Greetings from River City. Whether it’s over the river and through the woods to grandfather’s house you go or in your small apartment or a Thanksgiving dinner served by one of the local community groups--may your Thanksgiving be happy and remind you of those people and things for which you are grateful and blessed. Happy Thanksgiving, to each and every one of you and yours.

After the Thanksgiving dinner is over and you and your guests are relaxed, you might think about taking advantage of the first National Historic Site, which is right here in Newburgh. If you or your guests haven’t been to Washington’s Headquarters in a while, you’ll find some very interesting changes.
Create your own distinctive way of writing--18th Century-style, using a quill pen and ink at the Headquarters during Thanksgiving weekend--Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day.
This take-home craft is open to all ages and is free with Museum admission ($4/adults, $3/senior adults and students, Free/children age12 and under), which includes a self-guided exploration of the Museum’s 1,300 artifacts, guided tours of the Headquarters and the newly restored Tower of Victory (access to the Tower is based on staffing and weather conditions). For more information, call (845)562-1195.

Warm up at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 12 - 4 p.m. Historic interpreters in each seasonally decorated room will greet visitors and offer insights into what happened when the Washingtons occupied the Hasbrouck farmhouse during the last winter of the Revolutionary War.
The Salmagundi Consort will perform period appropriate music, while cookies and warm cider will be served from a cauldron by volunteers at an outdoor fire (adding much to the historic and Christmas celebration.
An additional treat is that admission is free for the day, thanks to the Friends of State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands. For more information, call (845) 562-1195.
Another annual Newburgh treat is the chance to experience the Historic Society’s Candlelight Tours of Newburgh’s Historic District homes. For more information and ticket prices, call Crawford House, 189 Montgomery St. (the Society’s headquarters) at (845) 561-2585.

Elaine Decrosta, of Sacred Heart Church’s Adult Faith Formation Committee announced the Parish of Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Sacred Heart/Saint Francis Churches) Annual Advent Concert is on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Ann St. and Robinson Ave.
The choirs from both churches in addition to Saint Francis’ Children’s Choir will perform traditional and spiritual Christmas music. Elaine suggests you set aside an hour during the holiday season to join them for what promises to be a very moving experience.

Happy birthday greetings to Ricki Parisi who celebrates a Dec. 1 candles and cake day. May your birthday usher in a year ahead of happiness in abundance.

Barbara Albrechtsen, Grace United Methodist Church member/Publicity Assistant and Rev. Jeffrey Hooker, Minister, announced some of their upcoming events for December. On Dec. 1, the Hanging of the Greens--one blended service at 10 a.m.
On Dec. 8--White Gift Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. On Dec. 15--the Sunday School Pageant during the 10:30 a.m. Service.
Their Christmas Pot Luck on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. All the women of the Church are invited. Music by Elissa Zahn. Coffee and dessert served after the program.
Thanksgiving Worship Service and Breakfast is on Nov. 28 at 7 a.m. in the Community Room.
If you hope to get your poinsettias, please get your orders in ($10 each, red or white) by Dec. 8.
Their United Methodist Women’s group wants to make it a warm Christmas for youngsters ages 1 - 18 with your help in their collection of hats, mittens and scarves.
They are collecting Box Tops for Education to help support Jason’s school. For information on all Grace United Methodist Church events, call (845) 561-0176 or email gracechurch1@wcmetrobiz.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh will host a webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 4 beginning at 12:30 p.m. The subject: The Magic of Stewardship in Growing Donor Relationships and Increasing Fundraising Support, presented by Beth Ann Locke.
Lunch will be provided during networking at 12:30 p.m. The formal program begins promptly at 1 pm. Informal discussion from 2 - 2:30 p.m. Please note this webinar is not accessible remotely, only at Newburgh Habitat, 125 Washington St.
Free to AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals, NY, Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter), $20 for non-members. RSVP to register send check payable to AFP Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter. Mail to AFP Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, 30 Scotts Corners Dr., Suite 203, Montgomery, NY 12549. Registration fees are accepted at the door,

Grace United Methodist Church (265 Van Ness St. Gym entrance), invites you to a free Movie Night on Sunday, Dec.14 at 6 p.m. at their Chapel.
Admission is free to “Breakthrough”, a true story of faith (you are advised to bring tissues). There will be refreshments for sale. A discussion will follow the movie. .
Please use the gym entrance at 265 Van Ness Street.

Thank you all, who have been offering prayers for Jayce. We are most grateful for them. Please add all those who are sick or troubled and their families, that they find the help, support, courage, and love they need to sustain them in their distress.
Thanksgiving is more than a day; it can be a daily state of the mind and heart. 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, from the youngest in the womb to the oldest on earth.