Hi, folks. I know it’s been a while, so here’s the latest from BikeNewburgh:
What we’ve been doing:
Since May, we’ve held five great repair sessions in front of the church on South Street. We met lots of children, adults and families, some from across the street and some from Cornwall and New Windsor. We repaired a lot of brakes, fixed a lot of tires, and made many new friends. In July, we were invited to host weekly community repair sessions at the Urban Farmers League garden at 59 Chambers Street.
There we found more kids and more bikes than two of us could possibly handle. For all its challenges though, Chambers Street has been blessed – with fathers and uncles who share their love of kids and community and pick up a wrench and help out for hours on end, with moms who come and teach patience, and with children who smile and share and trust.
We’ve made a commitment to continue at 59 Chambers Street through the month of August, and hope to resume our sessions on South Street in the next two weeks.
It has been your gracious generosity and your amazing ability to involve friends and community from a larger area that has made this possible, and we are grateful for all you have done so far. Thank you. Since the very beginning folks have asked us what we need. Now that we’ve been on the street, we can see more clearly what we need.
What we need:
Brakes. The number one safety item is functioning brakes. We’ve had some parts donated, but our best source of brake parts has been recycled from donated bikes. Which means we need…
Space. Your ability to donate bikes has been way beyond our ability to take them in, up until now. We are looking for some secure, ground-level space to store donated bikes. If you have vacant space or know someone who does, please contact me. If that space (or spaces) also leaves room to work, that’s even better. Then we can work with…
Volunteers. Cleaning and repairing donated bikes and harvested parts takes time and patience. It is also a great way to teach and learn the basics of bike maintenance and repair. If you have patience, the ability to teach or the desire to learn, and a little bit of time, we need you. Email to john@bikenewburgh.org or come to our open house.
Helmets. One of our volunteers just donated more than a dozen brand new helmets, in assorted kids’ sizes. It’s tough to get kids to wear them all the time, but it is irresponsible not to try.
How you can help:
Join us for an open house, discussion, story telling and planning meeting from 6:30 to 8:00 Tuesday night, August 10, at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 120 South Street, Newburgh. We’ll be indoors, serving up some Iced Tea and snacks, and maybe patching some inner tubes. If you can’t be there, have questions or comments, or want to help in any way, please email or leave a message at 562-8730. Thanks!
All the receipts of donations from Newburgh Rotary Club. Along with the Urban Farmers League follow receipts meals on wheels, Greater Newburgh Hudson Valley Family Health Center, Safe Homes, Inspire, Big Bothers and Big Sisters of Orange County.
Children of all ages enjoying the festivities.
Congressman Hinchey showing his support of Save the Children event and La Vida Garden. Thank you!
The girls are harvesting the tomatoes
Calvin showing off his prefect cherry tomato that he just harvested
Karen presenting certificates from Congressman Hinchey to Angelica and John
The ReadNex Poetry Squad performing.
U-Nice performing
Alex Schein and DJH20 getting ready the day
Chante showing her pride with a temporary tattoo
John and Decora getting ready for the auction and giving away of our harvest to our neighbors
DJ H20 Around the the turn tables
Yesterday we talked to Nora Cronin leadership about organic food, and what the attenees can change their neighbrohoods.
