Happy Holidays Program Supporter

This time of year sneaks up on everyone. One minute you’re zoning out over a cup of something warm, and the next you’re wondering how the whole season arrived without sending a memo. It’s a good moment to slow down, breathe for a second, and look at the people who make your world actually feel like your world. Parents, grandparents, kids, siblings, extended family, chosen family, the friend who practically lives on your couch, and yes, the pets who think they run the place.

If you’re feeling short on time, attention, or energy, you’re not alone. Honestly most of us are sprinting through December like we forgot to stretch first. That’s why this month’s newsletter leans into simple ways to reconnect. Try this mini check-in: Pause, close your eyes, and write down three things that carried you this year and three people who make your days a little lighter. Seen this before but plot twist, it works every time.

Our Family and Consumer Education Program is here to back you up. We run workshops and share resources that make family life feel a little less chaotic and a lot more grounded. Parenting tips, financial know-how, wellness support, all the things that keep a household running without the classic stress spiral.

Here’s what’s happening right now:

Parenting and Support Education (PASE): Weekly classes or short intensives that sharpen communication and help you build stronger connections at home and out in the world.
Relatives as Parent Program (RAPP): Support for grandparents and kinship caregivers who step in when parents can’t. It’s real-life hero work, and we’re here to make sure no one does it alone.
Fish Advisory: Guidance on which Hudson River fish are safe to enjoy. Knowledge is always power, especially when dinner is involved.

Let this season be more than the usual rush. Think of it like updating your phone only to make it slower, except this time you’re actually choosing things that make life feel better, not glitchy. Inside this newsletter you’ll find tools, ideas, and upcoming events meant to keep your winter grounded, connected, and genuinely meaningful.

Wishing you a warm season filled with moments that stick.

PASE (Parent And Support Education)

PLEASE SHARE! Click the graphic below to register. Pre-registration required.

Family & Parenting

Francheska Kuilan, Community Educator

Happy Holidays!

As the year winds down and the holiday lights begin to glow, we’re excited to share festive ideas, helpful tips, and fun tools to support healthy routines and meaningful family time. This season presents a wonderful opportunity to create new memories, share cherished stories, and savor moments of joy together.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

Spend some quality time with your family by making healthy holiday snacks or lunches. Here’s a link to some delicious and festive ideas you can prepare together.

"Balancing festive indulgence with nutritious and enjoyable alternatives is key to a wholesome holiday season. Engage in the joy of crafting healthy and fun Christmas snacks throughout December, offering not only a fun activity for toddlers and kids but also a nutritious twist to the celebrations. These simple ideas are perfect to enjoy at home but can also be a great addition to Christmas parties or a Christmas buffet." CLICK HERE for recipes and ideas!

Source: https://www.healthylittlefoodies.com/18-healthy-christmas-snacks/

Holiday Craft Time

Start a new holiday tradition by crafting with your kids! Enjoy simple, fun projects the whole family can do together.

"The holiday season is the perfect time for crafting. Get into the festive spirit with our collection of Craft Ideas. From decorations to gifts, our ideas are perfect for making the holiday season special. With easy-to-follow tutorials and a wide variety of materials available, our crafting ideas are accessible to crafters of all skill levels."

CLICK HERE for fun ideas! We liked the Snowman Balloon activity -FOR OUTSIDE.

Source:

https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas/category/kids/occasions/christmas/

Wishing you a warm, joyful, and creative holiday season!

FISH ADVISORY

LaQuan Rosario, Community Educator

Winter fishing can be a great way to enjoy the season outdoors. Dutchess county offers plenty of accessible spots, including Sylvan Lake, which you can find on the county's Fishing Waters Map: CLICK HERE

Anglers may reel in Largemouth Bass there throughout the colder months, but it's catch and release during this time of year.

As always, statewide fishing regulations remain in effect. Anglers should take a moment to review the current rules as well as any seasonal updates, before heading out. CLICK HERE

Winter fishing offers both calm and excitement, making it a great wat to stay connected to the outdoors all season long.

Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/maps/docs/dutchess_co_final.pdf

RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program)

Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP)

The Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP) is a free, community-based program serving Dutchess County families. It offers educational workshops, peer support groups, respite events, and intergenerational activities designed for non-parent caregivers raising children. RAPP provides a safe, welcoming space where caregivers and children can connect with others in similar situations and access valuable resources and referrals.

Know someone who would benefit from this unique resource? We have an established community to help!

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

It's that time of year when we start preparing for our Annual RAPP Holiday Party! It's a beloved family-friendly event that families and staff look forward to every year where we come together for dinner, games, prizes, activities, gifts and more than a few ugly holiday sweaters!

The funding for this program comes from different resources almost every year and funds ebb and flow.

=> If you are in a position to sponsor an event or underwrite the efforts of the program to enhance our services, please contact Jessica Canale for more information and opportunities! It's a great way to support and collaborate with our community and neighbors.

2025 Christmas Tree Directory

It's Here! Our 2025 Christmas Tree Directory.

Most of the farms open the day or weekend after Thanksgiving, a few earlier! Our growers are cut your own and most offer many other items to make it a day of fun.

CLICK HERE to access the directory!

PLEASE SHARE! Click the flyer below to download and CLICK HERE to access the calendar to register!

From the Mid-Hudson Energy Hub

Wishing you warm and happy holidays from our Community Energy Advisors (CEAs) https://midhudsonenergychoices.org/

We’re here to give you the gift of clean energy advice, all year round.

Have an event or update for the Family & Consumer Education audience you want to share? Send a response email!

The holidays can be hard.

The 211 helpline is a 24/7 lifeline for Dutchess County and nearby regions when things get tough. One call connects you to local support for mental health, food access, housing, financial challenges, senior services, and more across Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. If this season feels heavy, reach out at 211 or visit the United Way of the Dutchess Orange Region site for immediate guidance.

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 providing 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 with a DONATION or sponsorship opportunity!

Need to reach a member of the team?

Jessica M Canale- Program Leader

Heather L. Ohlson, Program Educator

Francheska Kuilan, Program Educator

LaQuan Rosario, Program Educator

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!

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities.