Greetings from River City. You may have noticed the extraordinary vine that has been covering increasing areas of trees along River Road and elsewhere. It has spread north and south along major and minor roadways, smothering trees and every plant in its path, including agricultural (think of the Valley’s orchards and farm crops).  

Some people may think it is a beautiful green plant. This is an invasive plant that grows at an alarming rate, perhaps a foot a day, 60 feet a season, killing as it goes.  It is extremely difficult to get rid of… 
 
 Reminder: Safe Harbors of the Hudson invite you to join them at their Annual Gala, Celebrating Community on Thursday, September 21 at 6 p.m. for a beautiful evening on Safe Harbors Green as they honor the 2023 Cornerstones of the Community, June Henley and Rhinebeck Bank.

Enjoy an evening of community, festive fare, a unique array of auction items, music and Catering by Orange Hill Global Bistro. The auction is open to everyone - whether or not you plan to attend the Gala. If you or your business would like to donate items for our auction, please contact gbabbage@safe-harbors.org.
 
Symphony on the Green on Saturday, September 30 at 3 p.m. on Safe Harbors Green a Broadway/Liberty Street Rain date: Sunday, October 8 at 3 p.m. Safe Harbors of the Hudson welcomes Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra performing LIVE on Safe Harbors Green. This FREE event is open to all.

Some of the catchiest tunes ever written are from swing music. Its infectious rhythms made it the most popular music of its day, reaching a peak during World War II.  Swing gave people a chance to escape reality and find joy in music and dance. Today, it is still irresistibly toe-tapping and is guaranteed to be a fabulous afternoon for everyone out on Safe Harbors Green. 
 
Reminder:  The staff at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site invite you to go fly a kite on Saturday, September 23 from 2 - 4 p.m. at their 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.

Admission is free for the day, compliments of the Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands, who also provided the kites. Admission includes a guided tour of the historic Headquarters and the freedom to explore the Museum, including their newest exhibits, George Washington: Perspectives on His Life and Legacy, and The Defense of the Hudson.

The grounds, Museum and historic Hasbrouck House are open on Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 until 4 p.m.  For more information, call (845) 562-1195.
 
Suzanne Dawes invites you to this month Fall Into Books at Back Door Books - open Saturday, September 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Operated by the Friends of the Newburgh Library, this sale by donation book shop is  located behind Newburgh Free Library on Montgomery Street, 
Teachers and Homeschoolers - our young adult and children’s sections are bursting at the seams so all  books in those sections  are buy one, get one.  We have thousands of well sorted books in all categories as well as a huge selection of free materials -  books, media and magazines that must go. All proceeds from Back Door Books support the programs of the Newburgh Free Library.   There is parking behind the library on Montgomery Street.  CASH ONLY, PLEASE!

As donations of books come in, they are immediately put onto shelves so there is always  something new.   The Friends of the Library accepts donations of books that are in good enough condition for others to buy.  For more information about donating books, please contact The Friends of the Newburgh Library at newburghlibraryfriends@gmail.com. 
 
The Adult Formation Foundation invite you to join them on Friday, September 22 for a fun light family movie (PG) entitled Faith Hope and Love. It is a very entertaining movie about a dance instructors financial problems and a little girl’s prayer for her father’s happiness. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., movie will start at 6 p.m. Pizza, drinks and snacks will be served along with some good fellowship!! Hope to see you there! Call Judy at (845) 527-9897 for pizza ordering purposes.

Upcoming Bagel Hours: At St. Francis of Assisi Church,  September 24 after 10 a.m. and 12 Noon Masse; At  Sacred Heart Church, October 8 after 8:30 a.m. Mass.
 
From the Desk of Fr. Fernando: “A very special thank you to everyone who came out the weekend of July 14, 15 and 16 in support of our annual parish Italian Feast, honoring Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Anthony!! It was truly a wonderful community event, filled with laughter, fun, great food and music and faith!! The weather held out for us and the people came out!! The procession around the block following the noon Mass on Sunday was very well attended!!

“A special thank you to everyone who worked so hard the months leading up to the Feast and during the Feast to help make it the success that it was, but most of all, we give thanks to God for His blessings on our Feast weekend and on our parish!! Save The Date for next year’s Feast!! July 19, 20 and 21, 2024!”
 
“I want to give you the formula for sanctity; First, be happy; second, study and pray; Third, do good to everyone.” St. John Bosco. A good formula to follow. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.