Blessing of the Animals on October 6
The Blessing of the Animals, hosted by Redeemer Lutheran and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Churches will take place on Sunday, October 6, 9:30 a.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 90 Route 32 South in New Paltz.
The Blessing of the Animals is inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his deep love of animals and nature. It’s a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, celebrating the bond we share with our pets and the joy they bring into our lives. This event is open to everyone — whether you’re a pet owner or just curious to see animals being blessed.
Bring your dog, cat, bird, or any other beloved animal for a special blessing. And if you’d like to make a difference for animals in need, donations of non-perishable pet food, blankets, beds, towels and collars for the Hudson Valley ASPCA will be accepted.
Ecumenical partnership hosts “Managing Connections Amidst Conflict” workshop series with Braver Angels
As national elections approach and conversations grow increasingly polarized, Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, in collaboration with Braver Angels, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Paltz United Methodist Church and the New Paltz Student Christian Center, is launching a workshop series titled “Managing Connections Amidst Conflict.” This series is designed to equip community members with tools to engage in respectful, constructive dialogue in the face of political and personal disagreements.
The workshops will take place every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., starting October 9 and running through October 30, at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 90 State Route 32 in New Paltz.
This series is open to the public and is ideal for those feeling anxious about discussing topics such as the upcoming election or addressing sensitive workplace or personal conflicts. The program includes interactive sessions led by Braver Angels and draws from the “Make Me an Instrument” series, offering practical strategies for fostering healthy communication.
Workshop schedule:
October 9: “Depolarizing Within” (Braver Angels) — Learn how to recognize and manage your “inner polarizer” and engage in respectful dialogue, even with those who have opposing views (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1021371027237?discount=BRAVER&aff=oddtdtcreator).
October 16: “Sacred Space for Debate” (“Make Me an Instrument” series) — Discover how civil discourse can serve as a sacred space to build trust, explore challenging ideas and recognize shared humanity (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1020788805797?aff=oddtdtcreator).
October 23: “Values-Based Conversations” (“Make Me an Instrument” series) — Explore how recognizing shared values can help bridge political divides and reduce tension, even when opinions differ (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1024184612747?aff=oddtdtcreator).
October 30: “Disagreeing Better” (Braver Angels) — Gain skills for listening and speaking in ways that encourage understanding, helping to restore relationships strained by political differences (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skills-for-disagreeing-better-redeemer-evangelical-lutheran-church-registration-1021372762427?discount=BRAVER&aff=oddtdtcreator).
New Paltz/Gardiner seniors to meet October 9
Eddie Moran, the historic interpreter at Historic Huguenot Street, will be the speaker at the New Paltz/Gardiner senior meeting on October 9, 2 p.m., at the New Paltz Community Center. Moran will talk about the truths and history of the sometimes mysterious and inaccurate stories of the founders of our local and famous development.
Seasonal refreshments will be served, plus those who wish to get into the Halloween season may show off their favorite costume. Costumes are not necessary, but could result in some fun comments from old and new friends.
All are welcomed and so are Halloween candy donations to be enjoyed by all. For additional information, please call Kathy at 646-361-5190.
October is co-op month
This October, High Falls Food Co-op (HFFC) is joining over 65,000 cooperatives and credit unions across the United States in celebrating co-op month, observed nationally since 1964. The theme for 2024, “The Future is Cooperative,” was chosen by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA) as an opportunity to engage co-op members, customers, employees and policy makers about what makes co-operative enterprise unique. As businesses that are owned and controlled by the people who use them to meet their shared needs, co-ops offer an alternative vision for a more inclusive economy that puts people and the future of our planet before profit.
This October, HFFC will be celebrating co-op month in the following ways:
1. All co-op-made brands that they carry in the store, including their own store-made deli products will be available for purchase at 10% off. They will also be extending this to any co-op member from another co-op who shops in their store.
2. They are holding a special member drive for October called “Own it in October.” For the entire month, anyone who becomes a member-owner during the month will receive a $20 gift card to the co-op as well as one of their special new co-op baseball hats — and a new member-owner shopping bag.
3. In addition to new member-owners, any current member-owner who brings in a new member-owner during the month also will receive that $20 gift card.
4. On Saturday, October 5, they will be hosting a member appreciation celebration with free chili and 10% off for member-owners, live music, pumpkin painting, free cider and donuts, and some visits with sampling from some of their/your favorite food vendors.
5. They have requested that Governor Hochul declare October to be National Co-op Month each year.
“Co-operatives make a big difference in our local communities,” said Erbin Crowell, NFCA executive director and a member of the board of directors of NCBA CLUSA. “But many people are surprised by how our movement and business model is also recognized around the world.”
Meet up with fellow retirees on October 7
Retirees of the New Paltz Community invite retired men and women everywhere to the monthly breakfast meeting on Monday, October 7, 8 a.m., at the New Paltz Plaza Diner.
Steve Laughlin, president of Killer Planes (killerplanes.com) in New Paltz, will speak about modern radio-control aircraft, including drones, and bring some examples.
For additional information, contact Ed Rogers at 845-255-7420.
Shofar at the scenic overlook by the bridge
Shofar at the scenic overlook by the Carmine Liberta Bridge in New Paltz (across from Water Street Market) will take place on Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m.
The short Rosh Hashanah services will include highlights from the Rosh Hashanah traditions including Avinu Malkeinu, Tashlich, Shofar, pre-packaged apples and honey and honey cake.
Everything will be done in Hebrew and English, will last around a half hour and it will be an appropriate experience for every Jew no matter what previous knowledge you have or whether you’ve been to a service before or not.
Registration is not required, but appreciated at http://JewPaltz.com/RoshHashanah.
Used clothing sale at St. Andrew’s
A quality used clothing sale will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, located at 163 Main Street in New Paltz. Please drop off gently used clothing at the back door of the church on Thursday, October 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New Paltz rabies clinic
A rabies clinic for dogs and cats, offered by the Town of New Paltz dog control officer and the town clerk’s office will be held on Wednesday, October 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the town highway garage, located at 52 Clearwater Road in New Paltz.
Vaccinations for rabies are $15 each and will be administered by Dr. Laurie Stein, the traveling veterinarian. Heartworm medication is also available. Rabies certificates will be presented at the completion of the vaccination. These certificates are essential for licensing dogs where they reside, as required by NYS law.
Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in carriers.
Cash or check only. For additional information, call 845-255-0100, ext. 1.
Volunteers needed in New Paltz
The Town of New Paltz is looking for volunteers to serve on the bike-ped committee, environmental conservation board, ethics board, planning board (two alternate positions), police commission, public access committee and the zoning board of appeals. Interested parties may submit a letter of interest and resume to the supervisor’s office at P.O. Box 550, New Paltz, NY 12561 or email assistant@townofnewpaltz.org.
Join the family! 
