“Woman to appear on new $10 bill which will be worth $7.80.”
– @SeanX3 (on Twitter.com)
New Paltz FootGolf
Ever notice that no matter how the kids’ soccer game went, afterwards all they want to do is stand far away and kick the ball really hard into the goal? Well, that’s exactly the driving force behind footgolf, and New Paltz FootGolf is the first accredited course in New York State! Here’s how the game works: Using your own soccerball or one rented on-site, you place it on the ground between two flags, and kick it toward the designated hole. Count up the number of kicks that it takes to get in, and record it on the footgolf tally sheet.
My daughter doesn’t care about scoring, but my son competed against each hole’s “par”: the number of kicks that an expert player would use to sink the ball in the hole. We played nine holes on the small Rail Trail Course, which you can play twice. Ages 16 and up can play on the 18-hole River Course, the holes of which are integrated into the regular golf course; but footgolf distances are much shorter than golf holes.
This game is perfect for parents looking to play something engaging, physical and outdoors with their families of all ages; retired soccer players who miss bending it like Beckham without having to run up and down a field; college students looking to spend time together doing something different; teens who want to try something new with their friends; and kids who are up for a game where no one is trying to kick their ball away! Due to New Paltz FootGolf’s excellent location right off of the Rail Trail and Huguenot Street, locals can even walk there! Despite its international popularity for years, I had never heard of footgolf before this month. Footgolf is establishing itself almost exclusively at golf courses, and is really starting to pick up here in the US as the number of golfers continues to decline. Not only does New Paltz FootGolf generate new patrons for the course, like my family of non-golfers, but current golfers are enjoying the game as well. New Paltz FootGolf is so accessible: All ages and levels are welcome to play. No special gear is required, and players wear sneakers (no cleats), but collared shirts and golflike attire are preferred.
You can play in so many ways! Summer men’s, women’s, coed and children’s leagues are now forming. Footgolf fundraisers are proving to be successful ventures, as well as mixed tournaments featuring both golf and footgolf. Schools have been taking footgolf field trips here, introducing youth to this great new sport, and I’d encourage day camps to follow suit, just getting the kids out here for a terrific outing.
The Rail Trail Course is open seven days a week beginning at 5 p.m. Pricing for 18 holes is $10 for adults, $7 for children, taking about one hour of play. Nine holes cost $7 for adults, $5 for children and takes about 30 minutes. The River Course is open Saturday mornings for ages 16 and up, along with regular additional hours and by arrangement. Pricing is $18 for 18 holes, affording approximately two hours of play. For even more savings, remember to get your two-for-one deal from the New Paltz FootGolf Facebook page!
New Paltz FootGolf is located at 215 Huguenot Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-8282, visit www.newpaltzfootgolf.com or see www.facebook.com/footgolfnewpaltz.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Which film is on the big screen in Rosendale?
Recognize which movie has this classic exchange?
Allen: I don’t understand. All my life, I’ve been waiting for someone and when I find her, she’s…she’s a fish.
Freddie: Nobody said love’s perfect.
This Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27 at 5 p.m. at the Rosendale Theatre, take your crew to see a blast from your past: Splash, from 1984, with Daryl Hannah and Tom Hanks. This love story featuring a mermaid was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay, and it’s being shown in honor of Rosendale’s first Mermaid Parade taking place on Sunday, June 28.
Splash is rated PG and lasts for one hour, 51 minutes. Tickets cost $7. The Rosendale Theatre is located at 408 Main Street in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 658-8989 or visit www.rosendaletheatre.org.
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum kicks off summer vacation time
For most kids, summer begins the second that school lets out in June, and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is ready to help you celebrate! On Friday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the lineup includes Jay Mankita’s toe-tapping, bright tunes from his album, Eat like a Rainbow; hands-on activities from area organizations such as Bounce! Poughkeepsie, Bubble Bonanza, the Hudson Valley Renegades, Gold’s Gym and more; plus special demos and exhibits outside in the skate park and inside the museum!
Admission to this special day costs $12 per person, $8 for members. The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is located at 75 North Water Street in Poughkeepsie. For tickets or more information, call (845) 471-0589 or visit www.mhcm.org. To hear more from Eat like a Rainbow, visit https://jaymankita.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
Family Fun and Fish Day at Kenneth Wilson State Park
Stop losing yourself in nostalgic ’70s memes on Facebook and create your own memories with your crew at Family Fun and Fish Day! Family Fun and Fish Day takes place at Kenneth Wilson State Park on Saturday, June 27 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After you pay the $5 fee per car, everything else is free: fishing supplies, fish identification, aquatic ecology, barbecue and arts and crafts! Here’s the thing: You have to register by June 25 to participate, so hustle over to https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/familyfishingday2015_251.
Kenneth Wilson State Park is located at 859 Wittenberg Road in Mount Tremper. For more information, call (845) 688-3047, extension 3, or e-mail bwg37@cornell.edu.
Join the family! 
