Greetings from River City. I am happy to report that my sister, Maurena, is home from the hospital recuperating from a bout with COVID.  Yes, she was vaccinated. Maurena was put on oxygen and will be for a while, and still needs to improve…but she is home! It seems every family is fighting the COVID battle. 
 
The regular City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. has been relocated to the Activity Center at 401 Washington Street. During the meeting members of the Police Chaplaincy Unit will be sworn in.  
Members of the public who wish to provide comments regarding the agenda and general matters of City business, during the Regular Council meeting must attend in person. Everyone attending Council Work Session and Regular Council meeting is required to wear a face mask at all times.    
To view the Thursday, Jan. 20 Council Work Session livestream at 6 p.m., and/or the Monday, Jan. 24 Regular Council Meeting livestream at 7 p.m.: join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device. A live stream of the Work Session and the Regular meeting will also be made available to the public via the City’s Facebook page as well as recorded. The recording will be made available at a later date. 

 
Safe Harbors of the Hudson present “When You Dream: An Exploration of West Side Story - West Side Story, A Look Back.”  Through Jan. 31 from 7 - 10 p.m., on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of this classic film, and release of the new film, Safe Harbors of the Hudson and New Take Digital Media produced an event exploring the themes, music, legacy, and relevance of West Side Story.  
Tune in to a dynamic streamed event featuring dance performances; interviews with original cast members and other luminaries; and a discussion with local community leaders about the legacy and enduring cultural relevance of this important work of American musical theater. 
Enjoy this event as it explores the music, dance, artistry, and history of West Side Story, featuring: Russell Ger, Musical Director and Conductor of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra who presents on the brilliant composer of West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein. 
In addition, Corey Glover, Tanisha Castellanos, and Luisa Fuentes crooning to the tunes of West Side Story accompanied by Neil Alexander. 
A panel of Newburgh community leaders and activists in a panel discussion about organized group activities in our cities. 
And, Dojo Dance Company, Maia Martinez and David Salvatierra Mamboing their way through West Side Story’s Dance at the Gym and Newburgh Performing Arts Academy performing original choreography on Safe Harbors Green and includes a conversation with original cast members!
This unique program is now available to view online for a limited time.   
 
Newburgh Drum Circle on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of Every Month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Safe Harbors Lobby at the Ritz (on the Green when weather permits) 107 Broadway, Join them starting on Jan. 25, Feb. 8, 22 and beyond!  All levels of experience welcome. Bring your own drum. As health guidelines evolve, we will follow all New York State and Federal health protocols provided. 
 
Please be advised that a parking restriction will be in place at select areas along Third Street from Carpenter Avenue to Johnston Street, due to construction within the roadway being performed by a contractor working for the City on a sewer improvement project. 
“No Parking” signs have been posted in the areas where parking will be restricted. This parking restriction will be in place through Jan. 19. Please avoid parking within these restricted areas during these dates.  
Police will be enforcing this parking restriction with tickets being issued and cars being towed. Please contact the Engineering Department at (845) 569-7447 with any questions or concerns.
 
Chris Morgan, Newburgh Free Library Adult Programming and Marketing Librarian, announced, The Friends of the Newburgh Free Library will be opening ‘Back Door Books’, their bookstore in the Newburgh Free Library building on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The entrance for the Back Door Books is behind the library on Montgomery St. Limited parking is available.  
“Back Door Books” offers great books at great prices for every age and reading level! Please note a temperature check and hand sanitizer use are required before entering the building, and face masks are required at all times.  
Most paperback books cost a $.50 donation and most hardcover books cost a $1 donation. All sales from the “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 and the Friends of the Library, call (845) 563-3619. Or go to newburghlibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-the-library. “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” - Neil Gaitan.  
 
Happy anniversary wishes to Leetha and Ted Berchielli, who celebrate Jan. 13. Congratulations! May this anniversary become a treasured memory. 
Happy birthday greetings to Jean Walker who celebrates her candles and cake day on Jan 24. May you receive many happy returns of the day with a happy year ahead. 
 

Annual Basketball Free Throw Competition on Jan. 23 (Snow Date TBD) from 1 – 3 p.m. at Unity Center (321 S. William St.) This event is Free! Boys and girls ages 9-14 as of Jan. 1, 2022, may participate. Parents’ consent and proof of age required to participate. To pre-register or for additional information contact Bill Kuntz at (201) 697-9920. 
 

Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry Hours: Friday 9 a.m. - 12 Noon, Saturday 8:30 a.m. -12 Noon at Sacred Heart School Gym, 240 So. Robinson Ave.
 
A Thank You from Rev. Msgr. Marc J. Filacchionne – Archdiocesan Director: “To Father Bill Damroth – Thank you very much for the generous World Mission Sunday contribution of $2,340 from the people of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. United with Catholics throughout the world on World Mission Sunday 2021, your parishioners answered their baptismal call with eagerness and enthusiasm!”  
 
The Sacred Heart League would like to thank everyone for their support of the Christmas Raffle. The winners are Wine Basket - Lucy Vilela, 50/50 - Filomena Buda, and Christmas Basket - Noreen Fioriti.
 
Thoughts to savor: “Freedom begins between the ears.” ~Edward Abbey; “Freedom is strangely ephemeral. It is something like breathing; one only becomes acutely aware of its importance when one is choking...” ~William E. Simon; “My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.” ~Adlai Stevenson; “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men (and women), undergo the fatigues of supporting it.” ~Thomas Paine; “Liberty is fragile and little things matter because they lead to big things. ~Evan McMullin.  
As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.