Jump in the lake and more at Lake Superior

BETHEL, NY — Looking for a picnic ground? A place to sail?
Lake Superior State Park in Bethel is open for boat rentals, swimming and picnicking, and will be open on weekends through June.
Thereafter, it will be open daily through Labor Day.
Hours are Mondays through Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Fridays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Park hours are subject to weather conditions.
The beach area will open for swimming beginning Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19.
Daily admission during beach hours is $5 per person. Children under age three and veterans who present a valid ID issued through the Sullivan County Return the F.A.V.O.R. program can enter for no charge.
Lake Superior also participates in the Golden Park program, which gives New York State senior citizens free admission to the park on weekdays only.
Season passes are available for Sullivan County residents and property owners. Passes cost $15 per person and provide free entry to the park for the season. An application is required; get one at the park, online at www.sullivanny.us/departments/parksrecreation, or at the parks and recreation office in the Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North St., Monticello.
For more information about the park and what’s available there, call the office at 845/807-0287 or email scparks@sullivanny.us.

NACL performs in ‘almost’

HIGHLAND LAKE, NY — The North American Cultural Laboratory (NACL) will perform “almost” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 on the NACL stage.
The show is described as “an interactive performance and installation with an ever-changing environment examining ways we see each other and ourselves.”
It was conceived and directed by Donna Costello, with Larry Jackson, Jennifer Paar, Stacy Lynn Smith and Tina Wang.
“Three performers, Costello, Smith and Wang,” according to a press release, “steer separate narratives, unraveling internally-imposed and outwardly-enforced identities, as their bodies contort, adapt, destroy and transform over time.”
Tickets cost $20 per person.
NACL is located at 110 Highland Lake Rd.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.nacl.org/box-office.

‘Under the Stars’ at Forestburgh Playhouse

FORESTBURGH, NY — The Forestburgh Playhouse is launching its “Forestburgh Under the Stars” concert series with a performance by Broadway star T. Oliver Reid, who is currently appearing in “Hadestown.”
Reid’s show takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3.
On Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m., J. Armstrong Johnson will appear, celebrating his country roots and Broadway career.
Tickets cost $45 for lawn seating and $75 for tent seating.
The “Forestburgh Under the Stars” series runs from Friday, June 3 to Saturday, June 18.
“The series was born in the summer of 2020 as a way to continue providing high-quality entertainment to our patrons in our beautiful gardens, said Franklin Trapp, producing artistic director. “Thanks to the popularity of the series, “Forestburgh Under the Stars” is now a permanent part of the playhouse’s annual programming.”
The Forestburgh Playhouse is located at 39 Forestburgh Rd.
To purchase tickets, visit Center Stage Ticketing.
For more information, visit fbplayhouse.org.

It wood be nice, indeed

ELDRED, NY — Wouldn’t it be nice, organizers asked, if a local businessman provided space for a free outdoor event where artists and art lovers could gather for a community painting party?
It’s happening. “Wooden It Be Nice” is a pop-up painting party. It starts at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, and takes place on the lawn next to the Corner Piazza Restaurant. The Barryville Area Arts Association is providing thin, tall boards to paint portraits on, and local businessman Lou Monteleone is donating space in which the work can be created and then displayed.
There will be refreshments for the artists and spectators. The rain date is Sunday, June 5.
Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, the portraits will be arranged so they’ll be looking back at you when you look at them. Again, there will be some light refreshments and the chance to meet and greet the artists.
There is no charge for the two events, but registration is required. To register, visit barryvilleareaarts.org.html or email barryvilleareaarts@gmail.com.

First annual Sullivan County Music Festival at HPAC

HURLEYVILLE, NY — It’s a new musical offering from the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre: All day, all local, all original music.
The event takes place on Saturday, June 4 beginning at 12 noon, on the lawn of Tango Cafe and Fireman’s Park. There is no charge, but a $10 donation is suggested.
A family-friendly music festival, it features original music by Sullivan County musicians in a celebration of the diverse local talent in the county. The music ranges from folk to hip-hop to country to rock and more.
HPAC suggests that you bring a blanket or chair. Food is available at Hurleyville’s various local restaurants.
Parking is available in two large municipal lots on Main Street and Railroad avenue in Hurleyville.
Learn more at hurleyvilleartscentre.org.

Foraging in the forest

LAKE ARIEL, NY — The Lacawac Sanctuary invites the public to join herbalist Nathaniel Whitmore, for a walk around Lacawac looking for perennial vegetables, medicinal herbs, mushrooms and all the edibles in the forest.
The event will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 at Lacawac Sanctuary.
“The forest has sustained our ancestors for generations,” a news release stated. So you can learn to add some unusual options to your garden repertoire. Masks and distancing are required.
The cost is $5 per person and registration is required.
Participants should meet at the environmental education center.
Register or learn more at lacawac.org.

Dirty Stay Out Skifflers in Sullivan County

HURLEYVILLE, NY — A Grammy-winning local resident and his band will appear at the Sullivan County Historical Society’s First Sunday concert series at the county museum on Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m.
The Dirty Stay Out Skifflers are based in Hurleyville and have been touring for more than two decades. The music is described as blues, folk and Tin Pan Alley pop.
The band features Grammy-winner Rick Nestler on twelve-string guitar and vocals, Dan Berger on harmonica and Donna Nestler on banjolele and vocals.
In 2017, the Skifflers released their first CD, “Late Night, Early Morning.”
Rick Nestler wrote, “The River That Flows Both Ways,” which Pete Seeger recorded twice. Donna Nestler is classically trained in flute, bassoon and guitar, but plays the banjolele, a four-stringed instrument with a small banjo body and a fretted ukulele neck. Dan Berger is a blues harmonica player who studied with Joe Filisko, Phil Wiggins and more.
There is no charge for the concert, but donations support the program and are welcomed.
The county museum is located at 265 Main St. For more information, call 845/434-8044 or visit www.scnyhistory.org.

Patrick Dollard to be honored

HARRIS, NY — Patrick Dollard, CEO of the Center for Discovery (TCFD), will receive a lifetime achievement honor on Saturday, June 11 from the Dream Tank.
A leader in the disability community and founder of TCFD, Dollard “is known for seeing the human potential in each individual—their abilities, rather than their disabilities—and is a tireless advocate of equal economic and social rights and opportunities for all,” a press release stated.
He will receive the award during a recognition dinner at the Michael Ritchie Big Barn Center in Hurleyville, NY.
For more information about TCFD, visit tcfd.org.
The Dream Tank was founded by Judge Josephine Finn to help at-risk and disadvantaged youth find their purpose and avoid her courtroom. They “maximize research-based protective factors such as enrichment, mentorship and character education… minimizing the risk factors that lead to gangs, violence, crimes, substance abuse and teen pregnancy,” the release stated. For more information, visit thedreamtankonline.com.

Mary Churchill’s war

HYDE PARK, NY and ONLINE — The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum presents “Mary Churchill’s War: A Conversation with Emma Soames and Erik Larson” on Wednesday, June 8 at 2 p.m.
The event will be held in the Henry Wallace Center at the presidential library, local health metrics permitting, and will be streamed live to the official FDR Library YouTube and social media accounts.
Mary Churchill was Winston Churchill’s youngest daughter. Her granddaughter, Emma Soames, will speak with author Erik Larson about her mother’s wartime diaries.
Soames edited her mother’s diaries and will sign copies of “Mary Churchill’s War” at the event.
Copies of the book can be purchased in the New Deal Store.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required for in-person attendance. Visit fdrlibrary.org to register or to learn more.

Make and use plarn

BETHANY, PA — Learn how to create yarn from plastic bags to use in crochet, knit, weaving, basketry, cording or braiding projects.
That yarn is called plarn, and it can be turned into bags, mats, clothing, art and more.
The first workshop will be held on Saturday, June 4 and the second will take place on Saturday, June 11. Both start at 2 p.m. and are held at the Bethany Public Library.Narrows
Bring a bag of bags—used but clean plastic grocery store type shopping bags—if you have them, or thin plastic disposable tablecloths and a pair of scissors.
A limited supply of bags will be available if you do not have any.
The library asks participants to flatten out the bags prior to class.
If you wish to knit or crochet your project, bring medium-to-large size hooks or needles. No tools are required for braiding projects.
If you have prior knowledge of weaving or basketry, the plarn you create can be used in these projects.
The workshops are appropriate for teens and adults.
There is no charge, but registration is required and is limited to 12 people.
To register, call the library at 570/253-4349. The library is located at 8 Court St.
For more information, visit the library on Facebook at Bethany Public Library.

‘Making Matters’ at Peters Valley

LAYTON, NJ — Peters Valley School of Craft is holding its annual show, “Making Matters: Fresh Perspectives in Fine Craft,” until Sunday, August 7.
An opening reception will be held Saturday, June 4, beginning at 3 p.m.
The exhibition showcases their instructors and artistic staff, and educates the public about the variety of classes available.
The Peters Valley School of Craft is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 16 Kuhn Rd.
For more information, call 973/948-5202 or visit their website at www.petersvalleygallery.org.

Dancing on the stage in the woods

DINGMANS FERRY, PA — The show is still going on.
The Hanna Q Dance Company will perform on its stage in the woods on Saturday, June 4 at 6 p.m.
Artistic director and choreographer Johanna LjungQvist-Brinson started the Hanna Q Dance Company’s outdoor performance series at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt the need, she said in a press release, to create a safe environment for people to be able to still enjoy dance performances.
She and her husband Max built the stage in a glen with a natural bluff. The audience brings lawn chairs and sits in front of the stage.
Another performance, with different choreography, will be held in September.
Tickets cost $35.
For more information about the performance and the Hanna Q Dance Company, visit hannaqdancecompany.com.

Share your plants at the garden swap

NARROWSBURG, NY — The Narrowsburg Beautification Group will host its biannual garden swap on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the
Tusten-Cochecton Library.
This is an opportunity to exchange your garden plants, seeds, bulbs and more with your neighbors.
Items should be labeled with plant name and information. If you have nothing to exchange, you can donate instead.
The library is located at 198 Bridge St. in Narrowsburg, NY.
For more information or to donate, visit NBGtusten on Facebook.

Art of glass in the Gilded Age

WHITE MILLS, NY — Join the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) in honoring the Dorflinger Factory Museum and its founders, James Asselstine and Bette Davis. At the same time, you’ll support the DVAA.Ste
The organization’s spring fundraiser takes place on Saturday, June 4, beginning at 4 p.m.
Take a 45-minute tour of the museum and learn about the creation of its artisanal carved glass.
Keystone College’s mobile glass studio will demonstrate the craft.
Refreshments will be available after the tour.
Tickets cost $50 per person. VIP tours begin at 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. and cost $100 per person. All proceeds support the work of the DVAA.
The Dorflinger Factory Museum is located at 670 Texas Palmyra Hwy.
For more information, visit delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

June 4 is National Trails Day

PARKSVILLE, NY — Sullivan 180, Sullivan Renaissance and the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Alliance is celebrating National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4 beginning at 9 a.m.
The day kicks off on the Parksville section of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail; the trailhead is located at Old Route 17 and Fox Mountain Road.
There will be opening remarks followed by a trail clean-up and hiking. Sullivan County roadside and trail litter pluck disposal coupons will be on hand. The coupons waive disposal fees for trail trash brought to county-operated transfer stations through June 30.
The next event, “Bridge the Gap,” will begin that day at 1 p.m. It’s part of a national effort to introduce people to the outdoors. There is no charge for admission.
Learn more about the event at sullivan180.org.

Bridging the gap at PEEC

DINGMANS FERRY, PA — The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is holding events this weekend.
On Saturday, June 4, beginning at 1 p.m., you can learn more about the outdoors as one of PEEC’s staff members teaches about the national forests.
There’s no charge for admission.
On Sunday, June 5, beginning at 10 a.m., a Pond Paddle gets people onto the ponds. Beginners are welcome; PEEC will teach you what to do. Dress appropriately—you might get wet. Call in advance to reserve a boat.
There is no charge.
A Frog Frolic begins that day at 1 p.m. You’re back to the pond, learning about frogs. Wear boots and expect to get wet and muddy.
The cost is $5.
For more information, call PEEC at 570/828-2319.

Open house at Pike County Humane Society

SHOHOLA, PA — The Pike County Humane Society will hold an open house on Saturday, June 4, with a rain date of Sunday, June 5.
The event runs from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and takes place at the shelter, located at 189 Lee Rd.
Visitors can meet the staff, board and director, and especially the many animals waiting for adoption. There will be a barbecue, homemade baked good for sale and much more.
Learn more about the Pike County Humane Society on Facebook at the New Pike County Humane Society.

Sullivan Cup golf tournament benefits athletic scholarships

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — The Sullivan County Community College Foundation is now accepting registrations and sponsorships for the 21st annual Sullivan Cup Golf Tournament, which takes place at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 5, at Swan Lake Golf and Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament benefit scholarships for SUNY Sullivan athletes.
The college offers 16 men’s and women’s athletic teams: NJCAA Division II men’s baseball (varsity and JV) and men’s and women’s basketball (varsity and JV) and NJCAA Division III men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s outdoor track, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling and coed cheerleading and esports.
The entry fee for the Sullivan Cup is $100 per golfer and includes golf, green fee, cart, lunch, post-round hors d’oeuvres, on-course refreshments and gift.
For more information about the Sullivan Cup, visit sunysullivan.edu. For reservations and sponsorships, contact Christopher DePew, 845/434-5750, ext. 4431 or email cdepew@sunysullivan.edu. You can also call Brent Wilson at 845/434-5750, ext. 4293, or email bwilson@sunysullivan.edu.

Ride the train at Steamtown

SCRANTON, PA — Train rides have officially returned to Steamtown National Historic Site for the 2022 season. There are short 30-minute trips that explore the park’s historic railroad yard and full-day trips through the Poconos. The short train rides, the Scranton Limited and Caboose Experience, are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
All ticket sales will be credit card only.
Steamtown National Historic Site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Per the CDC, masking requirements are based on local conditions. Updates are posted on Fridays at www.nps.gov/stea.
For details about tickets with costs and a full schedule, go to https://www.nps.gov/stea/index.htm.

Sacrifice and courage on D-Day

LITTLE FALLS, NJ — On Monday, June 6, at 10 a.m., the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation (BFAVAF) and the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center will host a tribute featuring both military leaders and authors to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the D-Day allied invasion of Europe.
The event will be presented live at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, located at 8 Yogi Berra Dr., and will be simulcast; contact the foundation for details. See below.
Moderated by Dean Karayanis, host of the “History Author Show,” the event will explore the human and emotional aspects of D-Day, as well as the roles played by Bob Feller and Yogi Berra while serving in the Navy. Both men, a release from the Act of Valor Award foundation stated, demonstrated citizenship, service above self and commitment to their country in times of great national need.
The panel features Ray Mabus, 75th Secretary of the Navy; Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Edward “Sonny” Masso (Ret.); author Luke Epplin; and Larry Berra, son of Yogi Berra.
“Our mission is to honor those who possess the values, integrity and dedication in serving our country that Bob Feller himself displayed.” said Peter Fertig, president of the BFAVAF. “We believe that there is no greater way we can pay tribute than to tell the story of D-Day, “
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. To register and learn more, visit https://yogiberramuseum.org/events/dday22.