Spring marks the beginning of fishing season, and May presents a perfect opportunity to bask in the lovely weather while indulging in the tranquil sport along the picturesque Hudson River or in one of our many local streams. The Hudson River Valley boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the nation, offering families the chance to partake in healthy, relaxing, and enjoyable angling activities together.

 

The Family and Community Education programs have dedicated staff that are committed to providing engaging and pertinent workshops aimed at supporting families in various aspects of life including parenting, financial literacy, and wellness education.

 

Our mission revolves around keeping our community members informed about the array of exciting programs and events available to them. We achieve this through a range of initiatives, such as online and in-person support groups like Relative As Parents Program (RAPP), weekly educational and supportive classes like Parenting And Support Education (PASE) focusing on enhancing communication skills within and beyond the household, as well as financial literacy workshops* catering to diverse age groups from 11-year-olds to senior citizens. These workshops cover fundamental concepts such as needs versus wants, budgeting, saving, spending, and credit, while also delving into more advanced topics like interest, credit scores, loans, and financial scams. Furthermore, we offer wellness education sessions on the consumption of fish sourced from the Hudson River and surrounding bodies of water and includes information on supermarket purchased fish guided by the Fish Advisory.

 

As we enter Mental Health Month this May, we take immense pride in upholding the legacy

established in 1949 by Mental Health America. Each year, millions of Americans unite with us to raise awareness, provide crucial resources and education, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of all individuals.

This year's theme for Mental Health Month is "Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing

World." In a landscape of perpetual evolution, navigating the myriad challenges and transformations around us can be daunting. Pressures stemming from work, relationships, and societal factors such as politics, climate change, and the economy can significantly impact our mental well-being, often more profoundly than we might realize.

*These educational workshops are offered fee-for-service.

Action:

Join the Be Seen in Green Challenge!

This May, Mental Health America invites you to join our "Be Seen in Green" challenge! Throughout Mental Health Month, we're encouraging everyone to wear green and fundraise to show your support for mental health.

Click here for complete information on how to support this cause!


Source: https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month

Support:

Take a Mental Health Test

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.


Click here to access online screening tools.

RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program)

Talking up RAPP:


Know someone who has taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting for a relative who is unable or unavailable to parent their children? They're a Kinship family!


Click here for information about this important county resource!

FISH ADVISORY

Service Spotlight:

Hudson River Fish Advisory

The FCE Program is proud to be the regional resource for the Hudson River Fish Advisory, information provided by the NYS Department of Health.



We provide advice to anyone on eating fish from New York State. The information provided addresses where you fish, health impact, and what types of fish are caught.

 

Link to Additional Resources

Angler Tim Kramer shows off his local catch!

Health Benefits of Eating Fish

The Hudson River is home to a diverse range of fish species, including striped bass, shad, herring, and sturgeon.

  • Rich in protein for strong muscles and bones, especially beneficial for children.
  • Vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin.
  • Vitamin B aids in energy conversion and blood cell production.
  • Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption.
  • Iodine maintains metabolism.
  • Iron supports blood cell formation.
  • Oily fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, and fresh tuna are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain development, earning fish the moniker "brain food".

Tips for Getting Kids Eat Fish

Hey there! Trying to get your kids to eat fish? Don't worry, not all fish are super fishy! Some, like cod, haddock, and tilapia, are pretty mild. And the best part? There are tons of yummy ways to cook fish that even the pickiest eaters will love!

Here's a tip: serve fish with foods your kids already know and love or try cooking it in a way they're used to.

And guess what? Fish is really good for you! That's why I've put together some easy fish recipes for you to try with your kiddos.

Get cooking and have some fun exploring different kinds of fish together!

Click the three images below for family-friendly recipes!


Source: 10 Kid-Approved Fish Recipes - My Fussy Eater | Easy Family Recipes

Tuna Sweetcorn Bites

Healthy Fishfinger Sandwich

Tuna Frittata

FAMILY & PARENTING

Fun Spring Activities with Printable Bucket List

If you are looking for a list of fun spring activities for kids and adults, you will LOVE our spring bucket list filled with all the best spring arts, crafts, and activities. We even have a bucket list printable you can use to check off each spring activity you do. But please don’t look at this spring activity guide as a must-do list. Instead, make it a fun-do list. 



Source: https://rhythmsofplay.com/spring-bucket-list-seasonal-activity-guide-for-families/

Click the link or image to see the complete resource.

PASE (Parent And Support Education)

Parent And Support Education (PASE) 1-Day Intensive:

May 11th

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10AM - 2PM


Our voluntary Parenting And Support Education (PASE) program teaches the 5 fundamentals of great communication with your children within your household.

We've combined the series into a one-day event!


Click here for complete information or to share! Registration required.


Click the images below for full event information!

Master Gardener Plant Sale & Fundraiser!

Friday, May 17 10AM - 4PM

Saturday, May 18 9AM - 2PM

No early birds, please!

Farm & Home Center, 2715 Rte 44, Millbrook NY 12545

Our plant sale features a wonderful selection of healthy annuals (flowering and foliage), perennials, vegetables, and herbs. The plants are grown by our Master Gardener volunteers. We offer personal service! Our volunteers are available to answer your gardening questions and to help you make your plant selections.

The Taste NY at Todd Hill Outdoor Market is back and starting the season this Memorial Day weekend! Run by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County, the market is a representation of our vendor's best offerings, including delicious seasonal produce, craft beverages, textiles, and value-added products that result from farming efforts or small businesses with a link to sustainable agriculture and horticulture in the Hudson Valley!

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

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!

PLEASE SUPPORT FCE!
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