“What we do is subtle, mysterious, magical. We can be kind, gentle, soft, but not confused.”
– Barry Kantrowitz, 365 Meditations for Teachers
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
Stefan Bolz book-signing at Inquiring Minds in New Paltz
You’ve seen my review and mentions of Stefan Bolz’s book The Three Feathers, as well as his writing prompts in my June Kids’ Almanac columns. Now you can see him in person at the first public reading and signing of his new book, The Fourth Sage. Get a glimpse of the world of 15-year-old Aries, who lives in a world run by corporations, and how she comes dangerously close to uncovering the clandestine source of power for this empire.
Bolz’s event takes place on Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at Inquiring Minds, located at 6 Church Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-8300 or visit www.inquiringbooks.com. To learn more about the author, visit https://thethreefeathers.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival returns to Croton Point
Let’s say that you’re looking to attend an event that cool families go to. On the other hand, perhaps you steer clear of “cool” and want to be among grassroots activists who are passionate about the environment. Or maybe you love festivals with good music. This weekend’s Clearwater Festival hits all of these notes and more as it honors and celebrates all things Hudson River. It is the largest annual environmental celebration in the US!
Clearwater takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22; the gates open at 9 a.m. You can read on the festival website about the extensive children’s activities, accessibility supports and more, including tributes and background on the Clearwater movement’s founder, Pete Seeger, along with his wife, Toshi Seeger, both of whom passed away since last year’s Clearwater Festival.
Tickets are available for day passes, weekend passes or weekend camping passes with discounts for Clearwater members, advance purchase, students, seniors and the disabled. Children age 12 and under get in free to the festival with an adult. Tickets may also be purchased for festival sails on the Sloop Clearwater and the Schooner Mystic Whaler.
The Clearwater Festival takes place at Croton Point Park, located at 1A Croton Point Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. For tickets or more information, call (877) 435-9849 or visit www.clearwaterfestival.org.
Klyne Esopus Museum in Ulster Park holds Strawberry Festival
Last week, I mentioned two Dutchess County strawberry festivals. Here’s one for you right in Ulster County: This Saturday, June 21 from 12 noon to 3 p.m., the Klyne Esopus Museum hosts a strawberry festival that features strawberry desserts to go with luncheon fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and beverages for $12 for adults, $8 for ages 4 through 10 and free for ages 3 and under. Tickets cost only $7 for dessert only, including a beverage. Attendees will hear live music, and the museum will be open for folks to check out the new exhibit “The First People of Esopus,” with real Native American artifacts.
The Klyne Esopus Museum is located at 764 Broadway in Ulster Park. For more information, call (845) 331-8109 or visit www.klyneesopusmuseum.us.
Fire & Ice with Mad Science & Tween Yoga
Our local libraries offer so much enrichment for children in our community, and a number of them have summer reading kickoff programs, as well as classes and workshops throughout the summer. Registration takes place now for many of these special opportunities, including great stuff for tweens and teens who may have aged out of the camps that they’ve attended for years.
Have you heard about the Gardiner Library’s Tween/Teen Yoga or Zumba summer classes? Or the Kingston Library’s Fire and Ice presentation with Mad Science and party this Saturday, June 21 at 1 p.m.? Visit https://gardinerlibrary.org or www.kingstonlibrary.org for more information about these events, or the website to the library nearest you. Summer is an exciting time to connect with our libraries!
Children’s Play Day at Clermont in Germantown
For those of you who are interested in taking your family to a local historic site but unsure about how your kids will fare in the museumlike environment, I’m pleased to report that Clermont hosts children’s events throughout the year, including this weekend’s Children’s Play Day. On Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can learn about the lives of children 200 years ago by trying on period-style clothing, playing traditional games and more.
This program is geared for children ages 6 to 12 years and is free to all. Please note that there is a weekend vehicle fee, as well as a separate fee for house tours: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students and free for children age 12 and under.
Clermont is located at the intersection of Route 9G and Columbia County Route 6 in Germantown. For more information, call (518) 537-6622 or visit www.friendsofclermont.org.
Young Ladies’ Tea at Young Ladies’ Tea in Campbell Hall
Finger sandwiches, cold herbal tea with mint and other goodies, along with traditional games of stilts, croquet and hoops with sticks, all on the front lawn at historic Hill-Hold Museum sound like the perfect way to begin summer to me! Round up your favorite hat and tea companion for the Young Ladies’ Tea this Saturday, June 21 at 11 a.m. at Hill-Hold. The cost is $15 per person, and advance reservations are required.
Hill-Hold Museum is located at 128 Route 416 in Campbell Hall. For more information, call (845) 291-2404 or visit www.hillholdandbrickhouse.org.
Join the family! 
