As we move into November, it's a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and cherish the blessings in our lives. It’s also a wonderful time to show appreciation for the people and moments that bring meaning to each day. Small, heartfelt gestures can go a long way—whether it’s sharing a home-cooked meal, writing a note, running an errand for someone in need, or giving a warm hug to brighten someone’s day and share a little kindness.



If you’re looking to give or receive support, consider donating or picking up essential food and supplies. Many local spots, like community centers and places of worship, offer food pantries, so be sure to call ahead to check their hours. You can find a full list of area food pantries thanks to our friends at SNAP-Ed, who’ve kindly shared this resource with us.


As the staff of the Family and Consumer Education Program, we feel so grateful to serve such an amazing community. It’s truly a privilege to work with individuals and families who hold a special place in our hearts, and we’re excited for many more years of learning and growing with you all.


Our team is dedicated to offering workshops that empower families with essential life skills. From parenting and financial literacy to wellness, we aim to keep you in the loop about all the upcoming programs and events.


As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we’re thankful to be part of such a caring community and look forward to continuing to support and grow together with you.

Best Thanksgiving Games and Activities for Families


Instead of the after-Thanksgiving celebration being hours of football watching and napping, why not try out one of these fun Thanksgiving activities or family games instead? These 45 great Thanksgiving games and activities are perfect for enjoying the rest of the day together.

I’ve been responsible for planning the Thanksgiving activities for our family celebrations for years, and I can tell you these are the best Thanksgiving family games out there.

Click here for the complete article!

Family & Parenting

Teaching children gratitude is so important, especially during these times. Learning about what to be thankful for around us can relieve stress, depression, and increase other health benefits. This article from Very Well Family provides 10 ways to teach your kids gratitude this Thanksgiving:

1.     Keep a gratitude journal

2.     Donate to a local charity

3.     Go through your closets and donate

4.     Do a family gratitude sharing circle

5.     Participate in a neighborhood clean up

6.     Create care packages

7.     Donate money to a cause you believe in

8.     Make a family gratitude tradition

9.     Write thank you notes

10. Shower gratitude on your children

50 Simple Fall Crafts for Kids to Celebrate the Changing Season

These autumn arts and crafts are perfect for toddlers and kids of all ages to make right at home!

Click here for the full article!

Between the grocery shopping, meal prepping, cooking and entertaining, Thanksgiving can be one of the most stressful days of the year. Click here for a list of stress-free meal plan options that are perfect for feeding a family of four to six people for $100 or less.


RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program)

Stay tuned for coverage of our annual

apple picking and cider donut celebration respite event that is happing the day after this newsletter is released. It's a beloved family-friendly event that families and staff look forward to every year!


Do you KNOW a "kinship Family"? These families are eligible for county and state support!


Please contact Jessica 845-677-8223 ext. 137 for more information or to make a referral.

The Relatives As Parents Program is a free community-based program that works with families throughout Dutchess County providing educational workshops, peer support groups, respite events, inter-generational activities, referrals and resources for non-parent caregivers raising children. RAPP staff works with non-parent caregivers and their children to provide a fun, safe, welcoming space for them to connect with other families in situations similar to their own.

FISH ADVISORY

Fishing in the Hudson River during the fall season can be a rewarding experience for anglers. As the weather cools and the leaves change, various fish species become more active. During the fall, you can find a large variety of fish species in the Hudson River. Striped bass, for instance, are a popular target for anglers as well as Bluefish, Shad, and other migratory species of fish. 

For the best fishing experience choose your location with consideration to river mouths, tidal areas, piers, and rocky structures. Planning your fishing trips around high and low tides and understanding tidal patterns that affect fish activity is also helpful. In addition, choosing the right size and type of bait and lures for your choice of fish species is essential. Species such as striped bass enjoy live bait such as herring, bloodworms, and artificial lures like topwater lures and jigs.

Remember to check the weather forecast, dress appropriately, wear a life jacket if on the water and let someone know about your fishing plans and location when planning your trip.

In addition, when planning your trip, check out the fishing regulations. Regulations may vary by species, location, and time of the year. Please practice responsible angling, take care of the environment, and follow the Hudson River Fish advisories for your location along the Hudson River. Do your part to ensure that future generations can cast a line in and around this historic location during the fall season.

Source

PASE (Parent And Support Education)

The Parent and Support Education (PASE) Workshop is a 5- week series or can be a 1-day intensive workshop experience.


This Adult Workshop Series focuses on Communcation within the family:

  • “Encouragement”
  • “Can Do” and “Decision Making”
  • “Self-Control” and “Respect Feelings”
  • Positive Discipline
  • Co-Parenting


Participants are parents who contribute to the conversation through discussion, role-play and practice. A certificate of completion is provided after successfully attending and contributing. (This does not meet any court ordered requirement and is strictly voluntary.)

Please contact Heather at 845-677-8223 ext. 156 to schedule this program for your organization before the end of the year!

SAVE THE DATE

#CCEResponds 2024 Giving Tuesday Campaign

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Throughout the year, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County responds directly to the needs of our community. On Giving Tuesday, will you respond to our call for support?

111th Annual Meeting

#GrowingForward

Please join us for our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 20th for dinner. We appreciate your support and involvement in our vital role in the lives of individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Dutchess County. Click here for info and ticket sales!


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.

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!


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!

**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! **

SUPPORT FCE!
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