Voices, Music, Community & Summer Fun at Newark Valley Community Connection

Tonight we have our Poetry, Prose and Creative Voices Event! From music and creativity to summer celebrations and community conversations, there is a lot happening at Newark Valley Community Connection in the coming weeks.

We are excited to welcome the community for our upcoming Newark Valley Voices Open Mic Night, summer events, workshops, dancing and community gatherings designed to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of our area.

As we continue growing, we are also looking for supporter input, volunteers, sponsors, and creative partnerships that help make these programs possible-from stage improvements and Summerfest 5K sponsorships to new ideas for future events and activities. We would especially like to thank Valley Harmony and all of the sponsors of our recent Valley Harmony concert, as well as our most recent Annual Sponsor, Edwards Jones for supporting our mission.

Whether you are attending your first events, looking for ways to get involved, or simply hoping to connect with neighbors and friends, we hope you will join us for an exciting season of music, creativity, conversation and community!

Newark Valley Voices Open Mic Night – Wednesday, May 20 at 6 PM

Join us for Newark Valley Voices Open Mic Night on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 PM for an evening of poetry, storytelling, and community connection.

Whether you are an experienced writer, performer or simply want to try something new in a welcoming atmosphere, everyone is encouraged to participate. Bring your your voice, your favorite poem, or simply come enjoy an evening of local talent and fellowship.

Events like these help create opportunities for creativity, expression, and connection for people of all ages in our community.

Looking for Stage Curtains

As we continue improving our performance and event space, we are currently searching for stage curtains for our stage area.

We know that schools, churches, theaters, and organizations sometimes replace stage curtains during renovations and may be looking for ways to donate or repurpose them. If anyone has leads on:

• Used stage curtains

• Theater curtain donations

• Organizations remodeling performance spaces

• Businesses or individuals interested in helping sponsor curtains

We would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Community donations and partnerships help us continue building arts and cultural opportunities locally.

Summerfest 5K T-Shirt Sponsors & Commemorative Shirts

We are also currently seeking sponsors for our upcoming Summerfest 5K T-shirts. Sponsorships help support community programming while allowing local businesses and organizations to be recognized as supporters of community wellness, recreation, and local events.

Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the shirts are encouraged to contact us for more information.

In addition, Summerfest 5K T-shirts will be available for purchase whether or not you are participating in the race. We hope the shirts will serve as a fun commemorative item celebrating Summerfest, community spirit, and support for Newark Valley Community Connection.

Thank You to Our Valley Harmony Donors & Sponsors

We would also like to sincerely thank the many businesses, advertisers, donors, musicians, volunteers, and supporters who helped make our recent Valley Harmony events possible.

As an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, we truly appreciate every donation, sponsorship, volunteer hour, and word of encouragement. Community support helps us continue offering concerts, educational opportunities, arts programming, and events that bring people together throughout the year.

Upcoming June Events

We have a full lineup of community activities planned for June:

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30-10:15 am Tuesday Yoga and Tea

June 7 – Jewelry Workshop

Enjoy a creative workshop designing and making handmade jewelry while connecting with others in the community.

June 8 – Monday Lunch Featuring Sister Mary

Join us for our monthly Monday Lunch featuring Sister Mary from Tioga County Rural Ministry, sharing about local outreach and community support efforts.

June 11 – Line Dancing with Red

Come enjoy an evening of music, movement, and fun for beginners and experienced dancers alike.

June 14 – Sunday Brunch

Gather with friends and neighbors for delicious food and fellowship.

June 18 – Community Ice Cream Social & Hot Dog Night

Join us for a special evening celebrating summer, friendship, and community connection.

In addition to enjoying ice cream, hot dogs, and fellowship, we are especially hoping this event becomes an opportunity for community conversation and feedback. We would love to hear ideas about:

• Programs and activities people would like to see

• Family, youth, and senior events

• Arts, music, educational, and wellness opportunities

• Ways we can improve our buildings and spaces

• Volunteer ideas and partnerships

• How Newark Valley Community Connection can better serve the community

Community members attending the event will also have an opportunity to complete a short feedback survey and enter a community appreciation drawing.

As an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, community input is incredibly important to us as we continue planning for the future. We hope you will join us, enjoy some summer fun, and help shape the future of Newark Valley Community Connection.

Thank you for being part of this growing community effort, and we hope to see you at an upcoming event soon!

And again-THANK YOU to the amazing businesses, organizations, musicians, and community members whose support helps keep live music and singing alive in our Valley!

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our concert advertisers and sponsors:

• Ain’t Misbehavin’

• Andy & Son Barbershop

• Annie’s Place

• Carol’s Coffee & Art Bar

• Northern Tioga Chamber of Commerce

• Chris Jordan Construction

• Country Fit

• Darlene’s Flowers

• Matt Kistner – Edward Jones

• Fortunato’s

• Gene Payne’s Body Shop

• Highland Valley Electric

• Hollenbeck Howland Honey

• Jeff Collins / JMFC Plumbing & Heating

• Keith Daniels / EXIT Realty

• Labrador Lumber

• Langlands

• MacPherson Funeral Home

• Newark Valley Historical Society

• Our Country Hearts

• Owego Rotary

• Richford Tasty Treat

• Stoughton Farm

• Valley Wine & Spirits

• Ward & VanScoy Feed & Farm Supply

A special thank you to the talented Valley Harmony Quartet:

 Founder George Lohman

 Randy Kerr

 J. Ladd Yost

 Mike Sheldon

…along with guest singer Jenny Gac and guest musicians Ann Austin, Laurie Holdridge, and Rhonda Moulton for sharing their incredible musical gifts with our community.