USDA Leveraging Modern Technology and Digital Tools to Improve Customer Service - USDA.gov

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is driven to lead the way in customer-centered, data-driven service delivery across the Federal Government. It is our goal to accelerate the use of modern technology and digital tools that our internal and external customers expect in every aspect of their lives. We have made significant strides in advancing technology capabilities, including establishing the Office of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) and the Office of Customer Experience (OCX). The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) through the IT Modernization initiative, has made major progress in modernizing our information technology (IT) infrastructure to what it is today.
While these advances are a promising start, to achieve USDA’s vision, we need to continue our efforts of developing innovative solutions delivery that supports and strengthens American farmers, ranchers, foresters, producers, and consumers. The recently released USDA IT Strategic Plan (PDF, 19 MB) identifies the goals, objectives, and strategies we will use to continuously improve the Department’s services to the American public. This IT Plan adds to the FY 2022-2026 Departmental Strategic Plan (PDF, 9.6 MB) to collectively focus on significantly improving life and livelihoods across America.
Both plans seek to establish a new standard of excellence in customer experience and service. When the American public interacts with USDA, they will get a simple, seamless, and secure customer experience that is on par with top consumer experiences. USDA customers should be able to:
We are committed to accelerating and expanding upon those innovations to improve USDA’s services to our customers. Through the processes and approaches we propose, USDA can make major strides to enable modern service delivery, enhance data-driven decision-making, eliminate duplication of effort, reduce costly and error-prone manual processes, upskill our IT workforce, and ensure the continued strengthening of the USDA cybersecurity posture.

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Keyser: A small business owner who doesn’t see answers in any one political party - Mountain State Spotlight

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KEYSER — Before the polls opened Tuesday, before even the sun had risen over Keyser, Kieran Wilson had started her work day. She and her husband are small business owners; they own and manage Queen’s Point Coffee, a five-year-old cafe that was ready to serve customers a few minutes before they officially opened at 7 a.m. Attached to the same building is North Branch Brewing Company, their bar that runs last call at 9 p.m.
“The pub is very, very new,” Wilson said, referring to North Branch’s January 2020 opening date. “We had to endure during the pandemic, which was a lot harder than when you have an established business already.”
Enduring the pandemic as a small business owner was challenging for Wilson. She and her husband wanted to follow all the local, state and federal COVID-19 rules — but she found it difficult to know what was the right way to operate.
Mountain State Spotlight reporters are traveling around the state, asking West Virginians what’s on their mind this election season. To read other stories from this series, click here. 
“Making sure we were doing right by people, also trying to make sure our employees were taken care of,” Wilson said. “It was very hard.”
Although Wilson doesn’t consider herself a political person, she hopes whichever candidates gain or keep political power catalyze small businesses like Queen’s Point and North Branch. But, with the current state of polarized politics locally and nationally, she doesn’t know whether either party has a straightforward platform for her priorities. 
“I feel like people are stuck in this, like, ‘Republican’ or ‘Democrat,’” she said. “I don’t vote Republican or Democrat or liberal or whatever. I vote for the person.”
Regardless of the election results, Wilson expects Tuesday to be a good day.
“People get time off of work to vote, and then they stop by for a cup of coffee,” she said. “Elections are always busy for us.”
FAIRMONT — Life has been difficult for Ronald Kirkham over the past six weeks. The Preston County resident and Desert Storm veteran said that because…
HINTON – Steven Cales is sitting in his truck outside the Kroger waiting for his mom, Bonnie, to come out. He has a hospital bracelet…
MORGANTOWN — Kaden Lee will not be voting in this year’s election. It’s not that he’s ineligible; the West Virginia University freshman, born in Florida…

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Meal Patterns and Nutrition Resources | NCDHHS - NCDHHS

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The CACFP meal patterns ensure that infants, children, and adults at participating centers have access to healthy food throughout the day. CACFP meals and snacks include whole grains, a variety of vegetables and fruits, and less added sugar and saturated fat. The USDA’s webpage on Nutrition Standards for CACFP Meals and Snacks provides in-depth information.
On this page, CACFP operators in North Carolina will find information, tools, and tips on serving meals and snacks that meet the CACFP meal patterns. The resources below are intended to make the work of planning and operating the CACFP easier. Resources with an asterisk (*) are available in both English and Spanish.
Have questions about the CACFP in North Carolina? Email our training team at CACFPtraining@dhhs.nc.gov.
Milk
Grains 
 
The following CACFP seasonal menus are designed to:
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Customer Service Center: 1-800-662-7030
For COVID-19 questions call 1-888-675-4567
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2022 Summer Arts & Crafts Fair Is Saturday, Aug. 13 At Fuller Lodge Lawn - Los Alamos Reporter

The 2022 Summer Arts & Crafts Fair is coming to the Fuller Lodge Lawn Saturday, Aug. 13. More than 100 vendors will sell jewelry, fine art, pottery, skincare, clothing, plants, decor and more. The event is in collaboration with the Los Alamos County Fair, Rodeo and Parade. Courtesy LAAC
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Perspective | Ask Amy: I don't want to go hiking with our friends and their kids - The Washington Post

Dear Amy: My husband and I don’t have children, but we are friends with many couples who do, and we enjoy spending time with these families.
Before they had children, one particular couple used to do an annual hiking weekend with us. Once the kids came along, they wanted to continue this tradition and bring the kids.
Amy, I love spending time with our friends’ children, but this trip is not a kid-friendly experience.
Last year, their children, ages 2 and 4, cried almost the entire time as they were dragged through the heat on rough terrain for eight hours, where their parents expected them to walk most of it.
I didn’t blame these children for hating it. It wasn’t fun for anyone. I do not want to go on this trip this year, and I’d like to find a way to be honest about why, without having them think that we don’t want to spend time with their kids.
I suggested to them that we do a shorter day trip on some easier trails nearby because the kids would enjoy that more. They replied that they wish to teach their kids “stamina” and that we can “give them breaks and they’ll be fine.”
I disagree and think the trip will be a disaster again, and the three-hour drive to get there isn’t really worth it.
Is there any other polite way of eliminating this trip, at least until the kids are older?
— Trying to be Accommodating
Trying: I can well imagine what this hike to hell and back was like for everyone, and I don’t blame you for not wanting to repeat it.
You should be completely honest about this. Tell them, “It killed me to see the kids so uncomfortable during the hike. I only want to do this if we can do a shorter and more kid-friendly hike.”
That’s it. That’s you stating your own needs.
They might give you all sorts of reasons why it would be easier for the children this year. You can reply: “I know I’m not a parent, and maybe that’s why it’s so hard for me to see them struggle. I love your children and I want them to have a better time. If they have a good time, I’ll have a good time. But I need to take a different excursion.”
Dear Amy: My daughter’s mother-in-law, who lives in another state, is very strong-willed.
I am throwing my daughter a baby shower, and her MIL invited her neighbor and the neighbor's daughter to the shower, without asking me first.
She did not offer to contribute to the shower and refused to throw one locally for my daughter, who lives near her.
She did recently throw a gender reveal party for my daughter and son-in-law and I contributed substantially. However, when I asked to invite my cousin, who lives in the area, I was told no. Although I was disappointed, I didn’t say anything because I did not think it appropriate.
When my daughter told me that her MIL had invited these extra people, I said no because we were already at maximum capacity. In response, she and my son-in-law became very upset and my son-in-law argued with me.
I gave in, but then MIL said she now would not come, and neither will her other daughter-in-law, who was supposed to drive with her. My son-in-law blames me.
I felt she was out of line to invite these people, without asking me first. My daughter is afraid of her and just wants to get along. I relented for the sake of the relationship and even messaged: “Sorry you won’t be joining us,” but apparently this was not enough. Your thoughts?
— Setting Boundaries
Setting: I think you’ve done a good job of trying to navigate this.
Understand that if you set boundaries that feel right to you, you might be teaching your daughter to do the same.
Given that she lives closer to her mother-in-law than to you (and that her husband advocates for his mother), once this baby comes, she might need some real love, patience, and emotional support from you.
Dear Amy: I was deeply moved by your response to the letter from the grandmother (” Offended Gran”) whose grandson wore a gown to his prom.
I am 73 and transgender. I am married and have many grandchildren. I remember how alone I felt when I was that boy’s age.
Thank you.
— T
T: We can all hope that younger transgender people don’t feel so alone.
©2022 by Amy Dickinson distributed by Tribune Content Agency
Carolyn Hax: A 40-something who thinks her sister ruined her life? Oh, brother!
Ask Amy: Carpooling dad is upset when girl doesn’t greet him
Miss Manners: The case of the nonexistent top sheet
Meghan Leahy: Our nephew is causing problems with our child. How do we set boundaries?
Ask Amy: Widow wants to part with late-husband’s trophies

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Tickets on sale for magical lighting exhibition | Arts & Entertainment | mydailyrecord.com - The Daily Record

The JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

The JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
RALEIGH — For seven nights in November, the magical lighting exhibition Moonlight in the Garden will illuminate and showcase JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University.
Sold out every evening in 2018 and 2019 and on hiatus for the past two years, Moonlight in the Garden provides the only opportunity to access and experience the JC Raulston Arboretum after dark.
“Moonlight in the Garden is a chance for us to light up the garden and share what a magical place the Arboretum can be at night,” said Mark Weathington, director of the JC Raulston Arboretum. “The lighting displays and the artistic uses of light show how different a garden looks and what can be done to make it an enchanting space into the night.”
Exhibition dates include a preview night on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; plus presentations on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Nov. 10-12 and 17-19, with ticket options between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Tickets for the preview night must be purchased in advance. Tickets cost $95. 
Advance tickets for Moonlight in the Garden are: $20 for members and students, $30 for nonmembers, and $5 for ages 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets at the gate, if available, cost $40 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and younger.
“Together with the colorful and festive lighting exhibition, Moonlight in the Garden is a time to bundle up, welcome the fall season, dine at the best food trucks, enjoy the live music, have some hot cider, and roast marshmallows over the fire pits,” said Weathington.
The JC Raulston Arboretum at N.C. State University is located at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh. For questions about the event, contact: JCRA Events Team at jcra-events@ncsu.edu or 919-515-3132, or visit https://jcra.ncsu.edu/events/details.php?ID=2983 .
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Best Credit Cards for International Travel - GOBankingRates

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Many of the offers appearing on this site are from advertisers from which this website receives compensation for being listed here. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.
If you are counting down the days until your next international destination, the right credit card could make all the difference. With the right piece of plastic in your wallet, you can rack up credit card rewards to pay for your next trip. Plus, the best credit cards for international travel protect your wallet from excessive transaction fees.
As you wait to head to the airport, consider adding a premium credit card to your wallet for a smooth international travel experience.
Here’s a quick guide to help you learn more about the best credit cards for international travel.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards card makes international travel more enjoyable and more accessible. Flexible travel redemption options are available through the card, which comes without a foreign transaction fee. Although there is an annual fee of $395, frequent travelers can use this card to stretch their international travel budget a little bit further.
The United Explorer MileagePlus card offers a wide range of perks. It’s especially useful to travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines. But since United Airlines is a part of the largest international airline network, the Star Alliance, racking up United miles can come in handy for world travelers. With the fee waived for the first year, you can see whether or not this card is the right fit for your wallet.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve puts a VIP-level travel experience within reach for those with excellent credit scores. As a cardholder, you’ll start building up points based on your spending. Depending on your spending habits, these rewards can quickly turn into a helpful sum for your next international destination. You can breeze through airports with Global Entry, courtesy of your credit card. And if you are stuck with a long layover, use your credit card to access one of over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.
With a $695 annual fee, the Platinum Card from American Express, Member FDIC, doesn’t come cheap. But a lengthy list of benefits can make the price point worth it for frequent international travelers. The card comes with access to a Platinum Travel Service, which can create custom itineraries based on your unique interests to help you get the most out of a vacation. And the Premium Global Assist Hotline can come in handy to help you sort through medical, legal, financial or other emergency issues while away from home.
If you happen to be a business owner, the Business Platinum Card from American Express can open up doors for your international travel experiences. It gives you the chance to tap into extensive travel perks as a result of your business spending. Help from the Business Platinum Travel service can lead to unforgettable trips with itineraries designed for your specific interests. Plus, you’ll get access to many premium membership levels at hotels and car rental providers for a top-notch travel experience.
The best credit card for your international travel plans varies based on your goals. As a baseline, you should opt for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Plus, you should ensure that the credit card of your choice is widely accepted in countries you regularly frequent.
Beyond those basics, selecting the right credit card comes down to your specific plans. You might choose the flexibility of a travel rewards credit card or select an airline-branded card for your favorite airline.
Additionally, look for a credit card that offers the most rewards for your spending habits. For example, business owners might get the most out of a business-specific credit card. But frequent travelers that stick to a specific airline might get the most perks by selecting the airline’s branded card.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Oct. 6, 2022.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
All information about American Express card offers has been collected independently by GOBankingRates and has not been reviewed or approved by American Express. These offers are not available through GOBankingRates.
The information related to Chase United Explorer and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards was collected by GOBankingRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this products/cards. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. GOBankingRates does not receive commission for these products.
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Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer with a desire to help readers improve their own financial balance sheets. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, she went on to business school. With a master’s degree in Management from the Hough School of Business at the University of Florida, she loves diving into the details of personal finance. With years of experience as a personal finance writer, she helps readers grasp the concept and take control by breaking down complex topics filled with jargon down to their basic components. After all, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in the world of personal finance.

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