UMaine News » Cooperative Extension

Handley Raspberry Pruning Article in Gardening Magazine

bdoane — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:24:26 +0000

The March/April 2012 issue of “fine Gardening” magazine includes an article by University of Maine Cooperative Extension small fruit and vegetable specialist David Handley on pruning red raspberries, which recommends a hard late-winter thinning as the secret to healthier plants. The article includes an Extension video in which Handley illustrates proper pruning techniques.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

Village Soup Notes Blueberry Bush Sale

bdoane — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:18:12 +0000

An online blueberry bush sale being offered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers was noted in a Village Soup article. Proceeds from the sale will go towards the Master Gardener program, which is celebrating its 30th year in Maine. To place an order or for additional information, go to umaine.edu/gardening/go-blueberry/.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777

Report on Teen Role in Harvest for Hunger

bdoane — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:41:33 +0000

The Lewiston Sun Journal has a story about Trevor Doiron, a 13-year-old from Jay, who is starting a community garden and will eventually report the produce to Maine Harvest for Hunger, a program run by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The story noted that Doiron has met with Lauren St. Germain from UMaine Extension in Farmington, and St. Germain gave him tips on how where to solicit discounted materials and ideas about funding sources.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777

Extension’s Jemison Explains Farmer Outlook Study

bdoane — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:10:58 +0000

University of Maine Cooperative Extension water quality and soil specialist John Jemison was interviewed for a Wednesday evening Channel 7 (WVII) news report on a recent study on how farmers view the future of farming in Maine. The report says farmers are optimistic about small and mid-sized farms in spite of challenges. The interview begins 8 minutes, 38 seconds into the broadcast.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

Report on Extension Collaboration with Piscataquis Grade-Schoolers

bdoane — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:47:50 +0000

A Bangor Daily News website posting on the GrowME project to garden and farm with children in kindergarten through grade three noted that UMaine Piscataquis County Extension will also take part in the effort. Local volunteers will work with teachers to schedule an agricultural activity in their classrooms during Maine Agricultural Week, March 12-16.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777

McConnon Interviewed for Cash Versus Credit Feature

bdoane — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:13:12 +0000

University of Maine Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of economics Jim McConnon was interviewed for a Lewiston Sun Journal column by a staff writer on her family’s decision to put away credit cards and shop only with cash. McConnon observed that studies show more Americans are using credit cards wisely and cautiously, holding less debt and using cash more often than in the past.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

Stack Quoted in Story on Growing Zones

bdoane — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Lois Stack, an ornamental horticulture specialist for UMaine’s Cooperative Extension and a professor of sustainable agriculture, was interviewed for a Kennebec Journal story about the USDA’s new plant hardiness zone map, which was released last week and shows how growing zones have changed since the last growing guide was published 22 years ago. Stack said a gardener can use the map to decide what plants would do best in a garden.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777

Extension Senior Companions Report Says Program Saved $4.6 Million

bdoane — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:29:03 +0000

An economic impact survey of elder Maine residents receiving regular visits by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Senior Companion Program has concluded that the program saved at least $4.6 million in 2011 by supporting elders choosing to remain in their own homes. A news release has details.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

Senior Companion Report Says Home Visits Saved $4.6 Million

chrissmith — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:40:27 +0000

Senior Companions helps aging Maine residents remain independent and in their homes, particularly when they live in rural areas and don’t have relatives living nearby. The program has some 124 senior companion volunteers who serve more than 500 clients. In 2010, companions made 27,510 visits for a total of 83,712 hours in 14 of Maine’s 16 counties, according to Cooperative Extension.

The recent surveys returned by about 100 clients included people who were 90 years old or older and who live in their own homes alone. They were asked about heart disease, dementia or diabetes and if they have family living close by. Those reporting they live alone with at least one chronic illness, and thought they would be in a nursing home if not for their senior companion, said they would need MaineCare to pay for nursing home residency.

“We took into account other funding and made sure those amounts were deleted from the total, including the $14,340 which is currently received from the state,” says Ann Swain, program director. “We concluded, based on average nursing home costs, that the Senior Companion Program saves MaineCare $4.6 million per year.”

Swain notes that the Senior Companion Program could be saving the state much more if the current total client population were surveyed. “Imagine how much we could be saving in MaineCare dollars if we had the funds to visit clients across the state of Maine who are not currently being visited,” she says.

Assisting in the survey were John Rebar, Cooperative Extension director, Deb Eckart, an Extension educator in Machias, in addition to Swain in Orono.

Contact: Ann Swain, (207) 581-3326

Coastal Newspaper Reports on Farmer Outlook Survey

bdoane — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:14:47 +0000

The Knox County edition of Village Soup newspapers carried an article based on a UMaine news release about a recent survey of Maine farmers’ outlook for the future by the university’s Cooperative Extension. Extension water quality and soil specialist John Jemison and Stephanie Welcomer of the Maine Business School reported that farmers are generally optimistic about their futures, in spite of challenges, and said they would be better off if more consumers buy local produce.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756