When you think of Newburgh what comes to mind?

For many of you who live outside the City lines you think of a place you wouldn’t think of visiting…at least not too often.  For me, Newburgh has been my home for the past 25 years. When I use to give directions to my home, I would say, “When you are in a place you don’t think you belong you have reached your destination.” But, believe it or not, things are changing.

Down my street you see moms sitting on their stoops while their kids play on the sidewalks. When I come out to get my morning paper I enjoy wonderful chalk designs on the sidewalk left by the kids from the previous evening’s play.

I am a book nut and the Newburgh Library is the place to be. Except for their summer hours, they are open 7 days a week and weekdays til 9. Many times after dinner, my husband and I end up at the library browsing the shelves, me for mysteries and Clay for art books.

Many of you know about our wonderful waterfront, with its great restaurants, a promenade somewhat reminiscent of my young years of walking the boardwalk in Coney Island, and tucked in a tiny corner is our own Newburgh art theater, the Downing Film Center.

But when you think of the Newburgh Renaissance the name of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh might not come to mind. They are changing Newburgh one house at a time.

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Recently I watched an entire volunteer crew create two homes where once stood two dilapidated, boarded up houses. Habitat takes homes in key areas that become the building blocks for new neighborhoods.  The families that will live in these houses form the nucleolus of the NEW Newburgh. A place where working families can enjoy great schools for their children and neighborhoods where it is safe for children to go out and play.

Feel free to come and visit me. I am here to share the wonderful city of Newburgh.

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