Summer is Here

                                     Summer is here!  Now what?

Summer is here!  What does that mean? Not surprising, it means different things to each and every one of us.  One thing we all have in common is how to stay cool this summer, particularly as we all deal with rising energy costs.  Here are a few helpful hints:

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs - they produce less heat
• Unplug and turnoff appliances that aren't being used - electronics give off more waste heat than you think
• Keep drapes and shades closed - sunny windows can account for 40% of the heat in your home
• Have ceiling fans? Make sure they are blowing down (moving counter clockwise)

For more tips on staying cool and saving money this summer visit www.getenergysmart.org/resources/tips/aspx or call 1-877-NY-SMART.
 
Another thing summer means is the Genesee County Fair - July 15, 2008 through July 19, 2008.    The fair is sponsored by the Genesee County Agriculture Society, a non-profit organization, made up of farmers, businesses, and concerned citizens, dedicated to preserving and promoting agriculture in an effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.
 
Did you know that agriculture is the number one industry in Genesee County?  We all eat!  We all need healthy, safe food to survive!  An interesting national statistic � 10% of the population is responsible for feeding 90% of the population. 

4-H is just one component of the Genesee County Fair.   Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is the home for  4-H Youth Development.
 
The fair offers 4-H members the opportunity to showcase their year long learning outcomes. In each competition, youth are guided by judges skilled in the area, who offer feedback, encouragement, tips and advice. These hands-on experiences help youth improve skills, learn the importance of following rules carefully, gain confidence in interacting with judges and speaking with confidence about their project, all while handling the excitement and nerves that come from public presentations.  
 
There are many more things about summer that we all enjoy and look forward to.  As we experience summer, let us all travel safely, aware of the travel conditions around us, slow down, take our time, enjoy nature, be considerate of others, and make it the best summer possible.

Cornell Cooperative Extension - improving lives by connecting university resources

to community needs

Beverly L. Mancuso, Executive Director
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County
http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu
420 East Main Street, Batavia, NY   14020
Phone:      585-343-3040, Ext. 110