Before the season opens, the league has two remaining introductory workshops for parents and participants interested in the program, on Sunday, February 23 and Sunday, March 2 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Marlboro Middle School Gym, located at 1375 Route 9W in Marlboro: “The goal of the workshops is to promote interest in the program, provide parents with a broader overview of the program, work on some basic skills and fundamentals with the children and conclude each session with a game much like would be played outdoors in the spring.”
Preregistration is not required, but please e-mail Heather Nikola at heather.nikola@gmail.com if you would like to participate or for more information. Note: “We are going to need someone to step up and assume the role of coach for the Buddy-Ball team this season. The founder and charter director of the Buddy-Ball program for Marlboro Youth, Heather Nikola, is expecting her second child this spring. Heather will stay on as director and handle the administrative responsibilities, but needs someone to be the ‘coach.’ For more information, anyone interested in assuming this role may contact Heather by e-mail or speak with her in person at one of the upcoming workshops.”
For more information about Buddy-Ball, visit https://marlboro.baberuthonline.com. Playyyyyyyyy ball!
Youth Mental Health First Aid
I think that this program will change – and even save – lives. Imagine how much more help can be made available to our youth experiencing invisible struggles and challenges. “A youth you know could be experiencing a mental illness or a crisis. You can help them!”
Here’s how: “Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a five-step action plan to offer help to youth showing signs and symptoms of mental illness or crisis, and to connect them with appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help.” This eight-hour certification course is open to all: first responders, teachers, students, leaders, professionals and everyday citizens.
The cost is $75 and includes dinner, but seating is limited. Some scholarships are available. Sessions take place on Wednesdays, February 26 and March 5, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Ramapo Catskill Library System, located at 619 Route 17M in Middletown. To register or for more information, call (845) 343-8100, extension 6654, or visit www.voicesunited4change.org.
Magic show at Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
Audiences of all ages love magician Margaret Steele, and she’s back this weekend. Her performance takes place on Saturday, February 22 at 11 a.m. at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Tickets cost $7 for children, $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 https://centerforperformingarts.org. To learn more about the performer, visit www.margaretsteele.com.
Nature Theater of Oklahoma at Bard College
I’ll be honest: I am just intrigued by the Nature Theater of Oklahoma. It seems funky. It’s slated to perform Romeo and Juliet at Bard College this weekend on Friday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a discussion with the artists; Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for Bard students, $25 for everyone else.
On Saturday, February 22 at 2 p.m., join the Nature Theater of Oklahoma for the premiere US screening of Nature Theater of Oklahoma: the Movie! Admission to this film is free, but reservations are required:
“An intimate look into Nature Theater’s process and company dynamic, this epic documentary tracks their unprecedented 21-day takeover of the Hebbel Theater in Berlin in the summer of 2013. Nature Theater leaders Pavol Liska and Kelly Copper narrate this personal diary/video essay about grand ambition, grand sacrifice and the struggle and reward of forging an artistic life.”
Bard College is located in Annandale-on-Hudson. For performance tickets, film reservations or more information, call (845) 758-7900 or visit https://fishercenter.bard.edu. To learn more about the performers, visit www.oktheater.org.
Women’s Studio Workshop’s Chili Bowl Fiesta in Rosendale
The 17th annual Chili Bowl Fiesta is here. I know that many of you are regulars, but here’s a refresher for anyone who needs it: It takes place on Saturday, February 22 at the Rosendale Recreation Center. Early admission is available for $5 from 2 to 4 p.m., which means that you get first pick of the amazing array of handmade bowls, which are then filled with your choice of chili, including vegetarian and meat options. Admission is free from 4 to 7 p.m.
The featured live entertainment is the awesome band Dog on Fleas, who just released their eighth album, Buy One Get One Flea: “Buy One Get One Flea is an adventurous romp into the hinterlands and beyond. Mostly recorded with piano, bass and drums, and some very energetic singing, this album also features a few songs recorded with the Backyard Dorkestra, a ragtag band with bassoon, piccolo, accordion, flugelhorn, sax, trombone, violin and kazoos.” Dog on Fleas performs between 4 and 7 p.m.
This annual event supports the program of the Women’s Studio Workshop. The Rosendale Recreation Center is located at 1055 Route 32 in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 658-9133 or visit www.wsworkshop.org. To learn more about the musicians, visit www.dogonfleas.com.
Join the family! 
