Greetings from River City. “A ride through a small town.” That was always my answer to the question, “What would you like for your birthday?” I used to take maps, the kind that you could get at gas stations, where you had the whole state with practically every little town listed. I would spread them out on the floor and go over them, looking for towns with interesting names.

I would daydream about riding through them and seeing what they were like. I lived in an area in a big city, but it was a small section, very much like a small town, but not quite. I don’t know if they have maps at gas stations anymore or if there are any of those wonderful small towns left in our country. I hope and pray there are.

Farewell Neighbor: “Nancy Ellen Brem passed into eternal rest on August 27. She was 69. Following a period of declining strength and health, she expressed to her family she wanted her suffering to be over and to depart to be with the Lord. Nancy’s impact will last a lifetime. Childhood memories from Newburgh through college at ASU in Phoenix, AZ.

She became manager at Circle K, where everyone became family and still is today. A small family survives by Nancy: her daughter and caretaker Andi (Carrie), brother Ted, brother John (Phyllis) and niece Courtney (James). Nancy will join in Heaven with her mother and father, Marge and George, and her oldest sister, Barbara.” Thank you, Andi, for filling us in. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Nancy’s family and friends.

Ten big, beautiful and healthy trees planted this spring on Newburgh’s Monument Street will be celebrated on September 13 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District and South Middle School will be well represented at the event, which will also draw teachers, students, community members, elected officials and environmental groups and will feature an original poem from Newburgh’s Poet Laureate, Genie Abrams.

The Greater Newburgh Parks Conservancy was elated, thrilled to be able to plant the trees in May, as part of a TD Tree Days grant created in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, with supplemental support from Scenic Hudson.

If you can’t make it to ComicCon in NYC or San Diego, Newburgh Free Library’s mini-Comic Con the NFLXpo is returning this year on Saturday, October 21 from noon – 4 p.m. at Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand St.

The NFLXpo celebrates comics, anime, gaming, movies, books, art – all things pop culture. Cosplay is encouraged; try out your Halloween Costume early! It will include vendors, comic artists and author guests, games, panels and guest speakers. If you or someone you know might be interested in being a vendor, exhibitor or guest speaker/panelist at this event, please go to www.newburghlibrary.org/nflxpo23.

Admission to the NFLXpo is free; the event is family-friendly and open to patrons of all ages. Follow on Facebook to get updates on this event. The Newburgh Free Library Fall hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Thursay; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information about library programs, call (845) 563-3625 or go to newburghlibrary.org.

Prayers have been requested for Tammy Brewer, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing heavy duty chemo and radiation treatments. She is a young woman of faith who is most grateful for prayers offered for her. Thank you, each and every one, who offer your gift of prayer.

National Dance Day at Safe Harbors Green, Broadway/Liberty St. on Saturday, September 16 from 12 Noon - 6 p.m. Join in for this all-day dance festival on Safe Harbors Green. This event is free and open to the public for all ages. This event is part of their programming with Artist-in-Residence, Ralph M’Vore. The program is supported by the Dominican Sisters of Hope.

Dance program schedule: 12 p.m., Ballet, Melanie Rose, Studio 845. 1 p.m., Hip-Hop, Ralph M’Vore, NPAA. 2 p.m., Jazz, Amanda Allyne, High Definition Dance. 3 p.m., Afro–Fusion, Manni M’Vore, Newburgh Armory. 4 p.m., Break Dancing, Daniel Villegas. 5 p.m., Dance Party, DJ Mizz Official.

Ann Street Gallery Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition Opening Reception on Saturday, September 16 from 4 - 7 p.m. in the Ann Street Gallery, 104 Ann Street.

The exhibition will feature the Fellowship projects of the three 2023 ASG Emerging Artist Fellows, Rachel Olivia Berg, Michelle Corporan and Shani Richards. The show will open on Saturday, September 16 at 1 p.m., with a reception free and open to the public.

The exhibition will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 5 p.m. through October. Ann Street Gallery is sponsored in part by the National Endowment of the Arts and the Dominican Sisters of Hope.

Linda DeWitt announced the Catholic Daughters, Court Patricia #195, will hold their annual Tricky Tray on Friday, September 8 in Gallo Hall (basement of Sacred Heart School). Doors open at 6 p.m.

Calling begins at 7:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Dessert is free. There will be many baskets to view and from which to select.

“It takes more than long legs to make a big man.” Unknown. Big men come in all sizes and shapes... It’s behavior and character that makes a big man. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.