The ancient calendar is calling, and so is the Ramapo Saltbox house at the end of Torne Valley Road in Hillburn. The Saltbox Environmental Research Center (ERC) has sent out an open invitation to gather for a holiday party and traditional Solstice Celebration on Sunday, December 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

You bring the food and drink, and the Saltbox will provide music, stories and offer year end wishes to the four corners — as well as relief, should time continue after the end of the Mayan Long Count Calendar.

Solstices and equinoxes mark seasonal changes and are celebrated worldwide, with the Winter Solstice particularly coinciding with various religious celebrations. This will mark the first Solstice celebration for the Saltbox, and an opportunity to visit the student built research center.

The Ramapo Saltbox ERC is a recreated 19th century Ramapo Iron Works structure assembled under the guidance of Chuck Stead and students from BOCES of Rockland, Rockland AmeriCorps, Ramapo College undergraduates, and various other organizations brought together through the on-going project.

Part working museum, classroom and research center, the project has been led by Stead’s ongoing research into the Ford Motor Company paint sludge pollution throughout the Ramapo Mountains, and supported by the Town of Ramapo and Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence through continuing historic preservation projects.

Find a map and more info on the Ramapo Saltbox here.