“So much world all at once – how it rustles and bustles!”
– Wislawa Szymborska, “Birthday”
FRIDAY, MAY 23
Meet a live wolf at the Mohonk Preserve
When Atka the wolf walked into the room during last year’s Mohonk Preserve Cries Wolf presentation, I didn’t expect to feel anything, but he literally took my breath away – not by actually doing anything in particular; it was just his energy in the room. Between Atka’s presence and the engaging and informative presentation by the Wolf Conservation Center about the importance of wolves in our ecosystem, I got so much out of this event and highly recommend it to others, ages 5 and up.
Mohonk Preserve Cries Wolf is scheduled for Friday, May 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Admission costs $5 per person (members and non-members), and reservations are strongly advised. For more reservations or more information, call (845) 255-0919 or visit https://mohonkpreserve.org. To learn more about the Wolf Conservation Center, visit https://nywolf.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
Catskill Mountain Railroad reopens for the season
All ages of train enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Saturday, May 24 is opening day for the Catskill Mountain Railroad, in both Kingston and Mount Tremper. The Kingston City Limited train runs on the hour from 1 to 4 p.m. from Kingston Plaza. Fares cost $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 2 to 11 years. In Mount Tremper, trains run on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fares cost $14 for adults, $8 for children.
The Kingston Westbrook Station is located at 149 Aaron Court in Kingston. The Mount Tremper Station is located at 5401 Route 28 in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 688-7400 or visit https://catskillmtrailroad.com.
SUNDAY, MAY 25
New Paltz School of Ballet offers master classes
With dance recital season upon us, I know that some of you will be interested in the master classes being offered this weekend and next weekend at the New Paltz School of Ballet (NPSB). Daniel Ulbright’s classes take place on Sunday, May 25 at 1 and 3:30 p.m. The cost is $30, $25 for NPSB students. Preregistration is required. On Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, classes will be taught by Trevor Naumann and Katie Critchlow.
The New Paltz School of Ballet is located at 1 Bonticou Drive in New Paltz. For reservations or more information, call (845) 255-0044 or e-mail npsballet@aol.com. To learn more about the studio, visit www.npsballet.com.
Birds and Birdhouses programs at Storm King Art Center
Make birdhouses a part of your backyard offering to our feathered friends. On Sunday, May 25 at 1 p.m., the Storm King Art Center offers a family program, Birds and Birdhouses. You can make a day of it, discovering or reconnecting with favorite large-scale outdoor artworks. Admission to Storm King costs $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, $8 for children ages 5 to 18 years and is free for children 4 and under and members.
Storm King is located at 1 Museum Road in New Windsor. For more information, call (845) 534-3115 or visit www.stormking.org.
MONDAY, MAY 26
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum open on Memorial Day
Whether you have company visiting from out of town, or you’re already a regular, make a note that the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is open on Monday, May 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for service members and their families, $7.50 for all others ages 1 through adult.
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is located at 75 North Water Street. For more information, call (845) 471-0589 or visit www.mhcm.org.
Rosendale Theatre screens Muppets Most Wanted
This weekend, spend some time with old friends like Sam the Eagle, Gonzo, Scooter, Miss Piggy and of course, Kermit the Frog! On Saturday, May 24 at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 25 at 11 a.m., and Monday, May 26 at 4 p.m., mark your calendars for Muppets Most Wanted at the Rosendale Theatre. Tickets cost $7, $5 for members.
The Rosendale Theatre is located at 408 Main Street in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 658-8989 or visit https://rosendaletheatre.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
Preschool Expo at YWCA in Kingston
One of the biggest topics on parenting forums is about choosing a preschool for the kids. On Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., head over to the YWCA for a family-friendly Preschool Expo for caregivers of children aged 3 to 5 years. This event is free, and includes several children’s activities as well.
The YWCA is located at 209 Clinton Avenue in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 338-6844, extension 110, or visit www.ywcaulstercounty.org.