Saugerties Ballet Center hosts Fezziwig Festival
I am hearing some serious buzz about the Ulster Ballet Company’s December performances of A Christmas Carol. Want a little bit of a teaser? Plus, these sneak peeks will support the Company’s production of the show. On Saturday, November 8 (rain date November 9) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., head over to the family-friendly Fezziwig Festival. Highlights include raffle baskets, balloons, face-painting, carolers, craft vendors and musical and dance performances throughout the day.
Fezziwig takes place at the Saugerties Ballet Center, located at 10 First Street in Saugerties. For more information, call (845) 246-4316 or visit https://ulsterballet.org.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Grenadilla’s live video shoot at Woodstock’s Colony Café
More than just a performance by the terrific local band Grenadilla, this weekend’s family music concert is an entire event! On Sunday, November 9 at 2 p.m. at the Colony Café, Grenadilla, headed up by Debbie Lan, is shooting a live video, and they want you and your kids to be there! No admission, just fun, with activities such as face-painting, a henna artist and raffles.
The Colony Café is located at 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock. For more information, visit https://grenadillasings.com, where you can also snag a free download of “My Darling One.”
Railroad Exposition returns to Poughkeepsie’s Civic Center
I saw some Thomas the Tank Engine characters in the New Paltz Halloween parade last weekend, and I know that some families are planning to start or add to their train sets for the holidays. So how about going big and heading over to the 43rd annual Railroad Exposition this Sunday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center? See model train layouts, a model train flea market, hands-on operating layouts and slot-car tracks for children to try. Admission costs $5 for adults, $2 for children under 12, and proceeds benefit the historic Hyde Park Railroad Station Museum.
The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is located at 14 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 297-0901 or visit www.midhudsonciviccenter.org or www.hydeparkstation.com.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Simplifying the Holiday Season workshop at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School in New Paltz
The December holidays are practically around the corner, with Bodhi Day on December 8, Hanukkah at sundown on December 17, the Winter Solstice on December 21, Christmas on December 25 and Kwanzaa on December 26. Need some help navigating through commercial noise accompanying the holiday season? On Monday, November 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, join Meredith Johnson in a free Simplicity Parenting Workshop: Simplifying the Holiday Season. Meredith explains: “We’ll explore ways to dial down our children’s expectations of material goods, and dial up their expectations of connection and adventure. Want to raise your children in the spirit of gratitude, not entitlement? This workshop will offer inspiration and practical info to help parents create a simple, wonder-filled holiday season that their children will always carry with them.”
This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is required. The Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is located at 16 South Chestnut Street in New Paltz. For more information or to register, call (845) 255-0033, extension 400, or visit www.facebook.com/events/290087377856783.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney visits Bulkeley Middle School in Rhinebeck
If you are familiar with the Cheese Touch (an affliction designating one as an outcast, similar to “cooties” taunts) and how to prevent it (crossing fingers), then you must be a Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan. Good news for you: Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney is coming to town! On Wednesday, November 12 at the Bulkeley Middle School, meet Kinney and get the latest book in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid #9: The Long Haul. Tickets are required for admission. The cost is $16 and includes a copy of the book, with additional Wimpy Kid title options for additional tickets.
Entry times range between 6:30 and 8 p.m. and will be e-mailed to ticketholders prior to the event. The Bulkeley Middle School is located at 45 North Park Road in Rhinebeck. For tickets or more information, call (845) 876-0500 or visit www.oblongbooks.com/wimpykid.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Fair Trade Bazaar at Vassar’s Aula
Put your money where your heart is by shopping at the annual Fair Trade Bazaar at the Aula in Ely Hall at Vassar College. This event takes place on Saturday, November 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your family to shop for handcrafted and unique gifts from around the world, as a gentle introduction to concepts of fair compensation for the creators of the items, or just to enjoy a non-harried shopping experience that feels good. Homemade treats with local and organic ingredients will be available, as well as live music, local vendors and non-profit organizations.
Vassar College is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 452-4013.
Saturday Writing Workshop at SUNY-New Paltz
Register now for Hudson Valley Writing Project’s Saturday Writing Workshop for students and their families. The session takes place on Saturday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Old Main Building at SUNY-New Paltz, next to the Studley Theatre, with classes for youth ages 7 to 18 and a separate class for parents. For students ages 7 to 9 and 10 to 12, choices include “Yoga Story” and “A World of Color”; ages 13 to 15 and 16 to 18 have “Adding Richness to Writing” and “The Magical Memoir.” Parents will take “Writing from plenty.” The cost is $25 for the student workshop, $35 for parent and student.
SUNY-New Paltz is located at 1 Hawk Drive in New Paltz. For more information or to register, call (845) 257-2836 or e-mail hvwp@newpaltz.edu.
Erica Chase-Salerno wishes to say “Thank You” to all US veterans. She and her husband Mike live in New Paltz with their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
