YA author Jennifer Castle touts new novel at various local venues
If you happen to live with an avid reader of Young Adult (YA) literature, or you are a YA fan yourself, I have some great news for you! YA author Jennifer Castle’s latest book is out! You Look Different in Real Life is a fantastic novel about five kids who were featured in a documentary as kindergartners, then filmed again five years later, and now they’re in front of the cameras for a third time at age 16. To me, the feelings and dynamics among the characters as well as independently feel as candid and fun as the title evokes.
Meeting the author is part of the fun, so here are some local spots you can catch up with Castle this month. Plus, you can get a copy of her first book, The Beginning of After, which is now in paperback. As I mentioned earlier, Castle will do readings and signings at the Kids & Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 2 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Rosendale Rec Center, located at 1055 Route 32 in Rosendale. She’ll celebrate the book’s birthday on Tuesday, June 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Saugerties Library, located at 91 Washington Avenue in Saugerties. There’s a launch party on Saturday, June 8 at 4 p.m. at Inquiring Minds, located at 6 Church Street in New Paltz. And it’ll be featured at the Hudson Valley YA Society gathering on Sunday, June 23 at 4 p.m. at Oblong Books, located at 6422 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck. Plus, there’ll be a couple of gigs in New York City. To learn more about the author, visit www.jennifercastle.com.
Kids Run Wild at Kingston’s Forsyth Park
Your kids might enjoy running wild at Forsyth Park like mine do, but this weekend they can get a tee-shirt for it! On Saturday, June 29, the Forsyth Nature Center and the Junior League of Kingston present Kids Run Wild, an event focused on “health and fitness enjoyed outdoors.” Children can participate in the half-mile fun run event kickoff, and afterwards, families can learn together about health and nutrition as well as safety throughout the day.
This event is free, but did you know that the Junior League of Kingston is raising funds to renovate the Forsyth Park playground, Kinderland II? How exciting! To learn more about Kids Run Wild, call (845) 339-3053, e-mail forsythnature@aol.com or visit www.juniorleaguekingston.org. To learn more about how to support the efforts of Kinderland II, e-mail bahanigan@aol.com.
ADHD families hike together at Poets’ Walk
Speaking of running, here’s another chance for families to get outside and walk, run, skip, hop or jump together. I happened to connect with Melissa Smith, a New York representative for the group ADHD Aware, a member of Arlington SEPTA (Special Education PTA) and a parent of a son with ADHD. She invites all ADHD families, dogs and friends to join in on a hike together. The event is planned for Sunday, June 2: Meet up in the Poets’ Walk parking lot at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at 11:15 a.m.: “Look for the St. Bernard!”
Smith is interested in connecting with ADHD families, and already has a camp and other activities organized during the summer months: “We come from a strength-based model, looking to empower, educate and create resilient kids. ADHD kids are misunderstood; they have so much to offer if just managed in a positive, healthier manner.”
Poets’ Walk is located along River Road in Red Hook. For more information or to find out more about the resources, support and advocacy available for ADHD locally, e-mail Smith at atouchofhay1218@yahoo.com. To learn more about the organization, visit www.adhdaware.org. For details about Poets’ Walk, visit www.scenichudson.org/parks/poetswalk.
For parents and grandparents
I had no idea how much energy parenting required until I was actually in it. When I’m feeling mentally or physically depleted, I struggle to be the mother I want to be. So many of us face different family challenges; here are two restorative and energizing events that I want to share with you.
Retreat Day for mothers at Kingston’s Stillwell Studio
On Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., reconnect with your center in “Finding the Om in Mom: A Retreat Day for Mothers.” The schedule sounds divine: yoga, relaxing down time, a healthy lunch, group discussion, finished with a meditative yoga session. The cost for the day is $90, and there are a few spaces left. The retreat takes place at the Stillwell Studio in Kingston. For reservations or more information, e-mail terri@randizinn.com.
Natalie Merchant headlines concert at Bard to benefit domestic violence shelters
On Sunday, June 2 at 7 p.m., show your support for women and children recovering from domestic violence while feeling inspired and uplifted yourself! Shelter is an epic concert featuring some fantastic musicians (ready?): Natalie Merchant, Amy Helm, Simi Stone, Elizabeth Mitchell and Yungchen Lhamo, along with the Kalmia String Quartet. Wow! And all of the proceeds benefit our area’s domestic violence shelters: Washbourne House in Ulster County and Grace Smith House in Dutchess County.
Ticket prices range from $40 to $250: Premium tickets include a reception with the artists following the performance. For tickets or more information, call the Fisher Center box office at (845) 758-7900 or visit https://fishercenter.bard.edu. For some details about the concert itself, visit www.shelterconcert.com. To learn more about the amazing work happening at these shelters or if you need some help yourself, visit www.familyofwoodstockinc.org or www.gracesmithhouse.org.
Erica Chase-Salerno sings a joyful Happy Birthday to her husband, Michael Chase-Salerno, this week. They live in New Paltz with their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
