Time capsule workshop at Poughkidsie
How about creating your very own family’s time capsule? On Thursday, December 31, anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., come to Poughkidsie and bring all of those things that you swore you would scrapbook and never did: school photos, kids’ artwork, ticket stubs, holiday cards, vacation pictures…whatever you can think of. Poughkidsie will supply the materials for a time capsule, which you can paint and decorate, along with writing prompts to help draw out some precious memories to include. The cost is $35 per family, which also gives the kids a chance for imaginative play in the Village portion of Poughkidsie, and a glass of sparkling juice to toast to the New Year.
Poughkidsie is located at 50 Springside Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For tickets or more information, call (845) 243-3750 or visit www.poughkidsie.com.
Skating at Bear Mountain Ice Rink
Glide your way into 2016 with a session of ice skating at the Bear Mountain Ice Rink! On Thursday, December 31, you have your choice of times from 10 to 11:30 a.m., 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3:30 p.m. or 4 to 5:30 p.m. Admission costs $5 for ages 12 and up, $4 for ages 4 to 11 years, $2 for non-skaters or seniors and is free for children ages 3 and under. Skate rentals cost $4 per pair, sharpening $5 per pair; and parking costs $8 per car.
While you’re there, why not stroll through the Bear Mountain Trailside Zoo? It’s open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the suggested donation is $1 per person.
Bear Mountain State Park is located at 55 Hessian Drive in Highland Falls. For more information, call (845) 786-2701 or visit www.bearmountainicerink.com and www.trailsidezoo.org.
“Cure for Cabin Fever” at Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh
Looking for a break from holiday festivities? Here’s what’s happening at Washington’s Headquarters that sounds pretty interesting: “A Cure for Cabin Fever.” On Thursday, December 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can take a guided tour of the headquarters as well as explore the museum. And free with museum admission, you can have your silhouette traced using a camera lucida, as a souvenir to take home!
Admission costs $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students and is free for children age 12 and under. Washington’s Headquarters is located at 84 Liberty Street in Newburgh. For more information, call (845) 562-1195 or visit https://nysparks.com.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
Day One Walk in Kingston
With countless categories sorting people into the illusion of separateness, a Day One Walk is an opportunity for all ages simply to reclaim connectedness to each other. Day One is defined more by what it is not: agenda-free, politics-free; it’s not a march, just a walk together. Would you like to join in?
It takes place on Friday, January 1 at 1 p.m., beginning at Dietz Stadium, located at 170 North Front Street in Kingston; then goes down Broadway, right on Cedar Street, right on Clinton Avenue and ends at the Kirkland Hotel, at the corner of Main Street and Clinton Avenue, where hot beverages will be served. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/day1united.
Interfaith Prayer for World Peace at Carmel’s Chuang Yen Monastery
Interested in starting off the year with an interfaith gathering for peace? On Friday, January 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, the Chuang Yen Monastery hosts an Interfaith Prayer for World Peace, featuring representatives from different religions and government officials. Lunch is served at 12 noon.
The Chuang Yen Monastery is located at 2020 Route 301 in Carmel. For more information, call (845) 225-1819 or visit www.baus.org/en.
First Day History Hike at Olana
Want to begin the New Year in nature? How about joining the First Day History Hike at Olana? On Friday, January 1 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, take a look at the landscape in a new way while appreciating the artistic vision of its creator. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.
The Olana State Historic Site is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For more information or to register, call (518) 828-0135 or visit www.olana.org/calendar/first-day-hike-at-olana.
Snowshoe or hike at Minnewaska
Love to snowshoe? The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is offering two snowshoe outings to start the year! On Friday, January 1, choose a session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m. The group will snowshoe (or, more likely, hike if we still don’t have snow) a two-mile stretch featuring views of the Rondout Valley and Clove Valley from clifftop ledges. This program is suitable for children aged 8 years and older and adults and meets at the Peter’s Kill park entrance. Registration is required. Bring your own snowshoes, or reserve a pair for $5 per person when you register, and remember to pack snacks and water.
The Peter’s Kill entrance is located on Route 44/55 in Kerhonkson. For more information or to register, call (845) 255-0752 or visit https://nysparks.com.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 2
Walking Distance authors read at Stone Ridge Library
This book, Walking Distance: Pilgrimage, Parenthood, Grief and Home Repairs, sounds like it has elements in it that many of us can relate to: infant loss, European travel, spiritual challenges, infertility, parenthood. But even just the courage of the author and his wife, David Hlavsa and Lisa Holtby, to put their story into words, feels important to me. You can hear an excerpt from the book at a reading with the author this Saturday, January 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Stone Ridge Library. A reception follows the reading.
The Stone Ridge Library is located at 3700 Main Street in Stone Ridge. For more information, call (845) 687-7023, extension 108, or visit www.stoneridgelibrary.org. To learn more about the book, visit https://msupress.org.
Rosendale Theatre screens Branagh & Dench in The Winter’s Tale
For classic lines such as, “Though I am not naturally honest, I am sometimes so by chance,” it’s Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, and you can see it right at the Rosendale Theatre! On Saturday, January 2 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, January 5 at 7:15 p.m., the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company Live brings you Judi Dench as Paulina and Kenneth Branagh as Leontes. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for members and $6 for children.
The Rosendale Theatre is located at 408 Main Street in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 658-8989 or visit www.rosendaletheatre.org.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3
Karma Wash at the Jungle in Kingston
You’ve heard of a car wash for charity, but a karma wash? Yes, you’re reading that right! On Sunday, January 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., head over to the Jungle for a Karma Wash, including some fun movement and chakra-clearing for all ages. The proceeds benefit Family of Woodstock. Bring the kids; they’ll have a blast!
The Jungle is located at 881 State Route 28 in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 481-4988, visit The Jungle Athletic Movement Studio at Facebook.com or see https://jungle28.com.
Erica Chase-Salerno appreciates 2015 and looks forward to more adventures in 2016! She and her husband, Mike, live in New Paltz along with their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at [email protected].
