Stronger Than the Storm
- Catherine Aingworth
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Over the past few days, our community has faced heartbreaking loss and disruption. The severe flooding in Newark Valley has affected families, businesses, and cherished local spaces. Many of our neighbors are still assessing damage, mucking out basements, and figuring out next steps. To everyone who has been impacted: we see you, we support you, and we will continue to be here for you.
Newark Valley and our neighbors near and far, have shown what true caring and community looks like—neighbors helping neighbors, showing up, and lending a hand. The damage has been devastating for many families, businesses, and organizations, including ours at Newark Valley Community Connection (NVCC), where floodwaters filled our basement and damaged much of our stored equipment and supplies. We’ve been humbled and grateful for the early volunteers who helped pump out water and assess the damage.
We know that countless others are facing hardship, and that’s where community matters most. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbor, donating to a local family or business, or volunteering your time—we believe every act of compassion helps stitch us back together.
💪 If you are looking more ways to help during this time, we welcome your support—either by volunteering your time or making a donation.
📅 We’re organizing cleanup days this week to help remove flood-damaged materials from our building at the Community Connection Center. If you're able to help, please join us! More dates and times will be added:
Wednesday, July 16th at 10:00 AM
Thursday, July 17th at 5:00 PM
Friday, July 18th at 10:00 AM
Whether you want to assist with cleanup at NVCC or are interested in helping other neighbors in need around town, we’d love to connect you. Please email us at NewarkValleyCC@gmail.com or call 607-308-1503.
🗑️ We are also looking for a local dumpster service to assist with cleanup efforts this week—if you know of a provider or can recommend someone, please reach out!
Finally, 💖 if you're in a position to donate, your support will help us with recovery and repairs. Every contribution goes directly toward restoring our space and continuing our mission. If you are in a position to support Newark Valley Community Connection’s recovery, your donation will help us continue serving this community in the weeks, months and years ahead.
Donations can be sent by:
📧 Online: NewarkValleyCC.com
📬 Mail: Newark Valley Community Connection 32 South Main St. Newark Valley, NY 13811
🎨 Despite the challenges, we’re committed to moving forward. Our goal is to have our basement fully cleaned out before the Newark Valley Summerfest Celebration on Saturday, July 26th. We are especially excited to still be hosting our annual Art & History Show that day as part of the festivities. If you’re not able to volunteer, please consider coming out to enjoy the day and support the community.
About Newark Valley Community Connection
Newark Valley Community Connection, Inc is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through programming, events, and shared space. We operate out of the historic Old Congregational Church and the adjacent Community Hall at 32 South Main Street, providing opportunities for all ages to learn, gather, and grow together.
Here are just a few of the activities we offer throughout the year:
🖌️ Art Nights, Creative Jewelry, Mosaic & Open Paint Events🥘 Cooking & Baking Clubs🎶 Live Music, Line Dancing & Concerts🧘 Wellness Workshops & Yoga🎃 Holiday Celebrations & Haunted Halls Fundraisers👩👧 Family Movie Nights & Youth Programs🎨 Craft Fairs & Classes, Murder Mystery Dinners, Affordable Monday Lunches
We are also working towards the creation of a community accessible Mountain Bike Trail, and organize educational workshops like estate planning and health clinics, and provide a warm, welcoming place for neighbors to connect.
Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every idea shared helps us continue this mission—bringing people together and celebrating what makes Newark Valley such a special place to call home.
Thank you for being part of our community. Together, through every challenge, we grow stronger.
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