“I want to do it because I want to do it.”
– Amelia Earhart
Visit Gomez Mill House
I discovered the Gomez Mill House in Marlboro thanks to Almanac Weekly editor Julie O’Connor, and now I want to tell the world about this wonderful place. Wish that you could visit a historic site that ties together a range of historic periods rather than just one particular era? Looking for a manageable and picturesque historical experience where you can spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an entire afternoon visiting? Then head to the Gomez Mill House. This is a great year to visit: It’s the 300th anniversary of the house!
The story begins with Luís Moses Gomez, whose Jewish family eventually made their way to the US from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. Gomez was a very successful businessman in New York City, and in his 50s, at the age that many of his peers would have expected to die, Gomez headed upriver, constructed a building and began trading with the local Native Americans – and you should visit to find out what happens next! With so many subsequent owners having their own notable roles in American history, the changes to the house and the land become even more fascinating. Go here, bring the family and take your own idyllic picture of the kids on the sweet bridge crossing the stream by the Mill.
This special spot is located at 11 Mill House Road, right off Route 9W, in Marlboro. Don’t use your GPS for this address; visit the website for precise directions. Admission is well-worth the $10 for adults 18 to 54 years, $7 for seniors 55+ and $4 for children 7 to 17 years; it’s free for children age 6 and under. For more information, call (845) 236-3126 or visit www.gomez.org.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
Project Identity at Bethel Woods
You like performances by dynamic, interesting, bold, smart creators. You wish more events like this took place during the week. And you like free. Then save the date for Project Identity’s Coffeehouse Performance at the Bethel Woods Event Gallery on Thursday, May 15: The doors open at 6 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30.
This evening is based on Project Identity’s workshops to inspire teen expression through creative arts. You’ll see and hear original music, poetry, dance, art; and the teen-produced ’zine will serve as the program.
Bethel Woods is located on Hurd Road in Bethel. For more information, call (866) 781-2922 or visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
Community Free Day at Dia:Beacon
I feel that if we’re lucky enough to live here in the Hudson Valley, we should visit the amazing modern art museum, Dia:Beacon. Just get there. Take it off your 2014 To Do list. And this Saturday, May 17 is a Community Free Day, which means that residents of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties are admitted free during their regular hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
I highly recommend taking a tour, whenever you do go, because it was such a fantastic gateway to understanding some of the works that I was seeing. Bring a lunch and picnic outside, or indulge in one of the tempting treats at the café after your visit.
Dia:Beacon is located at 3 Beekman Street in Beacon. For more information, call (845) 440-0100 or visit www.diaart.org.
Wildlife Show at Unison in New Paltz
The other day, my son was so excited to use his stealthy fox-walk that he learned at Wild Earth to get closer to some deer in our yard. But sometimes it’s nice to have the wildlife come to you! On Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m., Nicole Chillemi visits the Unison theater in New Paltz for a special Wildlife Show. Animal guests may include a fox, lizard, wallaby, tortoise and more.
Tickets at the door cost $14 general admission, $10 for members and $7 for children 12 and under; there is a $2 discount for tickets purchased in advance. Unison is located at 68 Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz. For tickets or more information, call (845) 255-1559 or visit https://unisonarts.org.
Wizard of Oz onstage at Kingston Library
I have drawn inspiration for years from good witch Glinda’s soul-stirring line from The Wizard of Oz, “You’ve always had the power, my dear. You’ve had it all along.” This weekend, you can give your kids a chance to experience the magic and fun of The Wizard of Oz at Kingston Library’s Super Saturday event. On Saturday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m., join the Hampstead Stage Company for an interactive performance of this timeless classic.
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0507 or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org. To learn more about the performers, visit https://hampsteadstage.org.
Join the family! 
