Trivia Tidbit: on May 23, 2024 will be the Flower Moon. Thank you to timeanddate.com/astronomy/ for the meaning. I will be checking in with them each month for an update.

Many wildflowers bloom in May in the Northern Hemisphere, where these traditional Full Moon names originated. For example, many types of anemones, wild garlic, indigo, bluebells, lupine, sundrops, and violets, to name just a few. It is no wonder that the colorful displays these flowers create in nature have inspired people to call this time after them. Native Americans called it Budding Moon, Egg Laying Moon, and Planting Moon.

The Anglo-Saxon name for May’s brightest Moon phase is Milk Moon from the Old English Rimilcemona. It means three-milkings-month in modern English because cows were milked three times a day during this time of year. The Celtic and Old English names are Mothers’ Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, and Grass Moon.

If it is May, then it is the month that we honor our many men and women who gave their lives in service to this great country. Please join us on Monday May 27 at 9 a.m. for the Pine Bush Veterans Memorial Day Parade. Line up is at 8 a.m. at Crispell Middle School and the Pine Bush High School, both on Route 302. At the end of the parade will be the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial in the Red Mills Road Town Park. For more information contact Dan Dambrozio at ddambrozio@yahoo.com.

Just a reminder that Summer Camp days will be here before you know it. The Town of Shawangunk kids summer camp will be held at the Verkeerderkill Park from July 1 to August 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday - Friday. To see if they still have openings contact Gillian at 917-848-8633. Camp is for children ages 5-14.

Now in its third year, the Shinefest Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. in the Bullville Park. The lineup of entertainers is outstanding and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Proceeds this year will go to support the Humane Society of Walden – a worthy group that serves our area. Tickets and more information can be obtained by visiting shinefestny.com. This event is organized by Soulshine Market of Pine Bush. They hold free open mic nights on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6 - 8 p.m. Stop by and enjoy their varied selection of entertainment at 96 Main Street, Pine Bush. Call 845-744-6006 for more information.

The Pine Bush Area Library has another busy month of offerings in the community room. Local railroad and trolly historian Ray Kelly will present a program on the New York, Ontario and Western Railway. Part 1, Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.; Part 2, Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m. On May 15 at 6 p.m. will be a presentation on Ticks & Tick-Borne Diseases. Cornell Cooperative Extension “Tick Kits” will be available for optional purchase of $10. May 29 at 6 p.m. join in for a history lesson on the Borscht Belt Artifacts: Relics of the Catskill Resort Age presented by Alex Prizgintas. No walk-ins and seating is limited for Alex. For any of these presentations contact the library at 845-744-4265 ext. 2 for more information and to reserve your seat.

Here is your reminder about the PBHS Interact Club’s Annual Spring Vendor Fair being held on Saturday, June 8 at the high school from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, June 9.) If you would like vendor spots contact Interact Club Advisor Christina Tudisco at christina.tudisco@pinebushschools.org. Great opportunity to promote your business or services you provide to the community.

Pine Bush Farmers Market is still looking for ‘growers & makers’ who want to participate in the market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Request an application at pinebushfarmmarket@gmail.com if interested. Opening day is Saturday, May 25.

The United Friends Observer Society support group is happy to announce that the group has been invited to resurrect their meetings and they will be joining the Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum’s list of activities. Group facilitator & Walker Valley resident, Dr. Bill Wiand, has been coaxed out of retirement to pick up where he left off from last year. Their initial ‘meet & greet’ will take place on Wednesday, May 8, starting at 7 p.m. and then they will return to their usual first Wednesdays of the month meeting schedule on June 5. On May 8, everyone will get a chance to meet the Museum’s Director, Lance Hallowell, and hear about the many offerings through the museum’s programs. The museum is located at 86 Main Street, Pine Bush and you can call the museum at 845-524-4272 or Dr. Bill at 845-744-3143 (leave a message) for more information.

Great thing about the museum is location. It is right in the heart of Pine Bush’s Main Street business district where the area offers many wonderful places to experience dining that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. So, plan on coming early, check out the local businesses and get a bite to eat before coming to the meeting.

Don’t forget that your entries for the UFO Craft Contest are due on May 11. Grab your entry forms and rules with an email to pbartscouncil@gmail.com.

Speaking about UFO craft...... the Pine Bush area is gearing up for their annual extravaganza event. The Pine Bush UFO Fair fun filled activities run May 30 - June 2. For more complete information regarding specialty activities, times, rules, cost, etc., please visit pinebushmuseum.com and pinebushufofair.com or on Facebook.

Thursday, May 30 6 - 9 p.m.: free Cosmic Drum Circle & Skywatch at the Alice Court pavilion. Music and drumming have been used for eons to entice galactic travelers to come pay a visit. Bring your drums and help create cosmic vibrations. Dr. Bill Wiand will be there, along with some of his friends, to share stories and/or personal experiences. Food will be available for purchase onsite.

Friday, May 31 7 - 11 p.m. you are invited to participate in a 1980s Space Prom. Organizers ask that you “dress to impress in your best intergalactic formal Alien attire.” This event is for ages 16 and over with a $20 cover charge. Refreshments will be provided. Location will be the town community center, 115 State Route 302, Pine Bush right next door to town hall.

Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all along Main Street, Crawford Commons area main gazebo behind 65 Main Street and Crawford Square next to the UFO Museum at 86 Main Street. Entry to the fair is free and if you come in costume (which is encouraged by event organizers), you become part of the show!

Visit the UFO Museum gift shop & the museum will be open all day for mini guided tours.