Petite Belle Hammonds at Newburgh Library
What do Winston Churchill, Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, Anna Pavlova and Newburgh Free Academy ‘63 grad Petite Belle Hammonds have in common? They were all born prematurely. Weighing in under one pound at birth, Hammonds would actually be considered a “micro-preemie” today – defined as a baby born before 26 weeks’ gestation and weighing less than 1 ¾ pounds.
Hammonds’ miracle survival with almost no medical issues was astounding. She set out to learn all that she could about her infancy and has published a book about her first five months of life. Hammonds appears at the Newburgh Free Library for a signing on Saturday, September 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Newburgh Free Library is located at 124 Grand Street in Newburgh. For more information, call (845) 563-3600 or visit www.newburghlibrary.org. To learn more about Hammonds and her book, visit https://petitebellehowigotmyname.com.
Kingston hosts Fall Family Fun Day this Saturday
Don’t you just love when family, fun and free go together? Our family enjoys Rotary Park at Kingston Point Beach in its own right. Add in a “Fall Family Fun Day & BBQ” including touch-a-truck, a live bird exhibit, music, games, family fishing, kayaking, and more, and the good times just keep coming! Barbecue chicken dinners will be available for $12 each.
Fall Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday, September 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., has free admission and is open to the public. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kingston to support Rotary services to the community, including scholarships, support to needy families and community improvement projects.
Rotary Park is located at 51 Delaware Avenue in Kingston. For more information visit www.kingstonnyrotary.org/fallfamilyfunday.cfm.
Rosendale Fishing Day
Q: Where do fish keep their money?
A: In a river-bank!
Q: How do oysters call their friends?
A: On shell phones!
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
A fish.
A fish who?
Bless you!
These are just some of the jokes that you can tell to pass the time and amuse your budding anglers during Rosendale Fishing Day. Part of Ulster County Creek Week, the Rosendale Environmental Commission and the Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs of Ulster County are hosting this event, which includes free fishing for children under 16 years, along with free bait and tackle for all ages. Folks ages 16 and older will need a fishing permit or a one-day $5 fishing license obtained prior to the event.
Fishing Day takes place on Saturday, September 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Rondout Creek between the Keator Avenue bridge and St. Peter’s School. Parking is available at the municipal lot located at 408 Main Street behind the Rosendale Theatre. For more information, call (845) 853-3142 or visit https://ucenvironment.org/ulster-county-creek-week.
Carriage Day at Locust Grove
Looking for a twist on the traditional farm hayride this fall? Perhaps with some historic elements? Been meaning to get to Locust Grove for a while now, and just haven’t managed to visit yet? Then head over to Carriage Day on Sunday, September 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. Experience a guided tour of the carriage house complex, see the collection of antique carriages, watch carriage ride demonstrations, then take a hayride around historic carriage trails.
The cost is $8. While you’re there, take in a tour of the mansion between 10:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (there may be an additional fee). Locust Grove is located at 2683 South Road in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 454-4500 or visit www.lgny.org.
Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods
Every Sunday, from Labor Day through Columbus Day, Bethel Woods, the original site of the 1969 Woodstock music festival, hosts the annual Harvest Festival. I think that it’s a great idea to connect area growers and crafters with people who come to the Festival, and the corn and hay mazes, as well as the pony rides and children’s area, sound like a fun way to engage all ages.
This Sunday’s theme is Earth Day in Autumn and will include conservation organizations, exhibits and activities related to the environment and more. Kidlet crafts include pumpkinseed mosaics and egg-carton herb gardens, and a birds of prey demonstration and the Little Farm Show will take place at 1 p.m. There is also a great lineup planned in the Live Well Be Well tent, including yoga activities.
The Earth Day in Autumn event takes place on Sunday, September 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the parking lots open at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free, but there is a $2 charge for parking. Pets are not permitted. Bethel Woods is located at 200 Hurd Road in Bethel. For more information, call (845) 295-2448 or visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org.
Erica Chase-Salerno lives, loves and laughs in New Paltz with her husband Mike and their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at [email protected].
