“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.”
– Maya Angelou
Local kids make their New Year’s wishes & resolutions
“To drink less chocolate milk.” – Nathaniel Martindale, age 8, Woodstock
“I hope to visit Japan.” – Fushu Berenzy, age 12, Olivebridge
“To learn more about science!” – Conan Kelley, age 9, Saugerties
“To become more popular on Roblox.” – Dennis Kelley, age 9, Saugerties
“I wish every day felt like my birthday.” – Sabine Harvey, age 5, Kingston
“I wish to see a ghost!” – Iggy Harvey, almost 3, Kingston
“For people to stop trying to break Mother Earth (i.e. fracking, drilling, polluting).” – Urzuly Pineda, age 6, Poughkeepsie
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
Terrarium workshop at Olana
During this cold, dormant season, bring life into your home with a terrarium! On Friday, January 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, the New York State Historic Site Olana hosts a terrarium workshop at the Wagon House Education Center. The cost of the workshop is $15 per person, and children are encouraged to attend.
Olana is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For more information or to register, call (518) 828-0135 or visit www.olana.org.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3
Frozen characters hold court at Poughkeepsie Galleria
I never saw it coming, but one day in the car, my daughter faltered while singing along with the Frozen soundtrack. She hadn’t listened to it in a while, and she had simply forgotten the lyrics. I didn’t think that was possible, considering how well-worn that CD is! Time passes, she’s growing up, and I delight in the enchantment, courage and strength that she experiences through Frozen, which she watched again to help bring the words back.
This weekend, kids can meet Frozen characters Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. On Saturday, January 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., children can get photos with and autographs from these celebrated stars, along with princesses Cinderella and Belle. Photo packages begin at $5, and $2 of every purchase supports Sparrow’s Nest, a charity that provides meals to local families whose Moms have cancer.
Remember to get there early, since the line will be cut off 90 minutes before closing to accommodate everyone. Children dressed as their favorite character will receive a free sticker set!
The Poughkeepsie Galleria is located at 2001 South Road in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 297-7600 or visit www.poughkeepsiegalleriamall.com or on Facebook. To learn more about the amazing work of Sparrow’s Nest, visit www.sparrowsnestcharity.com.
John Burroughs Society leads bird walks in New Paltz and Woodstock
So my friend Thalia says, “I know what you mean about how frustrating it is to go birdwatching and not know what you’re hearing or looking at. That’s why you should go on birdwatching outings with experienced birders, so you can pick it up.” Suddenly, I got it! Why did I think that bird excursions were only for people who knew what they were doing? I’ve always felt welcome whenever I’ve joined an outing, but I thought that everyone was just tolerating me. I didn’t realize this is actually how it works!
This Saturday is the John Burroughs Natural History Society’s first field trip of the year. On Saturday, January 3 at 8 a.m., meet at the municipal parking lot off Huguenot Street in New Paltz to carpool with the group led by Christine Guarino for viewing Wallkill Valley raptors. On Sunday, January 4 at 8 a.m., Mark DeDea leads the Thorn Preserve winter bird walk, located at 55 John Joy Road in Woodstock.
These field trips are free and open to the public of all ages, but not pets. Registration is appreciated, and contact should be made directly with the respective trip leader: Christine Guarino at chrissy.guarino@gmail.com; Mark DeDea at forsythnature@aol.com or (845) 339-1277. For more information about the John Burroughs Natural History Society or other field trips for 2015, visit https://jbnhs.org.
Join the family! 
