Gustafer Yellowgold at the Falcon in Marlboro
Our family loves the animated character Gustafer Yellowgold. Gustafer creator Morgan Taylor sings a musical story accompanied by large-screen animation of Gustafer’s adventures, which makes for a terrific concert. His style is super-fun; the Falcon, where he’s playing on Sunday, October 20 at 11 a.m., has delicious food; and you can be a part of the Falcon’s mission to support living musicians with your entry donation. You can see Gustafer Yellowgold during Sunday brunch, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Falcon is located at 1348 Route 9W in Marlboro. For reservations or more information, call (845) 236-7970 or visit www.liveatthefalcon.com. To learn more about the performer, visit www.gustaferyellowgold.com.
Puppet Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Kingston Library
You’ve got another reason to head over to Kingston this weekend: In addition to the Farmers’ Market, where you can stock up on Pika’s soup and gluten-free goat cheese croquettes and Rusty Plough Farms’ mixed greens and zucchini, stop by the Kingston Library for its Super Saturday programming!
On Saturday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m., the Puppet People present The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, recommended for ages 5 and up: Focusing on themes of bullying, jealousy and superstition, this show features beautifully handcrafted marionettes, two life-sized puppets, special lighting and smoke effects and both classical and traditional folk music in a comedic style. This event is free and open to the public.
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.thepuppetpeople.org.
Marching band competition at Dietz Stadium in Kingston
Love marching bands? Thrilled by the energy that emanates from their strong sound with those crisp choreographed movements? How about an afternoon of marching band competition? Will your kids love this or what?
On Sunday, October 20 at 1 p.m., check out the sights and sounds of Fall Fanfare at Dietz Stadium. The Kingston High School Tiger Marching Band earned First Place in New York State last year performing their field show in the Large School Division 3. This year they have moved up to Large School Division 2, and have mastered a more difficult performance to equal their increase in competition.
Admission costs $6, and spectators will see at least four marching bands compete, including Kingston, Midland Park, Schenectady and Mohonasen. Dietz Stadium is located at 170 North Front Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 594-4288 or e-mail amfiog@hvc.rr.com.
Bullying Prevention Bowlathon in Poughkeepsie
In Julie Novak’s piece on www.xojane.com: “The Day I Took back the Night from a Homophobic Street Harasser,” she writes about the dynamic that shifted when she confronted her harasser on the street. Shockingly, they ended up having a friendly conversation. Reflecting a more recent event, Julie shares:
“A few weeks ago I got stared down by a guy outside a convenience store as I was walking to my car. With his eyes, he was telling me to get in my car and drive away. He expected his intimidating glare would render me silent and defeated. Instead, I set my bag down and very deliberately walked over to him and got right up close to his face.
“‘Hi! How’s it going?’ I asked cheerfully with a big smile on. ‘I’m Julie. I saw you staring, so I thought I would introduce myself!’
This act of very forthright politeness and closeness totally disarmed him, and suddenly he was searching for a way to escape the situation, simply because I decided to actually connect with him.
This is the way I choose to make my voice heard and not disappear, and I realize now that I don’t have to be [a jerk] just because someone else is. I hold on to my integrity while holding out my authentic self with dignity and pride. This is what has made the biggest difference.”
I find Julie’s story inspiring. One way to support and be a part of positive change is to participate in the Hudson Valley Bullying Prevention Fall 2013 Bowlathon taking place on Saturday, October 19 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Mardi-Bob Lanes in Poughkeepsie: “Promote dignity, equality and safety for all youth!” Admission costs $10 per person and includes two games, shoe rental, pizza and raffle tickets. Register at the door or register online at https://lgbtqcenter.org. Mardi-Bob Lanes are located at 45 Taft Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 331-5300 or visit https://lgbtqcenter.org.
National Youth Science Day GIS Event at Ulster County Fairgrounds
If you’ve got budding scientists ages 6 years or older, clear your calendar for this Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m. That’s the day that the Ulster County 4-H Program will be hosting a National Youth Science Day/GIS Event at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.
Led by 4-H Club leaders and volunteers, the event will include the National Youth Science Day Experiment ‘Maps & Apps!’ which challenges youth to work in a team to design and map a community park with different data layers. After the mapping challenge, youth will learn to use a map to complete a scavenger hunt around the Fairgrounds. The purpose is to learn about Geographic Information Systems and how they can be applied for community service initiatives and potential careers.
To register, contact Pam Pardee at nuget@optonline.net or call (845) 750-8508 with your name, number of participants and ages by 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 17. To learn more about the National Youth Science Day Experiment, visit www.4-h.org/4-h-national-youth-science-day. The Ulster County Fairgrounds are located at 249 Libertyville Road in New Paltz.
Swap & Sell weekend at Potter Brothers in Kingston
When our children were in their second or third year of skiing, my friend was so insistent that I buy my gear from the Potter Brothers swap instead of renting. I didn’t know much about ski gear and I couldn’t understand how that would be true, but she was right: It was cheaper for me to outfit our family with skis and boots from the wonderful selection at the Potter Brothers swap – plus, I could resell them at the swap the following year. This weekend, head over to Potter Brothers in Kingston to see what I mean.
On Friday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Potter Brothers kicks off its Swap & Sell series. New merchandise for skiing and snowboarding arrives each day to the swap, so if you’re looking for something in particular, it’s worth stopping back to check. I got expert help fitting my boots and poles, and I saved a bundle on a great ski jacket for myself and extra gloves for the kids.
Potter Brothers is located at 57 City View Terrace in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 338-5119 or visit www.potterbrothers.com/sales-events.
Erica Chase-Salerno proudly celebrates National Chocolate Cupcake Day, thanks to Crazy Days to Celebrate by Bonny. She lives 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! 
