Kid Stuff, the free series of children' s workshops at The Pine Hill Community Center, has been generously funded for 2013. The program, which offers free sessions in arts, dance, music and nature every Saturday morning from 10:30 - noon, has been running for nearly a year. However, for 2013, thanks to a $5.000 grant from Kids in the Kaatskills that was matched by the A, Lindsay and Olive B. O'Connor Foundation, it is now on strong footing. Ann Epner, the Execcutive Director of the PHCC says the money means that "we can by supplies, hire an assistant, and ensure that the best program presenters in their fields will be offering a wide variety of workshops for all kids ages 6-12." Epner stresses that parents are welcome to drop children off for the duration of the class, but they are also very welcome to join in the fun. Children younger than 6 are welcome if parents or caretakers remain in the room. The program takes place every Saturday morning from 10:30 - noon. The Center hosts a Saturday morning "Coffee's Ready, "during which people in the neighborhood or those passing through are welcome to drop in, have some fresh baked goods and coffee and catch up on the local news. While children are busy with Kid Stuff, parents can relax in front of the grass pellet stove and have a good visit knowing their kids are having a great experience. Recent workshops have included farmer Madalyn Warren who, with the kids, created a mural on root systems in the garden and then peeled, chopped, roasted and consumed a variety of root vegetables; singer songwriter Elly Wininger took the kids on a musical journey complete with passports, as they sang and played songs, identified the country of origin on a large map and made a variety of musical instruments. "We're always trying to keep it fresh and different each week, "says Epner. This summer, Hana Roth Seavey, a former circus clown will lead a five part series in circus arts that will culminate in a performance for parents and friends. Roth Seavey's previous one- off workshops for Kid Stuff have been very popular with kids eager to acquire such skills as juggling, skit preparation, stilt walking and unicycling. Epner is always looking for new programs and urges anyone who is interested in leading a workshop to be in touch with her. Upcoming programs are: February 9, Francesca Warnes , beaded jewelryFeb. 16, Gloria McLean, danceFeb. 23, Wendy Brackman, paper sculptureMarch 2. Nat Thomas, collageMarch 9, Bill Piervincenzi, the wacky science guy - Science of SoundMar. 16, Patti Rudge - a winter hike (on snowshoes, if the weather permits)March 23 - Janice DeMarino - papermaking.March 30 - Roshan Houshmand, spiral bound sketch books. Pine Hill Community Center287 Main St.Pine Hill, NY 12465(845) 254-5469info@pinehillcommunitycenter.org.
