Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.
– Henry David Thoreau
Treats for troops
If you are looking for a trick to trade your Halloween treats, head over to one of the participants in the Great Halloween Candy Exchange. In its eighth year, “The mission of the Great Halloween Candy Exchange is: to promote literacy, healthy eating and physical exercise for children by providing an opportunity to exchange Halloween candy for books and fun activity passes. Candy collected is shipped to US soldiers serving overseas.” Kids get a prize for every pound of candy that they trade in, and if they also give a letter for the troops, they will be entered into a raffle to win either free bowling at HoeBowl or two Jumpin’ Jakes passes.
The exchange takes place on Friday, November 1 between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the following locations: All Access Dental at 11 Crum Elbow Road in Hyde Park; AllSport Health & Fitness at 17 Old Main Street in Fishkill; the Children’s Medical Group at 104 Fulton Avenue in Poughkeepsie; and Learning Insights at 20 Milton Avenue in Highland. For more information, call (845) 896-2193 or look on Facebook under the Great Halloween Candy Exchange.
Holistic Healing & Nutrition is hosting its first annual Cash in Your Candy event on Friday, November 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.: “Bring your children and let them ‘buy’ toys/games/books in exchange for all their Halloween candy.” Holistic Healing & Nutrition is located at 2-4 Austin Court in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 471-6400 or visit www.holistichealingandnutrition.com.
Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck hosts Wizard Academy
For any Halloween Harry Potters like my niece, you get another chance to wear your costume this weekend! On Saturday, November 2 at 11 a.m., come to the Wizard Academy performance at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character and learn with “wizard” David Engel in this interactive and engaging show. Tickets cost $7 for children and $9 for adults and seniors.
The Center is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For tickets or more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit www.centerforperformingarts.org.
Open mic in Rosendale, Cajun Dance in Beacon
Two more interactive performances this weekend include Grenadilla’s open mic at the Rosendale Café and the Beacon Sloop Club’s Cajun Dance.
On Sunday, November 10, Grenadilla is hosting an open mic for youth at the Rosendale Café. The featured artist of the afternoon is Summer Sorge, and Debbie Lan of Grenadilla says, “We are looking for singers, musicians, spoken-word artists, comedians, poets, magicians who would like a chance to do their thing!”
Interested participants from Pre-K to seniors should sign up with Lan at deblan@hvi.net, or on the day of the show, provided there is space available. The Rosendale Café is located at 434 Main Street in Rosendale.
Y’all fixin’ to go out dancin’? Then head for the Beacon Sloop Club’s Cajun Dance Woody Sloop fundraiser this Saturday, November 2 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Krewe de la Rue will perform, and Buffy Lewis will teach a dance lesson in the basics of two-step and waltz from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Even if you have never danced, you will want to, once you hear this energized and engaging band.
Admission costs $15. The Cajun Dance takes place at St. Luke’s Parish House, located at 850 Wolcott Avenue in Beacon. For more information, call (914) 907-4928 or visit www.beaconsloopclub.org.
Meet a live wolf at the Hudson Highlands Nature Center in Cornwall
When it was time for the wolf Atka to come into the room during a recent Wolf Conservation Center presentation, my body reacted instantly. I was surprised that I had any response whatsoever, since I knew that he’d be coming out, but I immediately felt that I was sharing space with a regal, important and mystical being. I have seen so many animal events, but this one was powerful to me. I learned a lot about the importance of wolves to the balance of life. I knew they played a critical role, but after the presentation, I really understood how wolves fit into the big picture.
You can compare your experience with mine by attending the Wolf Program at the Hudson Highlands Nature Center’s Wildlife Education Center on Saturday, November 2, with your choice of shows at either 4:30 or 6 p.m. This event is recommended for children ages 6 and older and adults.
Admission costs $22 for adults and $16 for children aged 6 to 12 years, with $4 discounts for members. Prepaid registration is required, as there is limited seating at both showings. To register, visit https://hhnaturemuseum.org or call (845) 534-5506, extension 204.
Bear Mountain Ice Rink season opens this Saturday
There are plenty of good things associated with chilly weather, including ice rinks! The Bear Mountain Ice Rink opens on Saturday, November 2, weather permitting. The rink is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The fees are $5 for adults and youth ages 12 and up, $4 for children ages 4 to 11 years and free for children age 3 and under. The rink is outdoors and uncovered, so everyone is encouraged to dress warmly.
For more information, call (845) 786-2701, extension 266, check the website www.bearmountainicerink.com or e-mail info@bearmountainicerink.com.
Join the family! 
