Dea Vitale
By Dae Vitale
Greetings from River City.
Back Door Books at the Newburgh Free Library will be open Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. They have a lot of new inventory for you to browse. They’re now accepting donations of books in good condition and need large print books and current fiction. Please note, they do not accept outdated or damaged books, encyclopedias, magazines, or textbooks.
Up to 20 books may be dropped off at the library. For larger donations, please contact newburghlibraryfriends@gmail.com. Back Door Books is operated by the Friends of the Newburgh Free Library. This is a sale by donation book shop. All proceeds support the programs of Newburgh Free Library. Back Door Books is located behind the Library on Montgomery Street. There is parking on Montgomery Street. CASH ONLY, PLEASE!
The Newburgh Heights Association announced their annual Halloween celebration. “Happy Fall! We will provide orange balloons for houses who will be distributing candy for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, Thursday, October 31 from 4 - 7 p.m.
If you’re interested in participating, text me with your name/address at 646-943-3643, I will drop off balloons that afternoon and add you to the map. We also suggest putting your porch light or other lights on that evening to indicate your participation.”
Celebrate Halloween with your community Trick-or-Treat in Newburgh. Join us in historic Newburgh on October 31 from 4 - 7 p.m. including Grand to Liberty Street to Montgomery Street, the Heights, and More! “Look For Orange Balloons!”
There will be a Holy Hour on Wednesdays from 3 - 4:30 p.m., October 23 and 30 at Saint Francis of Assisi Church. Please note that church is subject to change.
The Word of the Lord Weekly Bible Study: All are invited to a weekly Bible Study covering the Mass readings for upcoming Sunday. No commitment necessary. On Tuesdays 1 - 2:15 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Bring your bible and a pen or pencil.
Open House: October 20 at Our Lady of the Lake after the 12:30 Mass, and October 27 at Sacred Heart Church after the Noon Mass. November Open Houses will be announced for St. Mary’s Church and St Patrick’s Church. Refreshments will be served at all the Open Houses. “God Bless You All.” – The Catholic Church in Newburgh Group.
Please remember the following members of the armed service in your prayers. Sgt. Patrick D. Ortland – US Army; S/Sgt. C.J. Kozlik – US Army; PFC Regan Lanspery – US Army; Nicholos M. Pisani – US Navy; Master at Arms Jonathan Stagliano – US Navy; Bruce Sanderson, US Navy; Master Sgt. Joseph Kugler – USAF; and CDR Abby Mennerich Lorfeld, US Navy.
And LCDR Thomas O. Mennerich, US Navy; Michael B. Neugebauer – US Navy; Petty Officer 3rd Class; Marlyse B. Neugebauer – US Air Force Airman 1st Class; Michael Natkiel – Sgt. US Marines; Trevor Pedrick, US Navy. If you know of someone deployed overseas, please let your house of worship know or email me.
The Catholic Daughters, Court Patricia #195, will celebrate Catholic Daughter Day on October 20 with 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church (55 Grand Street) and Brunch at Temple Hill Tavern (171 Temple Hill Road in New Windsor) immediately after Mass. Bring a door prize to receive a door prize. Contact Helene Kerin at 845-561-8329 or Desiree Abbruscato 845-541-0769 to register.
Bereavement Program: As part of the Adult Formation and Activities of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and St. Patrick’s Church, St. Mary’s Church and Our Lady of the Lake Parish, a Bereavement Support Group started on September 11 from 2 - 4 p.m. every week for a total of eight sessions in the Chapel at Sacred Heart Church, 25 Robinson Ave. Individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to attend. If you or someone you know is interested in attending or is seeking additional information regarding this program, please contact Elaine DeCrosta at elaineshouses@aol.com or call her at 845-590-1499 or Linda DeWitt at 845-826-4804.
Jewish Heritage Tour of Spain & Morocco - October 26 – November 6, Led by Rabbi Kohn. 11 Days of Jewish Heritage Tour discovering Madrid’s Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Major and the world-famous Prado Museum. To learn more about this trip, go to secure.ayelet.com/KohnSpain2025.aspx or speak to Rabbi Kohn.
Kol Ysrael Events:
Newburgh Chamber Music – 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 3 at Kol Yisrael, 290 North Street Chamber Musicians of the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra play Sergei Prokofiev’s symphonic tale, Peter and the Wolf. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and $10 for students. Concert made possible by a generous gift from the estate of Dr. Mary Jane Corry.
To purchase tickets, go to: newburghchambermusic.org.
Qigong/Tai Chi –Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Certified instructor Bryon Abrams teaches us mind-body practices and mindfulness meditation to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and decrease anxiety, depression & fatigue. Donations appreciated. Walk-ins welcome!
Newburgh Jewish Community Center Events: Designer Bag Bingo – 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 10 at Kol Yisrael, 290 North Street. 10 Games, Basket Raffles, 50/50 Cash Raffle, light bites and drinks. $40 for members/$50 for non-members. Register at flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjIwNTIw.
JCC Stretch, Strengthen and Balance Class at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the JCC with TBJ member and health coach Paula Martino. Perfect for all fitness levels, the class includes a warm-up, standing stretches, strength exercises (with optional light weights), balance training, and a relaxing cool-down. Classes are $5 per person.
Line Dancing For Intermediate/Advanced from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. No Fee to Dance; just go and have a good time! Sounds like a Best Deal in Town!
Beginner Pickleball from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Beginner and Intermediate Clinic registration dates announced on the Newburghjcc.org website. Private court reservations are available. Free for members. $15 for all non-members. RSVP to visitnewburghjcc@gmail.com.
Rae of Light Chair Yoga for Adults from 10 a.m. on Fridays with Susan. $5 per class for members. Walk Live from 10 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. $6 for JCC members and $8 for non-members. Register by calling 845-564-7422 or nextstepfitness@yahoo.com.
CAI Bark Mitzvah at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 in the parking lot under the tent. Bring your pets in for a special blessing from Cantor Carl Sayres.
Time seems beyond fast, I seem not to be able to keep up with it; holidays hurl by. “The clock strikes one that just struck two, Some schism in the sum; A sorcerer from Genesis, Has wrecked the pendulum.” ~Emily Dickinson. As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.