Spring Dual against Cystic Fibrosis in New Paltz
The Spring Dual against Cystic Fibrosis takes place in New Paltz this Saturday, April 26, including a Kids’ Dual for ages 8 and up. The individual/relay event at 8:30 a.m. consists of a two-mile run, a 12-mile bike ride and another two-mile run. The Kids’ Dual at 10:30 a.m. includes a half-mile run, a two-mile bike ride and a half-mile run. Children ages 2 to 7 years and up can participate in a free Kids’ Fun Run at 11:15 a.m., with no registration required.
For more information or to register, visit www.active.com/new-paltz-ny/duathlon/races/spring-dual-against-cf-2014.
Love Your Park community bike ride in Kingston
This Saturday marks Kingston’s first annual Love Your Park community bike ride. Both loops begin and end at the Kingston Point Beach Pavilion, concluding at approximately 4 p.m. The 16-mile loop adventure ride begins at 1 p.m., with views of each of Kingston’s parks; and the three-mile family ride runs to T. R. Gallo Park and back. Refreshments and a free raffle will be provided.
Preregistration is available at https://ci.kingston.ny.us/bikeride and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call (845) 481-7338.
Spring Family Fest in Rosendale
Clear your calendars, because Grenadilla and Ratboy, Jr. are performing on Saturday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. These family bands make great music (I hope that Grenadilla sings “Peace Will Come!”) – the perfect way to spend your afternoon – but your attendance also helps to support the fundraising efforts to create a shade cover for the Rosendale Street Festival Family Stage. The suggested donation is $10 per family.
The Spring Family Fest takes place at Willow Kiln Park in Rosendale, behind the Rosendale Theatre on Main Street. To learn more about the bands, visit https://grenadillasings.com and www.ratboyjr.com.
Family Day at Vassar
Looking for a family-friendly art event? You’ll be interested in Family Day at Vassar College this Saturday, April 26 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., geared for children ages 5 through 10. Participants can explore the galleries of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center and join in special artmaking activities such as making sun prints in the sculpture garden and kid-friendly tours that focus on how artists have used daylight, moonlight and artificial light through the centuries. No registration is required; just drop in.
This event is free and is inspired by the Center’s spring exhibition, “Mastering Light: From the Natural to the Artificial.” Vassar College is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 437-5632 or visit https://fllac.vassar.edu.
Sights and Sounds of Africa in Rhinebeck
African dance, drumming, storytelling, masks…it’s all part of this weekend’s Sights and Sounds of Africa event! This family-friendly gathering is free for all (but donations are accepted), and geared for children ages 6 to 12 years. Sights and Sounds of Africa takes place on Saturday, April 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah parish hall, located at 6436 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 389-7950.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
Opening Day at Gomez Mill House in Marlboro
Ever wonder what it would be like to stand in a 300-year-old house – and the oldest Jewish dwelling in North America? Be touched by history and head over to the Gomez Mill House this Sunday, April 27 for free admission on the opening day of the new season: the 300th anniversary of the house! Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 and 2:45 p.m.
The Gomez Mill House is located on Mill House Road in Marlboro; see the website for detailed directions due to GPS error in locating the site. For more information, call (845) 236-3126 or visit www.gomez.org.
Gustafer Yellowgold visits Mountaintop School in Saugerties
If you happen to know any Gustafer Yellowgold fans – which in my experience are any folks who have ever heard his music – then you will appreciate how special this event is. If you have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing Gustafer Yellowgold, you are in for a real treat. On Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, “Gustafer Goes to Mountaintop School.”
Being from the Sun, Gustafer is unfamiliar with school inspired by Waldorf education here on Earth. But he loves to hear stories, play with his friends and explore the woods, so he’s coming to visit. Artist/songwriter and creator of Gustafer Morgan Taylor will perform; kids will make felt Sunpods (Gustafer’s transportation from the Sun to the Earth); and homemade Gustafer cookies will be available. Admission costs $5.
The Mountaintop School is located at 68 Band Camp Road in Saugerties. For more information, call (845) 389-7322 or visit https://mountaintopschool.com. To learn more about this wonderful being from the Sun, visit https://gustaferyellowgold.com.
Death Café at Rosendale’s Sky Lake Lodge
This past fall, Violet Snow did a piece in the Woodstock Times about the Death Café: www.ulsterpub.wpengine.com/2013/11/03/life-at-the-death-cafe. This topic feels important to me, and so I share it with you here.
The next Death Café takes place on Sunday, April 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sky Lake Lodge. Participants are invited to have some coffee or tea and a piece of cake, and in a relaxed, safe environment, increase your awareness of attitudes about dying and death with a view toward living the best life possible. The event is free, but donations are welcomed to support future Death Café gatherings. Space is limited, so interested participants are encouraged to reserve a spot via phone or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cfdhv.
The Sky Lake Lodge is located at 22 Hillcrest Lane in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 802-0970.
Family Arts Day at FiberFlame in Saugerties, WSA & Rock Academy in Woodstock
The 212 Arts Alliance announces Family Arts Day on Sunday, April 27 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. The “212” refers to Route 212, and the Alliance is the collaboration of three great places to make music and art: FiberFlame Studio, the Woodstock School of Art and the Rock Academy. This event is a chance to experience what each spot has to offer, with a grand finale concert by young people at the Rock Academy. Bring the kids and come play, with special events all day: 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Fiber Flame, 1776 Route 212 in Saugerties; 2 to 4 p.m. at the Woodstock School of Art, 2470 Route 212 in Woodstock; and 4 to 6 p.m. at the Rock Academy, 1293 Route 212 in Saugerties.
For more information, call (845) 679-2388. To learn more about each partner, visit www.fiberflamestudio.com, ulsterpub.staging.wpengineschoolofart.org and www.rockacademy.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 28
Hyde Park Station hosts Lincoln Ghost Train Night
It’s Lincoln Ghost Train Night at the Hyde Park Station this Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. Learn more about the spooky history of the ghost train of the Hudson Valley. One idea is to arrive early with a picnic dinner on the lawn of the Vanderbilt Mansion next door, then head over to the station for the evening event.
Hyde Park Station is located at 34 River Road in Hyde Park. For more information, visit https://www.hydeparkstation.com.
All-ages writing prompt
by April prompt contributor Grady Kane-Horrigan
Prompt: “As I pulled open the front door, the harsh knocking ceased, and there again stood the angry chicken.” Continue this story!
Bio: Grady Kane-Horrigan has never actually met an angry bird.
Remember to post your piece on the Almanac Weekly Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/almanac-weekly/287633831270607
Erica Chase-Salerno has learned how to use her sewing machine! Stay tuned for local sewing info in upcoming Kids’ Almanacs! Erica can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
