As November approaches, it's a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives, expressing our gratitude for the people and things that make our existence meaningful. There exists an array of heartfelt ways to convey appreciation to our loved ones, neighbors, and even strangers through simple yet profound gestures.

A home-cooked meal, a heartfelt handwritten card, running an errand for someone in need, or even a warm hug can genuinely brighten someone's day and remind them of the kindness that resides within our communities. Whether you're looking to extend a helping hand to someone in distress or seeking assistance yourself, consider making or receiving donations of food and supplies. You can find drop-off and pick-up locations at various points in the community, and don't forget to explore local houses of worship and community centers as they might host food and supply pantries too. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm their hours of operation. For a comprehensive list of food pantries in the region, our friends at SNAP-Ed have graciously shared a resource with us, available here.

Here at Family and Consumer Education, we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for the incredible community we have the privilege of serving. The individuals and families we support and educate hold a special place in our hearts, and we eagerly anticipate many more years of collaboration with you all.

Our dedicated Family and Community Education program staff are committed to providing engaging and relevant workshops that empower families with valuable knowledge in various domains, including parenting, financial literacy, and wellness education. Our primary objective is to keep our readers informed about the exciting programs and events happening in our community.

We achieve this through a variety of avenues, such as weekly educational and support classes aimed at enhancing communication skills for parents within and beyond the household (PASE). Additionally, we offer financial literacy workshops tailored for age groups spanning from 11-year-olds to senior citizens. These workshops cover essential topics like distinguishing between needs and wants, budgeting, saving, spending, and building credit, and delve into more advanced subjects like interest, credit scores, loans, and safeguarding against financial scams (FBP). We also offer wellness education on the consumption of fish from the Hudson River, with a particular focus on ensuring a safe and healthy diet (Fish Advisory).

In summary, November is a time for gratitude, and we are thankful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community, contributing to the well-being and knowledge of our residents.


FCE Program Updates

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

Here are 50 fun and creative crafts for children to enjoy all fall.

Making a Thanksgiving meal can not only be daunting, but it can be very expensive as well. Food Network has put together several detailed menus for Thanksgiving meals that total to less than $100.


PASE


As the Fall season tapers into chilly days, hot drinks, comfort food, and cozy sweaters, families might be spending a little more time indoors. What better time to select a parenting podcast to listen to while cooking, cleaning, or driving. Parenting podcasts are a fantastic resource for parents looking for advice, support, and information on a wide variety of topics like child development, discipline, and self-care.

Here are a few for you to check out:

  • The Mom Hour
  • Dr Laura’s Deep Dive
  • Unruffled
  • Holderness Family Podcast
  • The Modern Dads Podcast
  • The Child Repair Guide

Remember you know your child best and the suitability of these podcasts may vary depending on your parenting style. Explore these podcasts and see if any echo your parenting approach and values.


Source

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

FINANCIAL LITERACY


Protecting older adults is one of the FTC’s top priorities, and a new report to Congress tells how the agency tackled fraud, scams, and other issues affecting older adults over the last year. It’s been a busy year at the FTC, so what are some of the highlights?


Click here for the full article!

Giving Tuesday:


Counting down the days until #GivingTuesday!

Throughout the year CCE responds to the needs of the community. Will you respond to our call for support? Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County responds directly to the needs of our community.

Click here to donate today!

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

Maureen Rodriguez Callamari

Amber Dunlavey

Heather L. Ohlson


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!

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