“One may turn the handle, open the door and pass through into a larger life space.”
– Robert Fulghum
Hire a student via new SUNY-New Paltz webpage
Don’t you wish that you could just snap your fingers and suddenly a helping hand would appear to provide childcare or housework or errands? Well, SUNY-New Paltz makes it easy to do – but instead of a snap, it’s just a click! Follow this link, https://newpaltz.studentemployment.ngwebsolutions.com, and create your job description and pay rate, and interested college students find your listing and reply. It’s simple to do, and it’s free!
Starting FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Thomas the Tank Engine visits Catskill Mountain Railroad
Well, bust my buffers! Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Kingston! Round up your preschoolers for a Day Out with Thomas experience: Take a 25-minute ride on a full-sized Thomas engine; meet railway controller Sir Topham Hatt; enjoy themed storytelling; create arts and crafts; and more.
A Day Out with Thomas takes place at the Catskill Mountain Railroad on September 5, 6 and 7 and September 12, 13 and 14 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are required for ages 2 and up for $19 each, and are reserved for specific times. Score a $2 discount per ticket by using promo code MOMS.
The Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Westbrook Station is located in Kingston Plaza at 149 Aaron Court in Kingston. For tickets or more information, call (845) 688-7480 or (866) 468-7630 or visit https://catskillmtrailroad.com or www.ticketweb.com/dowt.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Hudson River Valley Ramble offers family-friendly weekend hikes
This weekend is the kickoff for the annual Hudson River Valley Ramble, which means extra-special events and activities planned throughout the entire Hudson Valley all month long.
This Saturday, September 6, how about bringing your crew to the Walk and Wade at 1 p.m. at the Esopus Meadows Preserve? Enjoy a moderate one-hour hike, followed by seining in the Hudson River. It’s so much fun to see what you get in that large net! Participants will also learn how the river gets ready for winter, and the changing water quality of the Hudson. This program is free and open to all ages. The Esopus Meadows Preserve is located at 257 River Road in Ulster Park. For more information, call (845) 265-8080, extension 7106, contact eli@clearwater.org or visit www.clearwater.org.
Or take advantage of the free grounds admission at Boscobel every Saturday this month between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and hike the Woodland Trail of Discovery. Ask for a nature sheet for the kids, enjoy an audio tour and tour gardens and grounds. Bring a picnic! Boscobel is located at 1601 Route 9D in Garrison. For more information, call (845) 265-3638 or visit www.boscobel.org. To learn more about the Hudson River Valley Ramble or to find additional events, visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com.
Vassar Hospital offers Babysitting Preparedness course
What a great idea, to include expecting parents and grandparents in a Babysitting Preparedness course! Here are the skills that participants will learn on Saturday, September 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie: basic first aid, pediatric CPR, diapering, feeding and safety in the home. For caregivers looking to build their businesses, the class also includes tips on setting up a babysitting business. This course grants two-year certification upon completion, and the cost is $45 per person.
Vassar Brothers Hospital is located at 45 Reade Place in Poughkeepsie. For more information or to register, call (845) 475-9742 or visit www.health-quest.org/vbmc.
Columbia-Greene Community College hosts Battle of the Books
Local chef/owner Erica Malkuch of Yum Yum Noodle Bar won her episode of Cutthroat Kitchen. But who will win this summer’s Battle of the Books at Columbia-Greene Community College? On Saturday, September 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 300 student competitors in grades six through nine from more than 20 mid-Hudson libraries will compete in teams by answering trivia questions about books that all participants have read, such as, “Peter rolled a seven on his first turn in which book?”
This event is free. Columbia-Greene Community College is located at 4400 Route 23 in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 822-2027 or visit www.sunycgcc.edu. To learn more about Battle of the Books, visit www.battleofthebooks.org.
Hudson Valley Walk to Solve Kids’ Cancer in Highland
Adams Fairacre Farms has teamed up with Solving Kids’ Cancer to present the first Hudson Valley Walk to Solve Kids’ Cancer on Saturday, September 6. The two-mile walk will begin at Tony Williams Field in Highland and continue along the beautiful Hudson Valley Rail Trail.
Last September, two mothers, Jennifer Noll and Alethea Ramirez, raised more than $20,000 in 30 days for childhood cancer research. During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Poughkeepsie natives launched their campaign with their employer Adams Fairacre Farms, collecting donations at checkout lanes at all four store locations in the Hudson Valley. The funds raised supported the launch of a novel clinical trial for children battling neuroblastoma, one of the deadliest childhood cancers.
This year, the two Moms hope to raise just as much money, if not more, to fund another clinical trial. “We will not stop raising money until we completely wipe out these cancers. Jen and I truly believe in the Solving Kids’ Cancer motto that ‘Every kid deserves to grow up,’” said Ramirez.
Registration for the walk will cost $5 for individuals, $10 per family; children under age 4 can participate for free. Participants may register for the walk and also fundraise for childhood cancer research by going to www.crowdrise.com/hudsonrivervalleywalk2014. On-site registration will be available the day of the event from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The walk will begin at 10 a.m., and closing ceremonies will be held at 12 noon.
Join the family! 
