Talk on children in the Civil War at Klyne Esopus Museum
Sure, we learn all about the soldiers who fight the battles in the history books, but what about the civilians? Juanita Leisch Jensen is an independent scholar who studies the lives and roles of civilians in the Civil War era and makes presentations about it.
This Saturday, September 14 at 4 p.m., Leisch discusses “The Spirit of Young America: Children in the Civil War” at the Klyne Esopus Historical Society Museum. “How could a mere infant affect the morale of soldiers? How could an invalid girl, confined to her bed far from the battlefront, show her respect for the Civil War and its soldiers?”
Admission to the lecture is free, but donations are welcome. The Museum is located at 764 Broadway in Ulster Park. For more information, call (845) 338-8109 or visit www.klyneesopusmuseum.us. To learn more about the presenter, visit www.juanitaleisch.com.
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School in New Paltz hosts Open House for Caravan Kids Project
“Peace is an ongoing process. We recognize that cultural and traditional differences can divide us. Our mission is to celebrate those differences through dance and music in an effort to unite the world and give hope to our communities.” That’s the statement of the Vanaver Caravan dance company, which has just created the Caravan Kids Project. It is hosting an Open House this Sunday, September 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, with free sample classes and refreshments.
Mountain Laurel is located at 16 South Chestnut Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 256-9300 or visit https://vanavercaravan.org.
Holistic Moms’ Network workshop with Marnie McKnight-Favell at Rhinebeck’s Starr Library
“Empowered Feminine”: Just the phrase alone invites me to go deeper in my reflections and inner work. On Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m., Marnie McKnight-Favell, holistic guide and energy healer, leads a lively conversation at the Holistic Moms’ Network: Dutchess County meeting on how to “move beyond stereotypes; shatter outmoded psychological roles and self-imposed burdens of victimization; remember who you are; celebrate being a woman; acknowledge the empowering role we have to fulfill; discuss sacred aspects of women’s gifts; learn to use techniques that help center ourselves; and much more!”
I’m imagining Moms like me who want to delve into these parts of ourselves that are awakening through the journey of parenting and grandparenting; and Marnie’s engaging, accessible style is always enjoyable. Holistic Moms’ Network meetings are free and open to the public and take place at the Starr Library, located at 68 West Market Street in Rhinebeck.
For more information, e-mail hmndutchess@gmail.com or visit https://holisticmoms.org. To learn more about the presenter, visit https://dragonflyholistic.com.
Youth Fishing Frenzy in Shandaken
This weekend marks the fourth annual Creek Week. One highlight is the Youth Fishing Frenzy taking place at the Esopus Creek in Shandaken on Sunday, September 15. Fishing is free for all ages. Learn or practice casting techniques at 11 a.m.; at 12 noon, break for a streamside barbecue lunch; and at 1 p.m., fish all afternoon with guides.
Register by calling or stopping in at the Phoenicia Library by September 12, located at 9 Ava Maria Drive in Phoenicia. For more information, call (845) 688-7811 or visit www.phoenicialibrary.org. To learn more about Creek Week, visit https://ucenvironment.org.
Hudson River Valley Ramble events this weekend
Have you made it out to any Hudson River Valley Ramble events yet? Here are some family-friendly highlights for this weekend:
• Half-price entry at the historic Gomez Mill House when you mention the Ramble; 11 Mill House Road, Marlboro; (845) 236-3126; www.gomez.org.
• For youth over 8 years of age, “What You See and What You Don’t See,” a discovery of hidden technologies in the landscape at Staatsburgh State Historic Site (Mills Mansion), Old Post Road in Staatsburgh; (845) 889-8851, extension 338, https://nysparks.com/historic-sites/25.
• D & H Canal Five Locks Walk, free tour, 5 Locks Walk Trail, High Falls; (845) 687-9311; www.canalmuseum.org.
Hudson River Seining at Kowawese Park on Route 9W in New Windsor, 1 p.m.
• Colonial Dutch Homestead, 504 Route 9, Fishkill; (845) 896-8755, www.hudsonrivervalley.com.
• Open Days Program Garden tour, 251 Patterson Lane, Saugerties; (888) 842-2442, www.gardenconservancy.org.
• For youth over 6 years of age, walk the Kingston Greenline, Kingston Point Rail Trail, 300 Broadway, Kingston; (845) 877-5263, www.kingstonlandtrust.org.
• For youth over 12 years of age, do the “Rock and Roll Combo” at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 5080 Route 44/55, Gardiner; (877) 486-5769, https://alpineendeavors.com.
• For youth over 6 years of age, LaGrange Wappinger Creek Greenway Trail Walk, 87 Sleight Plass Road, Poughkeepsie; (845) 473-0940.
Erica Chase-Salerno reminds you to talk like a pirate on September 19! Aaaarrr! She and her husband Mike live in New Paltz with their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
