Greetings from River City.  The tragedy of George Floyd’s unnecessary death, in what seems murder in the custody of a police officer with a troubled record, has become multiple tragedies.  In addition to his terrible death, the tragedy of people who vented their anger and frustration in a terrible way (going from honorable protester to dishonorable rioter) that hurt people innocent of Mr. Floyd’s death.
 The tragedy of destroyed businesses and the jobs those businesses afforded to the people of the area (perhaps even of some of the rioters), businesses that may have been struggling to stay afloat in these coronavirus troubled financial times.  The tragedy of destroyed neighborhoods (which will, more than likely, take years to rebuild). 
Further, in addition to private tragedies, the tragedy of the example set for the youngsters who have to live through fears of an incendiary world of murder, chaos, disease, and destruction, a world where even belief in a loving God can be a capital offense.  If they believe adults cannot be trusted, who and what do you think they will trust?                  

Lauren Berg, Administrative Assistant to City Manager Joseph P. Donat, announced a City-Sponsored Summer Recreation in River City.  The City of Newburgh is planning recreation activities for the summer season that will comply with social distancing recommendations.  Certain traditional City-sponsored community programs are canceled and City staff are working on alternatives to accommodate the need for socially distant activities. 
The City is exploring a Slow Streets/Play Streets model to help people safely engage in recreational activities outdoors.  In addition, the City is also engaging with local restaurants in an effort to accommodate increased outdoor seating, should specific roads end up being closed to vehicular traffic.  

The City is expediting the closing of all streets to vehicles through Downing Park including Carpenter Ave., Haible Way, and Mayor Joan Shapiro Dr.  These efforts are being done in order to provide safe space for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading.  
Additional City-wide activities being explored include outdoor exercise classes, socially distanced entertainment, and family-friendly events, including drive-in movies for everyone including people who do not have cars.  These projects are planned to launch incrementally and will align with Governor Cuomo’s phased re-opening of the Mid-Hudson region. 
Please note:  Businesses, including restaurants, interested in using non-traditional outdoor spaces this summer as part of their re-opening plans should reach out to the Department of Planning and Development at (845) 569-9400.
Downing Park is open to the public, along with neighborhood parks such as Xavier Lunan Park, Audrey Carey Park, Tyrone Crabb Park, Hasbrouck Park, Crystal Lake, Snake Hill, and the Consolidated Iron site, which offers a waterfront trail from Washington St. to Ward Brothers Park.  The tennis courts on South St. also remain open. 
In addition, the Washington Street Boat Launch is open.  Day passes can be purchased from the on-site kiosk using a credit or debit card and season passes are available from the City Clerk’s Office by phone at (845) 569-7311.  Shoreline fishing on the Hudson is permitted, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
City-run spring/summer soccer, basketball, and camp programs are canceled.  All recreational sporting fields are also closed as well as playground equipment throughout the City with the exception of the water features at Audrey Carey Park, which will open in June.
The Skate Park at Delano Hitch is closed and the hoop systems at basketball courts have been temporarily removed.  The Aquatic Center, including the pool, is also closed to the public at this time.  The fields at Delano Hitch Stadium will be renovated during the period of closure and it is especially important that these areas not be frequented.  
Reimbursements are available to people who have made payments for seasonal recreation activities. Reimbursements can be obtained through the Recreation Department via phone or email only.  Reimbursements will be issued in the form of a check that is mailed to the payer’s address on record.  Contact Maritza Wilson at (845) 565-3230 or mwilson@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov.
The Child Care Council of Orange County can help people find reliable and legal local childcare providers that will meet the needs of families.  Staff can generate a list of licensed providers using information including desired location and child’s date of birth.  The organization’s staff will provide a list of referrals, guidance on payment assistance, parent resources, and more.
The Child Care Council can be reached at (845) 294-4012 or through the organization’s website at www.childcarecounciloc.org   Scholarship opportunities may be available and details can be found on the organization’s website.  People who are facing payment hardships can call the organization’s low-income subsidy line at (845) 615-5452 to learn if they qualify for payment assistance.
The City hopes to open all of their recreation facilities as soon as possible.  Announcements can be found on the City of Newburgh’s COVID-19 webpage at www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/coronavirus and on the City’s social media platforms.

City of Newburgh government is working to help businesses re-open.  The City of Newburgh website has been expanded to include a page outlining re-opening guidance.  The page can be found at www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/reopeningguidelines.  This includes links to business guidance and the downloadable reporting template.  
The page includes links and best practices for daily disinfecting of retail stores, houses of worship, food retail stores, and other types of businesses.  The city website also links to community resources to help residents who are seeking government services and well as help with food access, mental health services and more.  This page can be found at www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/coronavirus.

Johanna Porr Yaun shared a photo in Remembering Newburgh NY revealing something of how Capt. J. Alsdorf connected to the famous Newburgh family of musicians. Anybody have any thoughts about these receipts?  (Dated 186, 1871 and 1872).

Happy birthday greetings to Bette Grethe who celebrates her candles and cake day on June 8.  May your day be the start of a wonderfully happy year ahead, Bette!

Weekly Sunday Mass:  For as long as our Churches need to remain closed, Sunday Mass will be posted on Saint Mother Teresa Facebook page (Saint Mother Teresa Parish, Sacred Heart-Saint Francis Churches, Newburgh, NY) at 10 a.m. every Sunday.  Please call the rectory at (845) 561-2264 to add or delete names from the Church’s Prayers for the Sick list.

In Othello, William Shakespeare quite astutely observed, “The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief.”
The thief with no remorse for the crime has forfeited something precious within.  May we always treasure that which is truly precious.  As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears and on the heads of all our brothers and sisters in this world, from the youngest in the womb to the oldest on earth.