Dae Vitale
Greeting from River City. Please, dear readers and friends who offer the precious gift of prayer, offer your prayers for my beloved friend of almost 70 years, Helen Potter.
Helen has been one of my four best friends, along with Joe, my sister Maurena and my brother John, each holding a special place in my heart.
Helen is an exceptional person — an award-winning fine painter and sculptor, an author and a writer of wonderfully whimsical poems. She is a person of warmth and generosity of spirit. There was never a conversation, no matter how serious the beginning, that we didn’t end up laughing before we said goodbye.
Helen is in the hospital in very serious condition, and prayers are a weapon and a shield. Her daughter, Jodie, and Gabrielle and Chris have been loving siblings, with never a cross word through all the years. We are family.
We have gone from young women to our 91st year, sharing the experiences of our long lives. Helen has paintings yet to put to canvas, a book and illustrations waiting to be finished — and laughter yet to share.
Please keep Helen and her family in your prayers.
Keeping Newburgh Warm
The Newburgh Free Library is accepting donations of new and gently used warm coats and winter accessories, including hats, gloves, scarves and socks.
Please make sure donated coats are laundered or cleaned and are free of rips and stains. Donations may be dropped off at either the Main Library, 124 Grand St., or the South Plank Road branch, 181 South Plank Road, through Nov. 10.
Distribution will be Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Recipients must be present to receive one coat per person, while supplies last.
I’m sure this will be a success because Newburghers are very generous.
“The Wiz” at NFA
If you don’t want to miss Newburgh Free Academy’s production of “The Wiz,” make your plans now. This seven-time Tony Award-winning musical version of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” includes soul, gospel, funk, R&B, unforgettable songs and choreography to knock your socks off!
NFA’s student actors, singers and dancers will present a magical musical the whole family can enjoy.
Performances are Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for ages 12-64 and $8 for children up to age 11 and adults 65 and older. Tickets can be purchased online by searching for NFA “The Wiz” tickets. Tickets also will be available at the door.
Seating is reserved, so advance purchase is suggested.
WOW! This is the best bargain in town! Break a leg, everybody!
Halloween in the Heights
The Heights Association invites you and your family to trick-or-treat through the historic streets of Newburgh on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m.
A map of participating locations is available online, with new locations being added daily. The event is focused on the East End Historic District, primarily Grand, Montgomery and Liberty streets and Washington Heights.
If you would like to add your home or business to the map, contact the organizers through the event registration form.
The event is organized in partnership with Ward 1 Neighbors and The Heights Association.
Happy Halloween!
Veterans Day Breakfast
The Sons of American Legion Post 1796 will host a Veterans Day breakfast open to the public on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post 1796, 629 Walnut St., New Windsor.
“Join us in honoring our veterans.”
The menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, French toast and more.
There is no charge for veterans or children age 5 and younger. The buffet breakfast is $10 for everyone else.
Thank you, and God bless each and every veteran. Bon appétit!
Church News
The upcoming Bagel Hour at St. Francis of Assisi Church will be held Nov. 8 after the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses.
The St. Mother Teresa Senior Group will meet Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. All are welcome to attend.
A Healing and Spiritual Mass with Father Omachi will be held Nov. 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Church at noon and at Sacred Heart Church at 6 p.m. Parishioners are invited to join in this special service focused on prayers for physical and spiritual blessings.
The 2027 Mass book for Sacred Heart and St. Francis of Assisi churches is now open. In fairness to all, the churches are limiting the number of weekend Masses that can be reserved at one time to five per family. Please consider using weekday Masses for your intentions. Masses can be reserved by visiting the rectory.
Catholic Daughters Tricky Tray
The Catholic Daughters, Court Patricia No. 195, will host its annual Tricky Tray in Sacred Heart Church’s Gallo Hall on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Coffee and dessert are included with admission, and food will be available for purchase.
Helping Newburgh Loaves and Fishes
The parishes of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and St. Patrick’s-St. Mary’s churches will be collecting groceries in support of the Newburgh Loaves and Fishes Thanksgiving Program.
Here’s how it works:
• Pick up a shopping bag at the doors of Sacred Heart Church or St. Francis of Assisi Church on the weekends of Oct. 31 and Nov. 8.
• The bags will list the items needed. Please note: No substitutions, glass jars or turkeys, please.
• Return the filled bags with your donated items to Sacred Heart Church or St. Francis of Assisi Church on the weekend of Nov. 14-15.
• All filled grocery bags will be given to Loaves and Fishes for distribution.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Remembering Our Service Members
Please remember the following members of the armed services in your prayers:
Sgt. Patrick D. Ortland, U.S. Army; S/Sgt. C.J. Kozlik, U.S. Army; Pfc. Regan Lanspery, U.S. Army; Nicholos M. Pisani, U.S. Navy; Master at Arms Jonathan Stagliano, U.S. Navy; Bruce Sanderson, U.S. Navy; Master Sgt. Joseph Kugler, U.S. Army; Cdr. Abby Mennerich Lorfeld, U.S. Navy; Cdr. Thomas O. Mennerich, U.S. Navy; Michael B. Neugebauer, U.S. Navy ABH2; Marlyse B. Neugebauer, U.S. Air Force senior airman; Trevor Pedrick, U.S. Navy; 1st Lt. Timothy Wirth, U.S. Army; Capt. Lauren Jobson, U.S. Air Force; and Capt. Christian LoBiondo, U.S. Air Force.
Thank you, each one, for your service.
If you know of someone deployed overseas, please inform me or the parish.
The St. Mother Teresa Senior Group will meet Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. All are welcome to attend.
Until Next Time
A loving friend is a balm for the heart.
As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.