Dae Vitale
By Dae Vitale
Greetings from RiverCity. Congratulations! The Friends of The Newburgh Free Academy have chosen Newburgh Free Academy Class of 2026 students, Shamari Mays and Desiree Rice, are the recipients of The Regina Angelo 2026 Scholarship Award.
Shamari will be attending Le Moyne University and Desiree will attend North Carolina Central University.
“Both wrote essays that spoke to how the library enriched their lives. Their well thoughtful and well written essays gave us all hope!” wrote Suzanne Dawes, member of The Friends of Newburgh Free Library.
We wish Shamari and Desiree and each and every graduate, at whatever level of your education, a blessed future in the next step in your education, whether as student or member of the work force.
Latinos Unidos announces Free Flu Shots will be available on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, 321 So. William S. Call 845-565-4812 for more information or 845-245-4035 ext. 112.
Upcoming Bagel Hours: Sacred Heart Church after the 10 a.m. and 12 Noon Masses on Aug. 30 and at Saint Francis of Assisi Church after the 8:30 a.m. Mass Sept. 6.
The Catholic Daughters Annual Picnic has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept.2 at the A Pavilion at Algonquin Park from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Bring a dish to share.
After all these many years, the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish’s Hot Meals Van Ministry, started by the Sons of Thunder Men’s Group, operated by St.’s Friends of Mary Immaculate, is still fulfilling its mission twice a month under Sister Ana and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.
This ministry prepares and distributes hot meals, clothing, toiletries and religious materials to the needy of the area on the street and in area hotels housing the homeless.
The Van Ministry is seeking donations of hygiene (regular or travel size), men’s and women’s underwear, and men’s and women’s summer clothing. If you are able to help, your donation can be placed in the basket at the doors of Sacred Heart Church and St. Francis of Assisi Church.
If you would like to participate in this ministry each month, please leave your name and phone number with the Rectory (845) 561-2264) and they will contact you. Your support will be most appreciated.
The City of Newburgh is seeking volunteers to serve on the Arts and Cultural Commission (NACC) to fill three positions. Individuals interested in volunteering must apply by August 28, 2026.
Appointment to the NACC is by the City Council. Appointed individuals may fill the remaining portion of any unexpired term or serve a full term of three years. City of Newburgh residency or a demonstrated investment in the City of Newburgh is a requirement to join.
The NACC meets in-person on the third Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Old Courthouse located at 123 Grand St. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings. Interested individuals may submit an application online at the City of Newburgh website.
Paper copies are available in the office of the City Clerk at 83 Broadway. Applicants may submit a letter of intent in lieu of an application. The letter of intent must contain answers to the questions found in the application available online or in the office of the City Clerk.
The City of Newburgh also seeks volunteers to serve on the Newburgh Housing Authority (“NHA”) Board of Commissioners to fill one vacant position and one upcoming term expiration. Appointment to the NHA is made by the City Manager. Appointed individuals may fill the remaining portion of any unexpired term or serve a full term of five years. Individuals interested in serving must apply by Sept. 2.
The NHA Board of Commissioners meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in either the Mullins Courtyard Apartments or the Fogarty Apartments in the City of Newburgh.
Check Mates In-Person. Kings, Queens and anyone in between, come to join a friendly game of chess at the Newburgh Checkmates Chess Club. Whether you are a beginner or a grand master come and have some fun. There will be instruction and free play. For ages 5-10. Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5 – 6 p.m. in the e-Learning Center. Elementary Age/Tweens. Registration.
Chair Yoga with Rae of Light Yoga In-Person. Mondays, Aug. 24 and 31 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. A free chair yoga class with Rae of Light Yoga Studio. Chair Yoga is a form of yoga that uses a chair for support.
This makes the benefits of yoga more accessible to beginners or those with health or mobility issues. Adults of all ages, body types, and skill levels are welcome! Registration is required as space is limited; if you do not register and space is full you will not be able to attend. In the Riverview Meeting Room. Adults/Seniors. Registration is required. There are no seats available, but a waiting list is available.
Sojourner Truth Community Building Circle: Freedom, A Human Right. In-Person. Join Legislator Gabrielle Hill for the monthly Sojourner Truth Journey To Freedom community building circles.
Each week will have a specific theme and prompts. Every first Tuesday. Sept.1, “What Does Freedom Look Like For US?” from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Riverview Meeting Room. Adults/Community Program. Registration is required.
Community Connections Reed with an officer on Friday, Aug. 21 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Newburgh Free Library (Main) 124 Grand St. Join everyone on the Library Plaza for an afternoon of fun reading a book with a Newburgh Police Officer and play some yard games.
Light refreshments will be available (while supplies last) and a free raffle! Event is rain or shine. This event is recommended for ages 5 – 11. Register for a reminder email.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact SSEEDNEY@RCLS.ORG. For information, call 845-563-3600. Email Newburghlibrary.org.
“Be polite. Perhaps your family won’t mind if you practice upon them.” -Minna Thomas. “The happiness of the domestic fireside is the first boon of heaven: and it is well it is so, since it is that which is the lot of the mass of mankind.”-Thomas Jefferson.
May hearth and happiness be one for you and yours. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings, on your heads, my dears.