Louise Haight
By Louise Haight
Beach season is in the rearview mirror, so shake the sand from your flip-flops and welcome back-to-school season with chillier days and sweaters. The familiar tune of school bells ringing tease us that Memorial Day and picnics and beach fun are now wonderful memories. So, enjoy the last hurrah, a Labor Day barbeque with family and friends, taking photos to pull out on those cold blustery days of our long winters, and then smile in anticipation that spring is just around the corner.
Orange County and the United States Military Academy at West Point celebrated and honored one of its citizen celebrities, Army Sgt. Maj. MaryKay Messenger, August 9, who is retiring after nearly three decades of service with the USMA Band. Sgt. Maj. MaryKay Messenger (nee Hollenbeck) has been the lead soloist for the band and has performed before several presidents, kings, celebrities, as well as Carnegie Hall, China, Europe, and at the opening New York Yankees, Mets (7th inning) and Giants and Jets (half-time) ceremonies. Almost everyone in the Orange County area has heard her beautifully sing the “National Anthem, and God Bless America,” at many local events.
Messenger has performed for the Mid-Hudson Honor Flight ice breaker for most of the Honor flight attendees. She has also accompanied several veterans as their escort on as many flights. Her renditions of 1940’s songs have gotten many WWII veterans dancing with her.
She is a member of the Catholic War Veterans Joseph R. Farina Memorial Post 386, and sang the patriotic melodies at the Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. Messenger is also on the Board of Directors of the Purple Heart Hall.
Singing at weddings and funerals, Sunday and Holyday Masses is too large a number to record. Superintendent of USMA Lt. Gen., Steven W. Gilland stated, “MaryKay not only supported West Point, she is an integral part of the Academy!” Lt. C. Daniel Toven, USMA Band Commander followed that with “She has created a void such that we cannot use the term, ‘replace’ her.” Several USMA band members stated “MaryKay’s retirement leaves us with a crater, one mile in diameter and one mile deep, which we will never be able to fill!”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus recently named her “Citizen of the Month!” Fortunately, for the residents of Orange County and the West Point community, she is planning to remain in the area, so we will be blessed to enjoy her God-given talents, as she continues to perform at local myriad events. She is married to David Messenger and has two beautiful daughters, Emma and Grace. May God continue to bless MaryKay and family in this newest adventure. Congratulations! Information and photo by James R. Formato.
Town of Newburgh Recreation invites you to join them for a Magic Show, Tuesday, November 12. Enjoy the amazing Magic of Damian at the beautiful Hotel Anthracite. Hotel Anthracite is a sister property to the lovely Silver Birches Resort. The magic and mentalism of Damian explodes with originality, humor and style that misdirects his audience to the point where distinctions between reality and illusion are impossible.
Combining dance, music, mime and comedy with his illusions, Damian weaves a spell of mystical entertainment for discriminating tastes. Mystery and fun combine to create a total entertainment experience.
Along with an amazing Magic Show you will also enjoy a fabulous lunch, shopping with local vendors, and a nice day out.
Bus departs Rec. Center at 9 a.m. and returns Rec. Center approx. 5:30 p.m. Fees: Resident $75; Non-Residents $85. Pre-register at townofnewburgh.recdest.com. Town of Newburgh Recreation, 211 Rt. 32, Newburgh, NY 12550 Phone: (845) 564-7815.
FREE CANCER SCREENINGS: Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital and the American Cancer Society are teaming up to provide free prostate and breast cancer screenings, Thursday, September 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Resorts World Hudson Valley (Newburgh Mall), 1401 NY-300, Newburgh.
There will be two physicians on site offering quick and private screenings, as well as answering any questions you may have. Physicians: Dr. Nicole Agcanas, Family Medicine; Dr. Jaspreet Singh, Urologist
To book your screening appointment, please call (845) 784-3626, or visit bit.ly/MSLCCancerScreenings9524.
May you always have an angel at your side.