Storyteller Jonathan Kruk and the Barefoot Boys

Renowned, award-winning storyteller Jonathan Kruk is coming to the Nyack Center, 58 Depew Avenue (corner of S. Broadway & Depew) in downtown Nyack on Sunday, April 5th at 3 pm to help commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s and Samuel de Champlain’s voyages along the river and lake that bear their names, and to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s successful steamboat voyage on the Hudson in a fundraiser for Blue Rock School.

Jonathan Kruk will perform the lively theatrical adventures in historic fiction of the “celebrated three” in period garb. Accompanying Jonathan will be the rollicking Barefoot Boys (with Boots on). Guitarist Rich Bala, with Rick Hill on bass, and Tom “the musician’s musician” White, on everything else from button accordion to hammer dulcimer, play “a cheerful blend of bluegrass and old time music with expertise, feeling, and a sense of humor. Together they’ll weave authentic, interactive tunes into the tales of the Hudson River’s rich heritage. The performance engages all, but children will especially enjoy the enchanting tales, silly skits and sing-alongs.

Jonathan is a BOCES-approved artist educator with a masters degree and was recently
selected “Best Storyteller in the Hudson Valley” by Hudson Valley Magazine. In 1996, he became Historic Hudson Valley’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow Storyteller.” He has also appeared on P.B.S., The Travel and History Channels and at the Tribeca Film Festival. The New York Times, noting his far ranging work, described him as “Westchester’s intrepid storyteller.”

The event will also include a raffle of Jonathan’s award-winning CD’s and the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a vacation get-away to Lake Tahoe or Maine. Refreshments will be available. All proceeds from the event to benefit Blue Rock School.

Tickets: $8 children, $12 adults in advance and $10/$15 at the door. Reservations are highly recommended. For tickets or more information call Blue Rock School at
845-627-0234.

For more information on Jonathan Kruk, visit www.jonathankruk.net.

Blue Rock School, Where Every Child Is An Honored Student, is a progressive, independent day school serving kindergarten through eighth grade, where children learn through discovery and hands-on experience. Blue Rock School offers small classes in a nurturing environment and a balanced multi-disciplinary curriculum where both academics and the arts play an active role.
Blue Rock School, 110 Demarest Mill Road (off Germonds Rd.), West Nyack, NY 10994. www.bluerockschool.org

JCC ROCKLAND - CAMP J-LAND

Camp J-Land has everything your little loved one could want! We make time to give all our campers the personal attention they deserve. Our goal is to foster self-esteem in every camper. Our caring, professional staff will encourage your child to create, explore, play and giggle. Inside and outside play areas, sports, music, art, computers, mini tennis and water play enhance the classroom program for ages 2-4.9 years. Half- and full-day options are available.

450 W. Nyack Rd, West Nyack
845-362-4400 x102
www.jccrockland.org
Email jennifers@jccrockland.org

ROCKLAND PARENT-CHILD CENTER

Make the most of your summer at RPCC – A Place for ALL Families! Starting July 6th. Infants program: Mondays and Thursdays, 1-3pm. $125 for six weeks. Meet other parents, learn about your child’s development in an informal setting. Toddlers program: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am to noon. $180 for six weeks. Relax and learn about your toddler while they play in age appropriate indoor/outdoor play areas. Call TODAY! Scholarships are available.

137 First Ave, Nyack
845-358-2702
www.rocklandparentchild.org

ROCKLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS (ROCA)

The camp experience at RoCA turns summer “sun” days into creative “fun” days for children ages 5 through 12. RoCA’s ten wooded acres, fully equipped, air conditioned, art studios and large sparkling swimming pool are the site for our programs. Campers, under the supervision of adult instructors and caring counselors, learn in a hands-on, non-competitive environment where confidence, creativity and group cooperation are encouraged. Three or four days/week are available. June 30–August 21.

27 South Greenbush Rd, West Nyack
845-358-0877
www.rocklandartcenter.org

CHILDREN OF AMERICA

Children of America’s Camp WOW is a fun, activity-filled summer camp with custom curriculums and exciting learning adventures for children ages 5-12 years. Offering safe and innovative environments and a team of specialized caregivers, Children of America’s Camp WOW keeps children actively involved with educational programs, scavenger hunts, picnics and field trips for swimming and bowling. Kid tested and parent recommended, Children of America’s Camp WOW is sure to live up to its name.

265 N. Highland Ave, Nyack
845-348-1433
www.ChildrenofAmerica.com

CAMP YOMI & CAMP HAVERIM

The JCC Rockland partners with the 92nd Street Y to offer campers a wide range of recreational activities and firsthand nature experience at the beautiful Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Pearl River. Enjoy sports partnerships with Super Soccer Stars, the Baseball Center NYC, and Ad-In Kids Tennis, as well as specialized arts, and instructional and free swims. Watch out for Wacky Wednesday theme days and our Visiting Artists Series Program. The specialized instruction available truly distinguishes us from other day camps.

JCC Rockland
450 W. Nyack Rd, West Nyack
(845) 362-4400 x173
www.jccrockland.org
Email monicar@jccrockland.org

Blue Rock School

Summer Play at Blue Rock School is a relaxing, enriching place for your child to spend summer days with a talented veteran staff. Children ages 4-10 explore art, drama, games, woodworking, reading, sports, nature and water play on three acres of wooded property. 5 weeks: June 29-July 30, Monday-Thursday (Thursday optional), 9:30am-2:30pm.

A day school for grades K-8, Where Every Child Is An Honored Student.
110 Demarest Mill Rd, West Nyack
845-627-0234
www.bluerockschool.org

AMAZING GRACE CIRCUS!

Summer Camp in a REAL circus tent? Wow! Amazing Grace CIRCUS! will present its 8th annual Circus Arts Summer Day Camp in Memorial Park, Nyack, July 20-August 2 in a real circus tent. Professional instructors from Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil teach children ages 5-14 juggling, balancing, acrobatics, tightwire, trapeze, aerial silks and clowning. Showcase of Talents last day of each session. AGC! is a recent recipient of a Special Congressional Recognition award from the US Senate for their work with children. Call for registration details.

845-348-8740
www.amazinggracecircus.org

Nyack, NY

J-Gym - JCC Rockland

Crawl on mats with your baby while discovering Jewish traditions and the Hebrew language. This “mommy and me” program features age-appropriate music, movement and games. Participants meet on eight consecutive Thursdays.

Date: March 19, 2009
Hours: Birth-12 months 10am, 12-24 months, 1pm
Ages: Pre-school & younger , Adult
Price: $220 per adult/child pair

Address:
450 West Nyack Road - 845-362-4400
West Nyack , NY 10994
www.jccrockland.org

Milk ‘n Cookies Playhouse keeps families entertained Saturday mornings

The Milk ‘n Cookies Playhouse is an unique series at Riverspace Arts in Nyack bringing the theater (and cookies) to children Saturday mornings. If you haven’t been to show be sure to check them out. Thank you for filling our Saturdays with fun and culture just like we were in New York City!

See the Calendar for more details:

SUKEY MOLLOY & THE CIRCLE SONG BAND - WINTER HOLIDAY CONCERT Sat., Dec. 13, 10:30AM
BOSSY FROG BAND Tue., Dec. 30, 10:30AM

PAPER BAG PLAYERS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Sat., Jan. 17, 10:30AM

FERABA AFRICAN DANCE Sat., Feb. 28, 10:30AM
CHOCOLATE CHIP CHAMBER MUSIC - A PIRATE’S TREASURE OF TRUMPETS Sat., Mar. 21, 10:30AMPajama Party with THE BOSSY FROG BAND! Fri., Apr. 3, 7PM
CRAIG BABCOCK MIME Sat., Apr. 25, 10:30AM
WONDERED OUT LOUD PUPPETS Sat., May 16, 10:30AM
I AM NOT SILLY! Sat., May 16, 10:30AM

This series is in conjunction with Jeffrey Friedberg AKA THE BOSSY FROG who shared with me the story behind this series (below!).

The Story Behind Milk ‘n Cookies Playhouse at Riverspace Arts in Nyack
By Jeffrey Friedberg AKA THE BOSSY FROG
In November 1997, I was invited to participate in building a community arts center at the former Helen Hayes theater in Nyack - now known as Riverspace Arts in Nyack.  A group of local artists, musicians, administrators and miscelanious volunteers all put their heads together to try to bring the arts alive in Rockland County.

As a children’s musician and a father, I realized that there were very few venues in Rockland County in which I could take my kids to hear music, see shows and learn first-hand about the arts.  I wanted my kids and the kids in the community to experience the arts live and in-person.  Our kids spend so much time watching video and computer screens.  I wanted them to feel the excitement and get inspired by seeing living people doing amazing things in front of their eyes.
I came up with the idea of partnering “Family Entertainment” and cookies.  What we needed, I thought, was high quality family entertainment at a reasonable price.  Our first show, in December 2007, featured Tom Chapin, The Bossy Frog Band, Pure and Simple and Sukey Molly.  Over 450 people attended the show!!!  In our 2007-08 season we featured a silly circus, African drumming, musicians, and story tellers.  We averaged over 325 people per show.  And we gave away thousand of cookies and cups of milk in the process!

Now in our third season, we have a full slate of performers, including a mime, musicians, puppet shows, tap dancing and classical music for kids.  There has been a tremedous outpouring of support in the community.  Rockland ARC’s day treatment program bakes some of our cookies as part of their job training program.  And every November, our show is a benefit for the Rockland Parent Child Center.  Throughout the season, we provide complementary tickets to organizations that serve people who are not able to afford tickets to the theater.

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