Family-friendly music events
We live in an area with such terrific musical offerings. Here are three to look for this weekend:
Kleio Quartet at Morton Memorial Library in Rhinebeck
The Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society presents a free family concert by the Kleio Quartet on Saturday, January 25 at 2 p.m. at the Morton Memorial Library: “The Kleio Quartet will introduce children to the music of Beethoven, Janácek and Verdi. There will be wonderful music and exciting interplay with the musicians as they perform and demonstrate their instruments.”
The Morton Memorial Library is located at 82 Kelly Street in Rhinecliff. For more information, call (845) 876-2903 or visit https://morton.rhinecliff.lib.ny.us. To learn more about the Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society, visit https://rhinebeckmusic.org.
MUSET Homeschool Orchestra concert in Lake Katrine
The MUSET Homeschool Orchestra presents its annual winter concert on Sunday, January 26 at 5 p.m. at the Fountain of Life Church. All works are arranged and composed by orchestra members: “This season we are trying something new and original – ‘Duets for Dueling Orchestras’ – in which we split our group in two and play simultaneously with two separate conductors.”
The concert is free, but donations are gratefully accepted, and attendees are invited to stay for refreshments afterwards. The Fountain of Life Church is located at 71 Old Kings Highway in Lake Katrine. For more information about MUSET or the performance, e-mail muset@earthlink.net.
Rachel Loshak performs at Woodstock’s Kleinert – and online
Singer, songwriter and bass player Rachel Loshak performs on Wednesday, January 29 at 9 p.m., and you can hear it anywhere that you have Web access! Loshak’s live house concert is a pay-what-you-can ticket price ($35 is the suggested price). Now you can hear her great music such as her latest album, So Bright, without leaving home! And if you want an in-person live concert, save February 16, when Loshak performs with husband Morgan Taylor at the Kleinert/James Arts Center in Woodstock.
For more information about the artist or these performances, visit www.facebook.com/rachelloshakmusic.
Lego Movie preview events at Barnes & Noble in Kingston & Poughkeepsie
My kids are already quoting the new Lego Movie trailers and can’t wait to see it! Until the new Lego Movie “assembles” on February 7, Barnes and Noble invites fans to its children’s Lego events on Saturday, January 25: at 10 a.m. in Poughkeepsie and at 11 a.m. in Kingston. There will be activities, fun and surprises for all who attend. Due to limited space and giveaways, preregistration is encouraged.
The Poughkeepsie Barnes and Noble is located 2518 South Road; (845) 485-2224. The Kingston Barnes and Noble is located at 1177 Ulster Avenue in Ulster Plaza; (845) 336-0590. To learn more about the film, visit www.thelegomovie.com.
Snapology & other classes at Highland Cultural Arts Center
When I think Lego, I think Snapology of the Mid-Hudson Valley, which happens to have Lego Minecraft workshops scheduled at the Highland Cultural Arts Center on January 25 and February 17! Check out the Center’s other classes as well, such as yoga on Mondays, ballet on Fridays and the new art class on Thursdays.
The Highland Cultural Arts Center is located at 437 New Paltz Road in Highland. For more information about Snapology and other classes, call (845) 706-5748 or visit www.highlandculturalartsstudio.com.
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi touts Baby Bumps book in Poughkeepsie
For any “Snooki” fans, you will want to head over to the Poughkeepsie Barnes and Noble at 2518 South Road for her author event on Saturday, January 25 at 2 p.m. Join Marlboro grad and Jersey Shore alum Nicole Polizzi as she presents Baby Bumps: From Party Girl to Proud Mama, and All the Messy Milestones along the Way. For more information, call (845) 485-2224 or visit www.barnesandnoble.com.
Robinson’s Wildlife Lecture at Plattekill Library in Modena
I have heard such positive reviews of Robinson’s Wildlife Lectures, and they seem to be everywhere lately! This week, your family can catch him at the Plattekill Library on Thursday, January 30 at 6 p.m. for his live animal presentation.
The Plattekill Library is located at 2047 Route 32 in Modena. For more information, call (845) 883-7286 or visit https://plattekill.lib.ny.us. To learn more about the presenters, visit www.robinsonswildlifelectures.com.
Early registrations
Here are some events to register for, before you miss out!
Social Skills Group for Adolescents with Asperger’s syndrome: seventh- through 11th-graders, Thursdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m., $100; ten-week session begins February 6, SUNY New Paltz Speech and Hearing Center, 1 Hawk Drive, HUM 14A in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 257-3600 or e-mail bowerw@newpaltz.edu.
Math & Science Matter…Especially for Young Women: fifth- through eight-graders, speaker plus three workshops held hourly on Saturday, March 1, 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., $10 registration fee for students, parent workshops are free; Dutchess County Community College, 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie. Online preregistration is required. For more information or to register, call (845) 431-8545, e-mail zito@sunydutchess.edu or visit www.sunydutchess.edu/msm.
Morton Memorial Library & Community House fifth annual Talent Show: Any and all types of creative expression, “especially the odd and quirky,” are welcomed and embraced. The registration deadline is February 1; the event takes place on Friday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at Morton Memorial Library & Community House, 82 Kelly Street in Rhinecliff. For more information or to register, call (845) 876-2903 or visit https://morton.rhinecliff.lib.ny.us.
Youth softball and baseball registration is taking place now in many area towns for the spring season. I mention this because when we first started, I had no idea that registration takes place so early. Most leagues run from age 4 to age 15. For more information, do a search with your town, along with the terms Little League or Babe Ruth.
Erica Chase-Salerno can finally hold a 90 second plank! She lives in New Paltz with her husband Mike and their two children: the inspirations behind www.hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
