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A Message from the New Berlin Art Forum President Welcome to the 37th performing arts season of the New Berlin Art Forum. The Art Forum's goal is to bring unique and quality entertainment to our community. Our season begins with a new venture. In September, we will be taking a bus trip to the SRO production of "All Shook Up", a musical comedy in Endicott. We hope you'll enjoy the trip as Eastern Bus Lines does the driving. In October, Red Raville's Big Band Sound will entertain us, followed in February by a new group to our area, the Blarney Rebel Band. This group will help us get ready for St. Patrick's Day in March. The Puppet People return in March at U.V.C.S. to entertain and teach our children about bullying. We'll have two performances, grades K-3 at 8:30 a.m. and grades 4-5 at 2:30 p.m. Please come to see this performance with our children. We end our season in April with a coffeehouse group, "Nate and Kate". Come enjoy a great performance and our excellent desserts. The New Berlin Art Forum Board extends their appreciation for your continued support. If you are not a season member, please consider becoming one. Just fill in this Membership form and one of our Board members will contact you to discuss the benefits of membership. And we are always looking for new volunteers to join us. Our meetings are the second Wednesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. in the New Berlin Village Library. Thanks for coming, and I hope you enjoy the show. Teresa J. Clarke, President Dedication to Patricia E. Houghton
Patricia is a long-time resident of New Berlin, moving here when she was 4 years old. She graduated from New Berlin Central School, went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Nazareth College, and a Master's of Music degree from the University of Kentucky. Pat taught music in the Oneonta and Sidney School Districts. Mrs. Houghton has served on the New Berlin Central School Board of Education and the newly-merged Unadilla Valley Central School Board of Education for nine years. She has also been Treasurer of the Chenango County School Boards Association for 6 years; presented at NYS School Boards Conference for Dollars for Scholars; Chaired the Advancement Committee for the Boy Scouts of America; Merit Badge Counselor for Music; and Fundraiser Chair for the Boy Scouts of America. Currently, Pat teaches private piano and voice lessons, and she has always been a supporter of the Arts. Along with being a founding Board Member, she has also been Past President, Executive Director and the Chair of Performing Arts Series Selection. She is also very active in St. Theresa's Church, being the Director of Music, Head of the Liturgy and Faith Formation Committees, member of the Finance Committee, Choir Director and Organist. Pat also organizes the Ecumenical Christmas Caroling and other music events involving all the churches of New Berlin. The parishioners of St. Theresa's Church feel that she is the glue that holds St. Theresa's together. Pat is a resident of the Village of New Berlin and is married to former New Berlin High School Art Teacher, Carl Houghton for 40 years. They have three children, Elizabeth Olsen, Michael Houghton and Emalinda Gronwall. In Patricia and Carl's spare time (if you can believe that they have any) they care for and play with their 7 grandchildren, 6 boys and 1 girl. The New Berlin Art Forum is proud to dedicate our 37th season to Patricia E. Franco Houghton.
The building has been there since the early 1870's and was originally the flour mill owned by New Berlin entrepreneur, I. L. Richer of whom it was said, "In the community at large he is known as one of the best citizens, whose every endeavor has been to bring about needed improvements, to elevate the moral tone and keep it fixed on a high standard." Vinny and Barbie Montouri continue that time honored tradition in the Village of New Berlin. They purchased the property, now known as Homestead Pet and Farm Supply, located at 3 Railroad Street, New Berlin in November of 2004. During the past seven years they have experienced the welcoming touch of New Berlin residents and in turn find that most of their patrons have become their personal friends. This is obvious as there is a smile on each face that enters the building for a little visit or to make purchases of not only pet and farm supplies, but hardware, gardening items, wild bird supplies, bulk foods including dried goods, baking supplies, spices, teas, locally roasted coffee, ginger beer, relishes, fruits, dairy products and clothing from time to time. In addition to these, ice cream, homemade cookies and candies for kids of all ages, and locally made crafts such as jewelry, soaps, spun yarns, some of which have already become something useful, the Montouri's are happy to support local folks trying to market a CD or hand made crocheted or knitted item as well as wooden toys with some shelf or counter space. During good weather Homestead provides a weekly Farmers Market Venue on Saturday Mornings from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sometimes the front porch contains an array of hand worked wooden nesting boxes, dog houses, drying racks or perhaps wheel barrows or trees and plants for the garden. At the holiday season they stock a supply of Christmas trees and wreathes. The Montouri's work with a National Food Co-Op and contribute the location for dropping off orders and picking them up once a month on a rotating schedule. They are sincere in wanting to help make a difference, not only in the provision of such important items close to home but also keeping in mind the cost of traveling a distance for such supplies. So we don't always have to travel through the mountains to the east or west during bad weather and any time of the year can save on gas by finding items close to home. Every year Homestead hosts the Haiti Mission BBQ and musical entertainment fundraising events in their parking area. During Youth Days, Barbie arranges two music events; Gospel Music and is responsible for the recruiting of local talent for the annual Musical Celebration. "If there were twice as many hours in a day," they could be more involved in community activities which would be their desire. However, they are on site by 7:30 every morning with doors opening for business at 8:00 a.m. and not closing till 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. With close family ties all their children have a hand in helping things run smoothly both at the store and at home. From the counter area they can view the expanse of Genesee Street heading west toward the light on Main Street where the scene is so picturesque at each season, who wouldn't want to spend time at the Homestead Pet and Farm Supply. So the tradition continues with the Montouri's improvements, renovations and their service oriented approach where "everybody knows your name and you're always glad you came." We are proud to recognize their focus on the community and their continued support of the arts in New Berlin. Call to inquire about your needs at 607-847-6173.
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Teresa Clarke Inga-Britt Nielsen Carlotta Iannello Bonnie Jean Bauer |
It is long overdue that the New Berlin Art Forum dedicates the season to Patricia E. Houghton. We could easily dedicate our total 37 years to her as we found in our research that not only is she a charter member, but also is a co-founder of the New Berlin Art Forum.
Community Spotlight