Try Hockey for Free this weekend in Newburgh & Poughkeepsie
I am so excited about the Try Hockey for Free event because it sounds like such a blast! Try Hockey for Free is open to children 4 to 9 years old, and the 45-minute session includes free rental skates, an introductory on-ice lesson, an appearance and autographs from New York Rangers Ron Greschner and a free New York Rangers hockey stick for each participant.
We’re lucky enough to have two local rinks offering it. On Saturday, December 1 at 4 and 5 p.m., Try Hockey takes place at Ice Time Sports Complex, located at 21 Lakeside Road in Newburgh. On Sunday, December 2 at 10:30 and 11:20 a.m., Try Hockey is held at the McCann Ice Arena, located at 14 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie.
Preregistration is required and space is limited to 75 participants. For more information or to register, call (212) 465-6553 or visit https://rangers.nhl.com. To learn more about the local rinks, visit www.icetimesports.org or www.midhudsonciviccenter.org.
Hudson River Playback Theatre’s You and Your Story this Sunday in New Paltz
On the final episode of Oprah, the famous host shared what she had learned during the show’s 25-year run, and this stood out to me: “I’ve talked to nearly 30,000 people on this show, and all 30,000 had one thing in common: They all wanted validation…. They want to know, ‘Do you hear me? Do you see me? Does what I say mean anything to you?’”
As a parent, I want my kids to know that I hear them, that I see them, that they matter. But sometimes that intention doesn’t come across. Sometimes things get jammed up between us, and I don’t even know how or why.
Whether you have young children or teens, here’s a fantastic inroad to helping all of us feel seen and heard: Hudson River Playback Theatre presents the You and Your Story family show for kids, teens and grown-ups. “Tell us what’s happening in your life – fun, sad, funny, sweet, scary, surprising – and we’ll act it out on the spot!”
You may recall my enthusiasm about this group from my October 11 Kids’ Almanac column. I feel that this is an incredible experience that benefits anyone who attends. The members of this group are so attuned to getting to the essence of what is shared with them, without adding a hidden agenda or some sort of influential angle.
I also want to be clear that you do not get up and do any playback or acting yourself. Our job as the audience is merely to raise our hands and respond to a few questions if we feel so inspired, or to simply watch and listen. This is transformative stuff, and I just sit and take it in – it’s that powerful. Give your children and teens, as well as yourself, the gift of feeling deeply seen and heard, or witnessing it in others.
You and Your Story takes place on Sunday, December 2 at 4 p.m. at Deyo Hall in the Historic Huguenot Street area. The suggested donation is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors. People and stories of all ages are welcome. Deyo Hall is located on Broadhead Avenue in New Paltz, near the rail trail. For more information about You and Your Story, call (845) 255-7716 or visit www.hudsonriverplayback.org.
Holiday Whodunits Sundays in December at Staatsburgh State Historic Site
I don’t experience holiday whodunits so much as I have gift whereisits after weeks of hiding presents from the kids. The Holiday Whodunits beginning at Staatsburgh State Historic Site this weekend sounds like it will appeal to my whole family: My kids love solving mysteries, such as the ones in the Encyclopedia Brown stories; and my husband and I love gorgeous holiday decorations and clever approaches to learning history. Geared for children ages 6 to 11 years, children ask the costumed servants and guests questions to solve a mystery.
Holiday Whodunits take place on Sundays in December from 1 to 4 p.m. and are included in the cost of admission to the Site: $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors and free for children under 12 years. I heard that it also has a fabulous gift shop.
Staatsburgh State Historic Site is located on Old Post Road in Staatsburg. For more information, call (845) 889-8851 or visit https://nysparks.com.
Black Violin this Sunday at Poughkeepsie’s Bardavon
Just a quick note that the Black Violin concert that I mentioned in October was rescheduled for this Sunday, December 2 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for general admission seating. The Bardavon is located at 35 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. For tickets or more information, call (845) 473-2072 or visit www.bardavon.org. To learn more about the musicians, visit www.blackviolin.net.
Erica Chase-Salerno lives, loves, cries and laughs in New Paltz with her husband Mike and their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
