What brought you to New Paltz? Why did you stay?
“I was a very good student. I could have been accepted in many different colleges and universities. My parents wanted me to go to a United Negro College Fund school like my siblings, but the schools were all down south, too far away from the new baby in my family. Compared to 155th Street in Harlem where I grew up, New Paltz was very quiet.
For the most part, I felt comfortable and welcomed here. But one night when I was walking from P & G’s on Main Street back to the dorm, someone rolled down a window and screamed the N word at me. I was shocked. After that I was cautious walking in town alone at night. Also, in a few stores the proprietors would follow me around. I assumed thinking I might steal. But I was good-natured about it. I would say, ‘Come on. You can help me shop.’
I was looking for a church to attend. After trying several I chose the Methodist Church. The people were very gracious, open and inviting.
After graduating with a degree in psychology and a concentration in special education, I decided to stay here. I was adjusted. Often before work, I would go to the big falls at Minnewaska just to be in nature, read and relax. I did not realize that I made the decision to make New Paltz my permanent home until my mother, years later said, ‘It’s time for you to change your address. You live in New Paltz not NYC. You should vote in the community you reside in.’ So I did. It took a while. I arrived in 1984 and became a citizen of New Paltz in 1990. Eventually, I raised my children here. All of them attended New Paltz schools. I coached the Pop Warner town football team.
My SUNY degree provided me the opportunity to become a caseworker and child protective services investigator. I also taught parenting skills. In February of this year, I deepened my roots here by opening JBee Beauty Supply, filling the needs for beauty products appropriate to all races. I guess I am here for good.”
I met Janice Butcher when she was a cast member and featured singer in the legendary Motown Review preformed in 1986 in the McKenna Theatre. Janice credits distinguished mezzo soprano professor Barbara Hardgrave (“Of course I can sing. I had the best teacher!”) with training her voice. Currently, Janice volunteers at The Master’s Touch Ministries in New Paltz where she is an active valued member. Janice serves the New Paltz community by partnering with Thriving Together Town of New Paltz. She’s also a member of the New Paltz Police Commission.
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