“I truly believe that we create our own luck.”
– Charles R. Smith, Jr.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Stone Ridge Library screens The Boxtrolls
The Stone Ridge Library has great programming for all ages, especially for grades four and up. This Friday, February 20, see a screening for all ages of The Boxtrolls (PG) from 3:30 to 5 p.m. On Monday, February 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., it’s “The Art of Origami” for grades four and up. And I wish that there were an adult version of Readers’ Theater for grades four and up, hamming it up with scripts brought to life without memorization or props: These gatherings take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. beginning Monday, March 2.
The Stone Ridge Library is located at 3700 Main Street in Stone Ridge. For more information or to register for any youth programming, call (845) 687-2044, e-mail julimuth@aol.com or visit https://stoneridgelibrary.org.
Student Story Slam at Taste Budd’s in Red Hook
Writers require venues to read their work, especially young people starting out. That’s why I’m so excited about this Student Story Slam. On Friday, February 20 from 7 to 9 p.m., middle and high school emerging writers, lyricists and poets are invited to share their words at Taste Budd’s Café, located at 40 Market Street in Red Hook. For more information or to sign up to speak, e-mail storytellers@tastebudds.com.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Volunteer signup brunch at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park in Beacon
Looking for a chance to learn more about the work of Scenic Hudson? Wanting to find ways for your family or group to volunteer with this organization? On Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, join Scenic Hudson’s Learn and Serve Open House at the River Center at Long Dock Park. Enjoy a light brunch while becoming more familiar with Scenic Hudson’s education and volunteer program.
Long Dock Park is located on Long Dock Road, near the Beacon train station, in Beacon. For more information or to register for the brunch, call (845) 473-4440, extension 273, or visit www.scenichudson.org/events.
Authors Charles R. Smith, Jr. & Gayle Forman at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck
Take a look at the young people’s events happening at Oblong Books and Music this weekend! On Saturday, February 21 at 4 p.m., Oblong features Charles R. Smith, Jr.’s books in Celebrating Black History Month for Kids ages 4 to 10 years: 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World, with profiles of people who have made a difference; and Brick by Brick, a story about building the White House, including slave labor. Then on Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. for ages 12 to adult, the Hudson Valley YA Society presents Gayle Forman and I Was Here, along with Coe Booth and Bronxwood and Jennifer E. Smith and The Geography of You and Me.
Oblong Books and Music is located at 6422 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck. For more information or to register for either event, call (845) 876-0500, e-mail rsvp@oblongbooks.com. To learn more about the authors, visit www.charlesrsmithjr.com and https://gayleforman.com.
Try Hockey for Free Day at Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties
Embrace your children’s love of winter with an introduction to hockey. Saturday, February 21 is Try Hockey for Free Day for children ages 4 to 9 across the US, and locally at the Kiwanis Ice Arena, located at 6 Small World Drive in Saugerties. Start time is 8:15 a.m. For more information or to register, e-mail djmatthews8@aol.com or visit https://tryhockeyforfree.com.
Fire science program at FASNY Museum of Firefighting in Hudson
Give your children ages 5 and up a chance to learn about the science of fire with Professor Sparks and her robotic canine, Spot 2000, at the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Museum of Firefighting. On Saturday, February 21 at 10:30 a.m., Professor Sparks offers hands-on learning in a program full of new surprises. Stay for a while afterwards to explore the museum, including the hands-on activities, a fire rescue course and more.
Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for children 3 and older, a $20 family rate for two adults and two children and free for museum members and children under 3. Good news to residents of Columbia County: You are admitted to the museum free on this date, with proof of residency!
The FASNY Museum of Firefighting is located at 117 Harry Howard Avenue in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 822-1875 or visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com.
Join the family! 
