How important are the 80,000 farms in the Northeastern states stretching from Maine to Pennsylvania?
These farms:
That’s quite an impact. Yet the U.S. Farm Bill — the federal government’s chief means of support for farms and farming — provides relatively little aid to these primarily small and mid-sized family operations.
The Northeast Climate Alliance (NECA), founded by Scenic Hudson and partners in 2020, is trying to change that.
With the Farm Bill up for reauthorization by Congress next year, NECA is uniting farmers, farm organizations, and groups that conserve farmland to ensure the upcoming bill will address the unique concerns of Northeastern farmers and the long-overdue need for strengthening opportunity, equity, and diversity in agriculture, especially for Black and Indigenous farmers.
While NECA is focused on helping farmers and other land managers adopt practices that sequester carbon, it recognizes that to be part of the climate solution — and meet growing demands for locally-produced food — farms must remain viable. Keeping them in business depends on confronting issues such as turbulent markets and supply chain bottlenecks that make farming in the region so unpredictable. Another imperative: filling the void created by the large number of farmers approaching retirement age, making their irreplaceable fields and orchards more vulnerable to development.
Listening session kicks off campaign for Farm Bill support
A Farm Bill providing more robust support to tackle these issues and encourage climate-friendly farming and forest management is essential. Kicking off a collaborative campaign to secure it, Scenic Hudson and NECA hosted an event last month at Liberty Farm in Columbia County. It brought together a broad mix of agricultural stakeholders, including U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie (responsible for implementing climate-related provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill); Richard Ball and Amanda Beal, agriculture commissioners of New York and Maine, respectively; and Congressman-elect Marcus Molinaro.
These leaders came to listen — to farmers large and small, vegetable and livestock, conventional and organic, urban and rural — about their aspirations for the Farm Bill. They heard how it could support a shift to practices offering climate solutions, both through financial aid and training, while helping to keep farms thriving. From urban farmers they learned about the need to pay a living wage and make grant applications more accessible to people of color and members of other historically underserved communities. And an Indigenous chief urged Farm Bill support for Native peoples’ efforts to restore biodiversity and environmental health through agroforestry — growing and cultivating food on forested lands.
This event vividly illustrated that the number and diversity of farms in the Northeast, coupled with their proximity to metropolitan areas, positions this region to be a national leader in advancing climate solutions as well as strengthening equity, opportunity, and economic stability for current and future farmers, and meeting rising demands for fresh food. As Scenic Hudson and NECA continue bringing farmers and other stakeholders together, we’re urging Congressional leaders in the Northeast to join with us to secure Farm Bill funding that will support these goals. Stay tuned to learn how you can get involved to make sure they do.
Freedom Village of Bradenton has been included in Americas Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2025. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on November 21st and can currently be viewed on Newsweeks website. Americas Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2025 were identified through an independent survey which included thousands of participants. The survey highlighted the following parameters: National Online Survey, Accreditation, Visitor Satisfaction, and Google Reviews. Freedom Village of Bradenton is honored to be recognized on Newsweeks list of Americas Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2025. The title serves to reinforce that Freedom Village of Bradenton is dedicated to offering high-quality care and services to older adults, including a range of living options such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care.Freedom Village of Bradenton offers a wide range of services and amenities, including chef-prepared dining, fitness programs, a wellness center, social events, and specialized care. The communitys holistic approach to care ensures that residents feel valued, supported, and empowered to live their lives to the fullest. About Statista: Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, business-relevant data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.
While most people would prefer aging in place in their current home, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that nearly 70% of people turning 65 today will require some type of long-term care. So, while you may think aging in place is the best choice, by the time you realize you need daily support, your options may be limited. Thats why many older adults are starting to consider the benefits of choosing the active lifestyle available at senior living communities with access to higher levels of care. To give you a better idea of what it takes to age at home, heres a breakdown of things to consider. The Importance of Staying Safe at HomeFalls are the number one cause of serious injury among older adults, so limiting your chances of falling by reducing trip hazards and adding safety features should be a top priority. Also, peoples mobility typically begins declining as they reach their late 70s, and many homes lack accessibility features. To make your home easier to get around, here are some changes to make: Grab bars: Install grab bars or railings in high-risk areas like bathrooms and bedrooms for additional support and to prevent slip and fall injuries. Bathroom changes: Bathrooms are filled with hard surfaces, and even lifting your foot a little bit could cause you to lose your balance. To further reduce your chances of falling, consider installing a walk-in shower. Kitchen changes: Configure sink, stove and counters to allow for them to be used while seated. Outdoor ramp: Adding a ramp isnt just for wheelchair access. Ramps eliminate the need to navigate steps, which can make maintaining balance difficult, even with a banister. Add smart home technology: Items like medical alert, home security and remote monitoring or communication systems are very helpful. Consider adding lights, entertainment systems and blinds that can be controlled with your smart phone or a remote. Replace faucets: Touchless faucets on kitchen and bathroom sinks are great for people with arthritis or grip issues. You can also replace twist faucet handles with levers. Update flooring: Carpet should be securely attached and no more than a half an inch thick. Remove rugs as they are a major tripping hazard. In the bathroom, use non-slip tile. Improve lighting: Youll want to make sure your hallways and bathrooms are well lit. Install bright night-lights and use table or floor lamps for sitting areas. Put adhesive tape-lights under cabinets to provide extra countertop light. Replace doorknobs: Installing lever-style handles will make them easier to open than round doorknobs. If you have round kitchen cabinet doorknobs, you may want to switch them out with bar- or lever-style handles. How Much Does It Cost to Modify Your Home?For an idea of what aging in place costs, here are example prices of home modifications: Install ramp at entrance: This can cost anywhere from $875 to $1,750. Install entry hand rails: This can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,200. Widen entry door: This can cost anywhere from $200 to $7,000. Widen hallways without structural changes: This can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,400 per doorway. Widen hallways with structural changes: This can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000. Install lever taps on faucets: This can cost anywhere from $150 to $330. Remodel bathroom: This can cost anywhere from $6,600 to $28,000. Walk-in shower: A basic walk-in show can cost between $3,000 and $15,000. More elaborate showers with features like built-in seats, benches or multiple shower heads can cost upwards of $20,000. Kitchen countertop height adjustment: This can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000. Adding night-lights and better lighting: This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Adding non-slip flooring: This can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Medical alert systems: This can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per month. Smart home devices: This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. These modification costs dont account for home maintenance and upkeep. Housekeeping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, lawn care and other general repairs should also be factored into your plans. Remember to Compare Monthly CostsBefore you decide to stay in your home, its important to compare your current expenses to senior living, because it may be more affordable than you think. Be sure to consider all your monthly expenses: Rent or mortgage Property taxes and insurance Homeowner association fees Cable, internet and utilities House cleaning services Home maintenance and repairs Transportation (upkeep, insurance, etc.) NOTE: As a homeowner, youll also have to plan for unexpected costs, like replacing broken appliances, repairing the sewer line or patching up a damaged roof. At a Life Plan Community like Freedom Village of Bradenton, our community and lifestyle are purposely designed to support you as you age, and monthly costs are more predictable and manageable. So, you wont have unexpected expenses, plus youll have access to higher levels of on-site care including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. More Freedom Is Built into Everything We DoReady for maintenance-free living in a home thats designed to maximize your independence and help you age-in-place? Move to Freedom Village of Bradenton! Contact us for more information by using our Community Assistant chat feature or contacting us here. You can also call us today to schedule a personalized visit.
Think about every place youve lived and how each one helped you get more out of life. When you were young, having a small apartment gave you the freedom to socialize, make friends and do what you wanted to do. Then, when you met someone you wanted to start a family with, you found a place with more square footage where everyone had room to grow. If youre finding your current home is now more than you want to take care of, maybe its time to reflect on how much more freedom you had before you took on the responsibilities of home ownership. Maybe its time to consider downsizing to an option that fits your current lifestyle better. Downsizing to a Senior Living ApartmentAfter decades of pursuing hobbies, going on trips and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, you can collect a lot of stuff. Thats probably why one of the bigger questions of moving is, What do I do with everything? Here are some important downsizing and packing tips to consider: Do one room at a time: The garage or a closet is often a good place to start. Dont move on to another room until youve finished the first. Go slow: Sorting through a lifetime of important memories isnt something you can get done in a weekend or even a week. Pick one box or collection of items and go through it piece by piece without rushing. After you finish with that box, start on another. Have fun: Put on some of your favorite music. Invite a friend to help. Plan on a treat at the end of the day: maybe ice cream, a favorite cocktail or special dinner. Remember: Looking at keepsakes and mementos can bring up memories of significant life events. Take the time to reminisce over special moments and tell stories. Be homey: Keep only the possessions (collectibles, heirlooms, mementos, art) that make your house distinctively your home. Clean the kitchen: At a community like Freedom Village, youll be cooking less and taking advantage of our dining venues more. Consider keeping only the pots, pans and utensils youll need and giving the rest away. Let go of your library: Make sure to keep your favorite books and then consider donating or selling the rest. Freshen your linens: Go through your sheets, blankets and bath towels, and throw away any threadbare, stained or unmatched items. In fact, once youve moved, you might want all new items to match your new space. Clothes and jackets: To help you figure out which clothes you no longer wear, take all your items hung in your closet and turn the hangers backward. Then set a calendar reminder for six months and go about your life. Every time you wear something from your closet, turn the hanger around so that its no longer reversed. After six months, youll know exactly what you havent worn. Get organized: Create a list for every room in your house and sort each possession into one of four categories: keep, sell, give away and decide later. Note: Everything on the decide later list must eventually move to one of the other columns. Use these key questions to figure out which list to put each item on: Do I use it regularly? Have I used it in the past year? Does it truly enhance my quality of life? Will it fit in my new living space and future lifestyle? Does it have a significant monetary value? Is it necessary? Does it have sentimental value? Would a family member or friend appreciate the item or use it? Where to Donate Your Unwanted Items in BradentonDonating anything you dont plan to take with you is a great way to downsize that not only helps support causes you believe in, but it could be tax deductible. (To be sure, check with your tax advisor.) If you already have some places in mind, awesome. If not, heres a list of a few local options to get you started. Salvation Army Bradenton: Your donations help the Salvation Army provide assistance to individuals and families in need, resources to combat addiction, shelter and disaster relief, as well as fight human trafficking. Turning Points: Now collaborating with Goodwill, which handles all clothing donations, Turning Points provides critical services, including rental and utility assistance, free medical and dental care, and employment support. Donate clothing and household items directly to Goodwill Manasota, which will then sort and deliver clothes to Turning Points. You can donate items like laundry detergent, personal care products, sneakers and bicycles at the Turning Points campus as well. Habitat for Humanity: They accept donations of appliances that are less than 10 years old, furniture, building materials, flooring, cabinets, lighting, hardware, plumbing supplies, electronics, bicycles, clothing, furniture, household items and more. St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store: They gladly accept clean, new and gently used clothing, accessories, shoes/purses, crafts, books, DVDs, CDs, albums, personal items, flat screen TVs, small electronics and small appliances that are clean and in good working condition, jewelry, linens, kitchen items, household goods, decorative items/artwork, furniture/lamps and patio furniture. Your donated items are then sold at their thrift store, the proceeds of which help support their programs and services they provide to the needy in our community. Upsize Your Life at Freedom VillageFreedom Village of Bradenton has independent living floor plans including one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments to fit any and every seniors lifestyle. For more information or to schedule a personal visit of our community, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.