Photographer Brian Wolfe (l) and Fritz Tavara from Affinity Health Plan receive their Cornerstone of the Community Awards, Friday, from Safe Harbors of the Hudson. Though weather did not cooperate with the planned gala, the award presentation was held inside the Ann Street gallery, which was hosting an exhibition of Brian’s photographs.
photo: Cathy Cahill
By Dae Vitale
Greetings from River City. Joe and I celebrated our 64th wedding anniversary on Sept. 21. Joe was a musician during his lifetime and so I am used to his being away. I just think of him as being on the greatest gig he ever had and in the greatest venue there is. It’s a steady gig, one that lasts forever. We all have our way of coping with loss.
Since we believe in an afterlife, I think of Joe, my Knight in Black Chinos, my beloved Sterling Character as in the company of the Holy Trinity, our Blessed Mother, the angels and saints, our family and friends, and all the musicians who made it to Heaven. I do miss him terribly, but if I behave myself and try to be good, I will be with him again, one day. I know he has lots of company, so he won’t mind my taking my time about getting up there; he knows I’m very busy with living. Happy Anniversary, dearest...
The Downing Film Center will reopen on Friday, Oct. 1, after being closed since Sunday, Mar. 15, 2020! For the first few weeks, showings will be limited to Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Thursday. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in the theater or on their website. Patrons will now be able to select their seats, either online or in person at the box office. These seats will be strictly first-come first-served.
The Downing Film Center will now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, paired with valid photo identification, every day, for all screenings at the Theater.
Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your photo ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.
In addition, masks will be required of all patrons and staff and may only be removed while seated in the Theater and eating before the feature begins.
Happy birthday greetings to Brian Denniston who celebrated his candles and cake day on Sept. 15. May this birthday usher in a grand year ahead of good health and much happiness, Brian!
Join kite flyers at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 2 - 4 p.m. and do just that at our annual “Kites Over The Hudson,” a Hudson River Valley Ramble event. Free kites will be given to the first 150 children, ages 15 and under. Refreshments will also be provided.
Explore the Museum’s over 1,300 artifacts. There will be limited guided tours of the historic Hasbrouck House Washington’s Headquarters. Visit the newly restored Tower of Victory. (Access to the Tower may be limited based on staffing and weather conditions). The site opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. Call (845) 562-1195 for details.
Admission is free for the day, compliments of the Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands, who also provided the kites. This event is in compliance with current Covid-19 Health and Safety Guidelines, and is subject to change based on guidelines.
The Friends of the Newburgh Free Library are thrilled to have a soft opening of “Back Door Books”, behind the library on Montgomery St. on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Back Door Books will offer great books at great prices for every age and reading level!
Most paperback books cost a .50 cent donation and most hardcover books cost a $1 donation. All sales from Back Door Books benefit the Friends of the Newburgh Free Library who support the library in its mission to inform, inspire and connect our community.
For information about Library programs, call (845) 563-3619. For more info about the Friends of the Library, call (845) 563-3619, or go to newburghlibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-the-library. Please note face masks are required at all times.
Healing Weekend – Oct.15: Beginning Experience of the Hudson Valley. A program designed to help you along the road to recovery from one of life’s traumatic experiences. Open to men and women of all ages who experienced loss of a spouse due to death, divorce or separation at the St. Lawrence Retreat Center in Beacon. Reservations are required. Please contact Phyllis at (914) 261-5812 or Kate at (914) 850-5107. Website: www.beginningexperiencehv.org.
Registration is now open for religion classes (REP) Grades 1 to 6 and Adolescent program Grades 7, 8, and High school. Program details and registration forms can be found on the website https://stmotherteresanewburgh.com. You may call the Religious Education Office at (845) 561-2589, come into the office at Sacred Heart School (Robinson Avenue & Ann Street) or call or text Sister Laura at (347) 207-5020 or Frank Rich at (845) 764-1983.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - ongoing to Oct. 31. Vigil at Planned Parenthood on Lake Street from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Contact: Wendy Wood at (845) 820-4366. Learn more at 40daysforlife.com/Newburgh.
The Annual Blessing of the Animals will take place on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. in the Prayer Garden at Saint Francis of Assisi Church at 145 Benkard Ave.
Our country and the world need our prayers; let us be generous with ours. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.