By Dae Vitale
Greetings from River City. In reading about the passing of Rebekah Grohl, only 22 when she died on January 5 of complications of the flu, I felt I had missed knowing someone wonderful. Some people are beautiful outside, some are beautiful inside, Rebekah was beautiful both inside and outside.
Even as this is written, there are so many thoughts filling my mind; thoughts of someone so young who seems to have given of herself to everyone around her starting at a very the earliest days of her life—filled so completely with so much love of her fellows that at only 22 years old, she has become endeared, not just to family and close friends, but to a whole community.
To Rebekah’s parents and family, her very many friends and to the community she loves, I extend my most heartfelt condolences. For those of us who believe in Heaven, we know where she is and know if there is any way she can intercede for us, she will.
From Newburgh Free Library: The Census Job Fair on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 12 p.m. or Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. offers information on Census jobs available, which have a starting pay of $19/hour with a flexible schedule. Bring your resume, list of work experience with dates, or any other info you would bring to a job interview so you have what you need to complete the application. Help to get people counted in Newburgh.
Attend the monthly meeting and sharing of poetry with the Hudson River Poets on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. Listen to local poets or bring a poem to share.
Join the Great Books Discussion on Friday, Jan. 24 at 11:30 a.m. Focus on carefully selected readings and questions from anthologies published by the Great Books Foundation and follow the Shared Inquiry Method promoted by the foundation. New members are always welcome, but must register before attending their first meeting. For more information and to register, call (845) 563-3629.
Tech Support is available on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Grand Street Library and on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Branch. Attend and receive one-on-one help for your mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Learn how to use the library apps to access e-books, audiobooks, mobile printing, movies, and more! Windows 10 laptop help is also provided.
ESL drop-in literacy tutoring is new in 2020 on Tuesdays from 6 - 8 p.m. The next class is Tuesday, Jan. 28. Learn to read, write and speak English in this free program offered at the library by Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley. For more information and to enroll, call (845) 522-8986.
Have some video game fun at the Madden Football Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. Play using the PS4 version of the game, with 3-minute quarters. You must arrive at 10 a.m., so they can draw brackets and they will use the NFC and AFC Champion teams only. Winner gets to keep the game!
On Sunday, Feb. 2 at 1:15 p.m., attend Le Cercle de Lecture, the French (language) Book Club, beginner’s level. Enjoy a lively discussion of books written in French with members of the Hudson Valley Francophone Connection.
Trained tax volunteers from AARP will assist seniors and other eligible persons with their taxes on Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. You must make an appointment to reserve your spot. To register, call 211; or call 1(800) 899-1479 or 1(914) 933-3700 to connect to 211.
Bring identity documents and social security or Medicare card, last year’s tax return, and any tax related documents. Call 1 888 687-2277 to see if you are eligible, for information or to become a tax volunteer.
Get creative on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. and turn a mason jar into a votive candleholder, perfect for Valentine’s Day. All materials provided.
Participate in the Meditation Health Benefits program led by student nurse practitioners on Tuesday, Feb.4 at 6:30 p.m. to learn the overall health benefits of meditation and how it may improve mental health.
Karen Monti at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site invites you to the Headquarters to help celebrate General George Washington’s 288th birthday.
As one of the critical figures in our country’s birth, one day of acknowledgement just isn’t enough, nor even is two. The General’s birthday will be celebrated over three days—Feb. 15, 16 and 17, from12 Noon - 4 p.m. each day.
There will be music, military demonstrations, historical presentations, and a take-home craft every day. Join in singing “Happy Birthday” to the General, eat a piece of his birthday cake and enjoy all that each day has to offer.
As a special treat, The Washington Project 2020! will take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. Students from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District will present their own individually created theatrical performance pieces featuring their interpretations of persons, events, and/or ideas from the War for Independence and beyond!
Note that admission for all three days is free, though donations are most appreciated.Call (845) 562-1195 for further details.
If you live in Newburgh’s Washington Heights or its environs you might enjoy and appreciate Nextdoor Newburgh Heights, a great site that offers friendly, thoughtful neighborly conversation that includes all sorts of topics from requests for recommendations of household repair workers—even cleaners and organizers, incidents of local crime, trading, free and for sale items, etc., etc.
Reminder: Theology On Tap offers free appetizers and conversation on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at Newburgh Brewing Company, 88 South Colden St. The evening is hosted by Rev. Dr. Jessica L. Anschutz and Rev. Jeffrey L. Hooker.
Happy birthday greetings to Jean Walker who celebrates her candles and cake day on Jan. 25. May your special day be filled with many happy returns of the day, Jean.
An update on Peyton Flaig who has been the happy recipient of your prayers over the years. Defying everything that her health situation conspired againd, Payton is celebrating her 10th birthday. All our loving family are thrilled to be able to celebrate the day, which has seemed a day so much in question.
Peyton is a loving, very brave girl who works hard for every victory. Though not blessed with normal health, she is blessed with a strong will, extraordinary parents, sister, family, and friends.
Safe Harbors continues their winter schedule of events when it hosts an Opening Reception for the Contemporary Art of Quilting on Feb. 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Safe Harbors Ann Street Gallery, 104 Ann St. The exhibit will be on view through Feb. 1 – Mar. 28.
Buddhist monk Bhante Henepola Gunaratana’s astute observation, “No matter how hard you pursue pleasure and success, there are times when you fail. No matter how fast you flee, there are times when pain catches up with you.”
For all who are feeling pain, may its strength not overpower yours. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears and on the heads of all our brothers and sisters in this world.