Come out and learn the Lindy Hoppers’ Shim Sham, culminating in a performance in the New Paltz Halloween Parade! But that's optional.

During the 1930’s in Harlem, the Shim Sham was performed in clubs as the finale number with all the performers joining together on stage. 

In the 80’s, Frankie Manning introduced a version of the Shim Sham to Lindy Hoppers. It is still danced today worldwide and, in the spirit of its rich history, there are always multitude of technical and basic variations danced at the same time.

This class will continue with that tradition and offer alternates as well as the basics. Additionally, the challenge will be to travel with these classic solo jazz steps. This is for everyone regardless of experience. You can learn for the first time, reinforce what you know, strengthen your movement with traveling steps, or learn a new variation to showcase your personal style. It’s up to you! Here is a take, and here another.

See flyer here.

Questions? Email recreation@townofnewpaltz.org.

$10 per class. Walk-ins welcome.

Thursdays from 6 to 7pm. Starts Sept. 18th through October 23rd. (Community Center)

Do you know how to play Mah Jongg?  If so, Mah Jongg players meet to play on Mondays 12:30-3:00pm. Mah Jongg is a fascinating, rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards.  The game originated in China in the 19^th century, then popularized in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. The tiles depict Chinese characters rather than suits you would find in typical card games and players strategize to create a winning ‘hand’. 

Mah Jongg is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with millions of dedicated players around the world and a variety of Internet and computer versions. Over time, after players become familiar with the elementary principles of the game, they develop patience in mastering the fine points and experience keen enjoyment invariably derived from the game.

Folks are welcome to participate once they have had experience playing the game, or observe these Monday sessions, however lessons cannot be given during or in between games on Mondays. The Lifetime Learning Institute, affiliated with the New Paltz University offers beginner classes in the fall. Beginners can read A Beginner’s Guide to American Mah Jongg and look at the National Mah Jongg League website.

Mondays from 12:30 to 3:30pm. (Community Center)

The Margaret Wade-Lewis Center's Community Library is now housed at the New Paltz Community Center while the Ann Oliver house is being restored. The Ann Oliver house is the future home of the MWL Center. Come peruse the collection which includes books on African-American art, culture, biography, and history. The book check-out form is on the top shelf.

Click here for the MWL Center's website.

The Mill Brook Preserve mission is to promote and protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats, while providing recreational and educational opportunities within the Mill Brook Preserve.

Mill Brook Preserve website here. 

Informational links here.

SIGN UP NOW!

Mohonk Mountain Lacrosse will be hosting our second annual summer lacrosse camp. This will take place at New Paltz's beautiful Field of Dreams, 241 Libertyville Road, New Paltz, NY. Camp will consist of week long skill developing practice sessions followed by a tournament styled practice on the fifth day. After the fifth day, the kids will gather in the pavillion for camp awards and a pizza party. Camp is intended for grades 5th through 12th grade.

Register here.

Bringing together the elements of Qi Gong, Yoga, Ballet, Modern and Improvisation, we work with gravity and others in the room, connecting to nature, energy, ground, music and each other.

The class focuses on creating fluidity, awareness, alignment, balance, and correct breathing techniques. 

Please call (917) 359-2337 for more information about the class. FREE

Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:00am. (Community Center or Huguenot Street)

Do you play guitar but rarely get a chance to play with others? Are you interested in diversifying your ensemble skills with new chord voicings, rhythms, finger-picking technique, or lead playing? The New Paltz Guitar Player’s Workshop is an opportunity to work on tunes and skills together with other guitarists. Eric Keeling, the instructor, has a master’s degree in music and 20 years of professional experience playing and teaching guitar. $10/class

 

Please contact recreation@townofnewpaltz.org for more information or to sign up. 

 

Every Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30pm (Community Center)

The Senior Citizens Club of New Paltz and Gardiner is a group of seniors from the local communities that come together on the second Wednesday of the month at the community center to socialize, be entertained or be informed on many different subjects. We have an annual picnic in June at the Field of Dreams and a Holiday celebration in December. We have two bus trips a year for lunch and some form of entertainment. We also meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month for lunch or breakfast at various local restaurants.

Second Wednesday of every month from 2:00 to 4:00pm. (Community Center)