MLK Day of Service 2026 Monday, January 19, 2026 8:00 am - 5:00 pm In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County will be closed.Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday officially designated by Congress as a National Day of Service. It is meant to be a day on, not a day off. The day calls on individuals and organizations to turn Dr. King’s vision into action through service that strengthens communities and creates meaningful change.Acts of service can take many forms. They might address immediate needs like supporting local food access, improving shared spaces, or assisting seniors. They might also focus on connection and care through mentoring, virtual volunteering, or donating to organizations that support people lacking essential resources. What matters most is the intention to show up for one another.Service has the power to bring people together across differences, build mutual responsibility, and remind us that our well being is deeply connected. Coretta Scott King once shared that the greatest birthday gift her husband could receive would be people of all backgrounds honoring his legacy through individual acts of kindness in service to others.Dr. King believed that we are all bound together in a shared destiny, and that what affects one of us ultimately affects us all. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service invites each of us to act on that belief by choosing compassion, responsibility, and care for our communities. Through service, we move closer to the beloved community he envisioned and take part in the work of strengthening the bonds that hold us together.Resouce: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/article/Dr-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Day-of-Service  ========================================= Third Annual Seed Swap 2026 Thursday, January 22, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm River Valley Arts Center, 9 S. Mesier Ave , Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Calling all resident gardeners, Carnwath Community Farming will be hosting a Seed Swap at the River Valley Arts Center on East Main Street in the Village of Wappingers Falls. They will have native seeds to share, you’re also welcome to bring your own and swap! This is a great opportunity to meet neighbors and get a jump start on your Spring planning. Joining the event will be Stonykill Farm, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Cornell Master Gardeners, Verplank Garden Club, and Evergreen Minds. The event is on January 22 from 5:30-8:30, and light food will be provided. Come for a bit, join the whole time! It’s going to be a great event and we hope you make it! Event is free and open to all! ========================================= Natural Refrigerant Training Summit in Poughkeepise 2/10-12/2026 Tuesday, February 10, 2026 7:30 am - 5:00 pm FREE Registration: https://nasrc.org/rtrade/poughkeepsie-2026/ ========================================= Natural Refrigerant Training Summit in Poughkeepise 2/10-12/2026 Wednesday, February 11, 2026 7:30 am - 5:00 pm FREE Registration: https://nasrc.org/rtrade/poughkeepsie-2026/ ========================================= Natural Refrigerant Training Summit in Poughkeepise 2/10-12/2026 Thursday, February 12, 2026 7:30 am - 3:30 pm FREE Registration: https://nasrc.org/rtrade/poughkeepsie-2026/ ========================================= Parent And Support Education (PASE) 1-Day Intensive: February 21 Saturday, February 21, 2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 2715 Route 44 , 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.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: CommunicationIntroduction and “Encouragement”“Can Do” and “Decision Making”“Self-Control” and “Respect Feelings”Positive DisciplineCo-ParentingApply skills for today and a lifetime!Please pack a bagged lunch. Registration and pre-survey required. Childcare is not provided.**This class does not qualify for nor can it be a substitute for the DCFS-mandated class. P.S. It works!**Click the registration link below and "Get reservation" to save your place! FREE Heather Ohlson, hlo9@cornell.edu, 845-677-8223 x156 Registration: https://www.cceevents.org/e/parent-and-support-education-pase-1-day-intensiv-4 =========================================