02/12/2026
✨ Honorable Mention from the Awesome Newburgh Foundation goes to Marlene Kryza in Ward One ✨
I’ve lived in Newburgh for three years and have grown to deeply love this town and its people — which is why it breaks my heart to see small piles of trash scattered through my neighborhood. I once heard someone say, “If the government doesn’t care, why should the people care?”
I can’t relate to that. I care anyway.
So I’ve started doing something simple: taking long walks and picking up what I can. It’s small, and it’s not everything, but I keep reminding myself — anything is better than nothing.
Maybe if I do it every day, someone else who feels the same way will realize they’re not alone. And along the way, I’ve met neighbors, shared conversations, and even helped carry a piece of furniture or two.
I’m just a working artist trying to live humbly and put my energy into what matters.
Because I really believe this: every person is a walking advertisement for their values.
And this is the message I want to spread — care, pride, and community. 💛🧹🌿
