Dae Vitale
By Dae Vitale
Greetings from River City. It was so heartening to read Mayor Harvey’s statement about our safety being the City’s number one priority, especially after two devastating fires left 57 people homeless.
Does that mean that the thousands that would have been spent on jaunts to luxury hotels and other costly pleasant spots are out, and funding the fire department, which is underfunded and a bit short-handed, and streets like Overlook Place (from Liberty St. to Bay View Terrace) which seems ready to cave in, and the myriad other important concerns will be taken care of?
Come listen to a true tale of the past inside the place where it happened on Sunday afternoon, April 21st. The Historical Society is sponsoring a book talk by crime historian Alex Hortis, at 3 p.m. in the Old Courthouse, 123 Grand Street. Inside those same walls, when the building was new, a murder trial took place that captured the attention of the nation.
A woman named Polly Bodine was tried for killing her sister-in-law and her baby niece on Staten Island. Two New York City trials had resulted in hung juries and so the last trial was moved to a new jurisdiction, the Hudson Valley, and to the bright new courthouse in Newburgh.
Here, our lawyers showed more skill and our jurors more care. Yet, the firestorm of press coverage nearly overwhelmed our little 1840’s village. Tabloid journalism was being born and Polly’s story mirrors the endless splashy coverage of today’s sensational news.
Mr. Hortis’ book, The Witch of New York: The Trials of Polly Bodine and the Cursed Birth of Tabloid Justice, will be available for sale in collaboration with Angie Venezia, owner/operator of Golden Hour Books, Newburgh’s fine new independent bookstore.
Admission is free.
April 17 is the start of extended operating hours at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh. The site will be open to visitors every Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and every Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.
The historic Hasbrouck House served as General Washington’s headquarters for over 16 months, the longest stay at any of his 165 headquarters. There is a vast amount of history within the walls of this house – the first publicly owned historic site in the nation since 1850.
While there, Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, precursor of the Purple Heart; stopped the Newburgh Conspiracy, a potential mutiny; began the business of disbanding the Continental Army and so much more!
Make sure you explore the Museum which includes recently installed exhibits “George Washington: Perspectives on His Life and Legacy,” and “The Defense of the Hudson.”
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, admission is free for children 12 and under.
For further information and directions, call (845) 562-1195.
Suzanne Dawes is spreading the word that Back Door Books at the Newburgh Free Library will be open on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. They have thousands of well sorted books in all categories.
They are bursting at the seams with new inventory. Parents, teachers and homeschoolers; our children’s section is overflowing with wonderful books for pre-school through teens, many in new or like-new condition.
They welcome donations of books in saleable condition. Twenty or fewer may be dropped off at the library near the circulation desk. If you have more than twenty books to donate--contactnewburghlibraryfriends@gmail.com to set up an appointment.
Operated by the Friends of the Newburgh Library, this sale by donation book shop is located behind the Newburgh Free Library on Montgomery Street. 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!
Brian Deniston said he is, “Very honored once again to have been asked to serve on the City of Newburgh Memorial Day Parade Committee 2024, with Ann Wagner Kuzmik and Mary and Bill Keller.
“This will be my third year on the committee, honoring the hard work and dedication of Regina Angelo. There will never be another Regina!” I know you will work hard to make it a success, Brian… and you are very right… there will never be another Regina Angelo who gave a lifetime of love, energy, creativity, effort, and never giving up on Newburgh and Newburghers.
St. Francis of Assisi Church will show the movie “A Match Made in Heaven” on April 19, a romantic comedy about a talk show host who is living a not very charmed life, who has a prayerful moment and gets a chance to relive one week of his life with the help of his Guardian Angel. Starring Robert Krantz and Tom Arnold.
As always, the doors of O’Connor Hall will open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will start at 6 p.m. Bring a friend, enjoy some pizza and snacks.
Senior Breakfast – Join fellow parishioners of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and St. Patrick’s-St. Mary Annual Free Senior breakfast this year on May 18 in Sacred Heart Chapel following 9 a.m. Mass. Serving a wonderful breakfast with a speaker and comedy skit by parishioner Larry DiGregorio.
Please call the rectory (845-561-2264), Judy Grehl (845-527-9807) or Elaine DeCrosta (845-590-1499).
“He who walks with wise men becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20. Out of the mouth of Proverbs… As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.