Greetings from River City.  On July 4, we celebrate the 244th birthday of our nation.  We celebrate the good and lament the bad by remembering both.  There have been times and places in the world’s history when cultural icons, art and literature have been desecrated and destroyed and a history rewritten.  History cannot be undone or changed by obliterating mention of it. 
Sadly, that we are all brothers and sisters under whatever color our skin, is still being learned.  There is no group that is totally immune to lack of understanding, due in large part to the fact that people tend to a level of comfort with people of similarity in culture, social level (class), education, and yes, even in race—and places within a race.
Martin Luther King’s faith and bravery accomplished much by appealing to people’s hearts, minds and souls--able to think and feel for themselves not as the mob, which has one mind and voice.  Happy 244th birthday, America!          

The City of Newburgh reminds residents that the Possession, Sale and Use of Fireworks and Sparkling Devices are PROHIBITED.  As such, residents should think twice before using illegal fireworks and sparkling devices in their local neighborhoods. 
The City’s high density of buildings and residents make the use of these devices especially risky.

On Saturday, June 13, the City’s Fire and Police departments responded to a report of smoke in a building on Renwick Street. The smoke was the result of fireworks that were ignited in the street and shot upwards, breaking the windows of a second floor unit and detonating inside the residence. Thankfully, there was no resulting fire in the building and no reported injuries.
Residents who have concerns about the use of fireworks can make reports to the City of Newburgh Police Department at (845) 561-3131.  In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.”

Due to the current State of Emergency in Newburgh, conduction of City Council Meetings and Work Sessions continues via Zoom. Archived recordings can be found on the City website.
The next City Council Work Session will be held on Thursday, July 9. The next City Council Meeting will be held on Monday, July 13. Find information about each meeting on the City website’s Public Meetings calendar.

We know COVID-19 is creating unprecedented financial hardships for the community. Early in the month of April, we announced several payment deadline extensions for residents and businesses. The next affected deadline extensions pertain to City Real Property Tax and are as follows:  Deadline for the 3rd installment payment is 7/20/20.  Deadline for the 4th installment payment is 9/18/20.”

To learn the what, where when, and how of garbage, trash, recycling, and bulk items disposal, go to the City of Newburgh website where you will find all the information needed.    

“Restrictions on gatherings have limited the way we typically celebrate birthdays.  To help people mark special milestones, our Fire Department has been using the fire engines to deliver socially distant birthday cheer.”  
Happy Birthday to Roxie Royal from the City of Newburgh: “Earlier this week the team was joined on Farrington Street by our Police Department to celebrate long-time City of Newburgh resident Roxie Royal’s 90th birthday!”  Residents can request these celebrations by calling Fire dispatch at (845) 569-7420.
Special happy birthday greetings, Roxie!   Gosh, when we first met, we were girls— you were in your early forties and I was in my late thirties.  A lifetime ago and yesterday, all at once.  Our days were thirty hours long and work never stopped.  May God bless you, my dear, with all the delights of your heart.    

From the City--Made in Newburgh:  “The TV series Big Dogs will premiere on July 1. This crime drama was filmed primarily in the City of Newburgh and local scenes include those set at the Wherehouse, Geraci’s Market, Karpeles Museum, Downing Park, God’s Grace Café, Liberty Street, Patty’s Taxi, and Umbra Stages. You can find all of the episodes on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

Thank you to Choice Films for sharing some behind the scenes photos of these familiar places in our City. We are eager to partner with them again for Below the Line Bootcamp as soon as we can get clearance regarding COVID-19 precautions. This CDBG-sponsored job readiness program offers valuable work experience in the film industry for our local youth. 

Farmer’s Market Coupons:  Orange County Office for the Aging will be distributing Farmer’s Market coupons starting in early July and continuing through the summer. These are for income-eligible residents who are age 60+. Coupons will be distributed countywide on a first-come-first-served-basis. Call (845) 615-3700 to learn more.

Text 4 Teens:  “We have been sharing mental health resources with the community since this pandemic began. Teens are especially at risk for mental health issues at this time and help is available specifically for them.”
Mental Health Association in Orange County offers Text 4 Teens to help young people with questions about mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, and more.  The Orange County Crisis Call Center, a mental health referral service that is staffed 24/7, is also available.

City Hall warns us to Beware of COVID-19 Scams:  Unfortunately, scammers are out to take advantage of people in vulnerable circumstances.  Beware of Scams offering a vaccine, cure, air filters, or test kits. 

In addition, beware of fake coronavirus-related charities: “Person in need” scams; scams targeting Social Security benefits.  If something doesn’t feel right, take notes and do your research before sharing personal information or sending a payment.  Learn more about COVID-19 scams from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Many happy birthday greetings to Arlene Butwell who celebrates June 28.  I know your day will be filled with happy returns of the day from your many friends, funny lady.  You have the gift of brightening anyone’s day.  May the year ahead be filled with renewed health and all God blessings for you and yours, dear Arlene.

Elyse B. Goldberg, Historic Site Manager for Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, announced they will begin an extensive Pathway Improvement Project in July, 2020.  Being the first publicly owned historic site in the Nation, the Pathway Project will be respectful of the site’s history, while enhancing public access to the grounds and the Site’s significant historic features. 
The scope of the project includes repair of existing bluestone walkways, enhancing the accessible parking area, and enhancing accessible paths on nearly seven acres of grounds.  It will also reestablish a path to the recently restored Tower of Victory.
The grounds at Washington’s Headquarters will continue to be open during the project, although with certain areas off limit based on the phasing of the construction work.  Large outdoor gatherings, programming and celebrations will be suspended for the duration of the project.  “We apologize in advance for any inconveniences this might cause, but we look forward to an improved and more enjoyable experience for our visitors when the project is completed.” 

Keep watching for updates.  For more information about Washington’s Headquarters, call (845) 562-1195 or go to https://parks.ny.gov/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/washingtonsheadquarters.

Prayers have been requested for Alexandra, a young woman. It does not matter that you don’t know her last name or why prayers were requested, God knows who she is and welcomes your gift of prayers for her.
John Dickinson, one of our nation’s Founding Fathers’ wisdom, as true today as it was when he said it, “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all!  By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.” 
It is to our peril if we forget John Dickinson’s admonition.  As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.