Augie, the full-time Canada goose chaser on the campus of SUNY New Paltz, is starring in a second children's book.

Augie, a border collie, already displayed his talents in a 2014 book, "Augie Goes to College."

Now he reprises his adventures in "Augie Goes to the Library." In it, Augie journeys to the Elting Library in the village.

The author of the first book is alumna and English instructor Rachel Rigolino.

She joined with Augie's handler Mike Malloy, and Linda Wells, president of the Elting Library board, to write the new book.

A number of readings are planned, and a book launch party is set for noon on Dec. 7 at the campus bookstore in the Student Union.

According to the press release, Augie will be signing "paw-tographs" and posing for pictures with his fans.

Paul Brooks

Warm up at Washington’s Headquarters

Now that December is here and the cold days of late fall and early winter finally seem to have settled in for good, you’re probably in need of some warming up.

Why not do it with the Washingtons?

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh will present its annual Warm Up at the Washingtons from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Rooms at the Hasbrouck House, the fieldstone house where George and Martha Washington lived during the final months of the American Revolution, will be seasonally decorated.

Historic interpreters in each room will talk about what took place while the Washingtons were there.

The Salmagundi Consort will play period music by the Dutch jambless fireplace. Cookies and warm cider will be served near an outdoor fire.

And admission is free for the day, compliments of the Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands.

Washington’s Headquarters is located at 84 Liberty Street in Newburgh. For directions or more information, call 562-1195.

Michael Randall

Community helps school fundraiser after candy theft

The community has pitched in to help the Leptondale Elementary School’s band and chorus students after candy meant to raise funds for a spring field trip was stolen.

Michael Mazzella, mid-Hudson regional vice president of the New York State Corrections Officers and Police Benevolent Association, presented a check on behalf of his union members to the school’s music department last Tuesday.

Wallkill Superintendent of Schools Kevin Castle said the Wallkill Youth Football program gave $500.

The stolen candy was worth $1,680; Town of Newburgh police recovered about 70 percent of it.

Castle said the district is supposed to receive restitution for the rest of the candy, but they don’t know when that will happen.

“We’re always thankful to our community members,” Castle said. “They come and they help and they care.”

Michael Randall

Ulster gets thumbs-up in state Comptroller's audit

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein is basking in the glow of an audit by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office.

The audit looked at how Ulster County handles property tax exemptions.

As Hein announced Friday in a press release, the audit found "there were no material deficiencies" and it “commend(ed) County officials for designing and implementing effective controls over property tax exemptions.”

Hein said audits are useful tools "as we constantly look for ways to better serve our citizens.”

Paul Brooks