KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going
to become. I decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five
minutes, the next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026!
—Debra Ross,
publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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The Academic Excellence Program (AEP) is a scholarship to recognize and financially support students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intellectual promise. AEP awards are two-year merit scholarships for high school students in 10th or 11th grade to begin college at Simon’s Rock at Bard College, the nation’s pioneering Early College. Awards will be granted on a competitive basis, by a committee of Simon’s Rock faculty. For fall 2026, the committee will award at least 20 scholarships across the three award levels. There are three scholarship awards levels available: 1. Founder’s Scholarship – $50,000 merit scholarship per year, 2. Provost’s Scholarship – $25,000 merit scholarship per year, and 3. Faculty Scholarship – $10,000 merit scholarship per year. Students may apply for additional need-based financial aid.
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Taylor Swift is a global pop sensation with more than 200 million records sold and a legacy of Grammys and devoted fans. Now, her biggest hits—like Anti-Hero, Love Story, and …Ready for It?—come to life in a dazzling laser light show. The Eras Tour may be over, but you can still rock your favorite Taylor Swift outfits and trade friendship bracelets at Laser Taylor Swift. A 55-minute spectacle you won’t want to miss!
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During the holiday break, you’re invited to experience all the HRM has to offer. Enjoy current exhibitions and engage in fun art and science workshops. Experience a tour of Glenview, festively decorated for the season, and choose from a variety of planetarium and laser shows, including Laser Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Beyonce, the Beatles, and more! Please note, planetarium shows and tours of Glenview are ticketed.
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Now through Jan 4: Come skate at the Cross County Center Pop-up Ice Rink all holiday season! The pop-up ice rink is not real ice but is a smooth "glice" material, great for young and first-time skaters. We wear real ice skates, but glide a little slower than on real ice (plus it's not as cold!) Admission is $12 per person and includes skates and a one-hour session. Character skate nights will take place throughout the season.
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Enjoy our annual holiday decorations in Glenview, our 1877 home on the National Register of Historic Places, designed by esteemed architect Charles W. Clinton. Explore the six fully restored period rooms on a 45-minute guided tour, showcasing beautiful Christmas trees, antique ornaments and toys, and a holiday-themed tablescape. Learn about the Gilded Age holiday traditions of the Trevor family, and see the fine woodwork, furnishings, artwork, and magnificent architectural features that rank Glenview as one of the most important early Gilded Age residences open to the public.
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The story of how Peter became Pan comes to life in this hit Broadway Musical! Based on the movie, Finding Neverland tells the story of J.M. Barrie, the playwright who created ‘Peter Pan’. As Barrie struggles to find inspiration for his next play, his life takes a turn when he encounters a family, including the widow Sylvia and her four sons. Barrie’s relationship with the family deepens and he begins crafting the timeless tale of ‘Peter Pan’. The show explores themes of imagination, friendship, and the spirit of childhood, perfect for the whole family!
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around the Hudson Valley, NY. Here are local organizations that
offer memberships.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Hudson Valley area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Hudson Valley. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Favorite Art Educator, Favorite Sport Educator,
and Favorite STEM Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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