“When I dare to be powerful –
to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
– Audre Lorde
Black History is American history
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1: For daytime as well as evening programming, head over to SUNY-Dutchess for its Black History Month events series taking place throughout February, from dance to films to storytime to panel discussions and more! It’s all free and open to the public. SUNY-Dutchess is located at 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie. For a complete schedule or more information, call (845) 431-8424, e-mail jordan.bell@sunydutchess.edu or visit http://bit.ly/2DGoCX9.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3: Delve into Black History Month Kickoff Kingston on Saturday, February 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lace Mill at 165 Cornell Street in Kingston to start your month of events for all ages throughout the city. The entire community is invited to this event, which gives a glimpse of the month to come, including children’s activities, comedy, films, lectures, workshops and more. All activities are open to the public, and most are completely free! For more information, visit www.blackhistorymonthkingston.org, and I encourage everyone to get to know the A. J. Williams-Myers African Roots Library in Kingston: http://africanrootslibrary.org.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8: Head over to the Hudson Area Library for “The History of the Black Community in Hudson,” taking place on Thursday, February 8 at 6 p.m. Hear from longtime Hudson residents about their roots in or their migration to Hudson, followed by a question-and-answer discussion and refreshments. It’s free and open to all ages. The Hudson Area Library is located at 51 North Fifth Street in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 828-1792, extension 101, e-mail programs@hudsonarealibrary.org or visit http://bit.ly/2DN042K.
Community Bowl Day at Women’s Studio Workshop
You’re already eagerly anticipating the 21st annual Chili Bowl Fiesta on February 24; how about getting involved behind the scenes? On Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., people of all ages are invited to Community Bowl Day at the Women’s Studio Workshop. You can make pots or adorn bowls with decorations, and they will all be for sale at the upcoming Fiesta! This event is free and open to the public, and reservations are required. The Women’s Studio Workshop is located at 722 Binnewater Lane in Rosendale. For more information or to reserve your spots, call (845) 658-9133 or visit https://wsworkshop.org or http://bit.ly/2BBj9iN. To learn more about the Fiesta, visit https://wsworkshop.org/chili-bowl18.
Belleayre Mountains hosts USA Luge Challenge
With the 2018 Olympic Winter Games beginning next week and Oneida County’s own world champion Erin Hamlin representing in single luge on February 12 and 13, perhaps you’d like to experience some pregame action yourself! This Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, you and your crew ages 10 and up can participate in the USA Luge Challenge at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. Riders use plastic sleds in a safe slopeside setting with help from USA luge Olympians. Luging is free, and no experience or lift tickets are required. Registration begins at 9 a.m. each day.
The Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is located at 181 Galli Curci Road in Highmount. For more information, call (845) 254-5600 or visit www.facebook.com/belleayremountain or www.belleayre.com.
Puppet People perform Three Little Pigs in Rhinebeck
We love pigs, right? There’s Tulip at the Forsyth Nature Center, Charlotte’s friend Wilbur, Piglet, Babe, Miss Piggy, Porky and even Spiderpig! (“Spiderpig, Spiderpig, does whatever a Spiderpig does…” sings Homer Simpson as he walks a pig upside-down along the ceiling.) And if it has been too long since you’ve seen your favorite swine trio constructing with straw, sticks and bricks, we’ve got you covered. The Three Little Pigs is presented by the Puppet People this Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Beautiful props, audience participation and humor are hallmarks of this show for all ages. Tickets cost $7 for all.
The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For tickets or more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit http://centerforperformingarts.org/saturday-morning-family-series/item/the-three-little-pigs. To learn more about the performers, visit http://thepuppetpeople.org.
Bill Robinson’s Wildlife World at Kingston Library
What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? One sees you later, the other sees you in a while! You and your family can get up-close-and-personal with wildlife like an alligator, a hawk, an owl and more this Saturday, February 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kingston Library. This engaging and interactive presentation by Bill Robinson’s Wildlife World is geared for school-aged children and 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 presenter, visit www.robinsonswildlifelectures.com.
Setsubun fun at Gomen-Kudasai in New Paltz
Take it from Sir Mix-a-Lot: You don’t want none unless you got Setsubun! Japanese for “Spring Eve,” this annual festival at Gomen-Kudasai features bean-throwing at the evil ogre, symbolizing a clean slate for the New Year. This free event taking place on Saturday, February 3 at 5 p.m. for patrons features a special meal, an Oni ogre mask and a bag of soybeans. After the ogre runs away, everyone eats their age in soybeans plus one for good fortune.
Gomen-Kudasai Noodle Escape is located at 232 Main Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-8811 or visit http://gknoodles.com or http://bit.ly/2DMNYXy.
Huge thank you to Geddy Sveikauskas, Julie O’Connor and everyone at Hudson Valley One/Ulster Publishing on this sixth anniversary of Kids’ Almanac! Here’s to another great year ahead! Erica Chase-Salerno can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
