Father. Husband. Photographer. Newburgh resident.
My name is Joshua Brown. I’m originally from Tennesse. I’ve been a photographer for nearly 25 years. I moved to Newburgh a year ago to be closer to hiking, biking, and a diverse community that I love.
Virginia Walsh "Since 2006 I have been the founding Director and Curator of Exhibitions at Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s AnnStreet Gallery. I am also an artist, who trained classically in drawing and painting at the Art Students League and later acquired two degrees in art history. Even though most of the time artists drive me crazy, I love my job promoting the arts and curating exhibitions in Newburgh. In the recent past, I have been a designer, arts program director, fabricator, professor of art history and the humanities, as well as the owner of two galleries and a printmaking studio in NYC. I have lived abroad, and have enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S.A, Europe and Canada, which I wish I could do more often. Ideally, I would love to live in a world where people laughed more, and argued and fought less. When I’m not working my day job or creating, I love to read classic noir detective novels, walk about in nature, and I prefer to listen than talk to people… I learn a lot more that way. Oh yes, I instantly become a loyal, lifelong friend with anyone willing to bring me my morning coffee!”
From a young age, Chris Hanson pursued his dream of being a visual artist. Soon after getting his degree in fine arts, he found himself touring as the lead singer of a band, which took him through the next 11 years. He and his wife Merle ended up in Newburgh, a convenient location for both of their careers. Like many people coming to Newburgh, they got involved in home restoration, something that Chris was already experienced at from his childhood. Before he knew it, his band retired from touring, and he shifted his attention to helping other people come to Newburgh as a real estate broker. His passion for the city and historic homes established him as "the go-to agent for those who shared the Newburgh passion".Chris continues to help bridge the gaps between art, music, and business in the Newburgh
community.
Madeline Fletcher oversees the work of the Newburgh Community Land Bank. Before coming to work in Newburgh, Madeline practiced law in New York. She likes to cook and travel and spend time with her family.
Wyatt Stevens "Born and raised in Newburgh, NY and skateboarding for 13 years. A youth advocate for skateboarding in the City of Newburgh"
Pastor Stacey Burks of Newburgh NY, The Pastor and Founder of Newburgh Christian Worship Center, A Father, A Husband, A Mentor, and A Community liaison for youth between the city officials and police officers. Pastor Burks uses an unorthodox and unique style when delivering the messages to the people, ensuring the Word is made relevant to the intending listeners. His love for Christ is shown by his actions and helping hand to everyone he encounters.
Christopher Basso: a Washingtonville High School class of 2000 graduate, as well as a graduate of both Boston University and the French Culinary Institute. Before embarking on a career as a brewer, he worked as chef in NYC restaurant. From there, he then become a brewer at the Brooklyn Brewery. Christopher decided to return home to the Hudson Valley to open his own brewery, and he is the co-founder and Brewmaster of Newburgh Brewing Company.
Paul Halayko is a long time Hudson Valley native, having graduated from Washingtonville High School before at-tending Boston University. He earned his CPA, and before opening the brewery, his career as an accountant and consultant included stops at Deloitte in Boston, Germany, and NYC, as well as JPMorgan. He is the co-founder and current President of Newburgh Brewing Company, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company
Stuart Sachs creates art from the building materials of modern society and from it's detritus. Steel I beams, trees felled by hurricanes, bronze, stone and glass are transformed into lyrical objects that comment on gesture and performance. The viewer is sometimes called into the work as a collaborator. Stuart is very involved in Historic Preservation and Community development in Newburgh and the region as President of the Newburgh Landmarks Conservancy and Board member of the Orange County Arts Council, The Fullerton Center and the Calvert Vaux Preservation Association. He is a Professor of Fine Art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
Ray Rivera Newburgh Boxing Club
A quixotic individual with an indomitable spirit who's engaged in an interminable search for balance and harmony. I also like fun hats... I own and direct Newburgh's first and only "urban art gallery", (TERAN) STUDIO. I have stood at the forefront of the revitalization of Arts & culture here in the Hudson Valley for the last 6 years. I am Will Teran.
City Council (In Attendance)
Karen Mejia as a child, with her family migrated to the United States from El Salvador, leaving behind a war torn country and loved ones. My professional journey to date has taken me from the bustling cities of South Africa, Mozambique, China, Mexico and Ireland to the urban streetscapes of the Bronx, Harlem and Newburgh. I have a master’s degree in Latin American & Caribbean History from New York University and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University. I am currently a councilwoman for Ward 1 in the City of Newburgh serving my first term in office.
Councilwoman Cindy Holmes Born and raised in Newburgh, New York. High School Diploma, Newburgh Free Academy, 1977. Associates Degree in Computer Information Management Westchester Business College, 1999: Deans List, President’s Awards, White Plains, New York. Certificate, Intensive Secretarial Office Skills. Bachelor’s Degree, Fordham University; Business Administration. I love my city and my constituents. Currently city council ward4; previous civil service commissioner.
Novelist and poet Genie Abrams, author of "Louey Levy's Greatest Catch," stumbles around Newburgh with her binoculars looking at birds. She can often be found picking up garbage, hiking in the Hudson Valley's hills or biking around Woodstock. Her dad was Newburgh's City Manager in the 1950s and the city has stayed in her heart like a piece of shrapnel. As of this writing (Aug. 14, 2015) she has just two years, four months and two weeks left to serve of her term on City Council.
With over 37 years in business and community activism, Judy Kennedy brings extensive corporate, entrepreneurial and management experience. Kennedy understands the needs of both large and small business, generating jobs, financial planning, budget management, problem solving and negotiating. In addition to her technical skills, Mayor Kennedy has a passionate concern for the people of the City of Newburgh. Kennedy’s success has been built on an underlying belief that people coming together, people unifying for common causes can overcome big challenges, create solutions and achieve success.
A City Grants Coordinator Sports Enthusiast, youth hockey coach, volunteer.
“If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.” - Dr. Seuss
June Henley, a volunteer working on Newburgh Illuminated since it's inception. I work as the Director of Tenant Services & Special Events at Safe Harbors of the Hudson. A huge fan of "I Love Lucy", I'm where I was meant to be, associated with the Ritz Theater, birthplace of "I Love Lucy"!
Tricia Haggerty Wenz Founder and Founding Executive Director of
Safe Harbors of the Hudson and The Ritz Theater. Loved the early pioneer days of the City and Safe Harbors when a small core group of us saw hope and possibilities, rolled up our sleeves and got to work to be a force for positive change …. now love seeing the City of Newburgh move forward with a new core group of people investing and making a difference in community where hope and possibility still matters.
Lisa Silverstone is the Executive Director of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, a housing and arts non-profit redevelopment project in the City of Newburgh. Lisa began working in Newburgh in 2004 as the Director of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands and joined Safe Harbors is 2012. She serves on the boards of the Newburgh Prep Charter School and the Newburgh Professional and Business Association and is energized working alongside people and organizations focused on creating a stronger Newburgh.
Stefanie Pearl-Kostenblatt is an innovatory entrepreneur, transcendental writer and resolute volunteer. After traveling across the county she became inspired to reinvest in her community of origin. Her platform for change is based in the idea of restorative nar-
rative and intrinsic engagement. She loves hiking, biking and geocaching in the Hudson Valley. Her blog is HappyHudsonValley.com
Ann Stratton I’m a food photographer by trade, food blogger by choice (Newburghfoodjournal.com) and recent transplant to Newburgh. I use the blog as a passport to help people discover the wonderful culturally diverse foods we have in our little city.
Cher Vick is an urban planner dedicated to promoting the revitalization of the City of Newburgh through her blog, Newburgh Restoration. Although Cher has never lived in Newburgh, she is passionate about helping the city reach its full potential.
Luke Ives Pontifell founded Thornwillow Press 30 years ago when he was 16 and still at school. Over the course of the past decades he has grown the company into one of the leading private presses in the United States. 10 years ago with his wife Savine, they consolidated their operations in a complex of 19th Century brick factory buildings in Newburgh, NY. There they have put together an extraordinary collection of historic printing and bookbinding equipment and practice the related arts and crafts of the written word. Over the years Thornwillow has printed and published original books by Walter Cronkite, John Updike, Edmund Morris and James Merrill among many others and their work is in the permanent collections of The White House, The Morgan Library, The British Library, Vassar College, Harvard University and The Vatican.
Robert Fontaine Born and Raised in Brooklyn, NY. Emmy nominated Actor/Writer/Director A successful Film and Television career spanning 30 years. Formed the production company Industrial House Films in 2010. Newburgh Revivalist.
Alysia Mazzella dissects written word and moving image to tell stories of human experience. She happily lives and works in Newburgh, NY.
Fon Borrello is a human artist moving lines and forming shape. He is alive in Newburgh, New York with his pet rats, Mama and Babe, and his bearded dragon, Nancy.
"I spent a lot of my childhood staring out the window. 25 years in advertising staring out the window. then it came to me"! Kevin Kearns, Landscape painter
Central to Jill Baroff's artistic activity is the ever changing nature of perception and our place within the world. Using the trinity of circumstance composed of the work, the viewer, and the environment, Baroff suggests possibilities and locations for us in the larger world.
Much of Stefana McClure's work makes reference to the structure and visual properties of written language. Although the “text” is sometimes obliterated or partially dismantled, the meaning is always
as important as the visual form. Distillation of time and obliteration and reconstruction of information characterize McClure's drawings and sculptures. The work has a self-structuring methodology: visual form being determined by the process by which the work is made.
Victor Mirabelli, Contemporary Fine Artist. My paintings have often been described as hauntingly beautiful stark impressions of realism.
Pastor Stacey Burks of Newburgh NY, The Pastor and Founder of Newburgh Christian Worship Center, A Father, A Husband, A Mentor, and A Community liaison for youth between the city officials and police officers. Pastor Burks uses an unorthodox and unique style when delivering the messages to the people, ensuring the Word is made relevant to the intending listeners. His love for Christ is shown by his actions and helping hand to everyone he encounters.
Reverend Milton Stubbs is the Pastor of The A.M.E. Zion Church of Newburgh. He is passionate about the word of God and its ability to transform lives. He believes the heart to winning souls to Christ is not solely by what you say, but by what people see as a result of your life. His favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”(ASV). Reverend Stubbs is married to Dr. Valentina Stubbs, who he calls his partner in ministry.
Shumel Serebryanski Rabbi Shmuel is a Chabad Rabbi & Artist who lives in New Windsor with his wife and four children. They devote their life to acts of goodness and kindness, preparing the world for the time of the redemption and a world of complete goodness.
Okay, that’s me, Gerardo Castro, in the photograph, many see me as The Artist, activist, educator, co-owner of Newburgh Art Supply and a witch doctor but to define is to limit. I confess, with a deep love for the outcasts of society, a dramatic flare and high emotion, tendency toward the candid, even indiscreet, my outspokenness and a shoe for every occasion, there’s only one conclusion- I became an Artist. As a 1980’s gay man, I was insanely surrounded by misfits, and unlike uncouth straight boys, I threw the best parties. We knew about things back then. We knew about people, people like Yma Sumac and Yves Saint Laurent and La Lupe, Nina Simone, and Nancy Cunard, the rebel artist who wore hundreds of ivory bracelets right up to her armpits. Today, theres a lot of mediocrity being celebrated, and a lot of wonderful, progressive stuff being ignored or discouraged.
"When I was a shy 7 year old in Pennsylvania, while riding my bike down a steep hill, I fell off and hit my head on the pavement smack in front of a magnificent Victorian mansion. Little did I know that's all it took to get into the house I had secretly admired, as the owners came out to attend to me. That moment foretold my latent love for Victorian melodrama and exquisite clutter. Fast forward years later to Newburgh, I realized I wasn't shy at all, I was just frustrated that others weren't real and honest. I purchased the foreboding Victorian Fullerton mansion, hosted ten years of jam-packed Halloween parties headed by the creative energies of an ever-changing menagerie of hundreds of participants from all over the Hudson Valley. I got involved in politics, historic preservation, community building, opened Newburgh Art Supply and The Palatine Shop with my partner, Gerardo. Our home- and businesses- are in the former Sisters of Charity convent and every once in a while we throw impromptu dinner parties. My name is Michael Gabor and I am honored to be included here."
Born in St. Luke’s Hospital, and a lifelong resident of the Newburgh area, Ted Doering enjoyed building choppers early on, followed by the making of replica parts for Harley avidsons. The worldwide success of his Newburgh based company, V-Twin Manufacturing, helped make
it possible for Ted’s collection to increase over the years, and in 2011 he opened the non-profit museum Motorcyclepedia at 250 Lake Street to showcase his passion, where he currently serves as the President of the museum’s Board of Directors. Mr. Doering has been an advocate for Newburgh, having aided City Hall’s revitalization efforts and making opportunities to bring added jobs and revenue to the city in thanks for its embracing of the motorcycle community.
A member of the department since January 1997. Served as a patrolman, K-9 patrolman, detective, administrative sergeant, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, detective lieutenant and eventually chief of police. Served in SCUBA, SWAT and K-9 as both an operator and a supervisor. Utilizes community policing and 21st century policing philosophies in order to address the suppression of crime in the City of Newburgh
Thomas Wright is the co-president and co-founder of Atlas Industries, a multidisciplinary design firm based in Newburgh, NY. Wright grew up in California’s San Joaquin Valley on an almond farm. He attended UC Berkeley, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He moved to New York City after college, completed many design-build projects, and in 1993 founded Atlas Industries with Joseph Fratesi. After 20 years in Brooklyn, Atlas relocated to Newburgh, NY. Since 2005, Wright has lived with his wife and two sons in Beacon, NY.
Shawn Strong director, editor. Phanatiks Entertainment, LLC, a New York film production company. About me...A lover of all arts. Married to creativity with some eccentric off springs. I am my art, my camera and my Macs. A Phanatik - a fan of art and and addict of media, which is how I came up with my company name.
Pictured, with Cathy Collins, Executive Director, are a special group of volunteers—some of whom have been volunteering since the beginning—known as House Captains. They shepherd our volunteers and future Habitat homeowners through the building process. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh relies on the time, hands, humor, and heart of its volunteers.They truly help put God's love into action by building homes, community, and hope.
Laura Garcia is the Racial Justice Program Coordinator for YWCA Orange County, New York. She is the founder of Dreamers with No Borders a group of young adults whose mission is to educate and empower the Latino, undocumented and migrant community in the Hudson Valley. Laura took a lead part in a recent hunger strike to support the New York Dream Act. She was recently highlighted in a short video done by women of the world from the New York Times; she was a special guest on Univision al Despertar one of the largest Spanish networks in the country.
James Hartford AIA, LEED AP, CERTIFIED PASSIVE HOUSE CONSULTANT (CPHC)Creative / Technical / Partner, RIVER Architects Partner James Hartford’s work is rooted in technical expertise and design sensibility. In addition to his excellent design skills, he contributes his building envelope expertise and leads the sustainable
design process for each of the firm’s projects. He is currently working on several Passive House projects that range from single family retrofits, multi-unit row houses in Newburgh, and an organic hard cider mill in the Catskills.James is the founder and the Acting President of Passive House Alliance US- Hudson Valley Chapter. In that capacity James has brought Certified Passive House Builder instruction to Newburgh, NY, and Certified Passive House Consultant training to Schenectady, NY- with significant funding from NYSERDA. These programs were the first of their kind in Upstate NY. James earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Buffalo and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Fine Arts from the University of Albany. He has studied abroad in Germany and in England, and has taught upper level design studios at Kyonggi University’s Graduate School of Architecture in Seoul, South Korea.
Yoshi Serge grew up in Connecticut, and graduated with degrees in Fine Arts and Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design. He works as a designer and draftsman in upstate New York.
Diana Mangaser grew up in California, and graduated with degrees in Architecture from UC Berkeley and Rhode Island School of Design. She teaches as an adjunct professor at City University of New York, and works at the Newburgh Community Land Bank.
Yoshi and Diana share a studio where they collaborate on art and design projects. They spend weekends working on their 1870’s town home across from Washington’s Headquarters.
Michael Aaron Green, financial advisor, proud owner of Newburgh's Fullerton Mansion, amateur historian and aspiring gardener....”Newburgh character."
David Ludwig is an interdisciplinary artist who hopes one day to find discipline.
John Delk I am an artist. these are some of the things I think about that bear upon what I make: time, the body, the mass, injustice, culpability, capitalism, eating, production,language, newness, desire, news, animals, sex, the weather, the body, outer space, pyramids, epiphany, how my tax dollars are spent on weapons and war and how I’m going to stop paying them but don’t, shitting, collective good, surveillance, time, consumption, alienation, violence, nothingness, gibberish, mediation, representation, decay, sex, resistance, duty, makeup, consumption, pyramid schemes, decoration, hunger, theater, time as a loop, life as a waking dream or nightmare.
"Angela Paul-Gaito, born in Perpignan (France), was a professional dancer, and is now the owner and Pilates instructor of APG Pilates, at La Maison du Bien-Être/The Wellness house in Newburgh, N.Y. (on Liberty street). She loves to be involved with her community, by creating groups such as The Hudson Valley Francophone Connection, or developing any ideas in relation with mixing culture and diversity."
Shirley Noto...Who am I? In a nut- shell, I'm a Florida transplant. Moved here for love, didn't work out but fell in love with the city. I have a passion for food. I own a successful deli for the past 13 years and now, starting a new venture. The Forbidden Fruit Wine & Tapas Bar in the city of Newburgh. My vision for this wine bar will put it on the map. My passion, my drive, my competitive nature and my experience will all play into the success of this wine bar. I'm a single mother, business owner and have the biggest zest for life anyone has ever seen! Choose the right and you CAN'T go wrong! I'm living proof that if you can believe it, you CAN achieve it.
Eric Jarmann. Grew up in Newburgh. Picture Framer for Newburgh Mercantile. Creative community building with the Newburgh Portfolio project. Married to Jacqui Watkins.
As founding Executive Director of Independent Living, Inc., a disability services organization employing over 400 people and serving 8,000 annually, Mr. Hovey has long championed the cause of equal rights, access, and opportunity for persons with disabilities. He holds graduate degrees in Health Care Administration and Rehabilitation Administration from the New School for Social Research in New York and The University at San Francisco, respectively, and is professionally and personally familiar with the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Bruno Gordon Painter, carpenter, sculptor, photographer, Zen-Buddhist.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS "Did you know the Little Engine That Could was a female?" Advocate (for all things Newburgh). Believer. Connector. Doctor.
Jean Claude Frajmund is the founder and CEO of ECO SHRIMP GARDEN, the first zero-water-exchange indoor urban shrimp farm in New York State. Eco Shrimp Garden is located at 99 William Street, in the historic district of Newburgh, New York. A former communication technology consultant and filmmaker in Brazil, Rome and France,Jean-Claude came to Newburgh with the belief that it's possible to feed the world without threatening the environment and endangering human health."Local, environmental concious business are a powerful agent for meaningful change in our community and planet " Jean-Claude and his wife, Jaqueline, have two children: Chloe and Leon.
My name is Joshua Brown. I’m originally from Tennesse. I’ve been a photographer for nearly 25 years. I moved to Newburgh a year ago to be closer to hiking, biking, and a diverse community that I love.
Richie Rosencrans: Newburgh Architectual Review Commission Member
“At times for us that end of tunnel light is the front of an oncoming train, so we need to call up the guy inside our Clark Kent suit, or invoke our inner Teddy Duchamp. At other times that light is salvific, so all we need do is embrace it, and work outward from it to serve our neighbors. The rumble on the tracks feels the same, though, so good luck figuring out which is which...”- Don Rickles
Keith Neito was raised by two loving parents from diverse backgrounds. I was allowed to dream and taught to be honest in achieving those dreams. While studying film at Hunter College I fell in love with Bloomingdale's theater like windows. My education as a window dresser continued there.Classic film inspires me in all my artwork.My simple mantra comes from Auntie Mame. " Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving."
Dan Brown When opposites meet they either repel each other or find an odd chemistry that bonds on many levels. Such is the case of Michele Basch and Dan Brown whose paths crossed in February 1989 in a tropical themedbar Magumba Bay on Amsterdam Aveune in NYC. Michele raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in an artistic family and Dan whose Blue Collar roots stretched back multi generations. The bond was sealed and they have been together since. After moving to Newburgh n 1997 both Dan and Michele saw potential
in at the time a city a shell of its former self. After a decade long search they opened the Wherehouse in February 2009 and over the past 7 years it has established itself as a benchmark of what Newburgh can become. Since then many new businesses sprung up in this rebirth and rennisance pf this one time shining diamond on the Hudson. And the zombies you ask....Among other things the Wherehouse hosts Pshchedelic Zombie BBQ...New Yorks largest undead rock and roll BBQ...not too shabby from a fella from a long line of truck drivers...