“Do not complain. Work harder. Spend more time alone.”
– Joan Didion, Blue Nights
Noteworthy
It just makes sense: our country’s only president with a disability inspires accessibility at his own museum, through language! The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum announces a bilingual audio description in Spanish and English for visually impaired visitors. The guide is available on-site using handheld Tour-Mate devices or to download from the Library’s website, all free of charge.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is located at 4079 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park. For more information, call (845) 486-7745 or visit www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Spring art & gardening workshops for kids at Kingston Library
Two sessions remain for the Kingston Library’s “In a Spring Garden” series. On Thursday, May 14 and Thursday, May 28 at 4:30 p.m., children ages 5 to 13 years are invited to create spring-themed art, and the last session is the creation of a community garden at the library. Registration is required for this free program, and it is open to all ages.
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information or to register, call (845) 331-0507, extension 7, or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Ulster Public Library in Kingston hosts Ukrainian Children’s Day
Ukrainian Children’s Day is an opportunity for families to experience Ukrainian culture right in Kingston. On Saturday, May 16 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Town of Ulster Library hosts hands-on activities, such as pysanky, the decorative eggs; vyshyvky, the intricate embroidery; and an interactive sharing of a traditional Ukrainian fairy tale. This program is free and open to the public.
The Town of Ulster Public Library is located at 860 Ulster Avenue in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 454-3222 or visit www.artsmidhudson.org.
Kingston Library present Motion Man
Regular readers of Kids’ Almanac and patrons of the Kingston Library know that Super Saturdays usually take place at 10:30 a.m., but not this weekend! On Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m., school-aged children are invited to see Motion Man, a performance by Jody Scalise. Scalise performs physical comedy, illusions, juggling and more. This event is free and open to the public.
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0507, extension 7, or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org. To learn more about the performer, visit www.jodyscalise.com.
Spring Planting Day at Kinderhook’s Katchkie Farm
Looking for ways to give your family gardening experience without the hassle of finding a cleared plot or having to know what you’re doing? Here’s one to check out: On Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., be a part of Spring Planting Day at Katchkie Farm! Families will plant seeds and harvest early spring vegetables before preparing a meal together.
Katchkie Farm is located at 745 Fischer Road in Kinderhook. All ages are welcome, and this event goes on rain or shine. Admission costs $10 per family. For more information or to register, call (518) 758-2170 or visit https://sylviacenterspd2015.eventbrite.com.
Open House at Slabsides in West Park
The John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary is one of my favorite spots to hike, but the cabin is usually closed. For a look at the interior beyond peeking through the windows, come to this weekend’s Slabsides Open House, and the cabin will be open! Stop by on Saturday, May 16 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to look around. At 12 noon, Maura Toomey, Vassar College Class of ‘15, presents The Journals of John Burroughs, a program about his writings, after having transcribed 22 of his 51 volumes.
The John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary is located at 261 Floyd Ackert Road in West Park. For more information, visit www.johnburroughsassociation.org.
Join the family! 
