Go fly a kite, make your own seed packet, get a free comic book or clean up your favorite park
“Some people seem to understand this – that life and change take time – but I am not one of those people.”
– Anne Lamott
SATURDAY, MAY 7
Germantown Library hosts Seed Packet Crafting workshop
As parents, we’re always planting seeds of ideas in our kids, right? But do children make the connection between seeds and our food? They can this Saturday, May 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the FarmOn! Foundation Seed Packet Crafting event at the Germantown Library. Children will handle seeds and ask questions while they craft seed packets that they can take home and plant. This kid-friendly event is open to the public, and preregistration is encouraged.
The Germantown Library is located at 31 Palatine Park Road in Germantown. For more information or to register, call (518) 537-5800, e-mail germantownlibrary@valstar.net or visit https://germantownlibrary.org. To learn more about the presenters, visit https://farmonfoundation.org.
Beading program at Kingston Library
You enjoy compliments about the jewelry you wear that was crafted by your child, but it’s all about that feeling of pride that you both feel when you tell the admirer who made it. This weekend, your kids can make your Mothers’ Day gift of jewelry with some pros! On Saturday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kingston Library, kids ages 7 to 12 can join Nancy Lancer and Jay Binney of Schneider’s Jewelers to make a beaded necklace and earrings to take home and give away. This program is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required.
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information or to register, call (845) 331-0507, extension 7.
Walkin’ the Dog fundraiser for New Paltz’s Elting Library
Looking for a place for your pup to connect with other canines? Got a new leash to show off? Throw in a charitable cause, and you’ve got Walkin’ the Dog with the Elting Memorial Library! Walkin’ the Dog takes place this Saturday, May 7, where dogs and their people walk an easy 1.25-mile loop through the Huguenot Street Historic District and Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in New Paltz. Registration takes place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Gilded Otter Brewing Company parking lot, located at the corner of 3 Main Street and Huguenot Street in New Paltz. Dogs will receive a doggie-treat bag and a red bandana, and all of the proceeds benefit the Elting Memorial Library through dog sponsorships. The $15 entry fee is waived for folks who have more than $35 in donations, and the top three dogs with the most sponsorships will win special prizes. For more information and the donation and sponsorship form, call (845) 5030, e-mail dyecharlene@gmail.com or visit www.eltinglibrary.org.
Spring Time Tea at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie
Mothers’ Day weekends and tea parties seem to go together, but this weekend, you can join a social tea for anyone and everyone – whether on your own, with a family member or with friends. Spring Time Tea takes place this Saturday, May 7 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in the parlor at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. Folks will enjoy sampling a variety of teas and delicious light fare, supported by a backdrop of the beautiful acoustic sounds of Lost in the Woods. The cost for the event is $12 per person, $10 for students and seniors.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie is located at 67 South Randolph Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 471-6580 or visit www.uupok.org.
Visions of Peace at Unframed Gallery in New Paltz
Want an inside glimpse into the next generation’s thoughts on peace? This weekend, you and your family can view just that at Visions of Peace, a display of work by young artists, with an opening reception that features an entire afternoon of family activities. Visions of Peace takes place this Saturday, May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Unframed Artists Gallery and includes face-painting and henna, individual and mural-painting, storytelling and an exhibition of handmade bowls to raise awareness about hunger in New York State. This event is free and open to the public.
The Unframed Artists Gallery is located at 173 Huguenot Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-5482 or visit https://unframedartistsgallery.org.
I Love My Park Day
If we take care of what we love, doesn’t it make sense to give our kids a chance to demonstrate that connection in a hands-on way with our local parks? This Saturday, May 7 is I Love My Park Day, and no matter where you are reading this, there is probably a nearby park where you could volunteer with your family. Each park has its own projects, such as invasive plant removal, landscaping and weeding, litter cleanup and more. Preregistration is encouraged, and often required, so that the staff can plan accordingly.
Here are some of the Mid-Hudson parks involved in this year’s I Love My Park Day: Minnewaska State Park in Gardiner, Bear Mountain’s Trailside Museums and Zoo, the Clermont State Historic Site, Harriman State Park’s Beaver Pond Campground, the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, the Olana State Historic Site and the Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park. For a complete list of parks, more information or to register, visit www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day.
Hudson Valley Comic Con comes to Gold’s Gym in Poughkeepsie
Want to see the 30th anniversary Back to the Future DeLorean? Catch a photo op with Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters or James Tolkan from Back to the Future? This weekend, you and your family are encouraged to dress up as your favorite comic book or movie character and head over to the Hudson Valley Comic Con, taking place this Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gold’s Gym. Both days are filled with activities including hanging out with celebrities, a gamers’ lounge, live performances, costume contests and lots of exhibits to see and vendors to visit. And every kid aged 12 and under gets a free comic book!
Admission costs $10 to $35, based on age and whether the pass is for one or two days, and children under 5 get in free. Fees for photo ops, autographs and VIP packages are also available. Gold’s Gym is located at 258 Titusville Road in Poughkeepsie. For tickets or more information, visit www.facebook.com/hudsonvalleycomiccon or www.hvcomiccon.com.
Free Comic Book Day
Got a kid or teen who loves to read? How about a kid or teen who hates to read? Either way, I recommend that you check out Free Comic Book Day, held every year on the first Saturday in May! This Saturday, May 7, walk into a comic book shop and get a free comic book. That’s it – so easy! And this original American artform could light the spark that gets your young person enthusiastic about reading, or even just trying something new!
The participating shops in our area are October Country, 246 Main Street #5 in the Cherry Hill Center, New Paltz, (845) 255-1115; Alterniverse, 1164 Route 9G #6 in the Rockledge Plaza, Hyde Park, (845) 233-4234; the Dragon’s Den, 2600 South Road #9A in the Poughkeepsie Plaza Mall, Poughkeepsie, (845) 471-1401; and Pop’s Universe, 101-3 Main Street in Germantown, (518) 537-7677. For more information about Free Comic Book Day, visit www.freecomicbookday.com.
GPS scavenger hunt at Olana
Wish you knew how to use your GPS outside of your car? You can learn how to orient yourself with an assortment of essential navigational tools at “Scavenger Hunt: Maps, GPS, Compass Navigation” at the Olana State Historic Site this Saturday, May 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. This hands-on adventure is open to the public of all ages. The cost is $20 for ages 5 and up, and $15 for members.
The Olana State Historic Site is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For more information or to register, call (518) 828-0135 or visit www.olana.org/calendar/navigation-series-maps-gps-compass-navigation-with-fran-martino.
Hudson Children’s Book Festival returns
Are you one of those people who can lose yourself and all sense of time in the children’s or YA section of a library or bookstore? Now, imagine adding lots of authors to this scene of your bliss. That’s probably the feeling that you and your crew will get by attending the Hudson Children’s Book Festival! This Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., join over 75 authors and illustrators for the largest book festival in New York State for a day of activities, readings and signings, including two of my favorite authors: Jennifer Castle and Julie Fogliano. Each attendee gets a free book!
And be sure to check out the live entertainment, with Aaron Nigel Smith at 11 a.m. with fun music and movement for all ages; featured author Kwame Alexander at 12 noon with his book, Surf’s Up; and Steve Tomecek at 12:30 p.m., exploring adventures with air pressure to make things move. The Hudson Children’s Book Festival takes place at the Hudson Junior and Senior High School, located at 215 Harry Howard Avenue in Hudson. For more information, e-mail hcbf@hudsoncityschooldistrict.com or visit www.hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com.
Kite Day at SUNY-Sullivan
Do you find any number of reasons not to fly a kite with your kid? Either the weather is off, or if you’re like us, there’s no place to do it here at home, so it means planning a special outing – and with schedules what they are, that can be tricky. But maybe it’s really about not wanting to set ourselves up for failure. How many of us are actually skilled kite-flyers? Well, this weekend, you can set aside all of those feelings of not-enough and head over to Kite Day at SUNY-Sullivan!
Kite Day takes place this Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The festivities include professional and amateur kite-flyers, live music, bouncy houses, a film festival, art show, craft vendors and more! There’s also an Open House for anyone interested in pursuing classes at the college, which you can learn more about on the website. SUNY-Sullivan is located at 112 College Road in Loch Sheldrake. For more information or to register for the Open House, call (845) 434-5750 or visit https://sunysullivan.edu/kite-day.
Opening Day at Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz
Is the smash Broadway hit musical Hamilton rekindling your interest in our country’s history? You can give your kids a hands-on look at our fascinating Colonial and Revolutionary stories at Historic Huguenot Street’s 2016 Opening Day this Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn from updated tours, see interpretive images of New Paltz when the Huguenots arrived in the 1500s and see new historic pieces that haven’t been displayed in years. There’s also a special meet-and-greet with the Fabulous Beekman Boys!
Historic house tours are offered hourly; tickets cost $15, seniors and members receive ten percent off and active military members receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center and Museum Shop at 81 Huguenot Street. Historic Huguenot Street is located in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-1660 or visit www.huguenotstreet.org. To learn more about the Beekman Boys, visit https://beekman1802.com.
Two by Two Zoo at Unison in New Paltz
Daunted by the drive and time commitment for a trip to the zoo? The Unison Arts Center has got you covered! This Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Unison presents the Two by Two Zoo, a conservation-based animal program that gives kids an up-close-and-personal look at adorable animals. Families love the Two by Two Zoo because it’s both entertaining and informative. I love the little kangaroo.
Tickets cost $18 at the door, $16 in advance, half-price for students, and Unison member prices are discounted. The Unison Arts Center is located at 68 Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz. For tickets or more information, call (845) 255-1559 or visit https://unisonarts.org. To learn more about the presenters, visit www.twobytwozoo.com.
Try BMX for Free Day in New Paltz
Olympic medalist Donny Robinson shares, “I believe BMX has shaped me into who I am today; so if this journey never would have begun, then who knows the person I would be or what I would be doing with my life?” Want to give your kids a chance to ride bikes over obstacles and around banked turns? Inspired to meet Donny Robinson? Check out Try BMX for Free Day this Saturday, May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at New Paltz BMX. You can bring your own bikes and helmets or use the New Paltz BMX equipment and learn about this exciting sport and meet Donny Robinson in person! This event is free and open to the public, all ages are welcome, it’s open to both girls and boys, kids can participate in mock races and $5 meal deals are available.
Already involved in BMX? Sign up for Donny Robinson’s camp experience on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. New Paltz BMX is located at 1 Clearwater Road in New Paltz. Tuition for the camp costs $80 per day or $130 for both days. For more information about the Open House or to register for the Donny Robinson camp, call (845) 255-1269, text (845) 489-4961, e-mail npbmx@hotmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/newpaltzbmx or www.newpaltzbmx.org.
Apple Blossom Day in Red Hook
Don’t you just love the fluffy look of the apple blossoms right now? We can celebrate this springtime promise of delicious fall fruit at this weekend’s Apple Blossom Day in the Village of Red Hook. This family-friendly festival takes place rain or shine on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes adorable baby animals, live entertainment, craft vendors and fun fair food that your kids will be excited about, including kettle corn, barbecue, cotton candy and hot dogs.
As a side note, the Red Hook Film Festival that traditionally takes place during this event is rescheduled for November 2016, so stay tuned for more exciting news about that. For more information about Apple Blossom Day, visit www.facebook.com/redhookrotary.
Box turtle quest in Gardiner
Got a Franklin or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan in the house? Here’s one way to see some real turtles! This Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, join the Wallkill Valley Land Trust’s eighth annual Walk and Talk on the 64-acre Smith property in Gardiner. The morning begins with a short presentation, then participants help the Smiths look for box turtles.
This event is free and open to the public, held rain or shine; space is very limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, call (845) 255-2761 or e-mail info@wallkillvalleylt.org. To learn more about this project, visit www.boxturtlesny.com. And to get some background on the Smiths’ ten-year turtle research, have a look at her book, The Silence of the Bell: Monitoring Eastern Box Turtles with Australian Cattle Dogs, which is available for $9.95 online as well as at the turtle event.
SUNDAY, MAY 8
Mothers’ Day roundup
Treat yourself or a beloved mother figure in your life to a special experience and make memories for both of you (and the family) at these unique Hudson Valley treasures.
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum: Free admission for mothers and grandmothers, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie; (845) 471-0589, https://mhcm.org.
Scenic Hudson: Plant a tree with your mother at Falling Waters Preserve, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 996 Dominican Lane, Glasco; (845) 473-4440, extension 273, https://scenichudson.org.
Hudson River Maritime Museum: Free admission for mothers, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston; (845) 338-0071, www.hrmm.org.
Honor’s Haven Resort and Spa: Tulip Festival and Mothers’ Day Celebration, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1195 Arrowhead Road, Ellenville; (877) 969-4283, www.honorshaven.com.
Pride of the Hudson: Mothers’ Day Brunch Cruise, 12 noon to 2:30 p.m., Blu Pointe Landing, Front Street, Newburgh; (845) 220-2120, www.prideofthehudson.com.
Hudson Cruises: Mothers’ Day Dinner/Music Cruise; 2:30 to 5 p.m., Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Water Street, Hudson; (518) 348-8993, www.hudsoncruises.com.
Mount Gulian Historic Site: Free tours for mothers, 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., 145 Sterling Street, Beacon; (845) 831-8172, www.mountgulian.org.
Gomez Mill House: Free admission for mothers, 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 11 Mill House Road, Marlboro; (845) 236-3126, www.gomez.org.
K104.7 Cupcake Festival in Fishkill
What is it about a cupcake festival that just delights the senses? The K104.7 Cupcake Festival takes place this Sunday, May 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. along Main Street, between Church Street and Jackson Street, in the Village of Fishkill. In addition to every type of mini-carb confection, the kids will love the inflatable slide and bouncy houses, plus plenty of vendors to check out. Gluten-free? No problem: Curious Tongue Creations gluten-free bakers will be there and have got you covered! For more information, visit www.k104online.com.
Children & Families Tour at Storm King Art Center
How can you engage young people of all ages in art, along with their families? Be a part of the Children and Families Tour with Wally McGuire at the Storm King Art Center this Sunday, May 8 at 1 p.m. It’s open to all ages; just meet up on Museum Hill. With so much to see, both indoors and out, your crew will get some great exercise walking to each exhibit. Or skip the tour and just visit on your own: It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission to Storm King costs $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for youth aged 5 to 18 years and is free for children age 4 and under, as well as members. The Storm King Art Center is located at 1 Museum Road in Mountainville. For more information, call (845) 534-3115 or visit https://stormking.org.
THURSDAY, MAY 12
“Loving Limits in a Digital Age” with Kim John Payne at SUNY-New Paltz
Are you overwhelmed by decisions about screentime? I don’t mean the hours frittered away on Facebook; I’m talking about the parenting realm. Here’s some help! “Loving Limits in a Digital Age” with Kim John Payne takes place on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Studley Theatre at SUNY-New Paltz. Payne approaches this topic from a perspective of family connection and empowering children; he’s not anti-screen. He’s also Australian, so I think that makes anything that he says more engaging and interesting due to the charming accent.
Tickets cost $15 online, $20 at the door. For tickets or more information, visit https://wildearth.org/digital. To learn more about the presenter, visit www.simplicityparenting.com.
Erica Chase-Salerno dedicates this week’s KA to her mother, mother-in-law and the mother figures in her life. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
