Legendary New Paltz Family Needs Our Support

A popular family with strong ties to New Paltz, NY, needs our help!

For as long as I can remember, New Paltz, NY, has always been much more than just a college party town or just a great place to grab a meal. For me, it's always been a place where many start their life's journey and form friendships that last a lifetime.

At least that's what it has always meant to me!

Almost 30 years ago, as I was beginning my radio career at a radio station in Kingston, I found myself looking to try and find a place where I could DJ to make some extra cash. At the time, radio wasn't paying the best (hasn't changed...LOL) and after going out a few times in New Paltz, me and a close friend at the time, Chris, decided maybe we should try and get a job DJing at one of the bars in New Paltz.

Foley's in New Paltz, New York

Back then, there were a few options to choose from there was the Griffin, P&G's, and Foley's Square Pub. We decided that Foley's (later Murphy's) on Main Street was the place we wanted to work, and after a little convincing and a few auditions, the family who owned the bar hired us.

The Verney family had owned the bar for a while, and as I began to work more and more for them, I realized that this was going to become much more than just a place I worked at. I formed friendships with their family (Sean, Skip, Jimmy, Joey, Kenny, Theresa, and their families) that have lasted 30+ years.

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I've DJed many of their weddings and special events, watched them bring kids into the world, and now I'm hoping I can do my part and help them in any way possible as they deal with some unfortunate health news.

Cancer Diagnosis

I learned a few weeks ago, after seeing a post on Facebook, that Kenny Verney, who ran Foley's and later Murphy's for many years, had been diagnosed with cancer. Kenny's wife Karen posted,

"It’s been a whirlwind the last 2 months. February 5th we found out that Kenny has metastatic lung cancer. Within days with the help of some fantastic people we were down at NYU with a team of doctors in which we are very happy with. He’s had two treatments so far and handling them well. It will be a long road but he is strong and will continue to fight every day, he has no choice we love him too much."

 

After reading it, I reached out to see if there was anything I could do to help, and Karen told me that just reaching out was more than enough.

Fundraiser for Kenny Verney

I later learned that friends of the Verney family had already put together a fundraiser for Kenny in May and that it was open to the community. The "10-13 Fundraiser for Kenny Verney" is set for Thursday, May 1st at Novella's at 2 Terwilliger Lane in New Paltz, NY.

The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and offer guests food and drinks. According to organizers, the cost is $140 per person, with "proceeds to benefit Ken Verney to help his battle with lung cancer."

Please join me in spreading the word about this event and helping raise as much money as possible for one of the good ones! For more information, call 845-597-8315.