Greetings from River City.  We are always grateful for those hard working, industrious and conscientious young people because they along with their elders help to keep the world stable.  They endeavor in all fields from artists to astronauts to zookeepers to zoologists.  Every necessary job, including the ones that some people look down upon, but being undone would leave the world in a sad state. 
For the past several years, we have been experiencing a rather rare phenomenon in human history.  The phenomenon of the Extended Adolescence.  There was a time, not so long ago, when a person 21 years old was not only considered grown up, but was expected to take on the responsibilities and behavior of a grown up--that is—an adult (no, it didn’t mean not having fun).  In our time, an adolescent behaving person could be 30 years old and it would not raise an eyebrow.
 
Beginning Monday, July 6, the Newburgh Free Library will begin offering curbside pickup services.  Patrons will be able to call the library at (845) 563-3625 to request materials from the library’s collection.  Reservation and pickup services will be available on the following schedule: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday: 2 - 4 p.m., Sunday: Closed
Patrons may use the online catalog, available at newburghlibrary.org, to browse the NFL collection before calling or may opt to use our new readers’ advisory service called “Librarian Specials” - you tell us what you like to read, we choose the books for you to check out. 

Once a request has been processed, staff will collect the items and then call the patron to arrange a pickup time.  A fully PPE protected staff member will deliver the items to a table on the curb of Grand Street (directly in front of the library). The library will accommodate both car pick-ups and walk-ups. Patrons must wear masks to participate in this service.
Also beginning July 6, the library will begin accepting returned items via the outdoor book drop, located near the front door of the library.  Patrons who have been holding onto materials since the closure are encouraged to bring them back. However, fines will remain suspended until January 2021. 
The Adult Services Department invites adults ages 18+ to attend their Newburgh Strong: Stay Connected summer programs and join the 2020 Summer Challenge! Check their web site for details, and the e-calendar for an exciting array of online programs that focus on health, wellness, building resilience and self-sufficiency.
We also offer career development workshops, computer classes and a vast array of book discussions and literary programs.  Track your summer reading with READSquared, and enjoy activities, challenges, and suggested book lists.  Call for Tech Support with your devices or downloading e-books, and make appointments for photocopies, faxing, mobile print and notary services.
Youth Services has a full listing of virtual programs online. Check the library’s website and calendar for details and links. READSquared allows readers to track their summer reading and provides suggested booklists.  For readers who don’t know what to choose to read next, Youth Services is offering a “Pick Books For Me: Librarians choose, you checkout” service.  Forms available on the website or at the Library.

Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s Ann Street Gallery presents the Virtual Exhibit Opening and Tour for House Party: Paintings by Erica Hauser.  For more information, visit http://www.ericahauser.com.  https://www.facebook.com/annstreetgallery.  On Instagram @erica_hauser.  To schedule a viewing, email erica@ericahauser.com.  Sponsored by M&T Bank.
This exhibit will be on view through Saturday, July 12.
Erica Hauser is based in Newburgh, and has a BFA (2002) from School of Visual Arts in New York City.  Her paintings have been exhibited nationally, with a concentration in the Hudson Valley.  From Jan. 2013 through Jan. 2020, she owned and operated Catalyst Gallery in Beacon, where she worked with artists to install regular exhibitions, curated group shows and hosted cultural events.

Weekday and Weekend Masses Have Resumed.  All Masses are being held in the Main Church at 9 a.m. -- Sacred Heart – Monday-Saturday; 12 noon – Saint Francis – Monday-Friday; Saturday (vigil) 4 p.m. at Saint Francis; 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart; Sunday - 8:30 a.m. at Saint Francis; 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart; 12 noon at Sacred Heart; and 1:30 p.m. (Spanish) at Saint Francis. 

Sacred Heart Donations for Mary’s Hope:  They are very much in need of spaghetti and sauce, chicken and tuna in a can, cereal, Rice-A-Roni, and hamburger helper.  Please note they cannot give out expired food to their clients.  Please bring donations to Sacred Heart Church.  They thank you for your continued generosity.

The wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi—and I am sure it was the wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr., as well, “The weak can never forgive.  Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
In forgiving, we can rid ourselves of the double yoke of hatred and revenge, freeing ourselves from true darkness. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.