Enroll Now: Lifespring Offers Diverse Courses for Adults

The Mid-Hudson Valley is buzzing with activities and opportunities for community engagement as several events and programs unfold in the coming weeks. Notably, the deadline for enrollment in the adult learning initiative, Lifespring, is approaching. Interested individuals must register by August 22, 2025, for the upcoming academic year. Lifespring offers a variety of courses for retired and semi-retired adults, available both online through Zoom and in-person at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, located at 1682 Glasco Turnpike, Saugerties. This program is open to anyone in the Hudson Valley area. For further details or to register, please visit lifespringsaugerties.com or reach out via email at [email protected].

Art enthusiasts can explore the ongoing exhibition at the Olive Free Library, featuring “Address: Earth Art Expo — Reef & Desert Editions.” This collection showcases the work of 13 visual artists from the Hudson Valley and will be on display until September 21, 2025, at 4033 State Route 28A, West Shokan.

In Woodstock, the Historical Society is presenting “Making Her Mark: 50 Women Artists of the Historic Woodstock Art Colony.” This exhibition, which runs through September 14, 2025, is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM. Admission is free, encouraging broad participation from the community.

For those interested in local history, the General Richard Montgomery House Museum will be open on August 16, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM. This historic site, located at 77 Livingston St., Rhinebeck, is significant as the oldest clapboard house in the village and was the residence of General Richard Montgomery and his wife in 1773. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.

Art lovers can also visit the Arts Society of Kingston, where a solo exhibition featuring the works of Matthew Zappala titled “Birch Trees” will be displayed through August 31, 2025. All proceeds from art sales will benefit the Arts Society of Kingston. Additionally, an exhibit of poster designs for the upcoming 2025 Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby is currently on display, with the selected design by Min Goto.

Children can participate in the Vacation Bible School at the Church of the Comforter, taking place from August 11 to 15, 2025, for kids aged 5 to 11. The program runs from 9 AM to noon, providing a range of activities in a welcoming environment.

For film buffs, a virtual presentation titled “The Class of 2025, Films Entering the Public Domain” is scheduled for August 15, 2025, at 7 PM. Led by film historian Annette Bochenek, the session will highlight films that have recently entered the public domain. Registration is required, and interested participants can sign up through the Staatsburg State Historic Site’s website.

Live music events are also part of the vibrant cultural scene. The rhythm and blues group, The Saints, will perform a free concert on August 15, 2025, at Belleayre Mountain, starting at 6 PM. This event, part of the “Music on the Belle” series, will include food trucks and other activities.

The Arm-of-the-Sea Theater will present the annual puppetry spectacle, the Esopus Creek Puppet Suite, from August 15 to 17, 2025, at the Tidewater Center in Saugerties. Tickets will be available at the door.

For cinema enthusiasts, the classic Marx Brothers film “The Cocoanuts” will be screened at the Staatsburgh State Historic Site on August 16, 2025, at 7 PM. Admission is $5, and attendees are encouraged to enjoy a picnic on the grounds prior to the screening.

Other notable events include the opening of the Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market, which has commenced its 31st season, and the start of water-based yoga classes, Aquoga, at the Rosendale Town Pool on Saturdays through August 23, 2025.

The local community is invited to engage in various activities, from cultural exhibitions to educational programs, fostering a sense of connection and collaboration among residents. With numerous opportunities available, individuals are encouraged to participate and enrich their experiences in the Mid-Hudson Valley.