“I like to see a man proud
Of the place in which he lives.
I like to see a man live so that
His place will be proud of him.”
Abraham Lincoln

 
 Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Purification of Mary, celebrated February 2 in the Roman Church, commemorates myriad momentous occasions.  The beautiful Mass begins with a blessing of lighted candles held by the faithful, who glow with the memory of the birth of Jesus.  The origins of the feast lie in ancient Jewish custom, that on the 40th day after childbirth, parents brought the infant to the temple to present it to the Lord and to purify the mother.  Count up 40 days after Christmas and you’ll come to February 2, and for generations to come, candles will be blessed and lit in abundance on this day to celebrate the Light from Light.
 
Town of Newburgh Recreation is offering Total Body Workout with Eileen Bowman.  This class is a total body workout that burns calories while toning and shaping.  It is a mixture of cardio, upper and lower body conditioning and a core workout.  Equipment provided includes hand weights and fitness balls.  Suitable for all fitness levels.  Modifications are always demonstrated.

Days: Mondays - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Recreation Department in the Large Room. Fee: $7 per class (Cash Only) Register online at Townofnewburgh.recdesk.com.

 
Senior Chair Yoga: Join Robbyn on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for some relaxing and rejuvenating yoga…in a chair!

Classes will take place in the Large Multipurpose Room at the Town of Newburgh Recreation Department, 311 Route 32, Newburgh.

Fee: Resident -$5 and Non-Resident -$7.  *Monthly registration is required*

Sign up online at townofnewburgh.recdesk.com or in person at the Recreation Department (845-564-7815).

 
Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow, Mahicantuck Lodge #15, Greater Hudson Valley Council, BSA held its Annual Installation Family Banquet at the Ramada Inn, January 7, celebrating 106 years of the Order of the Arrow, where the Lodge OA Officers were installed.  Presentation of well-deserved awards and recognition to outstanding Scouts who have maintained exemplary service throughout this past year took place.

The Order of the Arrow is an organization dedicated to serving and promoting the BSA through the local council.  Each year the Mahicantuck Lodge #15 contributes many thousands of hours of Cheerful Service to the Hudson Valley Council at the summer camps and local communities.  Congratulations to all the distinguished Arrowmen, whose time, commitment, diligent service, and cheerful contributions memorialize in his or her everyday life the spirit of achievement, as described by founder E. Urner Goodman.
 
Happy Birthday blessings to a wonderful father, Stephen Donato, who shares his birthday, January 26, with his equally wonderful and awesome son, Peter.  Your birthday comes just once a year and by God’s grace, you always are surrounded with family, love and friends that bring you happy surprises as you joyously share your big delicious birthday cake and a doggy bag, too.  

We wish the birthday boys a year filled with God’s love, good health, and much happiness.    
 
Boy Scouts of America, Troop 327 sings happy birthday wishes, to the quintessential scouting husband and wife team, Dick and Lola Kusumoto, who celebrated their special days on January 17 and 22, respectively.  Praises galore deservedly follow Dick and Lola with love and respect for their lifelong commitment to educating our youth to do their best at home, in their scouting family community and school, and being faithful to God and country.  Lola and Dick are an exceptionally pleasant couple making lives brighter and happier, too, and so, we wish them as much sunshine as they bring to others.
 
May you always have an angel at your side.