waterloo

20 Jun

By Kristen Moore

First day of Waterloo Rotary Farmer’s Market was certainly memorable. Meeting vendors and staff was fun!

In Costa Rica, I won an award for “Best Note-Taker in the Jungle” but somehow I failed to record the name of the young artist selling earrings. She has a remarkable style!

Before farmers’ tales, please let me explain my own background and interest in healthy local foods and communities. A self-designed major at Green Mountain College in Adventure Education and Media Arts prepared me to launch my website and begin designing and leading programs. Now, as Moore Dirty Boots, LLC, in addition to yoga hikes, guided paddles and interdisciplinary events; I’m initiating my own series of sustainable initiatives and created my own sustainability guide!

Though my goals are green, my kitchen habits have tremendous room for improvement. My advice and instructions in this realm are elementary, which I hope encourages others to be humble and to try and learn along with me.

Grace sold me baby yellow squash and raspberries from Cassim Farms on Yellow Tavern Rd. Grace said Cassim Farms has been operating 40 years!

Bridget and Sydney from “The Tyre Produce Stand” had rhubarb, lettuces, cherries and feverfew. (I first heard of the flower feverfew in an amazing book, Your Brain On Plants by Nicolette Perry, PhD and Elaine Perry, PhD.)

The Tyre Produce Stand is on Black Brook Rd., opening Friday, I believe. Find these farmers on Facebook and Instagram for their latest news.

Lynn Anderson showed characteristics of a successful market veteran. Colorful bouquets and healthy starts invited market patrons to visit. Bouquets in an array of prices adorned one table, while a third hosted house plants. Hanging baskets of cherry tomatoes and maple syrup were just some of her offerings. As I purchased many plants, Lynn advised me on their care, including sun preferences. I’m eager to get outside and rediscover my market purchases! Lynn had tomato and eggplants with fairytale names! I brought home, Juliet, a tomato plant but resisted the temptation of eggplants named Hansel and Gretl. Aren’t those names amazing?!

Strawberry shortcake ingredients were ready in my cooler. A jar of cream was going to quickly shaken into whipped cream for a fun demonstration but I was talking and shopping instead. Strawberry shortcake with biscuits from a bakery is such a treat! Local foods may matter more to some if they knew how flavorful and aromatic they can be. Basil butter on an english muffin became exciting and vivid.

“Lean Years, Happy Years” by Angelo M. Pellegrini is a favorite guide for planning food needs. Knowing what ingredients can transform dishes and what foods you adore, can help one choose what to plant or purchase. For a beginner like me, going to farmers can be an excellent way to secure quality food. Reducing the transportation of food is key to reducing carbon emissions.

Fresh asparagus called me, just like the raspberries and yellow squash from Cassim Farms. The raspberries-were perfect. Better than I have had in years. Tips for the asparagus next post!

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Moore Dirty Boots at Waterloo Rotary Market! Let’s Encourage Sustainability

19 Jun

By Kristen Moore

We’ve been having fun preparing for market’s opening day tomorrow! A bit of rain may put a damper on the day, but working with fresh strawberries and basil is a treat for the senses!

My goal is to share some of the insights I’ve been gaining from personal research and my friend, Cindy. Cindy boasts she watched Julia Child as a little girl growing up in Chicago. She spent time beside her grandfather when he cooked and still cherishes his handwritten recipe book.

Cindy stocks up on fresh produce from the best growers at the peak of quality. She then prepares each vegetable or fruit in the best method, wether canning for jam, blanching and freezing for broccoli and beans or…? She is so knowledgable in regards to food preparation and preservation, that her family thrives and it is a fascinating learning experience to discover her processes.

Working in restaurants myself, but in the front of house-F.O.H., I have developed a keen palette without the culinary skills to produce consistently at home.

Using fresh ingredients for multiple dishes is an art in itself to me! Strawberries are an important food in upstate NY, so I’ve thought up four recipes for the quart of strawberries I purchased.

After photographing these beauties, I hulled the strawberries and rinsed them in a colander. At the height of freshness, tender care is necessary. After drying half of the berries, I lined a tray with parchment paper and placed the berries in rows. These berries went into the freezer to save, while the remaining berries were cut up for salad and shortcake.

While preparing the strawberries for use and for storage, I dreamt up a salad that I can’t wait to try! Tasty accompaniments and just the right beverage came to mind. Dessert too. Of course, that will have to be strawberry shortcake! Our strawberries are cut up nicely and chilling, ready to top shortbread biscuits from the local grocery store’s bakery! A BOGO deal on biscuits, meant 6 biscuits went into 2 freezer bags and into our large freezer.

Basil butter pats were a delicious treat I enjoyed last year for a week or so. Another friend and I got together specifically to process fresh basil for each of our households. We cleaned, dried and finely chopped the basil, mixing it into melted butter; some of the batches also had fresh garlic. These supplies did not last long in my house as I wanted to use the trifecta of basil, garlic and butter in everything!

Striking out on my own, I made a batch of basil butter this week; with basil I’ve been growing. Baked potatoes were timed to finish just before the basil butter was ready, allowing an incredible garnish for dinner and some prepared ingredients stored in the freezer. Portions of ingredients need to be researched, as this turned out to be a micro-batch, only making 6 pats!

Soon, I will be sharing the gourmet summer meal and wine pairing-featuring strawberries. Also, I have a classic strawberry dessert recipe to share from personal family archives. Simple to create, yet delicious and complex; it can impress the most discerning guest.

If you haven’t spotted wild strawberries yet this year there is still time. Their rounded, serrated leaves look romantic; while the vivid color of the berries can catch your eye. Discounted for lack of flavor by some, I found a berry at perfect ripeness and felt the original delight of exploring the same banks as a youth. Mmm.

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Oh, ho, ho December!

14 Dec

The holiday bells are ringing and I’m squeezing a post in while I wait for my car to be serviced. Festive gatherings are making me jubilant and inspired!

As sugary delights taunt me, I’m adding in additional exercise and fun. Socializing and being physically active increase energy unlike the negative effects of too many holiday treats.

At a recent party, another guest revealed that he had followed my blog but he had never received it! It was a friendly reminder to get back here.

Joining the National Audubon Society as an environmental educator this spring has been an exhilarating realization of my work and education. Working with Audubon to achieve our mission to conserve habitats for birds in the face of climate change is tangible work of great value for so many reasons. Delivering educational programming to children and adults at the Seneca Meadows Education Center and Wetlands Preserve is a true delight and honor. Audubon’s work teaching people about birds and how to help them directly achieves the goal I’ve state here; to connect people to the places where we work and play.

A volunteer potluck dinner at the Montezuma Audubon Center this month surpassed my expectations. Guests were surprised with a feast of venison and veggie chilis, chicken french, ordeurves, mashed potatoes and numerous desserts; including cream puffs shaped as swans! We talked about rare bird sightings and favored nature preserves, how fun our field trips are and the latest environmental news. Volunteer work ranges from gardening flower beds, running a store register to setting up and breaking down for events. The opportunities to meet others sharing the same interests and to learn are abundant. MARSH works in the Montezuma Wetlands complex area, while I often arrange events along Lake Ontario’s shore, cleaning beaches and collecting water chestnuts, for example. Working alongside others interested in helping birds, increasing positive feelings of engagement and widening our understanding of issues is proactive.

Many volunteer opportunities are in the warmer seasons but there may still be opportunities to contribute and get outside. Researching these organizations and learning about their work can help us remember Spring will come again!

Another place that protects water quality and provides habitat for wildlife and rescued domestic animals is Cracker Box Palace at Alasa Farms, on the southern shore of Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario. An animal sanctuary situated on a Genesee Land trust property, this historic farm is comprised of diverse lands beside the bay. Over 200 rescued farm animals call this property home, relying on three or four staff members and numerous volunteers. A network of trails is available for visitors to experience protected lands including bay views, forest paths and waterfalls in a stream salmon rely upon.

Amazing places surround us, ripe for our discovery and stewardship. Wild, silly, creative people are all around, yearning to engage-to be involved, be valuable and valued-to share joy. These gifts of the season, I wish for us all.

For those who might need a tangible gift, South Shore Artisans in Fair Haven, NY is full of locally made creations. Drop in to find durable pottery, colorful, joyous paintings, and much more throughout the co-op’s three rooms. Avoiding waste and supporting local artists are actions with more benefit than we may remember. Happy Holidays!

 

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We Love It! That’s Why We Work For It

10 Jun

When the temperature warms, the sun appears and the birds abound; upstate or central New York becomes an amazing playground! After a long, cold winter and wet spring we are ready for gardening, lawn work, barbecues with friends, kayaking, hiking, wine tasting, stargazing and bonfires.  One can easily become exhausted or injured embracing the numerous activities we’ve been longing for half of the year.

Balance can be hard to achieve or even contemplate for many.  Creating a lifestyle which fosters wellness on the deepest levels is important work I find many of us ignore.

Ample research proves the benefits of time spent in vibrant outdoor spaces and enjoying camaraderie.  Pleasant weather Friday made a visit to Lucifer Falls near Ithaca an awesome visit.  We experienced the wonder of the falls and the history of the old mill at Enfield Falls. A visit to Upper Treman became a walk through time when we entered the old mill.  I’ve been to this park many times but I have never seen the building open or been able to walk through and view the intelligent engineering behind the once thriving business.

 

 

 

 

 

News tends to dismay with such severity our own health and relationships can suffer.  Grace is needed to thrive and live harmoniously.  How can we achieve graceful living when confronted with so much mental and environmental pollution? I’m finding many tools and strategies that can aid us in wellness with awareness.

As an adventure educator and media artist, I aim to “Connect People to the Lands Where We Work and Play.” The S.E.E. formula of Service, Education and Enjoyment informs many of my events.  We will be teaming up with Sea Culture Brand to host a beach cleanup in Fair Haven. Sea Culture Brand is a clothing company from the Syracuse area, created by Daniel Tagliamonte. The clothes are inspired by life on and near the water and they utilize recycled materials. Rethinking methods of production and disposal, while being proactive caring for our surroundings seems wise to me. Watch this short YouTube video to see Daniel showing off his 2018 Fall Collection. Follow Sea Culture Brand on social media to see their latest designs and learn how they operate.  (A Henley debuting in July could be a great sustainable gift!)

Previous cleanup efforts at the rest area on NYS Route 89 just north of Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg led to official adoption by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.  Cayuga Lake Steward, Hilary Lambert sited an improvement to the cleanliness of this space and plans for this year’s cleanup efforts. It does take a network to protect a watershed! I’m glad to receive texts and messages asking me for my advice with cleanups, water quality and Monarch butterfly care.  We will be hosting an “Embrace the Lake” event at Stewart Park on the southern end of Cayuga Lake in the near future.  Please return to this blog or contact me to find out when these and other cleanups will occur.  We will be sure to have fun, get exercise and hopefully improve our surroundings-while we learn in a joyful way. It’s finally nice out here, so let’s make the most of it together!

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Huron Day!

22 Oct

Huron Day, October 6, 2018 was an awesome experience! It is fascinating to share cultural and environmental history with local residents and newcomers.  This year’s theme was “Into the Woods.” As I enjoy being in the woods, specifically our local forests on the east side of Sodus Bay and the southern lakeshore of Lake Ontario, this focus was ideal!

One of numerous pictures taken in this exact spot, an excellent place to stretch and relax.

The bluffs and forest change dramatically through the seasons and years. Witnessing erosion, eagles, Great Blue Herons and wildflowers are among the area’s treasures.

Huron Town Historian, Rosa Fox brought together people who interact with the woods in a variety of aspects, including sustainable forestry, soil and water conservation, mushroom foraging and more.  This collection of people and interests represents well the argument presented in Robert Hull’s Infinite Nature: The lens through which we perceive our surroundings and the resulting benefits we calculate can be quite different depending upon our various values and interests.

Walking meetings are my favorite, yet today we met inside the historic buildings of Huron.  It was my first visit to these buildings and the short flight of wooden steps to the upper room of the Huron Presbyterian Church offered a welcoming invitation.

Open doors invite visitors during Huron Day, October 6, 2018

Working as an adventure educator and visitor specialist in Wayne County is extra rewarding for me.  Researching and studying our local cultural history at the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum reinforces my own experience and passion for “Apple Country.”

With 20,000 acres under apple production in Wayne County, it earns the title of “Apple Country.” Orchards under spring blossoms and trees heavy with fruit can intoxicate the senses.  There are new varieties and styles of production which I was able to discuss with an experienced farmer.  Artifacts from the local apple orchards and production drew visitors’ attention.

Wooden apple crates, a basket and picking bag at Historic Huron.

Large piece of impressive cider making equipment at Historic Huron.

From local foresters to local public servants, there were so many people to meet and talk with. It was a pleasure to share a collection of information from the Sodus Bay Historical Society and Historic Huron which told the history of the lands which are now New York State’s Chimney Bluffs State Park.  Asking apple farmers if they drank at the Chimney’s Tavern was entertaining.  Watching a young boy’s jaw drop as I explained a connection between lighthouse keepers and local apple growers was too.

It was an honor to meet the presenters who came to Huron Day to celebrate “Into the Woods.” I’m thankful to be part of groups connecting people to each other and to the places where we work and play.  It is through these connections we gain and share strength.

This sign for Freer Brothers Farm celebrates the area’s long history in agriculture, while capturing Huron’s Presbyterian Church and belltower.

Rosa Fox speaks with good humor in regards to items within Historic Huron’s collection.

Mrs. Fox will be speaking at the Wolcott Library tomorrow at 6:30.  RSVPs are requested.  Seize the opportunity to hear what Huron’s historian has gleaned about topics including slavery, sailing and more. If you haven’t seen her book Great Sodus Bay, published by Arcadia Press in 2016, find a copy! This is a must-read for locals and a fascinating book for interested minds.  Many of the amazing photos are from the archives of the Sodus Bay Historical Society.  Copies are available in the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum store and should be in local libraries too!

There is still time for cider, cider donuts, apple crisp, hayrides and pumpkins! Our agricultural and environmental abundance is unique-Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ithaca Reggae Fest 2018-Cayuga Lake, NY

25 Jun
Sandra Steingraber spoke to the most personal and ecological forms of water with poetry.

A blue morning began June 23, 2018. Saturday was Ithaca Reggae Fest’s big day at Stewart Park. Worries of rain nagged at exceptionally high hopes for this event held beside Cayuga Lake’s southern shore in Ithaca, New York.  The discreet weather nearly whispered “Simmer down.”

The celebration of water and life through Reggae music provided attendees with access to Native American teachings, local water advocacy groups, yogis and more!

Chief Sam of the Cayuga Nation began Reggae Fest 2018 for me.  He warmly shared stories and reflections steps from Cayuga Lake’s blue water.  His son and grandson stood beside him with pride; it was a joy to see.  He spoke of the many medicines of this earth and jokingly acknowledged the medicine of goose poop in great abundance.  Sachem Sam spoke of Indian time, being  the time in which things happen.  I found this to be a description of my own view.

While gathering resources for my table in the education village, I took a few moments to read the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s Land Steward magazine.  I’m so glad! The good news is plentiful because of the amazing work and dedication of those who support the FLLT.  Rehabilitating land to reduce and absorb runoff is a proactive strategy to care for our watershed.  Developing and implementing a long term rehabilitation strategy can create benefits experienced in similar case studies.  Learn more about the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s work here.

The rains held off as Astrid Jirka of Vahana Yoga led participants in 108 sun salutations.  Massage therapists donated chair massage in the Wellness Village while bands including Thousands of One, Mosaic Foundation and Crucial Reggae Social Club welcomed in the afternoon.

Sandra Steingraber’s speech was personal and poetic.  She reminded the listener of the dynamic presence of water throughout our planet and our own bodies.  She did this by humanizing her experience.  More than an environmentalist, she is a human and a mother.  She is a creature aware of our composition and need to foster sanctity of water.  Sharing this awareness is effective, partly because it offers an invitation to entertain such a view oneself.

Ithaca Reggae Fest 2018 was plastic free.  Organizations like Plastic Tides, Mission eXXpedtion and Plastic Free July are doing great work to fight plastic pollution.  Please learn more about plastic pollution and consider taking the pledge at Plastic Free July.

Paddle-N-More had water crafts available for rent at the festival.  This year’s location was less noticeable than in the past.  Seeing others discover watersports promotes increased participation.  Recreation opportunities and meditative attributes draw me to water but for some it is science.  Cayuga Lake Watershed Network was joined by Discover Cayuga Lake, Citizen Science, NYS Parks and Recreation to name a few. Please continue to learn about the work being done by advocates for water.  What can you do? Water is essential to life. “Get up, Stand Up. Stand up for our right.” (Robert Nesta Marley.)

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Listening

14 Apr

I’m listening, to the wise people around me.  Beyond the din, there are those who are committed to others, to working for more than personal gain.

Susan Peterson Gateley of Silver Waters Sailing welcomed me and my friends to a water chestnut pull on the Red Creek Marsh Unit in Wayne County many years ago.  We met two women, dressed in work clothes whose boats were quickly filling with long, leafy vegetation they were extracting from the marsh.  As we began to move the wet, tangled masses to the back of pickups, I reached in quickly and grabbed the plants, only to feel sharp thorns plunge into my hands! Chuckling lightly with amusement and compassion, I was advised not to repeat my behavior and handed a pair of gloves.  Novice volunteers worked quickly together to load the invasive plants before heading off for a late afternoon kayak and picnic.  The gratitude of the volunteers and kayakers was immense, they were so glad to participate in a positive, healthy activity with other friendly people.

Each year the water chestnut returned, but with increased management, including staff from the Finger Lakes Institute, the invasive may be temporarily controlled.  If left alone, the plant could cover the waters, blocking out light and making passage for animals and boats impossible.  Though quite glad to have this quiet marsh in improved condition, many problems are harder to identify or positively affect.  Mrs. Gateley covers many of these pollutants in her movie Lake Ontario: A Quest for Hope.

Cayuga Lake has a steward in Hilary Lambert of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.  Hilary works with residents and municipalities around Cayuga Lake for clean, healthy water. Her team has made great strides with GIS technology, recently releasing satellite imagery of nutrient runoff into the lake.  Meet at The Space at GreenStar today in Ithaca to learn more about HABs and other sources of non-point pollution.

Dragon boats brought Hilary and I together for the first time.  We inspected the lot before they were launched in Cayuga Lake.  It only took a few moments to realize she was a savvy advocate for water. Tomorrow, we return to a rest area north of Taughannock Falls to tidy up an area that is a first impression of our area for many.  Now under the adoption of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, the area lies in an area with a steep incline and stream upon Cayuga Lake’s western shore.  This site’s cleanliness has improved! I’m quite surprised to see it in fair condition. Though we are expecting scattered showers, we’ll eliminate any trash and celebrate our progress with a hike at Taughannock Falls and snacks from GreenStar!

Another amazing woman has entered my life.  She is 103 years old! She is sharp and educated, living a life of civic engagement and within a thriving rural community.  Talking with her about her life and reading local works has opened a vivid world of regional understanding and cultural possibilities.  She often says she could use another fifty years for everything she would like to do.

What will we do and share?

More details about this amazing woman and tomorrow’s cleanup!

 

 

 

 

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Empathy, Gratitude and Compassion; True Gifts Any Time of Year

8 Dec

My grandmother was sweet, incredibly kind and joyous.  At a young age, she was surrounded by grandparents who doted upon her.  This attention and leadership from elders certainly helped mold the person she was to become.

Marguerite Robinson Campbell Reich, Peggy, Mom, Gramarite.  She lived near “The City,” fondly looking over her beloved Palisades and even the Empire State Building. A true adventuress, she was fascinated with knowledge, reading and travel. Life was a grand adventure to her, always adding in a little sparkle or whimsy to enliven a scenario. As magic makers might, she wove her view well beyond her physical life. Artwork and phrases that spoke to Marguerite became household adornments or features of love notes. Writing autobiographical tales in narrative occurred more than once. Newspaper articles, Hershey’s Kiss ribbons and pressed flowers became thoughtful gifts. They surface in my notebooks, jewelry boxes and dresser drawers, filling my life with her unrelenting appreciation for life and commitment to grace.

 

Compassion, Affection, Respect and Empathy are key ingredients for relationships. C.A.R.E. Recipe. -Author Unknown.

As we approach the holidays and endure our various challenges, this recipe can help everyone! Compassion, Affection, Respect and Empathy.  When outraged or confused by someone’s behavior, please consider their perspective, goals and challenges.  Respect others as we travel about for our holiday shopping or festivities.  Consider others may not enjoy the season and understand strong emotions the holidays may bring.

One Christmas Eve when I was little, my dad took me with him to deliver food baskets.  Puffy, white snow was falling and covered the ground.  We took a basket of food to an elderly couple in a small home.  I seem to recall it being very cold but my dad’s visit filled the room with warmth.  The couple’s gratitude is unforgettable.

Another year, our living room was covered in donated stuffed animals that we loaded in our van to deliver to a collection and distribution point.  It may have been a school.  I remember a huge stage with piles of toys for children.  The spirit of Christmas was present as we imagined the children opening their gifts.

Truly taking the time to be with family is an amazing gift! In the face of difficulty, being with loved ones proves most important.  Does your use of devices separate you from those around you? Are your family your loved ones or merely obligations? Erin Marteal wrote a fantastic article entitled, “Gratitude Pairings, Naturally.” First published in Tompkins Weekly, Erin, Executive Director of Ithaca Children’s Garden gives numerous suggestions for creative pairings of activities and foods to share with gratitude.  I’m looking forward to visiting the Fuertes observatory-per her recommendation.  As well as constellations of homemade cookies and thermoses of host chocolate!  Consider some of her ideas and work out a few of your own.  You might discover what fun it is to gather items for a wreath or wail your sibling with a snowball. Have you ever made snow angels?!

New Park Retreat and Event Center is opening their doors this coming Thursday, December 14 5:30-9:30.  Guests will be treated to live music and refreshments, with donations benefitting local food security organizations including The Backpack Program, Fresh Snack Program and Friendship Donation Network.  

New Park Retreat & Event Center celebrates the holidays with an open house December 14, 5:30-9:30 at 1500 Taughannock Blvd. Ithaca, NY.

Hope to see you there! I’m heading back outside to look at the stars! Happy Holidays!

 

 

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