In this episode:

SNAPEd (https://snapedny.org/who-we-are/ ) is offering in-person Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program classes March 1st – March 29th in the community room at Melone Village, 7 Merriman Ave. Auburn. The classes are free and open to the public. Participants receive $15 in vouchers for fresh fruits & vegetables for each class they attend. To register, call Becky McCormick at 315-255-1183 ext.2873 or Bilingual educator Iluminada Vilca at 204-426-7477.
Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program: The FVRx program creates a system where health care providers in the community can write prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables in partnership with SNAP-Ed programs and local food retailers. Participants in the program receive vouchers to spend at local farmers’ markets, farm stands, and other retail options – giving additional purchasing power to people who need it most.
(3-county cooperative program , Cayuga, Seneca and Schuyler counties) Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga, Seneca, and Schuyler counties is now taking applications (Due March 10) for the Cornell Climate Stewards program’s 12-week training class this spring. (Cayuga website link expected soon). https://senecacountycce.org/energy/climate-stewards contact RYAN STAYCHOCK 315-539-9251 for more information.
Ice Fishing Safety. (DEC press release encouraging ice fishing safety. Jan 19, 2023. https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/126989.html )
- THICKNESS. Generally speaking, it is recommended that the ice be at least 4 inches thick before you attempt to go ice fishing on foot. 6-8 inches for snowmobiles or ATVs and 9-12 inches for UTVs or light vehicles. Just because you measure 4” of ice in one area near the shoreline does not mean that the whole body of water has 4” of ice on it. You should proceed with caution.
- Use tools, such as a spud bar, to test the thickness of ice before you venture onto the ice, and use it to test the ice in front of you while you're walking on the ice.
- Become familiar with the water body features such as the location of moving water, inlet or outlet, because those areas may have weaker ice.
-Note the color of the Ice.... The safest ice color is blue ranging to clear ice, it is high density, very strong. If the ice color is light gray to dark black it is melting ice and is not safe so STAY OFF the ice. The New York State DEC website states slush ice is about 50 percent weaker ice, and ice over running water is about 20 percent weaker and double the recommendations if the ice is white in color. https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html
-Ice fishing SAFETY ICE PICS.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_claws
- Flotational Ice Fishing Apparel (Float Suit)
- Safety basics: Be prepared; Have a plan and tell people about it; use the buddy system (go with a friend); take a phone; dress appropriately; avoid alcohol ; you can always bring more safety items such as safety ropes, whistles, pfds.
Free Fishing- Those interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of Feb. 18-19 on their calendars. As a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, the need for a freshwater fishing license is waived during these days. This free fishing weekend is also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.

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