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Hello Cornell Cooperative Extension!
May signals the start of fishing season, and it's a great time to enjoy the outdoors with family. Whether you're casting a line in the scenic Hudson River or relaxing by a nearby stream, the Hudson Valley offers some of the most beautiful fishing spots in the country—perfect for creating lasting memories together.
The Family and Community Education (FCE) Program is dedicated to helping families thrive. Our experienced staff offer hands-on workshops that support parenting, financial literacy*, and wellness—empowering individuals of all ages to build healthy, informed lives.
We connect our community with a variety of programs, including:
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Support Groups – Online and in-person gatherings like the Relative As Parents Program (RAPP) provide guidance and community connection.
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Parenting Classes – Our Parenting and Support Education (PASE) series strengthens family communication and problem-solving.
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Wellness Education – Learn about safe fish consumption from the Hudson River and local waterways, as well as fish sold in stores, based on up-to-date Fish Advisory guidance.
As we recognize Mental Health Month this May, we’re proud to join the nationwide movement started by Mental Health America in 1949. This year's theme, "Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World," reminds us that daily life—from work and relationships to broader issues like climate change and the economy—can all impact our mental well-being.
Let’s take this opportunity to focus on mental health, connect with resources, and support one another in building stronger, more resilient communities.
*Financial Literacy workshops are offered as fee-for-service programs.
| | From the County Executive: | | |
‘Spring Into Happiness’ Luncheon
Renowned speaker to discuss key to successful aging
at complimentary event in Poughkeepsie on May 5th
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Happiness is so much more than a fleeting emotion; it’s a cornerstone of well-being that grows in importance as we age. As Dutchess County prepares to celebrate Older Americans Month in May – a time to encourage older adults every day to pursue their personal enjoyment and delight – County Executive Sue Serino invites seniors to a free “Spring Into Happiness” luncheon designed to inspire joy, positivity and personal happiness on Monday, May 5, at the Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Road in Poughkeepsie. Registration is required, as seating is limited.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “In Dutchess County, we’re committed to supporting our older adults in every way – not just with services, but with opportunities to connect, recharge, and focus on their well-being. This luncheon is all about coming together, sharing a meal, and having an honest conversation about something that matters: finding happiness as we age. I’m so grateful to our Office for the Aging for always putting people first and for reminding us how much joy can come from simply being together.”
The AARP reports that according to the latest World Happiness Report, Americans aged 60 and older are among the happiest group of
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people in that demographic among the world’s counties. Featured speaker Jackson Kerchis will inspire attendees at the “Spring Into Happiness” Luncheon to maintain and seek further joy, positivity and personal happiness in their own lives. Mr. Kerchis was a featured speaker at a 2024 New York State Office for the Aging conference, and his presentation earned rave reviews.
A former strategy and operations leader, startup executive and Zen monk, Mr. Kerchis is a co-founder and partner at Happiness Means Business and Warrior Leader Training Companies. He created the world’s first major in happiness at the University of Alabama, where he taught the school’s first-ever happiness course.
This event begins at 11 a.m. Seating for this complimentary event is limited, and residents are urged to reserve their seat early. Registration is required, and residents can register by calling 845-486-2555 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; reservations cannot be made via voicemail or email.
The Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) designs, organizes and delivers a variety of community-based services to support older adults and individuals in need of long-term care, aiming to enhance their independence, dignity, and overall quality of life. OFA’s diverse programs encourage social engagement, recreation, and fitness, helping older adults stay active and energized.
Residents can learn more about the OFA and its many offerings at dutchessny.gov/aging.
www.dutchessNY.gov
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Francheska Kuilan, Community Educator
Spring is in full bloom in Dutchess County, and it’s the perfect season to enjoy fresh food, outdoor fun, and memories with your little ones. Whether cooking in the kitchen, crafting at the table, front porch, or even exploring nature, the best memories are made when you’re together. Here are some memories to create:
Easy & Fresh Spring Recipes:
Mini Veggie Pita Pizzas: Customize your own personal pizzas with spring veggies.
Ingredients: Whole wheat pitas, marinara sauce, mozzarella, chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Qc40khU_g
Memorable moments: Set up a “pizza bar” and let everyone decorate their own!
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Family Fun:
DIY Flowerpots: Decorate small terracotta pots and plant herbs or flowers—great for windowsills or porch steps.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaPDfH03-BI
| | Hudson Valley Fish Advisory | | RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program) | |
What Is a 'Kinship Family?"
A kinship family is a caregiving arrangement where relatives—such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close family friends—step in to raise children when their biological parents are unable to do so. This form of care, known as kinship care, offers children the advantage of remaining within their extended family network, preserving cultural ties, and maintaining a sense of identity and belonging. Compared to traditional foster care, kinship care can provide greater emotional and psychological stability, as children are cared for by individuals they already know and trust.
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The Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP), supports kinship families by providing a range of services tailored to their unique needs. These services include educational workshops, peer support groups, respite events, intergenerational activities, and referrals to community resources. RAPP aims to create a supportive community where non-parent caregivers can connect with others in similar situations, share experiences, and access resources that assist them in their caregiving roles. By addressing the challenges faced by kinship caregivers, RAPP helps ensure that children in these families receive the stability and support they need to thrive.
Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension | Relatives as Parents Program
| | | PASE (Parent And Support Education) | |
Book you PASE Workshop today!
The Parent and Support Education (PASE) program offers engaging workshops designed to strengthen family communication and parenting skills.
Available as a five-week series (1-hour sessions) or a single 4-hour intensive, this program can be hosted in-person or virtually—perfect for PTAs, libraries, civic organizations, faith-based groups, and community programs. Participants will learn five essential skills for creating a positive home environment, including: Encouragement, Decision-Making, Self-Control, and Positive Discipline.
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Empower the families you serve with practical tools they can use immediately—contact us today to schedule a session!
Please contact Heather at 845-677-8223 ext. 156 to schedule this program for your organization.
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| | Flip the Script on Aging is the theme for 2025 Older Americans Month, acknowledging older Americans’ contributions, highlighting aging trends, and reaffirming our commitment to serving older adults. Older Americans Month is celebrated every May to recognize the impact older adults have within their communities and spotlight resources, services and individuals supporting the aging process such as senior center staff, home health care workers, family caregivers, advocates and volunteers. | | | |
Horticulture Hotline!
Every Monday & Wednesday through the summer- is the Horticulture Hotline and Diagnostic Lab featuring our Master Gardeners. Call and speak to our volunteers from 9AM-NOON to answer your gardening questions.
Have a garden pest that you need identified or a plant that doesn't look so good?
Contact the Dutchess Horticulture Hotline at (845) 677-5067
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It's that time of year again!
Our CCEDC Staff and Master Gardeners have been hard at work selecting, potting, watering, and providing lots of love for a terrific assortment of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and herbs for this year’s spring plant sale & fundraiser.
2025 Master Gardener Plant Sale & Fundraiser!
Click here for event information. See you at the plant sale!
| | Have an event or update for the Family & Consumer Education audience you want to share? Send a response email! | | |
The Family and Consumer Education (FCE) program strives to ensure that families facing challenges in parenting, family finances, and wellness and nutrition find the resources and education they need to improve their lives.
FCE creates connections for residents with the latest, evidence-based research and practical information that can be directly applied to their day-to-day lives.
We work to strengthen individual knowledge and skills while providing community level and County wide education.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. This program is partially funded by the County of Dutchess, Dutchess County office for the Aging, and New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension office if you have any special needs.
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Wishes would come true with you! FCE needs ongoing supplies for our parenting programs. Click here to see how you can enhance our programming today with a DONATION or sponsorship opportunity!
Need to reach a member of the team?
Jessica M Canale- Program Leader
Heather L. Ohlson
Francheska Kuilan
LaQuan Rosario
Click here for previous FCE Update: Newsletters!
Thanks for your support and collaboration!
Are you a collaborative program or agency that needs information shared to the FCE community? Email Heather!
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**The Family & Consumer Education Program counts entirely on grants and donations to maintain and grow the services we offer throughout Dutchess County. Click the button below to see how you can contribute to maintaining the success of these initiatives!
Your direct support: donations, sponsorship and underwriting matter!
Please help! **
| | Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities. | | | | |
