Kids’ Almanac (December 6-13)

Research tells us that 14 out of any ten individuals like chocolate.
– Sandra Boynton

 

Snowflake Festival in Uptown Kingston this Friday

The Uptown Snowflake Festival and Open House sounds like a great way to spend a December evening. In addition to Santa Claus at the North Front Street Pole, you’ll encounter carolers, and gift stockings will be given to the first 1,000 people. Not only can you shop ‘til you drop, but you can visit some local historic sites for free as well. Stroll through the Volunteer Firemen’s Hall and Museum at 266 Fair Street and see the engines and artifacts drawn from the Kingston Fire Department’s over-250-year history. Take a look around the Loughran House at the Senate House State Historic Site at 296 Fair Street and enjoy roasted chestnuts and a horse-and-buggy ride. Munch on some cookies at the Old Dutch Church at 272 Wall Street and gaze up at its steeple, the tallest building in Kingston.

As William Faulkner said, “You must always know the past, for there is no real Was, there is only Is.” Help your family reconnect with our community’s history and enjoy a special holiday outing. The Open House event takes place on Friday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m., and participating stores will have a balloon hanging out front. The Stockade District is located in Uptown Kingston on Wall, John, Fair and North Front Streets. For more information, call (845) 338-2876.

 

YA novelist Susan T. Davis reads this Saturday in New Paltz

According to Paul Harvey, “In times like these, it’s helpful to remember that there have always been times like these.” On Saturday, December 8, author Susan T. Davis will read from her two Young Adult novels about the American Revolution. She wears period dress as she shares about the experiences of her teen protagonists during the war. The featured books are Musket and Mobcap, which is set in the Hudson Valley, and Summer of Red Rain.

Inquiring Minds is located at 6 Church Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-8300 or visit www.inquiringbooks.com. To learn more about the author, visit https://stdavisauthor.com.

 

Tonner Doll Factory Sale this Saturday in Kingston

Tonner Dolls are just gorgeous and amazingly detailed, and now you can take advantage of their awesome deals and splurge at their annual sale this Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you aren’t familiar with the charms of Tonner Dolls, go check out their website. You might find yourself becoming a collector just like that!

The Tonner Doll Factory Sale takes place at the Holiday Inn located at 503 Washington Avenue in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 339-9537 or visit www.tonnerdoll.com.

 

Educating Teens workshop at High Meadow in Stone Ridge this Saturday

Readers of Kids’ Almanac probably relate to John Wilmot’s confession: “Before I got married I had six theories about raising children; now, I have six children and no theories.” Parents, got teens? Teens, got parents? Then mark your calendars for “Parenting & Educating Teens,” an interactive workshop sponsored by the new independent Sun River High School forming in Stone Ridge. The workshop takes place on Saturday, December 8 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the High Meadow Performing Arts Center. The session is designed to support parents to help young people thrive, as well as to learn about the newly formed Sun River High School.

The keynote speaker is Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of the Omega Institute. I appreciate her work so much – like this piece, applicable to practically anything, including parenting: “If we can stay awake when our lives are changing, secrets will be revealed to us: secrets about ourselves, about the nature of life and about the eternal source of happiness and peace that is always available, always renewable, already within us.” The day’s presenters also include Michelle Hughes, Ev Mann, David Brownstein, Thomas Workman and James Porter.

This event is a fundraiser for Sun River, with a suggested donation of $35 to $75 per participant. The High Meadow Performing Arts Center is located at 3643 Main Street in Stone Ridge. To register for the workshop or to learn more about the Sun River High School, call (845) 853-0505, e-mail inspire@sunriverschool.org or visit www.sunriverschool.org.