Sullivan Renaissance Annual Report 2015

Sullivan Sullivan2015 Renaissance ANNUAL REPORT

Watchful. Protective. Spirited.

Celebrating our 15th season.

That is something to crow about!

A s p e c i a l p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e S U L L I V A N C O U N T Y D E M O C R AT

An Invitation

from Sandra Gerry

We cordially invite you to celebrate with us as we announce the winning projects and honor our Sullivan Renaissance volunteers at the

Sullivan Renaissance Awards Ceremony Monday, August 10, 2015 at the Event Gallery Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Awards Program begins promptly at 6:45 p.m.

Refreshments will be served

C

ongratulations to all the participants in the Sullivan Renaissance 2015 program! We salute and commend your efforts in enhancing the appearance of Sullivan County while building a sense of pride and community spirit. We know it has taken countless hours by hundreds of volunteers, as you continue to raise the bar and help to move Sullivan County forward . . . towards community revitalization. Thank you for all your efforts!

You are all amazing!! The Sullivan County Democrat deserves special thanks for this publication which covers in greater detail many aspects of our program. ยกAgradecemos su confianza en Sullivan Renaissance! Le invitamos a unirse a nosotros el 10 de Agosto en Bethel Woods, y celebrar nuestros voluntarios y proyectos comunitarios.

Sandra Gerry Sullivan Renaissance Chair

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Honor the Volunteers Monday, August 10 in the Event Gallery at Bethel Woods

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he public is invited to honor the volunteers who are improving communities throughout Sullivan County at the 2015 Sullivan Renaissance Awards Ceremony on Monday, August 10.The event is being held in the Event Gallery at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with light refreshments; the program begins at 6:45 p.m.

Community organizations have been hard at work on dozens of projects since grants were awarded in April.

Projects judged the most successful in completing their beautification efforts will be made known at the Awards Ceremony and receive additional grants between $1000 and $25,000.The winner of a contest for seasonal communities will also be announced, when one of ten seasonal camps and bungalow colonies receives the $10,000 Community Mitzvah

Award.

Scholarships for Sullivan Renaissance volunteers will be announced by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties, and the SUNY Sullivan Foundation. Members of the new Sullivan Renaissance Volunteers Corps will be recognized, as will young people who participated in the intern leadership program.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.

Sponsors include Bold Gold Media Group/Thunder 102, FisherMears Associates, Kristt Company, Robert Green Dealerships, Sullivan County Democrat,The River Reporter, Thompson Sanitation, and WSUL/WVOS.For information, contact 845-295-2445 or visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org.

ANNUAL REPORT

Sullivan 2015 Renaissance Published by: Catskill-Delaware Publications Publishers of the Sullivan County Democrat Publisher Fred Stabbert III Editor Frank Rizzo Senior Editor Dan Hust Design/Production Rosalie Mycka

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Editorial and Photographic Contributors

Brandi Merolla, Nick Piatek, and Sullivan Renaissance staff Ad Production Petra Duffy Advertising Coordinator Sandy Schrader Advertising Director Liz Tucker Advertising Representatives Cecilia Lamy, Barbara Matos, and Susan Panella Production Associates Ruth Huggler, Tracy Swendsen, Elizabeth Finnegan, and Nyssa Calkin Business Manager Sue Owens Cover Photo by Nick Piatek

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Thank you, Sullivan Renaissance for Making a Difference in Sullivan County Investment Advisors Creating and Preserving Wealth Philip Coombe III, CFP®, Catherine Bender, CFP® Lynn McDonald

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Catskill Edible Garden Project Getting to grow you means getting to know you GROWING EDIBLE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY GARDENS The CEGP currently has gardens at six Sullivan County schools and a teaching garden at Cornell Cooperative Extension. The project also lends support to the Main Street Community Garden in Liberty, the Livingston Manor Community Garden at Pearl Street and the edible garden at the Federation for the Homeless.

THE GARDENERS AND GROWERS

Many hands planting at Roscoe Central School.

The Catskill Edible Garden Project is a collaboration between Catskill Mountainkeeper, Cornell

TO GROW THEM IS TO LOVE THEM! How do you get children to eat their veggies? Get them to grow them! This is the philosophy at the core of the Catskill Edible Garden Project (CEGP) which works with schools and community organizations to design edible gardens as living classrooms to learn about food and nutrition, and make a connection to the natural world.

Each edible garden offers “hands on� experience and access to healthy local food, while promoting agriculture as an important aspect of health, community and culture. The act of getting hands on, in the dirt; the experience of planting a small seed or plant; the amazement in watching it grow; and the pride of harvesting are all ingredients in the recipe to change the way we view food.

Isaiah Colon enjoys planting at the Cooke School in Monticello.

Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County (CCE), Green Village Initiative, and Sullivan Renaissance. The Project works closely with coordinators at each site to oversee the care of the gardens, and build support within the school or community. Some sites are directly linked to a classroom or grade level; others are connected to a club or after school activity. The teaching garden at CCE Sullivan County is led by the master gardeners.

GARDEN LOCATIONS AND STATS Cooke School Installed Spring 2013 as a complete renovation of former school gardens. It is located in an interior courtyard and visible from classrooms. Food from the garden is shared with staff, brought into the classroom and cafeteria and donated to food pantries.

Work day for the Livingston Manor Community Garden at Pearl Street.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County Installed Summer 2012 as a teaching Garden with CCE Master Gardener volunteers. The garden is actively used in educational programs including the Junior Master Gardeners and is a resource

for the Entrepreneurial and Teaching Kitchen at CCE. Hebrew Day School Installed Fall 2013 at a private school with an excellent impact opportunity. Food from the garden is prepared and enjoyed by students and staff.

Liberty Elementary School Installed Fall 2012 the garden is shared throughout the school with different grade levels adopting boxes to plant. This season the garden had an amazing strawberry harvest to share!

RJK Middle School Installed Spring 2013 as the expansion of an existing garden.

It is part of the Eco Club and Friday Food Club. The harvest is donated to area food pantries and has been used in the summer feeding program. Note: Students coming into RJK Middle School from Cooke Elementary School are able to remain engaged.

Roscoe Central School Installed Spring 2012 with the specific intention that the food be used in the cafeteria. The

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Gardening as a Prescription for Healthy Communities Today, volunteers and communities throughout Sullivan County are realizing a level of health, wellness and community vitality through the simple act of gardening.

They are discovering that gardens are good for the environment, the economy, the immune system and the soul. Edible gardens are growing food and serving as classrooms to engage young people in the outdoors and connect them with nature.

Kassie Theman teaches Randy Romero-Bello and Michael Reyes about growing lettuce at the Liberty Elementary School garden.

Cherise Barasch, Garden Coordinator, for the RJK Middle School garden with Catskill Edible Garden crew Ariana Kaminski, Kassie Thelman, and Erin Burch. garden is currently part of the Science program. Roscoe Central School creates its own compost for use in the garden!

Sullivan West Elementary School Installed Spring 2012 as an outdoor classroom used by the Garden Club. The harvest is donated to a food pantry in town and used by school summer staff.

Megan Reilly helps at the teaching garden at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Federation for the Homeless The largest of all of the community gardens, this garden was installed to augment the nutrition program that offers meals and food pantry resources.

Livingston Manor Community Garden at Pearl Street Installed by community volunteers this garden has recently connected with Catskill Regional Medical Center to offer wellness and nutrition programs as an extension of their outpatient clinic in Livingston Manor. The garden is also available for community members to adopt a plot.

Main Street Community Garden, Liberty Installed by community volunteers and recently adopted by CACHE – Community Action Commission to Help the Economy – as a way to bring fresh food to their food pantry program. The garden is also available for community members to adopt a plot.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Keen Ruffalo, Ariana Kaminski and Kassie Thelman harvest garlic at Sullivan West.

The CEGP has plans to keep growing. The Project is working on an initiative that would involve students with preparation of the harvest from their gardens. The goal is to get people excited about food in a way that will become integral to their day to day lives, buying and eating habits. Maybe some will go on to be farmers, chefs or nutritionists themselves. If the CEGP has its way, they will all go on to know and love their veggies.

“Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children’s health (and also, by the way, in our own).” ― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.

Newly created or renovated parks are tended by neighbors who may not have known one another a few short months ago, yet through the simple act of gardening they have come together for a common purpose; and formed friendships and ties that ground them to their community, and create a sense of place.

According to research conducted

by Rutgers University, flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods and have an immediate impact on happiness, and make for more intimate connections between individuals.

Sullivan County Main Streets, alive with the color and fragrance of containers and window boxes, are the mark of businesses and volunteers declaring their welcome and proclaiming “We care about this place.”

A pleasant community appearance adds to home values, helps attract business investment, and improves the neighborhood reputation. The Knight Foundation’s Soul of the Community identified aesthetics as one of the top three factors in creating community attachment.

Through gardens Sullivan County volunteers and communities are weaving a fabric of resiliency, breathing life back into forgotten places, and prescribing a pathway to better health.

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Category A Spotlights

Category A projects are typically small in scope, and involve beautification at a single location. This category is ideally suited for first time applicants, as well as returning groups with simple projects. Examples include welcome signs, sign replacement projects, building landscaping, and small public gardens or parks. Each project receives a $1,000 initial grant, $100 in flower dollars, and a $250 completion grant. These projects are competing for a $3,000 first place , $2,000 second place and $1,000 third place award – as well as special awards totaling up to $4,000 at the judges’ discretion for their efforts in special areas such as historic preservation, environmental stewardship and youth engagement, to name a few.

Sunshine Hall Free Library Located in Eldred, the Sunshine Hall Free Library is part of the Ramapo Catskill Library system, and has been serving residents in the towns of Highland and Lumberland since 1916. After years of planning, work began on a much needed facelift earlier this year. The $45,000 project included new exterior siding, insulation, re-structuring the front entrance, and replacing the handicap ramp.

A first-time applicant, the

library used its Sullivan Renaissance grant to add several finishing touches, including four six-foot window boxes planted with cascading flowers and greenery, two large hanging baskets hanging from the front porch, and an elegant new sign.

According to Library Director Patricia Kennedy, “Our library celebrates its 100th anniversary next year and it is so important that this venerable institution looks its very best for its centennial celebration.”

Eldred Sunshine Hall Free Library before and after

Brandi Merolla photo

Brandi Merolla photo

Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County

Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County is a not-for-profit organization that provides a variety of free services to halt the rising tide of illiteracy in Sullivan County. Founded in 1994 by current Executive Director Connie Keller, the Literacy Volunteers operate the “Read It Again Bookstore” in the former Social Security building located on North Street in Monticello, across from the Sullivan County Government Center.

A returning group, the Literacy Volunteers completed a beautification project in 2010 that involved landscaping the front of the building and erecting a new sign. This year’s project expands on those efforts, but

focuses on beautifying the rear entrance and creating a new teaching garden that will be used for bi-lingual education and as an outdoor venue for tutoring.

The completed garden, installed by volunteers under the supervision of Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee member and professional landscaper Gay Donofrio, contains a colorful mixture of shrubs, perennials and annuals. According to Connie Keller, “Our building is so institutional-looking, so to have the back beautified with flowers and gardens really softens the whole building and provides a welcoming entrance.

Literacy Volunteers Connie Keller, Dawn Henry, Cafui Avasu, Virginia Connell Nick Piatek photo

Other 2015 Category A grant recipients Lake Huntington Liberty Livingston Manor Mileses Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello

Lake Huntington Fire Department Youth Economic Group (YEG) Congregation Agudas Achim Mileses Cemetery Hudson River Healthcare Rural Sullivan Housing Corp.

Sleepy Hollow Development Sullivan County Head Start

Historical Garden Spark Beautification Sign Garden Cemetery Sign and Landscaping Duane Stoner Memorial Garden Sign and Landscaping Sign Garden Butterfly Teaching Garden

Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee member, Gay Donofrio oversees and assists with the landscaping work day.

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Category B Spotlights Installation of a stone patio adjacent to the tavern.

Nick Piatek photos

Franklin Trapp, producer at the Forestburgh Playhouse

A grass and dirt lawn area has been turned into... a beautiful learning grarden

Category B projects are typically larger in scope, and include multiple elements at a single location. This category is typically for experienced groups undertaking a new project, or significant enhancement to a previously funded project. Examples include large public gardens, community park projects, building façade renovation, and roadside beautification.

Each project receives a $1,500 initial grant, $150 in flower dollars, and a $500 completion grant. These projects are competing for a $10,000 first place, $7,000 second place and $5,000 third place award – as well as special awards totaling up to $4,000 at the judges’ discretion.

Forestburgh Playhouse Founded in 1947, the Forestburgh Playhouse is the oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre in New York State. The playhouse first applied for a beautification grant in 2012 to expand and enhance its gardens, and those efforts earned it a “Best Overall Showing of Flowers” award that year.

This time around, under the leadership of producer Franklin Trapp, the organization applied for Sullivan Renaissance grant funds to enhance the overall curb appeal of the property.

This year’s project involved expanding an existing garden along a roadside fence, installing a stone patio with landscaping adjacent to the tavern, and sprucing up the parking area with additional landscaping and power washing.

The project kicked off in late May with help from the Boys and Girls Club. Over 20 teens spent the day

prepping, planting and installing the new garden elements.The teens worked alongside volunteer Gay Donofrio, owner of Perennial Gardens Landscaping, who designed the gardens and supervised the installation. Master Gardener Volunteer Peg Berg also spent the day assisting with the installation and providing educational instruction while the volunteers worked. Since then, Peg has returned several times to work in the children’s vegetable garden, and volunteers from the New Hope Community have come weekly to help weed and water the flower gardens.

“I think what I have learned is how flowers and gardens and beautification brings people together,” remarked Producer Franklin Trapp. “Our customers come to not only enjoy the theatre, but to enjoy and appreciate our gardens, which are an integral part of the playhouse experience.

Eldred Central School

Brandi Merolla photo

Other 2015 Category B grant recipients Callicoon Center Town of Callicoon Veteran’s Memorial Fremont Center Fremont Park Ballfield Enhancements Liberty CACHE Façade Improvements Long Eddy St. Patrick’s Mission Church Church & Post Office Landscaping Rock Hill Rock Hill United Methodist Church Church Landscaping Wurtsboro Mamakating Library Library Landscaping Wurtsboro Town of Mamakating Town Hall Gardens

Led by science teachers Mary Ellen Sutherland and Thomas Vorstadt, the project at the Eldred Central School involved transforming a grassy lawn area in front of the school into a learning garden.The idea for the project began with a donation of a Norway Spruce by the Class of 2013, and was expanded to include contributions from other classes, clubs and athletic groups.

The Class of 2015 worked in the area surrounding the existing spruce, the Junior Honor Society was involved in planting, mulching and other activities, the art students added sculptural details, and the elementary students helped plant the annuals. Outside of these school groups, Boy Scouts from Troop 102 helped to spread mulch and

trim trees, and senior citizens from the community assisted with planting and mulching.

Past alumni of the school donated time and materials to the project as well. For example, the project includes beautiful stone walls that were constructed by Norm Sutherland and his son, along with Matt Nelson.

Community member and school alum Herman Wyss donated the electrical work.

“This project was a great way to bring large groups of people together for a common goal,” explained Vorstadt. “We had different generations working side by side. It was nice to see them interacting with one another, and working together as one group.”

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Category C Spotlights Category C projects involve community-wide beautification at multiple locations as part of a long-term planning strategy. Groups that engage in these projects are generally experienced, and often have several existing gardens to maintain, as well as one or more new projects to implement. Examples include Main Street beautification, downtown revitalization and corridor enhancements. Each project receives a $5,000 initial grant, $500 in flower dollars, and a $1,000 completion grant. These projects are competing for a $25,000 first place, $10,000 second place and $5,000 planning award – as well as special awards totaling up to $4,000 at the judges’ discretion.

Jeffersonville JEMS Volunteers in Jeffersonville have been beautifying their village with support from Sullivan Renaissance since 2001. In 2004, Jeffersonville Enhances Main Street, or JEMS for short, was created as an extension of the Chamber of Commerce to tackle beautification efforts. Over the years, the JEMS have created at least five separate public gardens located throughout the community, earning them over $40,000 in prizes and awards.

This year, JEMS partnered with the Village of Jeffersonville to tackle several beautification projects throughout the village. This included sprucing up the gardens at each of the welcome signs, and at the Jeffersonville Ambulance Corps building, and installing a new sign garden at the entrance to WJFF as a thank you for its 25th anniversary.

The primary focus of JEMS efforts, however, was reviving the Main Street Events stage and creating a welcome center on private property located across from the Post Office.

The property, which has been on the market for years, had deteriorated and become an eyesore. The events stage located in the rear of the property had also fallen into disrepair and it hadn’t been used for public performances in years.

Spearheaded by President Sue Bodenstein, the JEMS negotiated a lease agreement with the property owner that gave them permission to restore the stage and its colorful mural, repair the parking lot, paint the building, and convert an empty storefront into a welcome center for tourists. Residents and visitors can now enjoy an open-air market every CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

The “Backyard Park” -severely damaged in last’s years flood -- was completed this year thanks to a second place award of $10,000, contributions from the community and donated services from the Village of Jeffersonville.

At left: Another of the beautiful public gardens in Jeff maintained by JEMS volunteers.

A train made out of whiskey barrels is now the centerpiece of the new “Centreville Station Park” which pays homage to the Ontario & Western Railway, where the original tracks remain buried underground. Nick Piatek photo Sullivan Renaissance intern Gisselle Caballero weeding in Woodridge.

Nick Piatek photo

Village of Woodridge The Village of Woodridge, along with its collaborating group – the Kiwanis Club of Woodridge – has been involved in the Sullivan Renaissance program since its inception in 2001. Over the years, they have installed public gardens at six separate locations in downtown Woodridge, located primarily along Green Avenue and Broadway.

Much of their work has been focused on celebrating the history of the now defunct Ontario & Western (O&W) Railway, a rail line that was a mainstay of the village’s economy in its heyday. The village and the Kiwanis Club have implemented beautification projects at three entrances to the O&W Rail Trail that traverses the village, installed

train-themed banners along utility poles, installed historic panels interpreting the history of the railroad, and even created a train made from whiskey barrel planters.

Led by Mayor Joan Collins, village Clerk Myra Bennett and Woodridge Kiwanis President Sue Kasofsky, this year’s project focused on creating a new train-themed park along Green Avenue. The site, which previously only contained the barrel train and a railroad crossing sign, was transformed into the “Centreville Station Park.”

The park, so named because Woodridge was known as “Centreville Station” during the railroad era, contains three bermed islands planted with trees, shrubs and flowers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Other 2015 Category C grant recipients Narrowsburg Beautification Group Narrowsburg Trail Project Phillipsport Community Center Phillipsport Area Beautification Rock Hill Business Association Rock Hill Public Art Project

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Maintenance Spotlights Sullivan Renaissance recognizes the hard work and dedication needed to maintain projects over the years. Our Maintenance Support Program aims to support established groups by providing tools and resources to assure sustainability. Groups with a history of participation in the Sullivan Renaissance program can apply for a wide variety of support including up to $1,500 in grant funds, up to $250 in flower dollars, help from a gardening intern, and assistance from our Horticulture Crew and/or Volunteer Corps. Additional grant funding may also be requested for capital improvements that support maintenance, such as watering systems.

This year’s Maintenance Support Program is providing financial and technical assistance to 30 groups that have created community gardens with Sullivan Renaissance. While these participants are not part of the traditional competition, all Maintenance Support recipients are considered for a special “Showing of Flowers” award of up to $5,000 to the recipient with the best multiple location gardens, a $3,000 award for the best single location garden, as well as four additional $1,000 “Judges’ Choice” awards.

Members of the Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee pose with a garden plaque dedicated by Sullivan Renaissance. Photo by Sandra Schrader.

Other 2015 Maintenance Grant Recipients MULTIPLE GARDEN LOCATIONS: Callicoon Callicoon Business Association Glen Spey Lumberland Parks & Recreation Hurleyville Hurleyville-Sullivan First Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Renaissance Long Eddy Long Eddy Renaissance Mountaindale Mountaindale Action Committee Neversink Neversink Renaissance Swan Lake Swan Lake Renaissance White Sulphur Springs White Sulphur Springs Sullivan First Woodbourne Woodbourne Action Committee SINGLE GARDEN LOCATIONS: Bloomingburg Callicoon Hurleyville Kenoza Lake Liberty Liberty Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Luxton Lake Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Rock Hill Roscoe

Town of Mamakating Park St. James’ Episcopal Church Sullivan County Historical Society Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners St. Peter’s Regional School Livingston Manor Rotary Livingston Manor United Methodist Church Luxton Lake Property Owners Association Federation for the Homeless Landfield Avenue Synagogue Monticello United Methodist Church St. John’s Episcopal Church St. Peter’s Catholic Church Temple Sholom Town of Thompson Park Rock Hill Fire Department Roscoe Presbyterian Church

Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce The Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce has been participating in the Sullivan Renaissance grant program since its inception in 2001.

Over the years, volunteers with the Chamber’s Beautification Committee have installed baskets and banners, erected welcome signs and business directories, created several gardens and public parks, and helped landscape the library, firehouse and various churches throughout the hamlet. In 2008 and 2010, the Roscoe-Rockland Chamber was awarded the “Golden Feather” first place prize by the judges, which earned it state grants totaling $100,000 to improve the community. With that funding, it installed new sidewalks in the downtown business district and re-

placed outdated street lights with period fixtures.

This year, the Beautification Committee has focused its efforts on maintaining various gardens and parks, and raising awareness throughout the community that these beautiful public spaces are maintained entirely by volunteers. To help in this regard, Roscoe was the first community in the county to receive a garden plaque dedicated by Sullivan Renaissance that reads “These Beautiful Gardens are Maintained and Nurtured by Community Volunteers.” The plaque was installed and unveiled during a “Celebrating Sullivan Spaces – Walk and Learn” event held in Roscoe on Saturday, June 27.

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Wurtsboro Renaissance Wurtsboro Renaissance has participated in the Sullivan Renaissance grant program every year for the past fifteen years. Several beautiful public gardens can be found along Sullivan Street in locations such as Veteran’s Park, the D&H Canal Linear Park and Picnic Grove, the Wurtsboro Arts Alliance building, and the Mamakating Library, to name a few. In 2009,Wurtsboro Renaissance was awarded the “Golden Feather” first place prize of $50,000, which it used to install new sidewalks and benches

Sullivan Renaissance Horticulturist Diana K. Weiner led a class on pruning techniques in Wurtsboro on May 30 as part of the “Celebrating Sullivan Spaces” campaign.

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downtown.

Wurtsboro was the first community this year to participate in the “Celebrating Sullivan Spaces” campaign, which promotes education and community engagement in Sullivan County’s public spaces. On Saturday, May 30 Sullivan Renaissance Horticulturist Diana K.Weiner provided hands-on instruction on pruning techniques using the plantings and gardens cared for by Wurtsboro Renaissance at the Wurtsboro Arts Alliance building.

Neversink Renaissance Through the Maintenance Support Program, groups may request up to $5,000 for capital improvements designed to make maintaining their projects easier.

This year, Neversink Renaissance was awarded a $1,900 capital grant to purchase new hanging baskets as a demonstration project. The baskets have a one-gallon water reservoir designed to provide the plants with a consistent level of moisture, as well as reduce the daily need for watering.

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SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE

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AUGUST, 2015

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SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

AUGUST, 2015

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Steering Committee Spotlight Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee with guests at the 2014 Award Ceremony at Bethel Woods: Left to right: Judy Green, Honorable Josephine Finn, Fred Stabbert, Kathy Davidoff, Cindy Kashan, Karen Cooke, Senator John Bonacic, Richard Sush, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Sandra Gerry, Scott Samuelson, Gay Donofrio, Barry Lewis, Jerry Skoda, Ruby Gold, Dali Levy.

Photograph Š Jonathan C. Hyman

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Extremely The Past Perfect Bookstore Reasonable Prices! located in the former Duggan School in White Lake For more info, prices or directions, call 794-0017 We accept book donations • All proceeds go to Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County Thank you to

PARK, DINE & RIDE

Join us on our

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Wednesday, September 16

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At left: Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee member Leni Binder assists with registration at the Sullivan Renaissance Annual Conference.

Sullivan Renaissance for making our County beautiful

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Above: Steering Committee member Anne Lise Vogel lends her gardening expertise during a Livingston Manor Renaissance work day.

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2015 Renaissance community projects and where to find them ❁ Category A ❁ Category B

2015 Category A (WITH SUPPORT FROM WSUL/WVOS) Sunshine Hall Free Library Eldred Lake Huntington Lake Huntington Fire Department Youth Economic Group (YEG) Liberty Livingston Manor Congregation Agudas Achim Mileses Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello

Mileses Cemetery Hudson River Healthcare Literacy Volunteers Rural Sullivan Housing Corp.

Sleepy Hollow Development Sullivan County Head Start

Façade Improvements Historical Garden Spark Beautification

❁

Liberty Long Eddy Rock Hill Wurtsboro Wurtsboro

Town of Callicoon Eldred Central School Forestburgh Playhouse

Town of Mamakating

❁ ❁

FREMONT

❁❁

❁ CALLICOON Fremont Center ❁ Callicoon ❁ ❁ Mileses Center White Sulphur

Veteran’s Memorial Gardens for Learning Project Playhouse Patio and Gardens

Church Landscaping Library Landscaping Town Hall Gardens

❁

❁

Sprinngs

❁❁ ❁ LIBERTY

Jeffersonville

Callicoon

❁

DELAWARE

Kenoza JASON DOLE PHOTO Lake

❁

❁

Woodbourne

Hurleyville

Swan Lake

FALLSBURG

❁

❁

❁

Mountaindale

Lake Huntington

❁

COCHECTON BETHEL

❁ ❁ Narrowsburg Luxton

Monticello

❁

D E

❁ ❁ Eldred

FORESTBURGH

MAMAKATING

❁❁

Wurtsboro

LA W AR

❁

E

R

I

LUMBERLAN D

The walkway bridge over the Callicoon Creek in Jeffersonville was photographed by Jason Dole.

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Bloomingburg

Glen Spey ER

Phillipsport

Forestburgh

HIGHLAND

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❁ ❁❁ Rock Hill

THOMPSON

TUSTIN

Events Stage and Welcome Center Narrowsburg Trail Project Phillipsport Area Beautification Rock Hill Public Art Project Parks and Aesthetic Enhancements

❁

Woodridge

2015 Category C Jeffersonville JEMS Narrowsburg Beautification Group Phillipsport Community Center Rock Hill Business Association Village of Woodridge

NEVERSINK

Neversink

Long Eddy

Lake

Jeffersonville Narrowsburg Phillipsport Rock Hill Woodridge

Bloomingburg Callicoon Callicoon Glen Spey Hurleyville Hurleyville Kenoza Lake Liberty Liberty Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Long Eddy Luxton Lake Monticello

Livingston Manor

Ballfield Enhancements Fremont Park Community Action Commission (CACHE) Façade Improvements Church and Post Office Landscaping St. Patrick’s Mission Church Rock Hill United Methodist Church Mamakating Library

Maintenance

❁

Roscoe

2015 Category B (WITH SUPPORT FROM THUNDER 102) Callicoon Center Eldred Forestburgh Fremont Center

ROCKLAND

Sign Garden Cemetery Sign and Landscaping Duane Stoner Memorial Garden Building Landscaping Sign and Landscaping Sign Garden Butterfly Teaching Garden

❁ Category C ❁ Maintenance

Town of Mamakating Park Callicoon Business Association St. James’ Episcopal Church Lumberland Parks & Recreation Hurleyville-Sullivan First Sullivan County Historical Society Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church CCE Master Gardeners St. Peter’s Regional School Livingston Manor Renaissance Livingston Manor Rotary United Methodist Church Long Eddy Renaissance Luxton Lake Property Owners Association Federation for the Homeless

Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Mountaindale Neversink Rock Hill Roscoe Roscoe Swan Lake White Sulphur Springs Woodbourne Wurtsboro

Landfield Avenue Synagogue Monticello United Methodist Church St. John’s Episcopal Church St. Peter’s Catholic Church Temple Sholom Town of Thompson Park Mountaindale Action Committee Neversink Renaissance Rock Hill Fire Department Roscoe Presbyterian Church Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce Swan Lake Renaissance White Sulphur Springs Sullivan First Woodbourne Action Committee Wurtsboro Renaissance

2015 Renaissance community projects and where to find them ❁ Category A ❁ Category B

2015 Category A (WITH SUPPORT FROM WSUL/WVOS) Sunshine Hall Free Library Eldred Lake Huntington Lake Huntington Fire Department Youth Economic Group (YEG) Liberty Livingston Manor Congregation Agudas Achim Mileses Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello

Mileses Cemetery Hudson River Healthcare Literacy Volunteers Rural Sullivan Housing Corp.

Sleepy Hollow Development Sullivan County Head Start

Façade Improvements Historical Garden Spark Beautification

❁

Liberty Long Eddy Rock Hill Wurtsboro Wurtsboro

Town of Callicoon Eldred Central School Forestburgh Playhouse

Town of Mamakating

❁ ❁

FREMONT

❁❁

❁ CALLICOON Fremont Center ❁ Callicoon ❁ ❁ Mileses Center White Sulphur

Veteran’s Memorial Gardens for Learning Project Playhouse Patio and Gardens

Church Landscaping Library Landscaping Town Hall Gardens

❁

❁

Sprinngs

❁❁ ❁ LIBERTY

Jeffersonville

Callicoon

❁

DELAWARE

Kenoza JASON DOLE PHOTO Lake

❁

❁

Woodbourne

Hurleyville

Swan Lake

FALLSBURG

❁

❁

❁

Mountaindale

Lake Huntington

❁

COCHECTON BETHEL

❁ ❁ Narrowsburg Luxton

Monticello

❁

D E

❁ ❁ Eldred

FORESTBURGH

MAMAKATING

❁❁

Wurtsboro

LA W AR

❁

E

R

I

LUMBERLAN D

The walkway bridge over the Callicoon Creek in Jeffersonville was photographed by Jason Dole.

❁

Bloomingburg

Glen Spey ER

Phillipsport

Forestburgh

HIGHLAND

V

❁ ❁❁ Rock Hill

THOMPSON

TUSTIN

Events Stage and Welcome Center Narrowsburg Trail Project Phillipsport Area Beautification Rock Hill Public Art Project Parks and Aesthetic Enhancements

❁

Woodridge

2015 Category C Jeffersonville JEMS Narrowsburg Beautification Group Phillipsport Community Center Rock Hill Business Association Village of Woodridge

NEVERSINK

Neversink

Long Eddy

Lake

Jeffersonville Narrowsburg Phillipsport Rock Hill Woodridge

Bloomingburg Callicoon Callicoon Glen Spey Hurleyville Hurleyville Kenoza Lake Liberty Liberty Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Long Eddy Luxton Lake Monticello

Livingston Manor

Ballfield Enhancements Fremont Park Community Action Commission (CACHE) Façade Improvements Church and Post Office Landscaping St. Patrick’s Mission Church Rock Hill United Methodist Church Mamakating Library

Maintenance

❁

Roscoe

2015 Category B (WITH SUPPORT FROM THUNDER 102) Callicoon Center Eldred Forestburgh Fremont Center

ROCKLAND

Sign Garden Cemetery Sign and Landscaping Duane Stoner Memorial Garden Building Landscaping Sign and Landscaping Sign Garden Butterfly Teaching Garden

❁ Category C ❁ Maintenance

Town of Mamakating Park Callicoon Business Association St. James’ Episcopal Church Lumberland Parks & Recreation Hurleyville-Sullivan First Sullivan County Historical Society Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church CCE Master Gardeners St. Peter’s Regional School Livingston Manor Renaissance Livingston Manor Rotary United Methodist Church Long Eddy Renaissance Luxton Lake Property Owners Association Federation for the Homeless

Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Mountaindale Neversink Rock Hill Roscoe Roscoe Swan Lake White Sulphur Springs Woodbourne Wurtsboro

Landfield Avenue Synagogue Monticello United Methodist Church St. John’s Episcopal Church St. Peter’s Catholic Church Temple Sholom Town of Thompson Park Mountaindale Action Committee Neversink Renaissance Rock Hill Fire Department Roscoe Presbyterian Church Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce Swan Lake Renaissance White Sulphur Springs Sullivan First Woodbourne Action Committee Wurtsboro Renaissance

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Story and photos by Dan Hust

AUGUST, 2015

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sense of joy pervades Camp Simcha that defies the harsh realities faced by the campers, all of whom are afflicted with cancer or debilitating lifelong illnesses.

You see it not just in their exuberant faces but in the very design, layout and architecture of this Glen Spey retreat.

“You have no choice,” says Camp Director and Rabbi Avrohom Kunstlinger, his eyes twinkling knowingly. “You’ve got to be happy here!”

The immaculate grounds, brand new buildings and artistically landscaped interiors and exteriors tune mind and body to that happiness, regardless of the weather or moods of the outside world.

“We think it affects the kids’ spirits when there are flowers and the grass is green,” explains Melanie Kwestel, Director of Communications for Chai Lifeline, the

Camp Simcha: where happiness grows nonprofit which operates Camp Simcha.

It also affects their physical and mental health, a critical part of creating a memorable, often life-changing camp experience.

The attractive, stone-lined pathways, the colorful variety of shrubs and trees, walls full of vibrantly painted pastoral scenes – all meticulously maintained by Director of Operations Bency Brown and his team – rightfully earned Sullivan Renaissance’s Award of Excellence last year.

“This unique recognition is being given to a community that demonstrates an exceptional model of excellence,” Renaissance’s executive director, Glenn Pontier, said during the 2014 awards ceremony. “In fact, this facility serves as a model – not only for camps and bungalow colonies and summer visitors – but for all institutions in Sullivan County.”

Indeed, Camp Simcha strives to be a model worldwide.

“We look to set the standard ourselves,” explains Rabbi Kunstlinger. “We really feel responsible to get to the highest Photo courtesy of Camp Simcha

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

standard we can.”

Compactly situated along White Road on the shore of the camp’s very own 18-acre lake, Simcha maximizes the experiences its richly talented staff can shower upon the approximately 120 kids and teens it hosts in each of four sessions every summer.

Typical camp activities like swimming, tennis, boating, plays and bonfire songs are joined by workshops in candlemaking, leathercraft, photography, even Lego robotics.

Campers can choose to visit a “mad scientist’s lab” full of crazy cool experiments, produce a flashy music video, and fashion wooden puzzles that can stump not only their friends but their families, since every item they make goes home with them at the end of the two-week session.

Freely having fun is of paramount importance, especially with these very ill children who might have few chances for such wild abandon in their outside lives. Thus foam parties, limitless soda and juice, and live bands at every meal make this one of the most awesome camp experiences you could ever imagine.

Brown’s favorite is the zipline through Camp Simcha’s forest.

“We might not be able to get them to walk,” he says of the most severely disabled campers, “but we get them to fly!”

“Our goal is to foster independence and dignity,” affirms Kwestel, noting that every camper has his/her own counselor, who often strike up lifelong friendships. “You can see almost anything goes here, as long as their health isn’t compromised.”

Not a cent of tuition is charged for all of these amazing experiences, the $20 million annual operating budget supported entirely by private donations from around the world.

Yet it’s hard to remember there is a larger world outside Camp Simcha’s gate – and that’s the point.

“We want kids to feel excited about being here,” explains Rabbi Kunstlinger. “I’m here for almost 10 weeks [a year], and sometimes I forget the kids are sick – that’s how joyous it is here.”

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Every space at Camp Simcha has been thoughtfully designed to maximize feelings of joy, warmth and fun.

Specially selected shrubs and trees grace the entrances to buildings like the Creative Arts Pavilion (facing page, top) and Social Hall (above left), while outdoor gathering spots like Erica’s Park (left) are kept attractively pristine despite the constant presence of rambunctious kids. Interior spaces are no different, illustrated by the fabulously shiny surfaces inside the Simcha Theater Backstage dressing room (above), where campers can become whomever they choose. Brand new bunk facilities are individually themed, a la a medieval castle (facing page, bottom).

Photo courtesy of Camp Simcha

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MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

T

he Sullivan Renaissance program relies heavily on volunteers who dedicate their time to maintain public spaces throughout Sullivan County. But what happens when a community’s volunteer base has dwindled, and there is still a need to keep these places looking neat and tidy?

To answer this question, Sullivan Renaissance embarked on a pilot program to provide a financial vehicle through which we could partner with municipalities to maintain previously-funded Renaissance projects and supplement the work of volunteers.

Sullivan Renaissance staff identified two communities to participate in the pilot this year -- the Town of Liberty and the Town of Bethel.

Matching grants of $5,000 were awarded to each town through our Community Development Grant program to hire part-time seasonal employees whose primary responsibility would be maintenance of public spaces. Each town was also awarded support from a Sullivan Renaissance intern, who was supervised by the seasonal employee.

Sullivan Renaissance staff provided employee/intern training at the beginning of the season and participated in a walk-through of public spaces to identify specific maintenance tasks to be performed. Both seasonal employees – Ramona Texidor in Liberty and Daniel Cunningham in Bethel – started work in June and will continue to work throughout the summer season, and into the fall as funding allows. Staff will evaluate the success of the program at the end of the year, and based on feedback from Liberty and Bethel, the program may be expanded into other municipalities next year.

The Town of Bethel’s seasonal employee Daniel Cunningham, along with intern Hans Zanger, have been working in nearly a dozen different locations throughout the town this summer.

“What a wonderful program with such enthusiastic young people, who have accomplished so much!

This area is looking better because of their efforts and it gives all of us hope that our spaces and communities are in good hands now and quite possibly, in the FUTURE. They deserve to feel our gratitude...”

Sue White, Bethel First

The Town of Liberty’s seasonal employee Ramona Texidor and intern Ivonne Serapio are shown here planting annuals in containers on Main Street near LaPolt Park.

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AUGUST, 2015

Early Application Deadline Get Approval for a 2016 Grant before the Year’s End

B

Steering Committee member Barry Lewis drives the Category C judges around during the judging weekend.

Join the Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee

T

he Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee is a distinguished group of volunteers dedicated to the success of the Sullivan Renaissance program. This is a strong group of men, women and youth who give generously of their time and extraordinary talents to help in the revitalization and beautification of Sullivan County.

The Steering Committee has been instrumental in “raising the bar” to make Sullivan County a better place to live and visit.

Members often come up with new ways to support the volunteers and businesses that are rebuilding their communities – and then help

implement the ideas.

You will find Steering Committee members acting as good-will ambassadors, attending special events, monitoring projects, helping at community work days, recruiting new projects, acting as technical advisors and participating in grant review. These are individuals not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Want to know more? Want to be part of it?

If you are interested in learning more and/or applying to become a member of the Steering Committee, call the Sullivan Renaissance office at 845-295-2445 to arrange a meeting with a staff member.

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE STEERING COMMITTEE

Sandra Gerry, Chair Leni Binder Daniel Briggs Karen Cooke Kathy Davidoff Gay Donofrio Cora Edwards Hon. Josephine Finn Kalman Freidus Danielle Gaebel

Ruby Gold Pete Gozza Judy Green Leif Johansen Cindy Kashan Jacquie Leventoff Dali Levy Barry Lewis Steve Melendez Cathy Paty

Kristin Porter Joyce Salimeno-Gitlin Nicole Slevin Jerry Skoda Fred Stabbert III Richard Sush Jennifer Teitelbaum Jasmin Tejera Anna Lise Dyhr Vogel Gillian Williams

eginning on Monday, September 14, Sullivan Renaissance will accept applications for early admissions to its 2016 community beautification grant program.

Deadline for completed applications is Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Applicants will be notified by Thanksgiving whether they have been accepted into the 2016 program.

Organizations that know they will be applying for assistance from Sullivan Renaissance next year can take advantage of this opportunity and complete the paperwork early. For groups that are unable to apply early, traditional applications will still be accepted until March 16, 2015 for grant funding that has not yet been awarded.

Applications will be available for download from the Sullivan Renaissance web site in a portable document format (PDF) with fillable form fields. Applications can be completed electronically and e-mailed to Sullivan Renaissance (along with required documentation) or printed and mailed by the appropriate deadline.

If requested, Sullivan Renaissance representatives will visit communities at their convenience to explain the program, review the garden design plans and assist with the application process.

Early admission is available only for the community beautification and maintenance support programs. Other Sullivan Renaissance grant programs will keep their traditional application deadlines which vary based on the program.

For more information, contact Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2445.

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SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE

e vez en cuando nos encontramos con escenas que nos hacen dar un paso atrás, con sonrisa y decimos "¡Si!" Esa es la reacción de nuestro Proyecto Piloto de Church Street. Concebido por el Comité Bilingüe de Sullivan Renaissance como una iniciativa comunitaria impulsado por la diversidad y la inclusión, este concepto simple del proyecto está ganando velocidad rápidamente - para animar a los inquilinos y transformar sus casas alquiladas en espacios de belleza y calidez mientras fomenta el orgullo de la comunidad y responsabilidad. Las familias que viven en apartamentos alquilados no son diferentes de los que viven en sus propias casas. Es el hogar! Independientemente de nuestro color, cultura o el idioma, o si tenemos que pagar la renta o impuestos, queremos volver a casa después de un día largo, y sentir la satisfacción que sólo nuestro "hogar" ofertas.Y si hacemos la entrada de la casa atractiva y colorida, no sólo reduce el estrés con bastante rapidez, pero también ofrece un respiro a nuestros vecinos. Este verano Church Street disfrutó del Kick-Off del proyecto el 6 de Junio, a la que asistieron los

Bilingual Advisory Committee member Steve Melendez with Sullivan Renaissance staff Glenn Pontier, Helen Budrock, Kathleen Capozzoli, Colleen Emery, Ari MirPontier, Christy TerBush

!

A new hanging basket just in time for Independence Day!

residentes, dignatarios y vecinos. El teatro de NACL entretuvieron con zanqueros, bailarines y tambores, y varias organizaciones ofrecieron información sobre sus servicios. La representación de lo que Church Street puede parecer se dio a conocer, y se podía oír los "oohs" y "aahs". El deseo de la belleza se estaba convirtiendo en una realidad. Hoy Church Street está en marcha en su transformación, y los visitantes darán cuenta de cestas colgantes en muchos porches, así como una hermosa jardinera llena de flores en la esquina de Church y Maple St.Varios árboles ornamentales se plantarán, y la mayoría de los hogares también tendran jardines en el suelo que los residentes van a plantar y mantener. Además de plantas y flores, algunos porches recibirán pintura fresca. Finalización del proyecto será celebrada por un buen “block party” a principios de Septiembre. Los residentes de Church Street están disfrutando de este regalo de la belleza, y están agradecidos por haber sido incluido, y Sullivan Renaissance es agradecido por la oportunidad de ayudar a hacer una diferencia. Juntos hacemos Sullivan County nuestro hogar hermoso.

Buenos Días Sullivan County!

!

O

ccasionally we encounter scenes that make us take a step back, smile and quietly say “YAY!” That’s the reaction by many to our Church Street Pilot Project in Liberty. Conceived by Sullivan Renaissance’s Bilingual Advisory Committee as a community initiative driven by diversity and inclusion, this simple project concept is quickly gaining speed to encourage tenants to transform their rented homes into pockets of beauty and warmth while fostering community pride and responsibility. Families living in rented apartments are no different from those living in their own houses. It’s home!

Regardless of our color, culture, or language, or whether we pay rent or taxes, we want to come home after a long day, and feel the contentment that only our “home” offers. And if we make the home’s entrance inviting and colorful, we not only reduce our stress rather quickly, but we offer respite to our neighbors as well. This summer Church Street enjoyed the project’s Kick-Off on June 6th, attended by residents, dignitaries, and neighbors alike. The NACL theatre performed

with stilt walkers, dancers, and drummers, and several organizations shared information about their services. The rendering of what Church Street may look like was unveiled, and you could hear the “oohs” and “aahs”. The wish for beauty was turning into a reality.

Today Church Street is well underway in its transformation, and visitors will notice hanging baskets on many porches, as well as a beautiful large planter filled with flowers on the corner of Church and Maple St. Several ornamental trees will be planted, and most homes will also have in-ground gardens that the residents will plant and maintain. In addition to plants and flowers some porches will receive fresh paint touch ups. The project’s completion will be celebrated by a good old fashioned block party in early September. The residents of Church Street are enjoying this gift of beauty, and are grateful for being included, and Sullivan Renaissance is grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference. Together we all make Sullivan County our beautiful home.

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By Ari Mir-Pontier

Bilingual Gardening Class led by Ari MirPontier, Chair of the Sullivan Renaissance Bilingual Advisory Committee.

Liberty’s Church Street rendering by artist Val Taggert

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AUGUST, 2015

Making a Difference Together T Cheryl Towne in Mountaindale

Diane Moss in Monticello

he Volunteer Corps program is in full bloom this season. These volunteers provide hands-on support to groups throughout Sullivan County and serve in addition to members of communities who support their own local projects. And this program is growing in numbers.

After identifying that there are many Latinos in Sullivan County who cannot take part in community activities simply because they do not speak English, a new outreach effort was born.

Launched this year, Sullivan Renaissance En Español is reaching out to the Spanish-speaking community and encouraging participation in beautification projects and Renaissance initiatives, including the Volunteer Corps program.

Now in its third season, the Volunteer Corps has grown to nearly 40 members, seven of whom are bilingual. Liberty resident Cristian Serapio is a first-year bilingual volunteer, “I joined the program because I want to make my community look better. I’m interested in networking with new people and learning more about my county.”

The Volunteer Corps program kicked-off on April 15 and concludes on October 15. All members attend an orientation and choose to participate in eight volunteer opportunities – which range from gardening to teaching to translating to office assistance – over a six month period. Participants are also invited to attend free classes and other Sullivan Renaissance programs throughout the year.

Volunteers are regularly alerted to opportunities for involvement and choose to help based on their schedules and interests. “I’ve done all kinds of things,” said Serapio, “Weeding, moving rocks, helping prepare for gardening classes, there are a lot of different ways to help. And it’s important for us, as volunteers, to be out in the community talking to people. We want the Hispanic community and all of Sullivan County to know what we’re doing. We want to let everyone know that they can feel comfortable getting involved and making our community better.”

The Volunteer Corps will be recognized at the Sullivan Renaissance

Cristian Serapio in Liberty Lapolt Park

Awards Ceremony on Monday, August 10 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

To learn more about the volunteer program, call Cara Kowalski, Sullivan Renaissance Volunteer Coordinator, at 295-2405 or email volunteer@sullivanrenaissance.org. To learn more about Sullivan Renaissance En Español call Ari Mir-Pontier, Liason to the Spanish Speaking Community , at 295-2434 or email apontier@sullivanrenaissance.org.

‘Show a Renaissance Story’ $1,000 First prize for Winning Video

N

ew York City film director Ben Younger headed the panel of judges in Sullivan Renaissance’s first video contest. A dozen videos were submitted after groups and individuals were invited to send original one-tothree minute videos that show how Sullivan Renaissance has impacted people, organizations and communities.

The winning video receives $1000, with additional prizes for two runners up.The video will be shown at the Sullivan Renaissance Awards Ceremony on Monday, August 10 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

The judges: Ben Younger: film director and writer, whose work includes “Prime” starring Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman and Bryan Greenberg; “Boiler Room” with Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi and Ben Affleck; and the soon-to-bereleased “Bleed for This” starring Miles Teller and Katey Sagal. He also writes for The New Yorker and has sold numerous television pilots to FX, NBC, ABC and Fox.

Daniel Mack: multi-media artist, writer and teacher with a studio in Warwick; who serves on the board of the Orange County Citizens Foundation. He has written seven books on rustic work, including the popular Making Rustic Furniture. His rustic creations appear in many private and museum collections, including the Smithsonian. A teacher at Omega since 1996, he also has taught nature studies in public schools and hospitals. Eniko Hunyadi: freelance marketing and advertising consultant from Connecticut; formerly worked at Sullivan Renaissance and created the video contest. "Videos are great ways to tell stories that reach a large audience in a short amount of time.We want everybody to learn what Sullivan Renaissance volunteers are doing around Sullivan County, so we created this contest to encourage them to share their experiences with the world.”

The judging criteria included: length, message clarity, creativity, audience appeal and technical aspects.

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Village of Woodridge CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Because the old railroad tracks are taining previous projects, dedicating a buried just under the surface, Sullivan garden at Krieger Park in memory of Renaissance horticulturist Diana Chrissy Kehrley (a volunteer who Weiner recommended creating raised recently passed away), and completing berms to provide additional depth for the first phase of installing new business directory signage throughout planting, and the result is stunning. the village.

Employees from the village’s Department of Public Works did According to Mayor Collins, “The inspiration for this project came from most of the heavy lifting, using their several different people, as a way to machinery to transport tons of topsoil and mulch, as well as install all pay homage to our past. Our DPW has been working so hard, and all of of the plant material. They moved the volunteers have put their hearts the barrel train to the center of the and souls into this project. It makes new park, creating a focal point, and me feel so good to see everyone installed new benches and signage. working together, and I can honestly Other components of the say that Woodridge is looking great.�

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Jeffersonville JEMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Saturday during the summer, as well contains several whimsical gardens as concerts organized by JEMS to with sculptural elements made from raise money for beautification efforts. recycled materials, fairy houses, a At the same time, the Village of bathroom, concession stand and Jeffersonville, armed with $10,000 in event space. Led by Village Clerk winnings from last year’s competiColleen Frietas, the backyard park is tion, set to work completing its now being used for concerts, “backyard park� project. This new outdoor movies and other special park, which sustained severe damage events designed to bring the during last summer’s flash flood, community together.

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Sullivan Renaissance Interns: A Youthful Perspective 2015 Sullivan Renaissance Interns Hannah Bisland, Lumberland Parks & Recreation Gisselle Caballero, Woodridge Ember Cemelli, Narrowsburg Beautification Group Shoshana Conlon, Hurleyvlle Ajani-Vernon Desmangles, Woodbourne Action Committee Sandro David Fernandez, Monticello Collin Frost, Phillipsport Mark Garigliano, Neversink Renaissance Ceili Horton, Livingston Manor Renaissance Jane Hyman, Swan Lake Renaissance Victoria Kerendian, Rock Hill Jiron Kevii , Callicoon Business Association Madison McCormack, Jeffersonville JEMS Jeremey Nevin-Gales, Fremont Ivonne Serapio, Town of Liberty Adam Wilcox, Roscoe Hans Zanger, Town of Bethel

T

he Sullivan Renaissance Internship and Youth Development Program is a summer employment opportunity offered in partnership with the Center for Workforce Development. Being a Sullivan Renaissance Intern is hard, hands on work. The days can be very hot, or extremely rainy. There seems to be an endless cycle of weeding, watering, litter plucking and deadheading. Caring for gardens, parks, containers and flower boxes is public spaces become vibrant places.

However, for 17 Sullivan County youth, this is much more than a summer job. Renaissance interns work alongside volunteers and community leaders and are able to see, first hand, what it means to make a difference in their communities. They participate in weekly meetings where they discuss topics of local interest or concern, meet interesting and inspiring people, and choose a day of service; their chance to give back to their community. The 2015 Renaissance Interns are also the first group to serve

as community ambassadors; equipped with a positive attitude and the information needed to promote all that Sullivan County has to offer.

There is much that can be written about the intent, logistics and details of the program. The experience itself is best from their perspective and in their own words …

more people start to notice the new changes. The positive feedback has encouraged me to keep working hard.

Small talk with people gives me new ideas about how to make my town beautiful. As my mentor Ramona says ‘It may seem hard but; someone has to do it if you want to see changes.’

Therefor I’m honored to be Sullivan.”

Ivonne Serapio, Liberty Intern

Giselle Caballero, Woodridge Intern

“Being part of Sullivan Renaissance has been a great eye opening experience. The program has taught me that a little extra work goes a long way. It’s hard sometimes, hearing the negative comments about Sullivan County. If everyone could focus on the positives and the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer I believe that Sullivan County can return to its golden days. While working in the Town of Liberty I have learned how one flower or seed at a time can make an impact to the town and its residents. As I keep working to help beautify my home town, Liberty,

Renaissance is an organization that hires young people to become interns. We beautify our hometowns and surrounding areas in an effort to attract visitors and wildlife. It’s nice to see the animals returning even if they eat your plants. Every year, each

town has the option to work on a project. Woodridge’s project is the Centerville Station Park located across from Center 1. This big project wouldn’t have been successful without our dedicated supervisor Myra Bennett or the DPW guys.

Gardening wasn’t exactly in their job descriptions but they still have helped us accomplish our goals. We also couldn’t have done it without our volunteers. It’s nice to see a community come together as one to assist in planting flats of flowers in the gardens around town. Together the interns, Renaissance and the volunteers really make Sullivan County come alive.

Quotes about working for Sullivan Renaissance: “I am honored to work with such a committed group of young interns” David Fernandez, Monticello Intern “It gives me a chance to serve the community and to beautify the areas I see every day” Mark Garigliano, Neverink Intern

“I enjoy ‘making my town beautiful.”

Ember Cemelli, Narrowsburg Intern “Since most kids I’m friends with, or know, could care less about this county, I’m happy that I am changing something.”

Ajani Vernon,Woodbourne Intern

“I have gained much respect for the many gardens in town. I never realized how much work it takes.”

Shoshana Conlon, Hurleyville Intern “It’s given me the opportunity to beautify and learn about the county

I’ve grown up in” Hans Zanger, Bethel Intern “It allows me to help make the town beautiful and working along such a dedicated group of individuals is truly an honor.”

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GARDEN DESIGN PANEL Marietta Beanland Peg Berg Cindy B. Coker Susan Dollard Kate Honders Andrew Koehn Jarna Maniguet Irene Stover Robin Wagner Diana K. Weiner GARDEN TOUR COMMITTEE AND PARTICIPANTS Janet Barbarite Cindy Barber Kathleen Capozzoli Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County Susan Dollard Joan Glase Melinda Meddaugh Darlene Midlang Ari Mir-Pontier Sandra Nackley & the CVI Gardens Glenn Pontier Jackie Saunders Susan & George Swann Diana K. Weiner HORTICULTURE LANDSCAPE SUPPORT Matthew Kerendian Joseph LaCatena Jon Wallach PARTNERS, INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS Basha Kill Area Association Greg Bedik, IT Granite Associates Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Bethlehem Temple Church Choir Boyes & Torrens Construction, Inc. Michael Bloom Photography NYS Senator John J. Bonacic Kirk Ryan Brown Rebecca Budrock James Burrascano Marty Carmody Catskill Mountainkeeper Catskill Mountain Sugar House Jeff Cohen & Granite Associates IT Department Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County Al D’Auria and Bethel Woods Facilities Staff Bob Deima & Granite staff Center for Workforce Development Freda Eisenberg, Commissioner, Sullivan County Planning & Environmental Management Darlene Fedun, CEO Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Alan Gerry US Congressman Chris Gibson  US Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand Glenn Goldman

NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther James Granell, Granite Associates IT Graphic Detail Robin Green Ashley Holloway Ridge Harris, Director of Special Projects for US Congressman Chris Gibson Robert Hayes & Tri-Valley Central School FFA Heirloom Botanicals Tannis Kowalchuk, NACL Theatre Java Love Coffee Roasters Jeff Bank Brittany Leventoff Carly Leventoff Robert Lindsey Erin Lipsky, Toni Minnelli & Granite Kitchen Staff Greg Lotorto and Bethel Woods Grounds Staff Tim Mahler, Ovations Ed Mall, NYS DOT Ed McAndrew, Sullivan County International Airport Project Mike Mullen & Staff, Sullivan County International Airport Project Patrick Murphy, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Manor Ink Sandra Nackley New Hope Community John Pasanen, NYS DOT Francisco Pena Nick Piatek, Piatek Photography Allie Porter Laura Quigley, Center for Workforce Development Jim Reilly, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Rolling V Bus Corporation Root n’ Roost Farm Jose Rubio Lillian Rubio Dawn Ryder, IT Granite Associates Zac Stuart-Pontier, Film Editor SullivanArc Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Sullivan County Division of Public Works Sullivan County Legislature Sullivan Renaissance Merchant Discount Participants Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee Darrell Supak NYS Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney Dr. Peter Tarlow  Kimberly Torrens Franklin Trapp, Forestburgh Playhouse Jeanne Tulp and Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast Wendy Willis, Sullivan County Personnel Desi Wisniski, Sullivan County International Airport Project WJFF Radio Dan Wolcott & Granite Grounds Staff  YEL – Young Emerging Leaders

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE

29S

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of this year’s Sullivan Renaissance Program: RENAISSANCE COLLECTION AND FLOWER DOLLAR PARTICIPANT MERCHANTS Catskill Harvest Market  Cottage Lot Delaware Valley Farm Home & Garden Everlasting Spring Garden Center Jeannie Hillriegel dba/Bed of Petals Hillside Greenhouse Laurel Grove Greenhouses Liberty Home Garden & Pet L&M Greenhouse Manza Family Farm Monticello Farm Home & Garden Monticello Greenhouses, Inc. Vita’s Farm & Garden Center SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE KEYNOTE PANEL Ramsay Adams, Catskill Mountainkeeper Patrick Dollard, The Center for Discovery Charlie Degliomini, Empire Resorts, Inc. Dr. Gerard Galarneau, Catskill Regional Medical Center Alan Gerry, Gerry Foundation Dr. Karin Hilgersom, SUNY Sullivan SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE BILINGUAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Linda Browne Amy Caruso Thomas Caruso Dr. Jorge Delgado Saraid Gonzalez Rick Martinez Steve Melendez Robert Mir Ari Mir-Pontier Glenn Pontier Cristian Serapio Nicole Slevin  Liliam Stettner Nicole Tapia SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE COMMUNITY MITZVAH AWARD DATA COLLECTOR Judy Green SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE INTERNS Hannah Bisland Gisselle Cabellero Ember Cemelli Shoshana Conlon Ajani-Vernon Desmangles Sandro David Fernandez Collin Frost Mark Garigliano Ceili Horton Jane Hyman Victoria Kerendian Jiron Kevii Madison McCormack Jeremey Nevin-Gales Ivonne Serapio Adam Wilcox Hans Zanger

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE JUDGES Birgitta Brophy Donna Harrison Nicole Franzese Mary Lewis Michael Newhard Peter Patel Nancy Proyect Odette SabourinDumais Ann Smith RJ Smith Deborah Sweeton Michael Sweeton SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE VIDEO CONTEST JUDGES Eniko Hunyadi Daniel Mack Ben Younger SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE COMMUNITY MITZVAH AWARD JUDGES Mary LewisRabbi Marcus RubensteinToiv Yossi SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE SPONSORS FisherMears Associates Robert Green Dealerships Kristt Office & Supply Company Sullivan County Democrat SUNY Sullivan Foundation The River Reporter Thompson Sanitation Thunder 102 Bold Gold Media Group WVOS-WSUL Watermark Communications SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE VOLUNTEER CORPS Joe Aracci Anne Boyd Roberta Chambers Cindy Coker Melinda Cormier Debra Cortese Tamara D’Antoni Melissa DeMarmels Karen Ellsweig Raymond Evans Saraid Gonzalez Michelle Guidera Dennis Hewston William Kavleski Karen Kerendian David Klussman Regina LaCatena Mary Mancuso Beth Mastro Daniel McCormack Alex Melendez Steve Melendez Victoria Merton Ari Mir-Pontier Diane Moss Lesbia Niforis Rosemarie Paty Jospeh Rubeo Marge Rubin Anne-Louise Scandariato Eric Schramm Cristian Serapio Marisol Serapio Brenda Sherman Christy TerBush Cheryl Towne Janice Vooght

Thank you to the many homeowners and businesses who have taken the time to plant flowers and invest in beautification on their own.

30S

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

AUGUST, 2015

2015 SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE JUDGES

Birgitta Brophy

Donna Harrison

Michael Newhard

Peter Patel

Nancy Proyect

Odette SabourinDumais

Ann Smith

RJ Smith

Deborah Sweeton

Michael Sweeton

Mary Lewis

Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein

Yossi Toiv

Ben Younger

Daniel Mack

Eniko Hunyadi

COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION PANEL Birgitta Brophy – Assistant Professor in the Landscape Contracting Program at SUNY Delhi since 1997; and landscape architectural consultant to private clients and municipalities for public projects including "Main Street" revitalization studies/designs and landscape master plans.

Donna Harrison – Has a decade of judging experience including Communities in Bloom (Canada), Communities in Bloom (Ontario), America in Bloom and the National Winter Lights Program; extensive municipal experience with City of St. Catharines including 25 years as manager of cemeteries and golf; past president of the Ontario Parks Association; current chair of the Ontario Parks Foundation.

Michael Newhard – Life-long resident and four-term Mayor of Warwick; artist and partner in Main Street retail store; is an advocate of community re-vitalization, historic preservation, farmland and environmental protection; Warwick was 2003 national winner of America in Bloom and is the 2010 international winner of Communities in Bloom.

Peter Patel – Horticulturist and arborist for the Orange County Arboretum in Montgomery; Certified Arborist – International Society of Arboriculture, Cert.

Nursery/Landscape Professional, and member of the Tri-County Nursery Association; owns ArborHeights Designs, LLC. Nancy Proyect – President of the Orange County Citizens Foundation since 2006; owned a public relations consulting firm serving the nonprofit, governmental and

private sectors; active in Leadership Orange, Orange County Arts Council, Cornwall Community Cooperative, Temple Beth Jacob, SUNY New Paltz CRREO, and the Junior League of Orange County.

Odette Sabourin-Dumais – Horticulturist from St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec; acts as national and international judge for Communities in Bloom since 1995; has evaluated more than 140 communities in Quebec, Canada, United Kingdom, France and Japan; secretarytreasurer of the Communities in Bloom Executive Committee and chair of the Symposium and Awards.

Ann Smith – An avid gardener for over 35 years; member of New York Botanical Garden, Friends of Boscobel and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; past board member of Cornwall Garden Club; garden associate specialist for Devitt's Garden & Supply, New Windsor.

RJ Smith – Owner of RJ Smith Realty for 40+ years. Extensive experience in community planning, development, and restoration. With others, he spearheaded Pine Bush’s Renaissance in the early 1980s and continues to advise communities on similar efforts. He assists with community planning and farmland preservation and is a former town board, school board, and county legislator.

Deborah Sweeton – President and co-owner of Techni-Growers Greenhouses Inc.; published books in Common Sense Gardener series; past OFA board member; chairs Cornell Floriculture Advisory Committee; chaired Warwick in Bloom in 2004; won 1st and 2nd prize in Kathy Puhfal container competition at Cornell

University in 2007 and the international challenge in 2010.

Michael Sweeton – General manager/marketing director for Techni-Growers (clients include Brooklyn Botanic Gardens); NYS Certified Nursery Professional; Town of Warwick Supervisor; President of the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages and Cities; serves on Orange County Citizens Foundation Board and Orange County Planning Board.

COMMUNITY MITZVAH PANEL Mary Lewis – Founder of the garden design firm Barncroft, she served as a Sullivan Renaissance judge for nine years and a garden design consultant for two years; past president of Garden Club of Orange and Dutchess Counties, past Zone Representative of Visiting Gardens Committee for Garden Club of America (GCA), and co-chairs GCA flower show “A Woman’s Hardy Garden” in Beacon. Also serving as a Category B judge on the beautification panel.

Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein – Gained his rabbinic ordination at Ziegler School of Rabbinic studies in 2015. He began his tenure as the new rabbi of Temple Sinai of Middletown this summer. He is quite excited to begin exploring the area and is a great lover of the Catskill mountain region.

R. Rubenstein enjoys biking, hiking and studying Jewish mystical texts in his spare time.

Yossi Toiv – “Country Yossi” is the name of an English-language Orthodox Jewish magazine, radio show, collection of musical albums and children's books created,

composed, authored, and published by Yossi (Joseph) Toiv; the radio show has been on the air continuously since 1986; the monthly magazine has printed over 3 million copies since 1988.

VIDEO CONTEST PANEL Ben Younger – Film director and writer, whose work includes “Prime” starring Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman and Bryan Greenberg; “Boiler Room” with Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi and Ben Affleck; and the soon-to-be-released “Bleed for This” starring Miles Teller and Katey Sagal. He also writes for The New Yorker and has sold numerous television pilots to FX, NBC, ABC and Fox. Daniel Mack – multi-media artist, writer and teacher with a studio in Warwick; who serves on the board of the Orange County Citizens Foundation. He has written seven books on rustic work, including the popular “Making Rustic Furniture”. His rustic creations appear in many private and museum collections, including the Smithsonian. A teacher at Omega since 1996, he also has taught nature studies in public schools and hospitals.

Eniko Hunyadi – freelance marketing and advertising consultant from Connecticut; formerly worked at Sullivan Renaissance and created the video contest. “Videos are great ways to tell stories that reach a large audience in a short amount of time. We want everybody to learn what Sullivan Renaissance volunteers are doing around Sullivan County, so we created this contest to encourage them to share their experiences with the world.”

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

AUGUST, 2015

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE

31S

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JUSTUS TIRE & ALIGNMENT

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Official N.Y.S. Inspection Station

Phone (845) 482-4815 P.O. Box 294 • 4926 Route 52, Jeffersonville, NY 12748

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YELL-126355

29823

Mufflers • Brakes • Shocks

300 East Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701

Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. Exclusively Serving the Jewish Community Jewish Owned & Independently Operated

794-7474

186 Canal St. Ellenville

www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com

26151

388 Broadway Monticello

647-7747

32S

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

KETCHAM

FENCING INC. RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

AUGUST, 2015

Complete Installation

By Trained Technicians Established 1967

16513

COMPLETE LINE OF QUALITY FENCE • All Types of Maintenance Free Vinyl Fence • Chain Link - Galvanized or Vinyl Covered • Decorative Aluminum Fences

• Wrought Iron Fences & Gates • Railings • Custom Wood • Paddock Fencing

• Dog Kennels • Tennis Court Enclosures • Swimming Pool Enclosures • Electric Gate Openers

26160

386-1161 or 791-4311 19 Borden St. • Otisville, NY 10963

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www.ketchamfence.com