Posted On 05 Sep 2019
Autumn officially begins
Monday, September 23rd
One of the greatest benefits of living in the Northeast is being able to experience the beauty of Autumn leaves.
What causes leaves to change colors?
As the autumn days grow shorter, chemical changes in some deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and aspen occur. Because of changes in the length of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor. The pigments, carotene (yellow) and anthocyanin (red) exist in the leaf all summer but are masked by the green chlorophyll pigment. The amount of sugar trapped in the leaves determines how vivid the colors will become.
Just Keep Talking Referral Program
In case you haven’t heard, we want to let you know about our agency’s awesome Referral Program that rewards you for telling your friends and family about us.
We reward you for every referral plus have monthly drawings throughout the year and an annual grand prize drawing for an iPad.
Fresh Green Bean Salad
- 1-pound fresh green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1-pound fresh diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper if desired
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Cook onion and garlic in oil 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until onion is crisp-tender.
Stir in tomatoes, oregano and red pepper. Heat to boiling.
Reduce heat; simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and most of the liquid is evaporated.
Spoon drained beans onto serving platter; top with tomato mixture.
Sprinkle with cheese and reserved almonds.
Back to School
The morning school run doesn’t always have to be a mad dash. Follow these tips for getting your child through the school doors on time, fed, clean and with all the right stuff.
- Lay out school clothes the night before. Set out your child’s clothes next to his bed. This will give you an early warning if laundry needs to be done.
- Keep shoes in one place. Find a spot where shoes always live, perhaps next to the front door. Get your child into the habit of putting his shoes there every time he takes them off. If you do only one thing to prepare ahead, make it this.
- Get your child to bed on time. This may be easier said than done!
- Prepare the night before. Put homework in backpacks, and check your child’s school bag for permission slips and school newsletters too. Make sure you have lunch and breakfast foods for the next morning.
- Encourage your child to get herself ready. Help your child to get as far as she can with dressing herself and brushing her hair. Not only will she feel a sense of accomplishment, it’ll save you valuable time – once she gets the hang of it, anyway!
- Keep breakfast simple. Don’t feel guilty if breakfast isn’t an elaborate affair. A breakfast of healthy cereal, a yogurt and a piece of fruit will do. Make it easy for your child to have fruit by slicing a banana or chopping strawberries into her cereal.
Do You Have Enough
For most people, their home is the most expensive thing they own and it contains their prized possessions. They probably borrowed money to buy the house from the bank, so there is a lot at stake. Deciding what kind of coverage and how much to buy can be confusing.
Here are the six major types of coverage provided by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
- Dwelling: the structure of your home itself
- Appurtenant or Other Structures: detached garage or storage unit
- Personal Property and contents: furniture, clothing, electronics, etc.
- Family Liability: Coverage if someone in your family or someone living with you is responsible for injuring another person or damaging their property.
- Guest Medical: covers medical costs to a guest who is injured on your property, regardless of fault
- Additional Living Expenses (or Loss of Use): pays for you to live somewhere else while repairs are made on your home.
Mike explains these coverages in detail in his latest blog on our website: www.thesouthcottagency.com and as always, feel free to call the office if you have questions.
Confused about NON-GMO?
You’re not alone. Most of us want to eat a healthy diet – so should we be concerned with GMO foods?
Non-GMO means non-genetically modified organisms. GMOs are genetically modified organisms. They are new organisms created in a laboratory using genetic engineering techniques. Scientists, consumers and environmental groups have cited many health and environmental risks with foods containing GMOs. As a result of the risks, many people in the United States and around the world are demanding “non-GMO” foods.
In genetic engineering of food plants, genes from the DNA of another organism, such as a bacterium, virus, animal, or plant are “recombined” into the DNA of the new altered plant.
By adding these new genes, genetic engineers hope the plant will express the traits associated with the genes. For example, genetic engineers have transferred genes from a bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis into the DNA of corn. Bacillus thuringiensis genes express a protein that kills insects, allowing the corn to produce its own pesticide.
Educate yourself about GMO’s by reading trusted information before you draw any conclusions as far as good or bad and how they will affect your diet.
Most will agree that the ultimate reward for your efforts is a healthy, balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun.
So, instead of waiting until January to start the new year with new resolutions—why not end the year with a new healthy attitude?
1. Make up your mind to be healthy and in control of your mind and body.
2. Make a change by clearing the clutter and simplifying.
3. Focus on now instead of the disappointment of yesterday or the fear of tomorrow.
Important Crop Insurance Information
Here are the dates you must be aware of:
Wheat and forage sales closing date September 30, 2019.
Sign up for level of coverage and review options.
Wheat final plant date is October 10, 2019, late plant period October 25, 2019
Wheat and forage acreage report date November 15, 2019
Apples, Peaches, Grapes, and Cherries sales closing date November 20,2019
Sign up for level of coverage and review options
Acreage and Production report November 15, 2020
Intended use: If planted corn reported as grain but now going to be harvested as silage, you need to file a claim and have the field appraised before harvest.
Crop insurance Premiums have been billed.
Interest starts to accrue on October 1, 2019 for apples, peaches, grapes, cherries, wheat and forage.
Interest starts to accrue December 1, 2019 for corn, soybeans, cabbage, onions, processing vegetables, etc.
Premiums must be paid by next sales closing, wheat and forage by November 30th and apples, peaches, grapes, and cherries by November 20th.
Call the office (585) 589- 6236 if you have questions.
13630 Ridge Road
Albion, NY 14411
Phone 585 589-6236
Hours 8:00am – 4:00pm