I 'heart' weekends

We may not get to do any of this stuff. ... But I "heart" that it is swimming around out there.

I 'Heart' Freaks and Geeks

The first 50 freaks folks to pre-register will get to participate in the third annual Polar Plunge at 1 p.m. Saturday in Long Pond at Grafton Lakes State Park. The event is part of the 25th annual Winter Fest, and proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The fee is $20 and includes a t–shirt and hot beverage for those who brave the icy waters. For more information on the Polar Plunge, call Margaret Phillips of the East Greenbush Master Swimmers’ Club at 479-3739 evenings, 577-5434 days.

Grafton's Winter Fest starts at 5 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. and features a host of outdoor activities including cross country skiing, snow sculpture contest, art exhibit, food, children's activities and more. $2 per person, $5 per family. For more information on Winter Fest, call 279-1155.



I 'Heart' Ye Old Target

Back in the 1700s school kids couldn’t just walk into their neighborhood Target store and purchase 3-D glow-in-the-dark Hannah Montana Valentine’s Day cards … Ya know? No, back in The Day sprogs would show their love and affection with gifts they made by hand.

So in keeping with traditions of yor, the folks at the Columbia County Historical Society will host a timely valentines’ themed workshop for children ages 6 to 10 at the James Vanderpool House, 16 Broad Street, Kinderhook. Children will make valentines and small bouquets called “tussy mussies.” That name alone is reason enough to show up and pay the $5 fee for a single child, $10 for families. Historical society members can titter away for free.

Reservations are recommended. Contact Ashley-Hopkins Benton at 758-9265 or e-mail educator@cchsny.org



I 'Heart' Community Radio

Sorted, a fully solar-powered graphic design studio at 357 Warren Street in Hudson, will be the location of a special artisan fair from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, to benefit WGXC, a 3,000-watt community radio station hoping to launch its signal on 90.7 FM.

Goods made by local artisans will include ceramics, photography, books, jewelry, beeswax candles, leather accessories, knitted wear, tabletop design and other multiples and one-of-a-kind objects. Proceeds from the sale will help the radio station buy necessary equipment for the endeavor. The day-long event also features organic coffee, and sound performances by Hans Tammen.

Admission is free. For more information, call 622-2598 or e-mail tom@wgxc.org … visit online at WGXC



I 'Heart' Peeking in Candy Houses

What better way to celebrate the love of a good family than to sit in the dark and watch the horrifyingly dysfunctional exploits of another? It's good, wholesome family fun, I tell you. So, just after Valentine's Day, Berkshire Theatre Festival PLAYS! presents "Hansel and Gretel" at the Berkshire Museum 11 a.m. February 15 through 20. $15 for adults ($7 members) $8 for children, ages 3-18, ($5 for members). Ticket price includes museum admission.



I 'Heart' Kids with Cameras

Get bigger kids out from in front of the television during February break and put them behind a video camera. Berkshire Museum is hosting a week-long Movie Camp for aspiring young filmmakers Feb. 15 through 20. The day-long camp (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will have them doing everything from penciling the plot to popping the popcorn. Geared for grades three through six, participants write scripts, make costumes, operate camera as well as act the parts. The session culminates with a movie premiere of the finished film for family and friends. Fee is $225 ($195 members) and each camper gets a DVD of the film to watch again and again. For more information call the Berkshire Museum at 413-443-7171.



I 'Heart' Careening Down a Mountain at Night for the Price of Gliding Across a Field During the Day

Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass. is offering $15 twiglight skiing with an e-coupon from 3 to 10 p.m. Feb. 8, 9 and 10. The regular price is $40. To print a coupon and see other deals, visit Jiminy Peak