Try Hockey for Free Days in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie
With the Kiwanis Ice Rink in Saugerties, the McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie and the Ice Time Sports Complex in Newburgh, Hudson Valley families can swoosh and make figure eights year-round. For those of you with kids looking for more than just laps, you should know about this weekend’s Try Hockey for Free Day at Ice Time for youth ages 10 and younger: “Rangers alumni will be on-ice and help teach the basics skills of the sport, while complimentary rental skates and hockey equipment will be available… Every child who attends ‘Try Hockey for Free Day’ will also receive a complimentary Rangers youth hockey stick.”
Local Moms Jen Roe and Malinda Treglia say, “We love hockey!” Their sons started with the Learn to Skate program, and now they participate in a formal hockey league at Ice Time. Roe elaborated: “They learn teamwork, responsibility and how to follow rules. I feel like the skating has improved my son’s motor skills in general…They also have learned to take care of their hockey gear and get themselves ready to play a sport on their own. Dressing for ice hockey is a big deal: They have to wear a lot of gear. Being a hockey Mom (or Dad) takes a lot of commitment and patience, too – lots of cold times sitting at the ice rink.”
This Saturday’s choice of three clinic sessions at Ice Time takes place between 12 noon and 3 p.m. Ice Time is located at 21 Lakeside Road in Newburgh. To register or for more information, call (845) 567-0005 or visit www.icetimesports.org. There will also be Try Hockey for Free Day festivities at the McCann Ice Arena at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, November 17. There will be a choice of three clinic times: Session 1 from 9-9:45 a.m.; Session 2 from 10-10:45 a.m.; and Session 3 from 11-11:45 a.m. The McCann Ice Arena is located at 14 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie. To register or for more information, call (845) 454-5800 or log on to https://bit.ly/1alcl6Q. For more information on the Kiwanis Ice Arena at Saugerties’ Cantine Field complex, call (845) 247-2590, log on to https://kiwanisicearena.com/home or email kiwanisice@saugerties.ny.us.
Thanksgiving Gathering at Big Indian Native American Cultural Center
Here’s a Thanksgiving event that sounds like a friendly, grounded way to be in community without the family frenzy or isolation that some people experience on the day itself. On Saturday, November 16 from 12 noon to 4 p.m., the Big Indian Native American Cultural Center hosts its annual Thanksgiving Gathering with the Pine Hill Community Center. Highlights include the Nimham Singers Drum Group, storytelling by Jim RedFox, dancing, a raffle and more. All are welcome, and attendees are asked to bring a dish to share.
The Pine Hill Community Center is located at 287 Main Street in Pine Hill. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/bigindianculturalcenter or https://pinehillcommunitycenter.org.
Harvest Festival at Brick House Museum in Montgomery
As some of you also know, whenever the Wallkill River School of art is involved, it’s sure to be a fun and worthwhile experience. On Saturday, November 16 from 3 to 7 p.m., stop by the Brick House Museum Harvest Festival for a candlelight tour of the Museum’s ten rooms and its authentic historic holiday arrangements. Each room also features an artist from the Wallkill River School and an art auction. Admission costs $3 for adults and $2 for children.
The Brick House is located at 850 Route 17K in Montgomery. For more information, call (845) 615-3830 or visit www.hillholdandbrickhouse.org.
“Jewish Tales from around the World” at Poughkeepsie’s Adriance Library
Nicely timed with Hanukkah right around the corner, storyteller Muriel Horowitz shares “Jewish Tales from around the World” this Saturday, November 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Horowitz will take you on a journey from Afghanistan to Poland, from Iraq to New Jersey, from ancient Israel to Babylonia and back.
“Jewish Tales” is geared for families with children from pre-kindergarten and older, and no registration is required. This program takes place in the Charwat Room at the Adriance Library, located at 93 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 485-3445 extension 3320 or visit www.poklib.org.
Woodstock hosts Rachel Loshak CD release concert
Hudson Valley-based singer/songwriter/bassist Rachel Loshak writes in her blog, “I have been working on a new album – my first in several years since having my two lovely boys, Harvey and Ridley. They mean the world to me. Also, I’m learning that to be the mother I want to be, I need to allow myself to be the woman and artist that I am. For me, being myself is being with music – writing it, recording it, performing and sharing it.”
I’m excited to report to you that it’s here! Loshak’s latest album, So Bright, was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dean Jones, and it appeals in so many ways. Her light and open sound in “Apple Tree” floats through me while the personal, intimate lyrics settle in: “When I was small/I thought by now I’d be me.” Her songs like “I Don’t Know Why” feel as solidly grounded as her years as a bassist might imply, but the melodies remain alive with movement and not heavy.
And don’t feel like this is music just for the older crowd – give your family a break from the drama-infused pop scene and share Loshak with your teens and tweens! Loshak’s music comes across as honest and authentic, and it will connect with younger listeners too: lyrics like “Come and Get Me”: “I have a reason I have my mind/I make the most of what I find”; and title track “So Bright”: “My sun is rising/Up to the sky/The Earth has never been so bright.” One album highlight is Loshak’s cover of Justin Roberts’ lullaby “All for You,” which she delivers with exquisite sensitivity, and now it feels transformed into an awesome mothering anthem.
Come on out to Loshak’s So Bright release concert on Saturday, November 16 at 8 p.m. at the Mountain View Studio, located at 20 Mountain View Avenue in Woodstock. Make it a date night, ladies’ night or a teen/tween Mom-and-daughter night. For more information about Loshak and to hear the first song on the album, visit www.rachelloshak.com.
Gustafer Yellowgold performance at the Falcon in Marlboro
On Sunday, November 17, enjoy brunch at the Falcon in Marlboro from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while experiencing a wonderful multimedia performance of Gustafer Yellowgold by Morgan Taylor, who created this unusual and delightful character and storyline. Taylor is also Rachel Loshak’s husband. Loshak performs during that same block as well.
The musical cover charge for this great family outing is by donation. The Falcon is located at 1348 Route 9W in Marlboro. For reservations or information, call (845) 236-7970 or visit www.liveatthefalcon.com. To learn more about the musicians, visit www.gustaferyellowgold.com and www.rachelloshak.com.
Ballroom dance classes (with childcare) in Beacon
On Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can take a beginner ballroom dance class, complete with childcare! This series of four classes takes place from November 15 to December 13 and includes the foxtrot and the East Coast swing. Participants must bring their own partners, and the cost is $100 per couple – plus $5 per child per session for childcare, which I think is a brilliant add-on to offer for families.
The Ballet Arts Studio is located at 107 Teller Avenue in Beacon. For more information or to register, call (845) 831-1870 or visit www.balletartsstudio.com.
Gifted child workshop in Woodstock & New Paltz
How do parents support a child with endless energy and interests? How do they keep their curious child challenged? How do parents encourage quality in their child’s schoolwork without exacerbating their perfectionism? These are some of the questions that will be answered at the free parenting workshop “Don’t Let Your Smart Child Outsmart You” with Dr. Susan Paynter, who will help parents better understand what motivates their gifted child.
The workshop is offered on two dates in two towns: Tuesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. at the Woodstock Community Center, located at 56 Rock City Road in Woodstock; and on Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m. at the Sojourner Truth Schoolhouse, located at 62 Plains Road in New Paltz. For more information, e-mail giftedhelp@gmail.com or visit www.potential2action.com.
One Book/One New Paltz takes on Toni Morrison’s Home
One Book/One New Paltz week takes place from November 17 through 24. The week includes a variety of discussions and activities around this year’s selection: Home, by Toni Morrison. If it has been a while since you read something other than The Cat in the Hat with little ones or SAT review books for the older set, this is worth looking into.
For a complete list of events or for more information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/onebookonenewpaltz.
Erica Chase-Salerno wishes Mary Chase a very happy birthday: Love you, Mom! Erica 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! 
