“O sweet September rain!
I hear it fall upon the garden beds,
Freshening the blossoms which begin to wane.”
Mortimer Collins (1827-76)
 

Memories of the horrific September 11, 2001 attack on World Trade Center and our freedoms never fade, the images and events of that fateful day, a perfectly beautiful gift of brilliant blue skies, turned into frightening billowing black smoke covering Manhattan, and a stunned world watched the unimaginable, as terrorist planes crashed into the two towers.

Thousands of innocent people of all ages and from all over the globe lost their precious lives to a fierce source of evil.  But let us always remember the bravery and courage of heroes, brave First Responders, Firefighters, Police Officers, EMTs, ordinary citizens, clergy, emergency personnel who knowingly sacrificed their lives for brother and sister, known and unknown, and true patriots responded in thousands of deeds of kindness and love, and that is what will always make America great and a beacon of light in this tortured world.   
 
 Middle Hope Ladies Auxiliary’s ocketbook Bingo is Saturday, November 2, held at Middle Hope Fire Department, 11 Lattintown Road Newburgh.  All proceeds to benefit Veterans’ Organizations.  Ticket includes 10 games & door prizes.  They will be collecting personal care items for the veterans: toiletries, socks, underwear, etc.  For each item you bring, you will receive one raffle ticket for an entry to win a designer handbag!

Raffles and 50/50 tickets will also be available.  BYOB & Snacks!  Doors open at 3 p.m. and Games begin at 4 p.m.  Tickets are $40.

 Payment via Venmo-Junell Buzzurro@DukesTDC.  Call or text for alternative payments (845) 242-5843.  Please let them know who you would like to sit with.  No Refunds after October 25!  Don’t delay, this popular event fills up very quickly!
 
National Grandparents’ Day is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day signifying the autumn years of life.  In 1978, President Carter signed this bill to honor grandparents, this year, September 8, and it has a threefold purpose: honoring grandparents, giving them an opportunity to express love for their own children’s children, and helping children become aware of the strength, guidance, information, and wisdom that older people share.  Happy blessings to all grandparents that color our world with a rainbow of golden joy.
 
Toddler Time at Algonquin Park, 54 Powder Mill Rd. Newburgh on Tuesday, September 24, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.  Come to the park and join librarian Susan for 15 minutes of fingerplays, songs and rhymes followed by playtime at the park.  Bring your own blanket; For children 18 months – 3 years old.  Rain location will be at the Newburgh Town Branch, 181 South Plank Rd.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors at the Town Branch, Wednesdays in September: 9/18 and 9/25, from 5 – 6 p.m.  Drop in for some reading time with one of their Tail Waggin’ Tutors Certified Therapy Dogs.  School age children can gain confidence in their reading skills by reading with a calm Therapy dog.  Choose a book from the library or bring your own!

Also, Toddler Time at the Town Branch, Tuesday, October 8 & 22, and November 5 & 19, at 10 – 10:30 a.m.  For children 18 months – 3 years old.  Registration is not required.
 
Newburgh Area Retired Teachers’ Association (NARTA) enjoyed their Kickoff Breakfast, September 5, at the New Windsor Coach Diner.  It’s always fun and refreshing to catch up on good news of our colleagues during their carefree summer activities.

And here we are, now entering our glorious golden autumn, with a Fall Luncheon honoring our 85 years and older members.  NARTA members and their guests are invited to attend the luncheon on Thursday, October 10, at 12 p.m., at Temple Hill Tavern, 171 Temple Hill Rd., New Windsor.  Lunch will be a buffet including chicken, pasta, seafood and meat entrees and roasted potatoes, a garden salad and dessert.  The cost is $30 per person.  Reservation is due by October 4.  Ray LeDuc (845) 236-7624 or NARTAulsterorange@gmail.com.

 
May you always have an angel at your side.