Greetings from River City.  I do not understand our government’s rationale behind the handling of the situation at the southern border. Hundreds of thousands of people of all ages, have been and are, encouraged to make a trek of thousands of miles in terrible heat, probably most at the mercy of nefarious characters of every sort—traffickers, gangs, pedophiles, you name it—to be dumped in the river or left in the desert, if more convenient for their “benefactor travel agent”.  

At some point after they arrive, they are put on buses, evidently without examination to even check for COVID infection, and sent to various cities around the country. Unfortunately, many of them have COVID and it would be startling to think that they would not spread the infection among their groups and others with whom they come in contact.            

It seems if there was any heart for the migrants, they would not be encouraged to make a journey plagued by danger and potentially lethal, particularly for infants, small children, young girls and boys, and women.  No matter how much it should, there is no sign that this southern border situation will end soon or get any better, negatively effecting the lives of millions of people, American citizens and migrants, for the next few years at the very least, because of what amounts to the almost complete lack of control of the badly managed southern border.  
     
On Aug. 7 and 8, in honor of the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is offering a take home craft kit to make your own Badge of Military Merit. General George Washington, while headquartered in Newburgh, created the Badge of Military Merit on Aug. 7, 1782. The Badge, the first award of its kind to honor enlisted personnel, evolved into the Purple Heart, an award given today to military personnel, officers and enlisted, wounded or killed in the defense of our country. 

Take a guided tour of the Headquarters and explore the Museum filled with numerous artifacts. The take home craft kit is included with Museum admission.  Reservations are required for house tours and weekends sell out quickly, so call to reserve your spot! Hours are Aug. 7, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Aug. 8, 1 – 4 p.m. 

 Eucharistic Adoration Every Thursday in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi from 4:45 - 5:45 p.m.  First Friday, 7 – 8 p.m.   Exposition-Adoration and Benediction in the Chapel at Sacred Heart Church. 

Framing History: A Year in Pictures at Washington’s Headquarters: How do you see Washington’s Headquarters?  Take a picture and send it to the Headquarters!  For the next 12 months, Washington’s Headquarters will be collecting your photos of their refreshed grounds, choosing their favorite each month, and sharing them for all to enjoy.  Keep checking back to see the gallery of images grow throughout the year. 
For more information, go to nysparks.com, palisadesparks.org or the Washington’s Headquarters Facebook page.

Given the rise in illegal late-night activity at Wards Brother’s Park in recent weeks, the City of Newburgh Police will be locking the Park gates overnight. 

Wards Brother’s Park will close and lock its gates at sundown beginning July 29 in an attempt to deter illegal late-night activity at the Park.  The Park will re-open at sunrise each day.  First-light rowers, kayakers, and walkers should use the Washington Street Boat Launch and Washington Street Waterfront Trail gate or may park on the west side of River Street north of the gate. No overnight parking will be allowed on River Street. 
As a reminder, the use of dirt bikes, as well as the possession or use of alcohol and/or grills in the Park is prohibited.  Gatherings of 10 or more people without a City Permit is prohibited. The City of Newburgh’s Ward Brother’s Memorial Rowing Park, home of the Newburgh Rowing Club, is open from Sunrise to Sunset for the launch of non-motorized boats. 

Take heed when lesser lights seek to triumph over beacons.  Beware when they do. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.