Greetings from River City. Countless millions of children all over the world are suffering from abuse of every kind. In the latest reported count, we, here in our own country, along with missing American children, have 325,000 migrant children whose whereabouts are virtually unknown, except to traffickers who have them in bondage to work, including in the pornography and sex industries. The misplaced “compassion” of some and the nefarious agendas of others account, in the largest part, for this horrific disgrace. The plight of the young and vulnerable gets evermore precarious. We cannot just wring our hands and say something must be done. We must do that something…
 
It’s that time again! Time to go fly a kite at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site!  Go to the Headquarters on Saturday, September 28, from 2 - 4 p.m. for their annual “Kites Over the Hudson,” a Hudson River Valley Ramble event. Free kites will be given to the first 150 children, ages 15 and under. Refreshments will be provided.

Admission is free for the day, compliments of the Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands, who also provided the kites. While you’re there, plan to take a guided tour of the historic Headquarters and explore the Museum, including their newest exhibits, “George Washington: Perspectives on His Life and Legacy, and The Defense of the Hudson.”

The grounds, Museum and historic Hasbrouck House are open on Wednesday through Saturday from 11a.m until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m. For more information, call (845) 562-1195.

 Each year, Washington’s Headquarters selects a recipient for the Martha Washington Woman of History Award. This award is given to a woman who has distinguished herself in the field of Hudson Valley history, and is presented at the Site’s annual program, “The General’s Lady,” held in the spring, during Women’s History Month.  If you know of such a woman from the local Hudson Valley area, nominate her the 2025 Woman of History award.  

The Woman of History award acknowledges Martha Washington’s important place in history as a devoted patriot in support of the American Revolution and the ensuing new nation. This will be the 23rd year the award is given, continuing the site’s desire to honor women who carry on Martha Washington’s legacy by sharing in their devotion to Hudson Valley history.

Nominations MUST be completed and received by January 10, 2025. To access a nomination form, please go to www.parks.ny.gov or call (845) 562-1195.
 
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish invites you to “Come Fellowship with us on Sunday, September 29, from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Laborers Local 17 Training and Educational Center 451A Little Britain Road. There will be fellowship, worship and praise music, great Catholic speakers, free food, and fun and games for the children. Bring your family and friends! All are welcome to share in the love of Jesus! Bring a hygiene item for our community service project.”

 
50th Anniversary Celebration: You are invited to the Sunday, Spanish Mass on September 22 at 1:30 p.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church to celebrate Sister Laura’s 50 Years of Religious Life as a Sister of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After the celebration of the Mass, there will be a sharing in St. Patrick’s Gym. Please, if you can, bring something to share among all. There will be coffee, cold drinks and cake. Congratulations, Sister Laura!
 
Newburgh Jewish Community Center is at 290 North St. Contact (845) 561-6602 x4. Email  visitnewburghjcc@gmail.com. They are now located at the new Kol Yisrael campus along with Congregation Agudas Israel and Temple Beth Jacob.

Some of the Newburgh Jewish Community Centers’s yearly events include Outdoor Shabbat (an annual tradition); The NJCC Summer Golf Outing; Queen Ester’s Ball; Designer Bag Bingo; Broadway Shows; Yom Hashoa Holocaust Remembrance sponsored by Jewish Federation, and much more.

 Also, at NJCC:  Alcoholics Anonymous meets weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Monday Men’s meeting at 7:30 p.m. and weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 12 p.m. Overeaters Anonymous meets weekly on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
 
From Temple Beth Jacob: Sisterhood Brunch – 12 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22 at Orange Hill Restaurant. The price is $45 per person, which includes buffet brunch, soft drinks, coffee, tea and gratuity.  Only 20 seats are available. Please RSVP by Sept. 20 to (845) 562-5516.
For your calendar: Author Lee Yaron Visit at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Kol Yisrael in the main sanctuary and via Zoom. A Community Interfaith Commemoration marking one year of the October 7 attack on Israel. Lee will discuss her book “October 7: 100 Human Stories”.  A short Interfaith Memorial Service will follow.  Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange and Dutchess Counties, the Jewish Book Council, Kol Yisrael and the Newburgh JCC.  “More info and registration coming soon.”  RSVP by October 2 to (845) 562-7860 or office@jewishorangeny.org.

Sisterhood Lunch and Learn – 12:30 pm on Wednesday, October 9 at Mama Theresa’s in New Windsor. Pay for your own meal. RSVP by October 7.

 
From Congregation Agudas Israel: Weekly Shabbat Morning Service & Kiddish Lunch - Everyone is always welcome to join in their weekly Shabbat services and the kiddush lunch which follows. Sign up for in-person or Zoom services on Shabbat Morning Service Sign Up page. 
Join them for a  fancier Simchat Shabbat luncheon each month to celebrate the special events in our lives. “We would love you to be a Simchat Shabbat sponsor, for only $36, on months that are extra joyful for you.”
 
We must choose our friends carefully for the road they trod is very likely the road we will travel, either to heaven or hell. A word to the wise… As always, I close with my prayers for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.