Sylvia Markson’s Magic Trunk this Saturday in Poughkeepsie
There are some great pictures of ventriloquist Sylvia Markson with her “vent figures” (dummy puppets) from her youth, and I invite you to share them with your children. Perhaps these shots will inspire your kids to explore the art of ventriloquism. Then make plans to attend her show. Meet the hilarious and hip Latin opossum, a genie and more.
Free and open to the public, Sylvia Markson’s Magic Trunk variety show performance takes place at the James & Betty Hall Theatre at Dutchess County Community College this Saturday, January 26 at 11 a.m. Dutchess Community is located at 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 431-8050 or visit www.sunydutchess.edu. To learn more about the performer, visit www.themagictrunk.com.
Ski deals for families at Belleayre this winter
Our family scored some great skis and boots at the Potter Brothers swap a few months back, and now that skiing and snowboarding season is here, this Mama is on the hunt for discount deals on the slopes. I’ve found that Belleayre Mountain has some great savings. Its Coke Wednesdays mean $30 lift tickets every Wednesday when you bring an empty or unopened Coke product to the ticket window. And definitely check out Winterfestival Week at Belleayre Mountain, taking place from January 28 through February 1: lift tickets for only $30 all week, culminating with the Torchlight Parade on February 2.
Belleayre also offers convenient on-site childcare at the Tiger Den, as well as Kids’ Camp skiing/snowboarding lessons – all available most Fridays through Mondays, but reservations are strongly recommended. Belleayre Mountain is located on Belleayre Mountain Road in Pine Hill. For more information, call (845) 254-5600 or visit www.belleayre.com.
Fakoli Dance & Drum this Saturday at Kingston Library
Has your family experienced the vibrant sound of African drumming? This weekend, you are invited to listen to and learn about the world’s oldest instrument at a free, family-friendly performance featuring Fode Sissoko, master drummer, kora player and composer from Senegal, West Africa. Fakoli Dance & Drum takes place on Saturday, January 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kingston Library.
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0507 or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org. To learn more about the performers, visit www.fakolidanceanddrum.com.
Amelia Bedelia, Mozart’s birthday & Chinese New Year in Ellenville
For 50 years, housekeeper Amelia Bedelia has amused readers with her literalisms that include putting real sponges in sponge cake and dusting the furniture by – what else? – covering it in powder. This Saturday, January 26 at 1 p.m., join the Amelia Bedelia celebration at the Ellenville Library with silly activities and fun crafts, perfect for children aged from 5 to 8 years.
Come back to the Library on Sunday, January 27 at 2 p.m. – which also happens to be composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birthday – and enjoy a free 18th-century-style concert performed by the Ministers of Apollo, open to the public including children ages 6 years and older.
Then, on Tuesday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, January 31 at 4:15 p.m., children from ages 5 to 12 years can celebrate the new Year of the Snake in a Chinese New Year activity. Participants will learn about Lunar New Year traditions and make a dragon puppet to chase away bad luck.
The Ellenville Library is located at 40 Center Street in Ellenville. For more information, call (845) 647-5530 or visit www.eplm.org. To learn more about the musicians, visit www.theministersofapollo.com.
Join the family! 
