General Election 2026 Friday, October 30, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm All inquiries and questions to:All inquiries and questions toDutchess County Board of Elections112 Delafield Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601845-486-2473dutchesselections@dutchessny.govhttps://elections.dutchessny.gov/ ========================================= General Election 2026 Saturday, October 31, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm All inquiries and questions to:All inquiries and questions toDutchess County Board of Elections112 Delafield Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601845-486-2473dutchesselections@dutchessny.govhttps://elections.dutchessny.gov/ ========================================= General Election 2026 Sunday, November 1, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm All inquiries and questions to:All inquiries and questions toDutchess County Board of Elections112 Delafield Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601845-486-2473dutchesselections@dutchessny.govhttps://elections.dutchessny.gov/ ========================================= Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 113th Annual Meeting Wednesday, November 4, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Dutchess County Farm & Home Center 2715 Route 44, Millbrook, New York 12545-5566 Mark your calendar for CCEDC’s 113th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 4th, at the Farm and Home Center, Room A!Refreshments: 6:30 PMBusiness Meeting: 7:00 to 8:00 PMStay tuned for event information!Join us as we look ahead to the year ahead and share:CCEDC’s strategic directionAnnual financial reportRecognition of outstanding community volunteers and leadersVoting on the new Board slate and updated ConstitutionWe look forward to seeing and celebrating you there! FREE Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2026ccedcannualmeeting ========================================= 2026 CCEDC Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, November 4, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Our Board of Directors' Governing Policy:We will govern proactively with an emphasis on vision, encouragement of diversity, strategic leadership, clear distinction of Board and Executive Director roles, collective decision making, with a future focus, and a strong linkage to the people of Dutchess County.All Board meetings are held the 4th Monday of each month, unless there is a holiday and other arrangements have been made. All regular meetings begin at 7:00pm and will feature a presentation from one of our program areas.2026 Board of Directors Meeting Dates - TBD: January 26 - Association Reorganization MeetingFebruary 23- Zoom virtual meeting due to snow emergencyJoin Zoom Meeting https://cornell.zoom.us/j/98514001253?pwd=4aQ20DtHcbrsoL9kTLsZTT5cRYpx3y.1Meeting ID: 985 1400 1253Passcode: 450782 March 23April 27May 18June 22July 27*August 17th Finance (6PM) Board (7PM) Room ASeptember 17October 26November 4 - Tentative Date - Annual Business MeetingDecember 14This schedule is subject to change.To contact CCEDC Board of Directors, please direct your email to:dutchessboard@cornell.eduand address the board member or members in your subject line.*Added in July Kristin Ludl, kkl58@cornell.edu, 845-677-8223 ext. 100 ========================================= Agritourism Webinar Series Tuesday, November 10, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Online Event Join the Cornell Cooperative Extension Agritourism Program Work Team for a monthly webinar series designed to support both new and established agritourism operators across New York State.This educational series provides practical guidance, timely tools, and real-world strategies to help farms strengthen agritourism operations, manage risk, enhance visitor experiences, and improve long-term business sustainability. Topics span farm safety, marketing platforms, labor regulations, insurance considerations, customer experience, and season extension strategies.Webinars are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. 2026 Webinar Schedule February 10: Crisis Management & Emergency PlanningMarch 10: Using HipcampApril 14: Farm Safety for Agritourism OperationsMay 12: Labor Laws for Agritourism OperationsJune 9: Website User ExperienceJuly 14: Extending the Agritourism SeasonAugust 11: Agritourism on Dairy FarmsSeptember 8: Hosting Kids CampsOctober 13: Understanding Agricultural AssessmentsNovember 10: Using Online PlatformsDecember 8: Deep Dive into Agritourism InsuranceWebinars made possible through funding from the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. FREE Registration: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vva8X-mARbGZxG7NS27_FA#/registration ========================================= Veterans' Day 2026 Wednesday, November 11, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm In observation of this holiday the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County offices will be closed. ========================================= Virtual Lunch & Learn: Clean Energy Resources for Commercial & Nonprofit Business and Building Owners Thursday, November 12, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm FREE Registration: https://business.hvgatewaychamber.com/events/Details/lunch-learn-save-money-and-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions-1904261?sourceTypeId=Hub ========================================= 2026 Stronger Together: A Family and Community Well Being Summit Saturday, November 14, 2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Dutchess County Farm & Home Center 2715 Route 44, Millbrook, New York 12545-5566 Stronger Together:A Family and Community Well-Being SummitThe Family & Consumer Education Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County invites families, caregivers, educators, community members, and local professionals to Stronger Together: A Family & Community Well Being Summit, a free day of learning, connection, and practical resources.This year’s priority topic is Digital Safety & Health: Youth & Adults. From social media and screen time to online scams, privacy, digital footprints, and keeping kids and adults safe online, navigating today’s digital world can feel like a lot. The summit will bring together local professionals, educators, advocates, service providers, and people with lived experience to share practical information, tools, and resources families can use right away.Sessions are designed for a general audience and will focus on real world concerns, practical solutions, local resources, and clear next steps. No tech expertise required.Guest Speakers:Grace Smith House presenting, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Digital Abuse”The Child Abuse Prevention Center presenting “Digital Safety and Online Exploitation”Hudson Valley Food, Nutrition and Movement presenting, “Let’s Get Physical: Why Movement Matters in a Screen-Filled World”The day will also include community resource opportunities, lunchtime networking, and refreshments throughout the day. Attend the full summit or join us for the sessions that fit your schedule.Come learn something useful, connect with people in your community, and leave with tools you can actually use at home.DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER HERE FREE Jessica Canale, jmc646@cornell.edu, (845) 677-8223 x 137 Registration: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_diqKh6Gmng4UU6i ========================================= Business Development and Marketing Monthly Webinar Series Tuesday, November 17, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Online Event Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a Business Development and Marketing Zoom series. These monthly webinars will take place on the third Tuesday of each month and focus on a variety of business development and marketing topics. All sessions will be led by content experts across the Cornell Cooperative Extension system, organizations and businesses which support agricultural operations across New York State. The list of topics and dates are listed below: January 20, 2026: Intro to a Business Plan with the Niagara SBDCFebruary 17, 2026: General MarketingMarch 17, 2026: How to Create a Marketing Plan with Agency29April 21, 2026: 20C Versus Home Processor Exemption OverviewsMay 19, 2026: Getting to Know Your CustomerJune 16, 2026: Social Media OverviewJuly 21, 2026: Leveraging AI for Digital Marketing and Content CreationAugust 18, 2026: Produce Auctions: Are They Right for Me?September 15, 2026: Grant Writing 101October 20, 2026: Business Structures 101 with COUGHLIN & GERHART, LLPNovember 17, 2026: How to Evaluate Market OpportunitiesDecember 15, 2026: Overview of Market Channels & Requirements for ParticipationAll sessions will be recorded. FREE Registration: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_16QeE482RVa9kRwkYoOZ5Q#/registration ========================================= CCE Cut Flower Webinar Series Wednesday, November 18, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Online Event 2026 Cut Flower Webinar SeriesCornell Cooperative Extension’s Cut Flower Program Work Team invites cut flower growers to join a free monthly webinar series focused on practical, research-based strategies to support successful production. Sessions are held throughout 2026 and cover a wide range of topics relevant to both new and experienced growers. Pre-Registration Required- see below.January 21, 2026: The Only Thing That Stays the Same is ChangeFebruary 18, 2026: Wily Weeds: Plan now to outwit them next yearMarch 18, 2026: Regenerative Agriculture 101: Connecting Core Principles to Cut-Flower ProductionApril 15, 2026: Lavender ProductionMay 20, 2026: Local Cut Flowers for WeddingsJune 17, 2026: Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop ProductionJuly 15, 2026: Using Beneficial Insects in High Tunnel Cut Flower ProductionAugust 19, 2026: Analyzing Soil Test Results and Calculating Fertilizer NeedsSeptember 16, 2026: Mischievous MildewsOctober 21, 2026: Forcing TulipsNovember 18, 2026: Growing Gorgeous Dahlias the Regenerative Farmer’s WayDecember 16, 2026: High Tunnels: Ranunculus and Anemones Register FreeAll webinars will be recorded and links shared. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting. FREE Registration: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-NBSilfISga_DRdiObJj4g#/registration ========================================= Save Energy and Lower Your Utility Bill November 18 Wednesday, November 18, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Millbrook Free Library, 3 Friendly Lane , Millbrook, NY 12545 FREE Registration: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1129&BranchID=1000002571&Branch=Millbrook&EventID=600356&PK= ========================================= Beekeeping Basics 2026 Saturday, November 21, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 18 Seward Ave. Suite 300, Middletown, New York 10940 Thinking about trying beekeeping as a hobby or business? Want to start beekeeping in your backyard, on your acreage or farm? You’ve come to the right place! Join Randall Cass, Honey Bee Extension Associate at Cornell University, to learn successful beekeeping basics from the beginning!This program will cover your equipment needs, budget for the first year, how to manage honey bee health, and the basics of marketing the honey you produce! The speaker of the program will be Randall Cass, Honey Bee Extension Associate from Cornell University. Randall will be joined by a panel of Hudson Valley beekeepers who will answer your questions and share their experiences.English and Spanish sessions are being offered. In the event of low course registration, the sessions will be combined, with Spanish interpretation available.ContactElias Bloom, Agriculture Program Leader ehb64@cornell.edu or call (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240LocationCornell Cooperative Extension Orange County Office18 Seward Avenue, Suite 300 (Third Floor)Middletown, New York, 10940 $15 per person Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/BeekeepingBasics2026 ========================================= Thanksgiving 2026 Thursday, November 26, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm In observation of this holiday, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County offices will be closed for the rest of the week so staff may spend restful time with family and friends. ========================================= Thanksgiving 2026 Friday, November 27, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm In observation of this holiday, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County offices will be closed for the rest of the week so staff may spend restful time with family and friends. ========================================= Parent And Support Education (PASE) 1-Day Intensive: December 3 Thursday, December 3, 2026 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Millbrook Free Library, 3 Friendly Lane , Millbrook, NY 12545 This free course, open to the general public, is an exploration of five key communication tools that can enhance your relationships at work, at home with your spouse or partner, and with your children. A "ticket" is to reserve your space. There is no cost.Raising children is a rewarding but often challenging endeavor, especially in today's society. Because parenting requires significant amounts of time, energy, and emotional strength, it is not uncommon for parents to feel stress related to this important role. Our workshops teach participants parenting skills in the areas of understanding children, how to help children learn and thrive, effective discipline and personal stress management. As parents learn how to better understand, guide, nurture, and motivate their children, they will become more effective. Parents of children of any age can benefit from these programs.In-Person Adult Workshop Intensive: Communication“Encouragement”“Can Do”“Decision Making”“Self-Control”“Respect Feelings”Positive DisciplineCo-ParentingApply skills for today and a lifetime!Please pack a bagged lunch. Registration required. Please indicate how many adults. This event starts promptly on time.  FREE Registration: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1129&EventID=600970&PK= ========================================= Agritourism Webinar Series Tuesday, December 8, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Online Event Join the Cornell Cooperative Extension Agritourism Program Work Team for a monthly webinar series designed to support both new and established agritourism operators across New York State.This educational series provides practical guidance, timely tools, and real-world strategies to help farms strengthen agritourism operations, manage risk, enhance visitor experiences, and improve long-term business sustainability. Topics span farm safety, marketing platforms, labor regulations, insurance considerations, customer experience, and season extension strategies.Webinars are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. 2026 Webinar Schedule February 10: Crisis Management & Emergency PlanningMarch 10: Using HipcampApril 14: Farm Safety for Agritourism OperationsMay 12: Labor Laws for Agritourism OperationsJune 9: Website User ExperienceJuly 14: Extending the Agritourism SeasonAugust 11: Agritourism on Dairy FarmsSeptember 8: Hosting Kids CampsOctober 13: Understanding Agricultural AssessmentsNovember 10: Using Online PlatformsDecember 8: Deep Dive into Agritourism InsuranceWebinars made possible through funding from the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. FREE Registration: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vva8X-mARbGZxG7NS27_FA#/registration ========================================= 2026 CCEDC Board of Directors Meeting Monday, December 14, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Our Board of Directors' Governing Policy:We will govern proactively with an emphasis on vision, encouragement of diversity, strategic leadership, clear distinction of Board and Executive Director roles, collective decision making, with a future focus, and a strong linkage to the people of Dutchess County.All Board meetings are held the 4th Monday of each month, unless there is a holiday and other arrangements have been made. All regular meetings begin at 7:00pm and will feature a presentation from one of our program areas.2026 Board of Directors Meeting Dates - TBD: January 26 - Association Reorganization MeetingFebruary 23- Zoom virtual meeting due to snow emergencyJoin Zoom Meeting https://cornell.zoom.us/j/98514001253?pwd=4aQ20DtHcbrsoL9kTLsZTT5cRYpx3y.1Meeting ID: 985 1400 1253Passcode: 450782 March 23April 27May 18June 22July 27*August 17th Finance (6PM) Board (7PM) Room ASeptember 17October 26November 4 - Tentative Date - Annual Business MeetingDecember 14This schedule is subject to change.To contact CCEDC Board of Directors, please direct your email to:dutchessboard@cornell.eduand address the board member or members in your subject line.*Added in July Kristin Ludl, kkl58@cornell.edu, 845-677-8223 ext. 100 ========================================= Business Development and Marketing Monthly Webinar Series Tuesday, December 15, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Online Event Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a Business Development and Marketing Zoom series. These monthly webinars will take place on the third Tuesday of each month and focus on a variety of business development and marketing topics. All sessions will be led by content experts across the Cornell Cooperative Extension system, organizations and businesses which support agricultural operations across New York State. The list of topics and dates are listed below: January 20, 2026: Intro to a Business Plan with the Niagara SBDCFebruary 17, 2026: General MarketingMarch 17, 2026: How to Create a Marketing Plan with Agency29April 21, 2026: 20C Versus Home Processor Exemption OverviewsMay 19, 2026: Getting to Know Your CustomerJune 16, 2026: Social Media OverviewJuly 21, 2026: Leveraging AI for Digital Marketing and Content CreationAugust 18, 2026: Produce Auctions: Are They Right for Me?September 15, 2026: Grant Writing 101October 20, 2026: Business Structures 101 with COUGHLIN & GERHART, LLPNovember 17, 2026: How to Evaluate Market OpportunitiesDecember 15, 2026: Overview of Market Channels & Requirements for ParticipationAll sessions will be recorded. FREE Registration: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_16QeE482RVa9kRwkYoOZ5Q#/registration ========================================= CCE Cut Flower Webinar Series Wednesday, December 16, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Online Event 2026 Cut Flower Webinar SeriesCornell Cooperative Extension’s Cut Flower Program Work Team invites cut flower growers to join a free monthly webinar series focused on practical, research-based strategies to support successful production. Sessions are held throughout 2026 and cover a wide range of topics relevant to both new and experienced growers. Pre-Registration Required- see below.January 21, 2026: The Only Thing That Stays the Same is ChangeFebruary 18, 2026: Wily Weeds: Plan now to outwit them next yearMarch 18, 2026: Regenerative Agriculture 101: Connecting Core Principles to Cut-Flower ProductionApril 15, 2026: Lavender ProductionMay 20, 2026: Local Cut Flowers for WeddingsJune 17, 2026: Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop ProductionJuly 15, 2026: Using Beneficial Insects in High Tunnel Cut Flower ProductionAugust 19, 2026: Analyzing Soil Test Results and Calculating Fertilizer NeedsSeptember 16, 2026: Mischievous MildewsOctober 21, 2026: Forcing TulipsNovember 18, 2026: Growing Gorgeous Dahlias the Regenerative Farmer’s WayDecember 16, 2026: High Tunnels: Ranunculus and Anemones Register FreeAll webinars will be recorded and links shared. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting. FREE Registration: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-NBSilfISga_DRdiObJj4g#/registration ========================================= 2026 Winter Break Friday, December 25, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Please note that in deep appreciation of our staff and their families, the offices of CCEDC will be closed December 25th.Wishing you a warm and safe holiday season and a prosperous new year! =========================================