The TCW Archives

by Jennifer Warren Jennifer Warren heading for the finish line. Competition? Pushing myself to the limit? Grit/pain? I use to think those days were over. Those concepts were tied to a more youthful time, not a period that someone on the brink of the Big 5-0 had the time, energy, desire or even the right to pursue. Boy, was I wrong. ​ Ever since I can remember running was my place to feel unconditional joy and freedom. At age 13, I started to relentlessly pursue its gifts and by high school, my competitive fires were ablaze, awakening my essence, and helping to forge my identity. As college surfaced, my talents flourished. I had a purpose, was authentically alive. However, all good things sometimes come to an unexpected, screeching halt. Grueling training, mixed with a time-consuming race schedule, resulted in early burnout and an unplanned departure from collegiate running, refocusing on academics and a pending career path. Some intermittent road racing in my early 20&

Reading is Fundamental Got a hankering for books? Like getting free stuff?  The Newburgh Book Exchange  is for you. Every Sunday - even during the winter (except on severe weather days) - The Newburgh Book Exchange opens from 1pm to 4pm. Bring an unwanted book or two and a friend, as their bevy of books boasts a little something for readers of all ages.  The best part? Every book is totally free. Monetary donations are accepted, but you don't need your wallet to be able  snag a few good reads for your collection.   ​ Stop by the Fullerton Mansion at 297 Grand Street and get your read on. Next Stop: Your House The Crawford House The Newburgh Historical Society wants you (well, your house, really). The Society is extending an invitation to homeowners to apply to have their homes on this year's  Candlelight Tour.  ​ Billed as t he agency's premier marketing event, proceeds support the restoration of the 1830s Crawford House and the missio

by Brilah Harris Leaves crunching underfoot and a chill in the air can only mean one thing: The holidays are just around the corner. ​ Whether you are a holiday gift hoarder who shops for gifts year 'round or you like to do your gift buying all in one fell cold weather-induced swoop, our guide to a few of the coziest shops should help get you into the gift-giving spirit. Dutchess County Ever return home from a shopping day only to find your dog has thoughtfully chewed up half of the most comfortable pair of slippers you’ve ever owned? Skip the drama this year and bring Toto along for the ride – being sure to stop at  The Beacon Barkery  while you're out and about. Located at 192 Main St., The Beacon Barkery is a local shop carrying all-natural gourmet foods that your pup or kitten will be sure enjoy, fun toys and accessories, holistic, chemical-free products for managing medical conditions and even a grooming spa at their New Windsor location. Gift certificates

by Rena Meyer She wakes. The sun will not rise for at least two hours, yet she knows that it is going to be one of those days. She stretches and gets out of bed. It is quiet, but her children will be up soon. She stops, leans against the doorway and peeks into their bedroom. It has always been one of her favorite things to do. ​ Her son looks so much like his father, who has been gone almost a year now.  He was so sick at the end, so small; the memory still makes her heart ache.  Mostly she just misses him. ​ She wipes the tear that is rolling down her cheek and takes one more look at  her children. She breathes them in hoping that when it is her time she will  remember them. Eventually, she turns away. There is no time for dwelling –  there are things to do. For almost 40 years we’ve heard the statistics and listened to the personal triumphs and the inevitable, sorrowful outcome of men living with and dying from HIV/AIDS. Countless hours and billi