Summer Solstice Celebration at Rosendale’s Widow Jane Mine
If you haven’t been to the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, this event might be just the opportunity to check it out. On Saturday, June 22, the Summer Solstice Celebration with Amy McTear and Friends takes place at the Mine. My first visit there was a McTear New Year’s Day concert. The cave is really cool! I mean that both literally and figuratively, around 58 degrees.
Start your summer off with some cool, spiritual, uplifting music: “The Mine is an echoing, megalithic, earthen chamber: an inspiring place to retreat from summer heat, vocalize, meditate, bring your aspirations and exasperation, while joining with others to ignite and energize our common longing for greater well-being and a healthier, thriving world.” The doors to the cave open at 5:30 p.m., and the celebration begins at 6 p.m., finishing in time to see the Full Moon rising at 7:47 p.m.
The Widow Jane Mine is located at the Century House Historical Society, located at 668 Route 213 in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 658-9900 or visit www.centuryhouse.org. To learn more about the performers, visit www.unencumberedbeing.com.
Summer events at libraries in Kingston, Highland, Tivoli & Rhinebeck
For generations, schoolchildren have chanted, “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks” in celebration of the end of school, but that could all change this summer. Many area libraries are participating in the Battle of the Books, a contest based on trivia questions drawn from a given list of books read by young adults. And have you seen the reading programs kicking off at your local libraries, such as this Saturday’s performance of The Caterpillar Hunter at Kingston Library, or the Highland Library’s terrific craft programs for every age group?
Speaking of libraries, the Tivoli Library offers three family canoe trips this summer: Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m.; Friday, July 12 at 3 p.m.; and Thursday, August 8 at 3 p.m. These outings are free and open to the public to ages 6 years and up, but preregistration is required. The Tivoli Library is located at 86 Broadway in Tivoli. To register or for more information, call (845) 757-3771 or visit www.tivolilibrary.org.
Oblong Books & Music in Rhinebeck introduces the League of Extraordinary Readers, a monthly event series featuring a chance to meet authors, win giveaways and enjoy refreshments for children ages 8 to 12 years. On Saturday, June 22, connect with authors Ann M. Martin, Mark Goldblatt and Geoff Rodkey. This series is free and open to the public and preregistration is required. Oblong Books & Music is located at 6422 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 876-0500 or visit www.oblongbooks.com.
Here are seven energized picks to consider doing with the family this weekend. Enjoy!
Animals and Acrobats at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton
Animals and Acrobats 2013 takes place at Van Cortlandt Manor this Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23: “Performers include the comedy, juggling and acrobatic troupe Boston Circus Guild, the conservation group Two by Two Zoo and birds of prey demonstrations from Flight of the Raptor, plus tightrope walkers, mimes and more.”
Performances are ongoing between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and if you buy tickets online in advance, your kids under 18 years will get free popcorn. Admission is $16 for adults; $14 for seniors; $12 for children ages 3 to 17 years; and free for members and children under 3 years. Van Cortlandt Manor is located at 525 South Riverside Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. For tickets or more information, call (914) 631-8200 or visit www.hudsonvalley.org.
Bike Rodeo at Lippman Park in Wawarsing
Our son benefited so much from the bike rodeo that he attended years ago in Kingston. He loved the obstacle course and safety drills, and my husband and I appreciated the free bike inspections. Stop by the upcoming bike rodeo on Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lippman Park, which is free and open to the public. Activities include a petting zoo, music and the Hudson Panda Mascot, and you can try your luck at winning a bicycle while you’re there. Lippman Park is located off Route 209 in Wawarsing. For more information, call (800) 339-4557 or visit www.hudsonhealthplan.org.
