Hotdog! Summer is almost here! Free Ice Cream, Hotdogs and Conversation

Free hotdogs and ice cream Thursday, June 18th 5:00PM-7:00 PM

Thanks to community support, Newark Valley Community Connection is growing and getting stronger—and now we want to hear from you about what comes next.

What would you like to see happening at Newark Valley Community Connection?

We're inviting everyone to join us for a free Community Ice Cream Social on Thursday, June 18 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Stop by for free ice cream, hot dogs, and a chance to connect with friends, neighbors, volunteers, and Community Connection supporters.

More importantly, we would really, really would love to hear from you.

What programs, classes, events, activities, or services would you like Community Connection to offer in the coming months? Whether you're interested in music, arts, recreation, educational programs, family activities, community gatherings, or something entirely new, we'd love your ideas.

We already offer activities and events such as Sunday Brunches, community lunches, yoga, live music, murder mystery dinners, Halloween Haunted Halls, jewelry workshops, sewing group, and line dancing.

What would you like to see next?

• Couples dancing?• Kids' dance classes?• Art classes?• More live music?• Family game nights?• Cooking classes?• Taekwondo? Something completely different?

💬 Please send us a comment and tell us what you'd like Community Connection to host in the future. Your ideas help us build programs that reflect the interests and needs of our community.

We'd also like to say THANK YOU!

As we prepare for future programming, we're grateful for the support that helps make these community events possible.

Recently, Newark Valley Community Connection received a $5000 grant from the Community Foundation for South Central New York to support building improvements, including chimney repairs and stairway improvements that have now been completed. This grant, in addition to previous grants from the Floyd Hooker Foundation and the Tioga Downs Regional Foundation combine to help improve and stabilize our buildings. At more than 150 years old, our buildings both have plenty of character—and, from time to time, a few opinions about what needs attention next. Fortunately, recent support from donors and grant makers has helped us tackle important improvements, including chimney repairs and stairway upgrades. While we suspect the building will continue adding to our to-do list, we're grateful to have a community that helps us keep moving forward.

We are also thankful to Dr. Richard and Janet Stram, who recommended a gift of nearly $2,000 through Vanguard Charitable. Their generosity will support music programming and other community initiatives that bring people together.

In addition, Southern Tier Network is supporting Community Connection through high-speed internet service, helping us expand access to virtual programming, community meetings, and digital resources. Southern Tier Network has also provided a $250 sponsorship for our upcoming 5K event.

These investments, combined with the dedication of our volunteers, help us continue creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn, and engage with one another.

Speaking of volunteers, today's brunch was another great success thanks to the wonderful team pictured below. We are grateful for everyone who gives their time and energy to make Community Connection a welcoming place for our community. Won't you consider joining us?

Join us June 18 for free ice cream, free hot dogs, and a conversation about the future of Community Connection and learn about volunteer opportunities. We hope to see you there!

Don't forget!

🇺🇸 One more thing! Registration is open for our Strides & Stripes Fun Run/Walk 5K taking place Saturday, July 25th in the Village of Newark Valley before the Summerfest Parade. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt (design below) celebrating America's 250th anniversary—a unique keepsake marking this historic milestone. Not a runner or walker? No problem! The shirts are also available for purchase separately, so anyone can show their community spirit and celebrate our nation's 250th birthday. We hope you'll help us celebrate this once-in-a-generation anniversary while supporting Community Connection.

Here is the link: https://www.newarkvalleycc.com/events-1/stars-stripes-strides-5k-fun-run-walk-summerfest-2026-usa-250-years

Now tell us: What programs, classes, events, or activities would you like to see at Community Connection? Leave a comment—we're listening!