sullivan renaissance annual report 2015

Sullivan RenaissanceSullivan RenaissanceANNUAL REPORT

2015

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

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

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 takencountless hours by hundreds of volunteers, as you continue to raise the bar and help to moveSullivan 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.

¡Agradecemos su confianza en Sullivan Renaissance! Le invitamos a unirse a nosotros el 10de Agosto en Bethel Woods, y celebrar nuestros voluntarios y proyectos comunitarios.

Sullivan Renaissance Awards CeremonyMonday, 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

An Invitation from Sandra Gerry

C

Sandra GerrySullivan Renaissance Chair

Honor the VolunteersMonday, August 10 in the Event Gallery at Bethel Woods

Publisher Fred Stabbert IIIEditor Frank Rizzo

Senior Editor Dan HustDesign/Production Rosalie Mycka

Editorial and Photographic Contributors

Brandi Merolla, Nick Piatek, and Sullivan Renaissance staffAd Production Petra Duffy

Advertising Coordinator Sandy SchraderAdvertising 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 OwensCover Photo by Nick Piatek

Published by: Catskill-Delaware PublicationsPublishers of the Sullivan County Democrat

The public is invited to honorthe volunteers who are improving communities

throughout Sullivan County at the2015 Sullivan Renaissance AwardsCeremony on Monday, August10.The event is being held in theEvent Gallery at Bethel Woods Cen-ter for the Arts. Doors open at 6:00p.m. with light refreshments; the pro-gram begins at 6:45 p.m.

Community organizations havebeen hard at work on dozens of projects since grants were awarded inApril.

Projects judged the most successfulin completing their beautification efforts will be made known at theAwards Ceremony and receive additional grants between $1000 and$25,000. The winner of a contest forseasonal communities will also be announced, when one of ten seasonalcamps and bungalow colonies receivesthe $10,000 Community Mitzvah

Award. Scholarships for Sullivan

Renaissance volunteers will be announced by the Community Foundation of Orange and SullivanCounties, and the SUNY SullivanFoundation. Members of the new Sullivan Renaissance VolunteersCorps will be recognized, as willyoung people who participated in theintern leadership program.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principallyfunded by the Gerry Foundation.Sponsors include Bold Gold MediaGroup/Thunder 102, FisherMearsAssociates, Kristt Company, RobertGreen Dealerships, Sullivan CountyDemocrat, The River Reporter,Thompson Sanitation, andWSUL/WVOS.For information,contact 845-295-2445 or visitwww.sullivanrenaissance.org.

Sullivan RenaissanceANNUAL REPORT

2015

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Catskill Edible Garden Project

TO GROW THEM IS TOLOVE THEM!

How do you get children to eattheir veggies? Get them to growthem! This is the philosophy atthe core of the Catskill EdibleGarden Project (CEGP) whichworks with schools and community organizations to designedible gardens as living classroomsto learn about food and nutrition,and make a connection to the natural world.

Each edible garden offers “handson” experience and access tohealthy local food, while promoting agriculture as an important aspect of health, community and culture. The act ofgetting hands on, in the dirt; theexperience of planting a small seedor plant; the amazement in watching it grow; and the pride ofharvesting are all ingredients in therecipe to change the way we viewfood.

GROWING EDIBLESCHOOL AND COMMUNITY GARDENS

The CEGP currently has gardensat six Sullivan County schools anda teaching garden at Cornell Cooperative Extension. The project also lends support to theMain Street Community Gardenin Liberty, the Livingston ManorCommunity Garden at Pearl Streetand the edible garden at the Federation for the Homeless.

THE GARDENERS ANDGROWERS

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

Cooperative Extension of SullivanCounty (CCE), Green Village Initiative, and Sullivan Renaissance. The Project worksclosely with coordinators at eachsite to oversee the care of the gardens, and build support withinthe school or community. Somesites are directly linked to a classroom or grade level; others areconnected to a club or after schoolactivity. The teaching garden atCCE Sullivan County is led by themaster gardeners.

GARDEN LOCATIONSAND STATSCooke SchoolInstalled Spring 2013 as a complete renovation of formerschool gardens. It is located in aninterior courtyard and visible from classrooms. Food from the gardenis shared with staff, brought intothe classroom and cafeteria anddonated to food pantries.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan CountyInstalled Summer 2012 as a teach-ing Garden with CCE MasterGardener volunteers. The gardenis actively used in educational programs including the JuniorMaster Gardeners and is a resource

for the Entrepreneurial and Teaching Kitchen at CCE.

Hebrew Day SchoolInstalled Fall 2013 at a privateschool with an excellent impactopportunity. Food from the garden is prepared and enjoyed bystudents and staff.

Liberty Elementary SchoolInstalled Fall 2012 the garden isshared throughout the school with different grade levels adoptingboxes to plant. This season thegarden had an amazing strawberry harvest to share!

RJK Middle SchoolInstalled Spring 2013 as the expansion of an existing garden.It is part of the Eco Club and Friday Food Club. The harvestis donated to area food pantriesand has been used in the summer feeding program. Note:Students coming into RJK Mid-dle School from Cooke Elemen-tary School are able to remainengaged.

Roscoe Central School Installed Spring 2012 with thespecific intention that the foodbe used in the cafeteria. The

Getting to grow you meansgetting to know you

Many hands planting at RoscoeCentral School.

Work day for the Livingston ManorCommunity Garden at PearlStreet.

Isaiah Colon enjoys planting at the Cooke School in Monticello.


Today, volunteers and communitiesthroughout Sullivan County are realizing alevel of health, wellness and community vitality through the simple act of gardening.They are discovering that gardens are goodfor the environment, the economy, the immune system and the soul. Edible gardensare growing food and serving as classroomsto engage young people in the outdoors andconnect them with nature.

“Time in nature is not leisuretime; it's an essential investmentin 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 haveknown one another a few short months ago,yet through the simple act of gardening theyhave come together for a common purpose;and formed friendships and ties that groundthem to their community, and create a senseof place.

According to research conductedby Rutgers University, flowers are anatural and healthful moderator ofmoods and have an immediate impact on happiness, and make formore intimate connections betweenindividuals.

Sullivan County Main Streets, alive with thecolor and fragrance of containers and window boxes, are the mark of businessesand volunteers declaring their welcome andproclaiming “We care about this place.” A pleasant community appearanceadds to home values, helps attract business investment, and improves the neighborhood reputation. The Knight Foundation’sSoul of the Community identifiedaesthetics as one of the top threefactors in creating community attachment.

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

garden is currently part of the Science program. Roscoe CentralSchool creates its own compost foruse in the garden!

Sullivan West Elementary SchoolInstalled Spring 2012 as an outdoorclassroom used by the GardenClub. The harvest is donated to afood pantry in town and used byschool summer staff.

Federation for the HomelessThe largest of all of the community gardens, this gardenwas installed to augment the nutrition program that offers mealsand food pantry resources.

Livingston Manor CommunityGarden at Pearl StreetInstalled by community volunteers this garden has recentlyconnected with Catskill RegionalMedical Center to offer wellnessand nutrition programs as an extension of their outpatient clinicin Livingston Manor. The gardenis also available for communitymembers to adopt a plot.

Main Street Community Garden, LibertyInstalled by community volunteers and recently adopted byCACHE – Community ActionCommission to Help the Economy– as a way to bring fresh food totheir food pantry program. Thegarden is also available for community members to adopt aplot.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTThe CEGP has plans to keep

growing. The Project is workingon an initiative that would involve students with preparation of theharvest from their gardens. Thegoal is to get people excited aboutfood in a way that will become integral to their day to day lives, buying and eating habits. Maybesome will go on to be farmers,chefs or nutritionists themselves. Ifthe CEGP has its way, they will allgo on to know and love their veggies.

Gardening as a Prescription forHealthy Communities

Cherise Barasch, Garden Coordinator, for the RJK MiddleSchool garden with Catskill EdibleGarden crew Ariana Kaminski,Kassie Thelman, and Erin Burch.

Megan Reilly helps at the teachinggarden at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Kassie Theman teaches RandyRomero-Bello and Michael Reyesabout growing lettuce at the Lib-erty Elementary School garden.

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


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Literacy Volunteers of SullivanCounty is a not-for-profit organiza-tion that provides a variety of freeservices to halt the rising tide of illiteracy in Sullivan County. Foundedin 1994 by current Executive DirectorConnie Keller, the Literacy Volunteersoperate the “Read It Again Bookstore” in the former Social Security building located on NorthStreet in Monticello, across from theSullivan County Government Center.

A returning group, the Literacy Volunteers completed a beautificationproject in 2010 that involved landscaping the front of the buildingand erecting a new sign. This year’sproject expands on those efforts, but

focuses on beautifying the rear entrance and creating a new teachinggarden that will be used for bi-lingualeducation and as an outdoor venuefor tutoring.

The completed garden, installed byvolunteers under the supervision ofSullivan Renaissance Steering Committee member and professionallandscaper Gay Donofrio, contains acolorful mixture of shrubs, perennialsand annuals. According to ConnieKeller, “Our building is so institutional-looking, so to have theback beautified with flowers and gardens really softens the whole building and provides a welcomingentrance.

Located in Eldred, the SunshineHall Free Library is part of theRamapo Catskill Library system, andhas been serving residents in thetowns of Highland and Lumberlandsince 1916. After years of planning,work began on a much neededfacelift earlier this year. The $45,000project included new exterior siding,insulation, re-structuring the frontentrance, and replacing the handicapramp.

A first-time applicant, the

library used its Sullivan Renaissancegrant to add several finishing touches,including four six-foot windowboxes planted with cascading flowersand greenery, two large hanging baskets hanging from the frontporch, and an elegant new sign.

According to Library Director Patricia Kennedy, “Our library celebrates its 100th anniversary nextyear and it is so important that thisvenerable institution looks its verybest for its centennial celebration.”

Category A SpotlightsCategory A projects are typically small in scope, and involve beautification ata single location. This category is ideally suited for first time applicants, aswell as returning groups with simple projects. Examples include welcomesigns, sign replacement projects, building landscaping, and small public gardensor 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 firstplace , $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 effortsin special areas such as historic preservation, environmental stewardship andyouth engagement, to name a few.

Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County

Sunshine Hall Free Library

Lake Huntington Lake Huntington Fire Department Historical GardenLiberty Youth Economic Group (YEG) Spark BeautificationLivingston Manor Congregation Agudas Achim Sign GardenMileses Mileses Cemetery Cemetery Sign and Landscaping Monticello Hudson River Healthcare Duane Stoner Memorial GardenMonticello Rural Sullivan Housing Corp. Sign and Landscaping Monticello Sleepy Hollow Development Sign GardenMonticello Sullivan County Head Start Butterfly Teaching Garden

Other 2015 Category A grant recipients

Eldred Sunshine Hall Free Library before and after Brandi Merolla photo

Brandi Merolla photo

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

Sullivan Renaissance SteeringCommittee member, Gay Donofriooversees and assists with the landscaping work day.


Led by science teachers Mary EllenSutherland and Thomas Vorstadt, theproject at the Eldred Central Schoolinvolved transforming a grassy lawnarea in front of the school into a learning garden. The idea for the project began with a donation of aNorway Spruce by the Class of 2013,and was expanded to include contribu-tions from other classes, clubs and athletic groups.

The Class of 2015 worked in thearea surrounding the existing spruce,the Junior Honor Society was involvedin planting, mulching and other activi-ties, the art students added sculpturaldetails, and the elementary studentshelped plant the annuals. Outside ofthese school groups, Boy Scouts fromTroop 102 helped to spread mulch and

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

Past alumni of the school donatedtime and materials to the project aswell. For example, the project includes beautiful stone walls that were constructed by Norm Sutherland andhis son, along with Matt Nelson.Community member and school alumHerman Wyss donated the electricalwork.

“This project was a great way tobring large groups of people togetherfor a common goal,” explainedVorstadt. “We had different generations working side by side. Itwas nice to see them interacting withone another, and working together asone group.”

Founded in 1947, the ForestburghPlayhouse is the oldest continuouslyoperating professional summer theatrein New York State. The playhousefirst applied for a beautification grantin 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 SullivanRenaissance grant funds to enhancethe overall curb appeal of the property.This year’s project involved expandingan existing garden along a roadsidefence, installing a stone patio withlandscaping adjacent to the tavern, andsprucing up the parking area with additional landscaping and powerwashing.

The project kicked off in late Maywith help from the Boys and GirlsClub. Over 20 teens spent the day

prepping, planting and installing thenew garden elements. The teensworked alongside volunteer GayDonofrio, owner of Perennial GardensLandscaping, who designed the gardensand supervised the installation. MasterGardener Volunteer Peg Berg also spentthe day assisting with the installationand providing educational instructionwhile the volunteers worked. Sincethen, Peg has returned several times towork in the children’s vegetable garden, and volunteers from the NewHope Community have come weeklyto help weed and water the flower gardens.

“I think what I have learned is howflowers and gardens and beautificationbrings people together,” remarked Producer Franklin Trapp. “Our customers come to not only enjoy thetheatre, but to enjoy and appreciate ourgardens, which are an integral part ofthe playhouse experience.

Category B Spotlights

Eldred Central School

Forestburgh Playhouse

Callicoon Center Town of Callicoon Veteran’s MemorialFremont Center Fremont Park Ballfield EnhancementsLiberty CACHE Façade ImprovementsLong Eddy St. Patrick’s Mission Church Church & Post Office LandscapingRock Hill Rock Hill United Methodist Church Church LandscapingWurtsboro Mamakating Library Library LandscapingWurtsboro Town of Mamakating Town Hall Gardens

Other 2015 Category B grant recipients

Installation of a stone patioadjacent to the tavern. Nick Piatek photos

Franklin Trapp, producerat the Forestburgh Playhouse

A grass and dirt lawnarea has been turnedinto...

a beautiful learninggrarden

Category B projects are typically larger in scope, and include multiple elements at asingle location. This category is typically for experienced groups undertaking a newproject, or significant enhancement to a previously funded project. Examples in-clude large public gardens, community park projects, building façade renovation, androadside beautification.Each project receives a $1,500 initial grant, $150 in flower dollars, and a $500completion grant. These projects are competing for a $10,000 first place, $7,000second place and $5,000 third place award – as well as special awards totaling upto $4,000 at the judges’ discretion.

Brandi Merolla photo


The Village of Woodridge, alongwith its collaborating group – the Kiwanis Club of Woodridge – hasbeen involved in the Sullivan Renaissance program since its inception in 2001. Over the years,they have installed public gardens atsix separate locations in downtownWoodridge, located primarily alongGreen Avenue and Broadway.

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

train-themed banners along utilitypoles, installed historic panels inter-preting the history of the railroad, andeven created a train made fromwhiskey barrel planters.

Led by Mayor Joan Collins, villageClerk Myra Bennett and WoodridgeKiwanis President Sue Kasofsky, thisyear’s project focused on creating anew train-themed park along GreenAvenue. The site, which previouslyonly contained the barrel train and arailroad crossing sign, was transformedinto the “Centreville Station Park.”

The park, so named becauseWoodridge was known as “Centre-ville Station” during the railroad era,contains three bermed islands plantedwith trees, shrubs and flowers.

Volunteers in Jeffersonville havebeen beautifying their village withsupport from Sullivan Renaissancesince 2001. In 2004, Jeffersonville Enhances Main Street, or JEMS forshort, was created as an extension ofthe Chamber of Commerce to tacklebeautification efforts. Over the years,the JEMS have created at least fiveseparate public gardens locatedthroughout the community, earningthem over $40,000 in prizes andawards.

This year, JEMS partnered with theVillage of Jeffersonville to tackle several beautification projectsthroughout the village. This included sprucing up the gardens ateach of the welcome signs, and at theJeffersonville Ambulance Corpsbuilding, and installing a new signgarden at the entrance to WJFF as athank you for its 25th anniversary.

The primary focus of JEMS efforts,however, was reviving the MainStreet Events stage and creating awelcome center on private propertylocated across from the Post Office.The property, which has been on themarket for years, had deteriorated andbecome an eyesore. The events stagelocated in the rear of the propertyhad also fallen into disrepair and ithadn’t been used for public performances in years.

Spearheaded by President Sue Bodenstein, the JEMS negotiated alease agreement with the propertyowner that gave them permission torestore the stage and its colorfulmural, repair the parking lot, paint thebuilding, and convert an empty storefront into a welcome center fortourists. Residents and visitors cannow enjoy an open-air market every

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

Village of Woodridge

Jeffersonville JEMS

Narrowsburg Beautification Group Narrowsburg Trail ProjectPhillipsport Community Center Phillipsport Area BeautificationRock Hill Business Association Rock Hill Public Art Project

Other 2015 Category C grant recipients

The “Backyard Park” --severely damaged in last’syears flood -- was com-pleted this year thanks toa second place award of$10,000, contributionsfrom the community anddonated services from theVillage of Jeffersonville.At left: Another of thebeautiful public gardensin Jeff maintained byJEMS volunteers.

A train made out of whiskey barrels isnow the centerpiece of the new “Centreville Station Park” which payshomage to the Ontario & Western Railway, where the original tracks remainburied underground. Nick Piatek photo

Sullivan Renaissance intern Gisselle Caballero weeding in Woodridge.Nick Piatek photo

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Category C Spotlights


The Roscoe-Rockland Chamber ofCommerce has been participating inthe Sullivan Renaissance grant program since its inception in 2001.Over the years, volunteers with theChamber’s Beautification Committeehave installed baskets and banners,erected welcome signs and business directories, created several gardens andpublic parks, and helped landscape thelibrary, firehouse and various churchesthroughout the hamlet. In 2008 and2010, the Roscoe-Rockland Chamberwas awarded the “Golden Feather” firstplace prize by the judges, whichearned it state grants totaling $100,000to improve the community. With thatfunding, it installed new sidewalks inthe downtown business district and re-

placed outdated street lights with pe-riod fixtures.

This year, the Beautification Committee has focused its efforts onmaintaining various gardens and parks,and raising awareness throughout thecommunity that these beautiful publicspaces are maintained entirely by volunteers. To help in this regard,Roscoe was the first community in thecounty to receive a garden plaque dedicated by Sullivan Renaissance thatreads “These Beautiful Gardens areMaintained and Nurtured by Community Volunteers.” The plaquewas installed and unveiled during a“Celebrating Sullivan Spaces – Walkand Learn” event held in Roscoe onSaturday, June 27.

Maintenance Spotlights

Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce

MULTIPLE GARDEN LOCATIONS:Callicoon Callicoon Business AssociationGlen Spey Lumberland Parks & RecreationHurleyville Hurleyville-Sullivan FirstLivingston Manor Livingston Manor RenaissanceLong Eddy Long Eddy RenaissanceMountaindale Mountaindale Action CommitteeNeversink Neversink RenaissanceSwan Lake Swan Lake RenaissanceWhite Sulphur Springs White Sulphur Springs Sullivan FirstWoodbourne Woodbourne Action Committee

SINGLE GARDEN LOCATIONS:Bloomingburg Town of Mamakating ParkCallicoon St. James’ Episcopal ChurchHurleyville Sullivan County Historical SocietyKenoza Lake Kenoza Lake United Methodist ChurchLiberty Cornell Cooperative Extension Master GardenersLiberty St. Peter’s Regional SchoolLivingston Manor Livingston Manor RotaryLivingston Manor Livingston Manor United Methodist ChurchLuxton Lake Luxton Lake Property Owners AssociationMonticello Federation for the HomelessMonticello Landfield Avenue SynagogueMonticello Monticello United Methodist ChurchMonticello St. John’s Episcopal ChurchMonticello St. Peter’s Catholic ChurchMonticello Temple SholomMonticello Town of Thompson ParkRock Hill Rock Hill Fire DepartmentRoscoe Roscoe Presbyterian Church

Other 2015 Maintenance Grant Recipients

Members of the Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committeepose with a garden plaque dedicated by Sullivan Renaissance. Photo by SandraSchrader.

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 Renaissanceprogram can apply for a wide variety of support including up to $1,500 in grantfunds, up to $250 in flower dollars, help from a gardening intern, and assistancefrom our Horticulture Crew and/or Volunteer Corps. Additional grant fundingmay also be requested for capital improvements that support maintenance, such aswatering 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 locationgardens, a $3,000 award for the best single location garden, as well as four additional $1,000 “Judges’ Choice” awards.

Wurtsboro Renaissance has participated in the Sullivan Renais-sance grant program every year for thepast fifteen years. Several beautifulpublic gardens can be found along Sullivan Street in locations such as Veteran’s Park, the D&H Canal LinearPark and Picnic Grove, the WurtsboroArts Alliance building, and the Ma-makating Library, to name a few. In2009, Wurtsboro Renaissance wasawarded the “Golden Feather” firstplace prize of $50,000, which it usedto install new sidewalks and benches

downtown.Wurtsboro was the first community

this year to participate in the “Celebrating Sullivan Spaces” campaign, which promotes educationand community engagement in Sullivan County’s public spaces. OnSaturday, May 30 Sullivan RenaissanceHorticulturist Diana K. Weiner provided hands-on instruction onpruning techniques using the plantingsand gardens cared for by WurtsboroRenaissance at the Wurtsboro Arts Alliance building.

Wurtsboro Renaissance

Sullivan RenaissanceHorticulturist Diana K.Weiner led a class onpruning techniques inWurtsboro on May 30as part of the “Celebrating SullivanSpaces” campaign.


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Through the Maintenance Support Program, groups may request up to $5,000 for capitalimprovements designed to makemaintaining their projects easier.This year, Neversink Renaissancewas awarded a $1,900 capital grantto purchase new hanging baskets asa demonstration project. The baskets have a one-gallon waterreservoir designed to provide theplants with a consistent level ofmoisture, as well as reduce the dailyneed for watering.

Neversink Renaissance


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Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee with guests atthe 2014 Award Ceremony at Bethel Woods: Left to right:

Judy Green, Honorable Josephine Finn, Fred Stabbert,Kathy Davidoff, Cindy Kashan, Karen Cooke, SenatorJohn Bonacic, Richard Sush, Assemblywoman Aileen

Gunther, Sandra Gerry, Scott Samuelson, Gay Donofrio,Barry Lewis, Jerry Skoda, Ruby Gold, Dali Levy.

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

At left: Sullivan RenaissanceSteering Committee memberLeni Binder assists with registration at the SullivanRenaissance Annual Conference.


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ROCKLAND

NEVERSINK

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BETHEL

LIBERTY

CALLICOON

FREMONT

DELAWARE

COCHECTON

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2015 Renaissance community projects and where to find themCategory C

Maintenance

Category A

Category B❁❁❁

❁2015 Category A (WITH SUPPORT FROM WSUL/WVOS)

Eldred Sunshine Hall Free Library Façade Improvements

Lake Huntington Lake Huntington Fire Department Historical Garden

Liberty Youth Economic Group (YEG) Spark Beautification

Livingston Manor Congregation Agudas Achim Sign Garden

Mileses Mileses Cemetery Cemetery Sign and Landscaping

Monticello Hudson River Healthcare Duane Stoner Memorial Garden

Monticello Literacy Volunteers Building Landscaping

Monticello Rural Sullivan Housing Corp. Sign and Landscaping

Monticello Sleepy Hollow Development Sign Garden

Monticello Sullivan County Head Start Butterfly Teaching Garden

2015 Category B (WITH SUPPORT FROM THUNDER 102)

Callicoon Center Town of Callicoon Veteran’s Memorial

Eldred Eldred Central School Gardens for Learning Project

Forestburgh Forestburgh Playhouse Playhouse Patio and Gardens

Fremont Center Fremont Park Ballfield Enhancements

Liberty Community Action Commission (CACHE) Façade Improvements

Long Eddy St. Patrick’s Mission Church Church and Post Office Landscaping

Rock Hill Rock Hill United Methodist Church Church Landscaping

Wurtsboro Mamakating Library Library Landscaping

Wurtsboro Town of Mamakating Town Hall Gardens

2015 Category C

Jeffersonville Jeffersonville JEMS Events Stage and Welcome Center

Narrowsburg Narrowsburg Beautification Group Narrowsburg Trail Project

Phillipsport Phillipsport Community Center Phillipsport Area Beautification

Rock Hill Rock Hill Business Association Rock Hill Public Art Project

Woodridge Village of Woodridge Parks and Aesthetic Enhancements

Maintenance

Bloomingburg Town of Mamakating Park

Callicoon Callicoon Business Association

Callicoon St. James’ Episcopal Church

Glen Spey Lumberland Parks & Recreation

Hurleyville Hurleyville-Sullivan First

Hurleyville Sullivan County Historical Society

Kenoza Lake Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church

Liberty CCE Master Gardeners

Liberty St. Peter’s Regional School

Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Renaissance

Livingston Manor Livingston Manor Rotary

Livingston Manor United Methodist Church

Long Eddy Long Eddy Renaissance

Luxton Lake Luxton Lake Property Owners Association

Monticello Federation for the Homeless

Mileses

FremontCenter

CallicoonCenter

Eldred

LuxtonLake

KenozaLake

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

Monticello Landfield Avenue Synagogue

Monticello Monticello United Methodist Church

Monticello St. John’s Episcopal Church

Monticello St. Peter’s Catholic Church

Monticello Temple Sholom

Monticello Town of Thompson Park

Mountaindale Mountaindale Action Committee

Neversink Neversink Renaissance

Rock Hill Rock Hill Fire Department

Roscoe Roscoe Presbyterian Church

Roscoe Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce

Swan Lake Swan Lake Renaissance

White Sulphur Springs White Sulphur Springs Sullivan First

Woodbourne Woodbourne Action Committee

Wurtsboro Wurtsboro RenaissanceJASON DOLE PHOTO


Asense of joy pervadesCamp Simcha that defiesthe harsh realities faced

by the campers, all of whom are afflicted with cancer or debilitatinglifelong illnesses.

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

“You have no choice,” says CampDirector and Rabbi Avrohom Kunstlinger, his eyes twinklingknowingly. “You’ve got to be happyhere!”

The immaculate grounds, brandnew buildings and artistically landscaped interiors and exteriorstune mind and body to that happiness, regardless of the weatheror moods of the outside world.

“We think it affects the kids’ spirits when there are flowers andthe grass is green,” explains MelanieKwestel, Director of Communica-tions for Chai Lifeline, the

nonprofit which operates CampSimcha.

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

The attractive, stone-lined pathways, the colorful variety ofshrubs and trees, walls full of vibrantly painted pastoral scenes –all meticulously maintained by Director of Operations BencyBrown and his team – rightfullyearned Sullivan Renaissance’sAward of Excellence last year.

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

Indeed, Camp Simcha strives tobe a model worldwide.

“We look to set the standard ourselves,” explains Rabbi Kunstlinger. “We really feel responsible to get to the highest

Camp Simcha: where happiness grows

Photo courtesy of Camp Simcha

Story and photos by Dan Hust


Every space at Camp Simcha hasbeen thoughtfully designed to maxi-mize feelings of joy, warmth and fun.Specially selected shrubs and treesgrace the entrances to buildings likethe Creative Arts Pavilion (facingpage, top) and Social Hall (aboveleft), while outdoor gathering spotslike Erica’s Park (left) are kept at-tractively pristine despite the con-stant presence of rambunctiouskids. Interior spaces are no different,illustrated by the fabulously shinysurfaces inside the Simcha TheaterBackstage dressing room (above),where campers can becomewhomever they choose. Brand newbunk facilities are individuallythemed, a la a medieval castle (fac-ing page, bottom).

standard we can.”Compactly situated along White

Road on the shore of the camp’svery own 18-acre lake, Simchamaximizes the experiences itsrichly talented staff can showerupon the approximately 120 kidsand teens it hosts in each of foursessions every summer.

Typical camp activities like swimming, tennis, boating, playsand bonfire songs are joined byworkshops in candlemaking,leathercraft, photography, evenLego robotics.

Campers can choose to visit a“mad scientist’s lab” full of crazycool experiments, produce a flashymusic video, and fashion woodenpuzzles that can stump not onlytheir friends but their families, sinceevery item they make goes homewith them at the end of the two-week session.

Freely having fun is of paramountimportance, especially with thesevery ill children who might havefew chances for such wild abandonin their outside lives. Thus foamparties, limitless soda and juice, andlive bands at every meal make thisone of the most awesome camp experiences you could ever imagine.

Brown’s favorite is the ziplinethrough Camp Simcha’s forest.

“We might not be able to getthem to walk,” he says of the mostseverely disabled campers, “but weget them to fly!”

“Our goal is to foster independ-ence and dignity,” affirms Kwestel,noting that every camper hashis/her own counselor, who oftenstrike up lifelong friendships. “Youcan see almost anything goes here,as long as their health isn’t compromised.”

Not a cent of tuition is chargedfor all of these amazing experiences, the $20 million annualoperating budget supported entirelyby private donations from aroundthe world.

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

“We want kids to feel excitedabout being here,” explains RabbiKunstlinger. “I’m here for almost10 weeks [a year], and sometimes Iforget the kids are sick – that’s howjoyous it is here.”

Photo courtesy of Camp Simcha


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The Sullivan Renaissance program relies heavily onvolunteers who dedicate

their time to maintain public spacesthroughout Sullivan County. Butwhat happens when a community’svolunteer base has dwindled, andthere is still a need to keep theseplaces looking neat and tidy?

To answer this question, SullivanRenaissance embarked on a pilotprogram to provide a financial vehicle through which we couldpartner with municipalities to maintain previously-funded Renaissance projects and supplement the work of volunteers.Sullivan Renaissance staff identifiedtwo communities to participate inthe pilot this year -- the Town ofLiberty and the Town of Bethel.

Matching grants of $5,000 wereawarded to each town through ourCommunity Development Grantprogram to hire part-time seasonalemployees whose primary responsi-bility would be maintenance ofpublic spaces. Each town was alsoawarded support from a SullivanRenaissance intern, who was supervised by the seasonal employee.

Sullivan Renaissance staff provided employee/interntraining at thebeginning of theseason and participated in awalk-through ofpublic spaces toidentify specificmaintenancetasks to be performed. Bothseasonal employees – Ramona Texidor in Liberty andDaniel Cunningham inBethel – startedwork in June and will continue towork throughout the summer season, and into the fall as fundingallows. Staff will evaluate the success of the program at the end ofthe year, and based on feedbackfrom Liberty and Bethel, the program may be expanded intoother municipalities next year.

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

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

MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

“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 givesall of us hope that our spaces and communities are in goodhands now and quite possibly, in the FUTURE.They deserve to feel our gratitude...”

Sue White, Bethel First


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

Join the Sullivan RenaissanceSteering Committee

The Sullivan Renaissance SteeringCommittee is a distinguished groupof volunteers dedicated to the success

of the Sullivan Renaissance program. This isa strong group of men, women and youthwho give generously of their time and ex-traordinary talents to help in the revitalizationand beautification of Sullivan County.

The Steering Committee has been instru-mental in “raising the bar” to make SullivanCounty a better place to live and visit.Members often come up with new ways tosupport the volunteers and businesses that arerebuilding their communities – and then help

implement the ideas. You will find Steering Committee mem-

bers acting as good-will ambassadors, attend-ing special events, monitoring projects,helping at community work days, recruitingnew projects, acting as technical advisors andparticipating in grant review. These are indi-viduals 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/orapplying to become a member of the Steer-ing Committee, call the Sullivan Renaissanceoffice at 845-295-2445 to arrange a meetingwith a staff member.

Sandra Gerry, ChairLeni BinderDaniel BriggsKaren CookeKathy DavidoffGay DonofrioCora EdwardsHon. Josephine FinnKalman FreidusDanielle Gaebel

Ruby GoldPete GozzaJudy GreenLeif JohansenCindy KashanJacquie LeventoffDali LevyBarry LewisSteve MelendezCathy Paty

Kristin PorterJoyce Salimeno-GitlinNicole SlevinJerry SkodaFred Stabbert I I IRichard SushJennifer TeitelbaumJasmin TejeraAnna Lise Dyhr VogelGillian Williams

Early ApplicationDeadlineGet Approval for a2016 Grant before

the Year’s End Beginning on Monday, September 14,

Sullivan Renaissance will accept appli-cations for early admissions to its 2016 com-munity beautification grant program.Deadline for completed applications isWednesday, October 14, 2015. Applicants willbe notified by Thanksgiving whether theyhave been accepted into the 2016 program.

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

Applications will be available for downloadfrom the Sullivan Renaissance web site in aportable document format (PDF) with fillableform fields. Applications can be completedelectronically and e-mailed to Sullivan Renaissance (along with required documenta-tion) or printed and mailed by the appropriatedeadline.

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

Early admission is available only for thecommunity beautification and maintenancesupport programs. Other Sullivan Renaissance grant programs will keep theirtraditional application deadlines which varybased on the program.

For more information, contact SullivanRenaissance at 845-295-2445.

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE STEERING COMMITTEE

Bilingual Advisory Committee memberSteve Melendez withSullivan Renaissancestaff Glenn Pontier,Helen Budrock, Kathleen Capozzoli,Colleen Emery, Ari Mir-Pontier, Christy TerBush

A new hanging basketjust in time for Independence Day!

Bilingual Gardening Classled by Ari Mir-Pontier, Chair ofthe Sullivan RenaissanceBilingual Advisory Committee.

Liberty’s ChurchStreet renderingby artist Val Taggert


O ccasionally we encounterscenes that make us take astep back, smile and quietly

say “YAY!” That’s the reaction by manyto our Church Street Pilot Project inLiberty. Conceived by Sullivan Renais-sance’s Bilingual Advisory Committeeas a community initiative driven by diversity and inclusion, this simpleproject concept is quickly gainingspeed to encourage tenants to transform their rented homes intopockets of beauty and warmth whilefostering community pride and responsibility. Families living in rentedapartments are no different from thoseliving in their own houses. It’s home!Regardless of our color, culture, or language, or whether we pay rent ortaxes, we want to come home after along day, and feel the contentment thatonly our “home” offers. And if wemake the home’s entrance inviting andcolorful, we not only reduce our stressrather quickly, but we offer respite toour neighbors as well. This summerChurch Street enjoyed the project’sKick-Off on June 6th, attended by residents, dignitaries, and neighborsalike. The NACL theatre performed

with stilt walkers, dancers, and drum-mers, and several organizations sharedinformation about their services. Therendering of what Church Street maylook like was unveiled, and you couldhear the “oohs” and “aahs”. The wishfor beauty was turning into a reality.Today Church Street is well underwayin its transformation, and visitors willnotice hanging baskets on manyporches, as well as a beautiful largeplanter filled with flowers on the corner of Church and Maple St. Several ornamental trees will beplanted, and most homes will also have in-ground gardens that the residentswill plant and maintain. In addition toplants and flowers some porches willreceive fresh paint touch ups. The project’s completion will be celebratedby a good old fashioned block party inearly September. The residents ofChurch Street are enjoying this gift ofbeauty, and are grateful for being included, and Sullivan Renaissance isgrateful for the opportunity to helpmake a difference. Together we allmake Sullivan County our beautifulhome.

D e vez en cuando nos encon-tramos con escenas que noshacen dar un paso atrás, con

sonrisa y decimos "¡Si!" Esa es la reacción de nuestro Proyecto Piloto deChurch Street. Concebido por elComité Bilingüe de Sullivan Renais-sance como una iniciativa comunitariaimpulsado por la diversidad y la inclusión, este concepto simple delproyecto está ganando velocidad rápidamente - para animar a los inquili-nos y transformar sus casas alquiladas enespacios de belleza y calidez mientrasfomenta el orgullo de la comunidad yresponsabilidad. Las familias que vivenen apartamentos alquilados no sondiferentes de los que viven en suspropias casas. Es el hogar! Independi-entemente de nuestro color, cultura oel idioma, o si tenemos que pagar larenta o impuestos, queremos volver acasa después de un día largo, y sentir lasatisfacción que sólo nuestro "hogar"ofertas. Y si hacemos la entrada de lacasa atractiva y colorida, no sólo reduceel estrés con bastante rapidez, pero también ofrece un respiro a nuestrosvecinos. Este verano Church Street disfrutó del Kick-Off del proyecto el 6de Junio, a la que asistieron los

residentes, dignatarios y vecinos. Elteatro de NACL entretuvieron conzanqueros, bailarines y tambores, yvarias organizaciones ofrecieron información sobre sus servicios. La representación de lo que Church Streetpuede parecer se dio a conocer, y sepodía oír los "oohs" y "aahs". El deseode la belleza se estaba convirtiendo enuna realidad. Hoy Church Street estáen marcha en su transformación, y losvisitantes darán cuenta de cestas colgantes en muchos porches, así comouna hermosa jardinera llena de flores enla esquina de Church y Maple St. Variosárboles ornamentales se plantarán, y lamayoría de los hogares también tendranjardines en el suelo que los residentesvan a plantar y mantener. Además deplantas y flores, algunos porchesrecibirán pintura fresca. Finalización delproyecto será celebrada por un buen“block party” a principios de Septiem-bre. Los residentes de Church Streetestán disfrutando de este regalo de labelleza, y están agradecidos por habersido incluido, y Sullivan Renaissance esagradecido por la oportunidad de ayudar a hacer una diferencia. Juntoshacemos Sullivan County nuestrohogar hermoso.

Buenos Días Sullivan County! By Ari Mir-Pontier

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New York City film director BenYounger headed the panel of

judges in Sullivan Renaissance’s firstvideo contest. A dozen videos weresubmitted after groups and individualswere invited to send original one-to-three minute videos that show howSullivan Renaissance has impactedpeople, organizations and communities.The winning video receives $1000,with additional prizes for two runnersup. The video will be shown at theSullivan Renaissance Awards Ceremony on Monday, August 10 atBethel Woods Center for the Arts.

The judges: Ben Younger: film director and

writer, whose work includes “Prime”starring Meryl Streep, Uma Thurmanand Bryan Greenberg; “Boiler Room”with Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi andBen Affleck; and the soon-to-be-released “Bleed for This” starring MilesTeller and Katey Sagal. He also writesfor 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 inWarwick; who serves on the board ofthe Orange County Citizens Foundation. He has written sevenbooks on rustic work, including thepopular Making Rustic Furniture. Hisrustic creations appear in many privateand museum collections, including theSmithsonian. A teacher at Omega since1996, he also has taught nature studiesin public schools and hospitals. Eniko Hunyadi: freelance

marketing and advertising consultantfrom Connecticut; formerly worked atSullivan Renaissance and created thevideo contest. "Videos are great waysto tell stories that reach a large audience in a short amount of time. Wewant everybody to learn what SullivanRenaissance volunteers are doingaround Sullivan County, so we createdthis contest to encourage them to sharetheir experiences with the world.”

The Volunteer Corps program isin full bloom this season. Thesevolunteers provide hands-on

support to groups throughout SullivanCounty and serve in addition to members of communities who supporttheir own local projects. And this program is growing in numbers.

After identifying that there are manyLatinos in Sullivan County who cannottake part in community activities simplybecause they do not speak English, anew outreach effort was born.

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

Now in its third season, the VolunteerCorps has grown to nearly 40 members,seven of whom are bilingual. Libertyresident Cristian Serapio is a first-yearbilingual volunteer, “I joined the program because I want to make mycommunity look better. I’m interestedin networking with new people andlearning more about my county.”

The Volunteer Corps program kicked-off on April 15 and concludes onOctober 15. All members attend an orientation and choose to participate ineight volunteer opportunities – whichrange from gardening to teaching totranslating to office assistance – over a sixmonth period. Participants are also invited to attend free classes and otherSullivan Renaissance programs throughout the year.

Volunteers are regularly alerted to opportunities for involvement andchoose to help based on their schedulesand interests. “I’ve done all kinds ofthings,” said Serapio, “Weeding, movingrocks, helping prepare for gardeningclasses, there are a lot of different ways tohelp. And it’s important for us, as volunteers, to be out in the communitytalking to people. We want the Hispaniccommunity and all of Sullivan Countyto know what we’re doing. We want tolet everyone know that they can feelcomfortable getting involved and making our community better.”

The Volunteer Corps will be recognized at the Sullivan Renaissance

Awards Ceremony on Monday, August10 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.To learn more about the volunteer program, call Cara Kowalski, Sullivan Renaissance Volunteer Coordinator, at295-2405 or email [email protected]. To learn more aboutSullivan Renaissance En Español call AriMir-Pontier, Liason to the SpanishSpeaking Community , at 295-2434 oremail [email protected].

$1,000 First prize for Winning Video

‘Show a Renaissance Story’

Making a Difference Together

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

Diane Moss in Monticello

Cristian Serapio in Liberty Lapolt Park

Cheryl Towne in Mountaindale


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Saturday during the summer, as wellas concerts organized by JEMS toraise money for beautification efforts.

At the same time, the Village of Jeffersonville, armed with $10,000 inwinnings from last year’s competi-tion, set to work completing its“backyard park” project. This newpark, which sustained severe damageduring last summer’s flash flood,

contains several whimsical gardenswith sculptural elements made fromrecycled materials, fairy houses, abathroom, concession stand andevent space. Led by Village ClerkColleen Frietas, the backyard park isnow being used for concerts, outdoor movies and other specialevents designed to bring the community together.

Because the old railroad tracks areburied just under the surface, SullivanRenaissance horticulturist DianaWeiner recommended creating raisedberms to provide additional depth forplanting, and the result is stunning.

Employees from the village’s Department of Public Works didmost of the heavy lifting, using theirmachinery to transport tons of topsoil and mulch, as well as install allof the plant material. They movedthe barrel train to the center of thenew park, creating a focal point, andinstalled new benches and signage.

Other components of theCategory C project included main-

taining previous projects, dedicating agarden at Krieger Park in memory ofChrissy Kehrley (a volunteer who recently passed away), and completingthe first phase of installing new business directory signage throughoutthe village.

According to Mayor Collins, “Theinspiration for this project came fromseveral different people, as a way topay homage to our past. Our DPWhas been working so hard, and all ofthe volunteers have put their heartsand souls into this project. It makesme feel so good to see everyoneworking together, and I can honestlysay that Woodridge is looking great.”

Village of Woodridge

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Jeffersonville JEMS


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The Sullivan Renaissance Internship and Youth Development Program is a

summer employment opportunity offered in partnership with the Centerfor Workforce Development. Being aSullivan Renaissance Intern is hard,hands on work. The days can be veryhot, or extremely rainy. There seemsto be an endless cycle of weeding, watering, litter plucking and deadheading. Caring for gardens,parks, containers and flower boxes ispublic spaces become vibrant places.

However, for 17 Sullivan Countyyouth, this is much more than a sum-mer job. Renaissance interns workalongside volunteers and communityleaders and are able to see, first hand,what it means to make a difference intheir communities. They participatein weekly meetings where they dis-cuss topics of local interest or con-cern, meet interesting and inspiringpeople, and choose a day of service;their chance to give back to theircommunity. The 2015 RenaissanceInterns are also the first group to serve

as community ambassadors; equippedwith a positive attitude and the infor-mation needed to promote all thatSullivan County has to offer.

There is much that can be writtenabout the intent, logistics and detailsof the program. The experience itselfis best from their perspective and intheir own words …

Ivonne Serapio, Liberty Intern

“Being part of Sullivan Renaissancehas been a great eye opening experience. The program has taughtme that a little extra work goes a longway. It’s hard sometimes, hearing thenegative comments about SullivanCounty. If everyone could focus onthe positives and the beauty thatMother Nature has to offer I believethat Sullivan County can return to itsgolden days. While working in theTown of Liberty I have learned howone flower or seed at a time can makean impact to the town and its residents. As I keep working to helpbeautify my home town, Liberty,

more people start to notice the newchanges. The positive feedback hasencouraged me to keep working hard.Small talk with people gives me newideas about how to make my townbeautiful. As my mentor Ramona says‘It may seem hard but; someone has todo it if you want to see changes.’Therefor I’m honored to be Sullivan.”

Giselle Caballero, Woodridge Intern

Renaissance is an organization thathires young people to become interns. We beautify our hometownsand surrounding areas in an effort toattract visitors and wildlife. It’s nice tosee the animals returning even if theyeat your plants. Every year, each

town has the option to work on aproject. Woodridge’s project is theCenterville Station Park locatedacross from Center 1. This big project wouldn’t have been successfulwithout our dedicated supervisorMyra Bennett or the DPW guys.Gardening wasn’t exactly in their jobdescriptions but they still have helpedus accomplish our goals. We alsocouldn’t have done it without ourvolunteers. It’s nice to see a community come together as one toassist in planting flats of flowers in thegardens around town. Together theinterns, Renaissance and the volunteers really make SullivanCounty come alive.

Hannah Bisland, Lumberland Parks & RecreationGisselle Caballero, Woodridge Ember Cemelli, Narrowsburg Beautification GroupShoshana Conlon, Hurleyvlle Ajani-Vernon Desmangles, Woodbourne Action CommitteeSandro David Fernandez, Monticello Collin Frost, Phillipsport Mark Garigliano, Neversink Renaissance Ceili Horton, Livingston Manor Renaissance Jane Hyman, Swan Lake Renaissance Victoria Kerendian, Rock HillJiron Kevii , Callicoon Business Association Madison McCormack, Jeffersonville JEMSJeremey Nevin-Gales, Fremont Ivonne Serapio, Town of Liberty Adam Wilcox, RoscoeHans Zanger, Town of Bethel

“I am honored to work with such acommitted group of young interns” David Fernandez, Monticello Intern

“It gives me a chance to serve thecommunity and to beautify the areasI see every day” Mark Garigliano, Neverink Intern

“I enjoy ‘making my town beautiful.” Ember Cemelli, Narrowsburg Intern

“Since most kids I’m friends with, orknow, could care less about thiscounty, I’m happy that I am changingsomething.” Ajani Vernon, Woodbourne Intern

“I have gained much respect for themany gardens in town. I never real-ized how much work it takes.” Shoshana Conlon, Hurleyville Intern

“It’s given me the opportunity tobeautify and learn about the county

I’ve grown up in” Hans Zanger, Bethel Intern

“It allows me to help make the townbeautiful and working along such adedicated group of individuals is trulyan honor.”

Quotes about working for Sullivan Renaissance:

Sullivan Renaissance Interns: A Youthful Perspective


2015 Sullivan Renaissance Interns


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GARDEN DESIGN PANEL Marietta Beanland Peg BergCindy B. Coker Susan DollardKate Honders Andrew KoehnJarna Maniguet Irene StoverRobin Wagner Diana K. Weiner GARDEN TOUR COMMITTEE AND PARTICIPANTS Janet Barbarite Cindy BarberKathleen Capozzoli Cornell Cooperative Extension of SullivanCounty Susan Dollard Joan GlaseMelinda Meddaugh Darlene Midlang Ari Mir-Pontier SandraNackley & the CVI Gardens GlennPontier Jackie Saunders Susan &George Swann Diana K. WeinerHORTICULTURE LANDSCAPE SUPPORT Matthew Kerendian Joseph LaCatena Jon WallachPARTNERS, INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS Basha Kill Area Association Greg Bedik, IT Granite AssociatesBethel Woods Center for the ArtsBethlehem Temple Church ChoirBoyes & Torrens Construction, Inc.Michael Bloom Photography NYS Senator John J. BonacicKirk Ryan Brown Rebecca Budrock James Burrascano Marty Carmody Catskill Mountainkeeper Catskill MountainSugar House Jeff Cohen & GraniteAssociates IT Department Community Foundation of Orangeand Sullivan Counties Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Cornell Cooperative Extension of SullivanCounty Al D’Auria and BethelWoods Facilities Staff Bob Deima &Granite staff Center for Workforce Development Freda Eisenberg,Commissioner, Sullivan County Planning & Environmental Management Darlene Fedun, CEOBethel Woods Center for the ArtsAlan Gerry US CongressmanChris Gibson US CongresswomanKirsten Gillibrand Glenn Goldman

NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther James Granell, GraniteAssociates IT Graphic DetailRobin Green Ashley HollowayRidge Harris, Director of SpecialProjects for US Congressman ChrisGibson Robert Hayes & Tri-ValleyCentral School FFA HeirloomBotanicals Tannis Kowalchuk,NACL Theatre Java Love CoffeeRoasters Jeff Bank Brittany Leventoff Carly Leventoff RobertLindsey Erin Lipsky, Toni Minnelli &Granite Kitchen Staff Greg Lotortoand Bethel Woods Grounds StaffTim Mahler, Ovations Ed Mall,NYS DOT Ed McAndrew, SullivanCounty International Airport ProjectMike Mullen & Staff, SullivanCounty International Airport ProjectPatrick Murphy, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Manor InkSandra Nackley New Hope Community John Pasanen, NYSDOT Francisco Pena Nick Piatek,Piatek Photography Allie PorterLaura Quigley, Center for Workforce Development Jim Reilly,Bethel Woods Center for the ArtsRolling V Bus Corporation Root n’Roost Farm Jose Rubio LillianRubio Dawn Ryder, IT Granite Associates Zac Stuart-Pontier, FilmEditor SullivanArc Sullivan CountyChamber of Commerce SullivanCounty Division of Public WorksSullivan County Legislature Sullivan Renaissance MerchantDiscount Participants Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee Darrell Supak NYS Assemblywoman Claudia TenneyDr. Peter Tarlow Kimberly Torrens Franklin Trapp, Forestburgh Playhouse JeanneTulp and Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast Wendy Willis, SullivanCounty Personnel Desi Wisniski,Sullivan County International AirportProject WJFF Radio Dan Wolcott& Granite Grounds Staff YEL – Young Emerging Leaders

RENAISSANCE COLLECTION AND FLOWER DOLLAR PARTICIPANT MERCHANTS Catskill Harvest Market CottageLot Delaware Valley Farm Home &Garden Everlasting Spring GardenCenter Jeannie Hillriegel dba/Bedof Petals Hillside GreenhouseLaurel Grove Greenhouses Liberty Home Garden & Pet L&M Greenhouse Manza FamilyFarm Monticello Farm Home &Garden Monticello Greenhouses,Inc. Vita’s Farm & Garden CenterSULLIVAN RENAISSANCE ANNUAL CONFERENCEKEYNOTE PANEL Ramsay Adams, Catskill Mountain-keeper Patrick Dollard, The Centerfor Discovery Charlie Degliomini,Empire Resorts, Inc. Dr. GerardGalarneau, Catskill Regional MedicalCenter Alan Gerry, Gerry Foundation Dr. Karin Hilgersom,SUNY SullivanSULLIVAN RENAISSANCEBILINGUAL ADVISORY COMMITTEELinda Browne Amy CarusoThomas Caruso Dr. Jorge Delgado Saraid Gonzalez RickMartinez Steve Melendez RobertMir Ari Mir-Pontier Glenn PontierCristian Serapio Nicole Slevin Liliam Stettner Nicole TapiaSULLIVAN RENAISSANCE COMMUNITY MITZVAH AWARD DATA COLLECTOR Judy GreenSULLIVAN RENAISSANCE INTERNS Hannah Bisland Gisselle Cabellero Ember CemelliShoshana Conlon Ajani-VernonDesmangles Sandro David Fernandez Collin Frost MarkGarigliano Ceili Horton JaneHyman Victoria Kerendian JironKevii Madison McCormackJeremey Nevin-Gales Ivonne Serapio Adam Wilcox HansZanger

SULLIVAN RENAISSANCEJUDGES Birgitta Brophy Donna HarrisonNicole Franzese Mary LewisMichael Newhard Peter PatelNancy Proyect Odette Sabourin-Dumais Ann Smith RJ SmithDeborah Sweeton Michael SweetonSULLIVAN RENAISSANCEVIDEO CONTEST JUDGES Eniko Hunyadi Daniel Mack BenYounger SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE COMMUNITY MITZVAH AWARD JUDGESMary LewisRabbi Marcus RubensteinToiv Yossi SULLIVAN RENAISSANCESPONSORS FisherMears Associates RobertGreen Dealerships Kristt Office &Supply Company Sullivan CountyDemocrat SUNY Sullivan Foundation The River ReporterThompson Sanitation Thunder102 Bold Gold Media GroupWVOS-WSUL Watermark CommunicationsSULLIVAN RENAISSANCE VOLUNTEER CORPS Joe Aracci Anne Boyd RobertaChambers Cindy Coker MelindaCormier Debra Cortese TamaraD’Antoni Melissa DeMarmelsKaren Ellsweig Raymond EvansSaraid Gonzalez Michelle GuideraDennis Hewston William KavleskiKaren Kerendian David KlussmanRegina LaCatena Mary MancusoBeth Mastro Daniel McCormackAlex Melendez Steve MelendezVictoria Merton Ari Mir-PontierDiane Moss Lesbia NiforisRosemarie Paty Jospeh RubeoMarge Rubin Anne-Louise Scandariato Eric SchrammCristian Serapio Marisol SerapioBrenda Sherman Christy TerBush Cheryl Towne JaniceVooght

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following organizations and individuals who contributed to thesuccess of this year’s Sullivan Renaissance Program: Thank You!


COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION PANELBirgitta Brophy – Assistant Professor inthe Landscape Contracting Program atSUNY Delhi since 1997; and landscape architectural consultant to private clientsand municipalities for public projects including "Main Street" revitalization studies/designs and landscape masterplans.Donna Harrison – Has a decade of judging experience including Communitiesin Bloom (Canada), Communities in Bloom(Ontario), America in Bloom and the National Winter Lights Program; extensivemunicipal experience with City of St.Catharines including 25 years as managerof cemeteries and golf; past president ofthe Ontario Parks Association; current chairof the Ontario Parks Foundation.Michael Newhard – Life-long residentand four-term Mayor of Warwick; artist andpartner in Main Street retail store; is an advocate of community re-vitalization, historic preservation, farmland and environmental protection; Warwick was2003 national winner of America in Bloomand is the 2010 international winner ofCommunities in Bloom.Peter Patel – Horticulturist and arboristfor the Orange County Arboretum in Montgomery; Certified Arborist – International Society of Arboriculture, Cert.Nursery/Landscape Professional, andmember of the Tri-County Nursery Associa-tion; owns ArborHeights Designs, LLC.Nancy Proyect – President of the OrangeCounty Citizens Foundation since 2006;owned a public relations consulting firmserving the nonprofit, governmental and

private sectors; active in Leadership Orange, Orange County Arts Council, Cornwall Community Cooperative, TempleBeth Jacob, SUNY New Paltz CRREO, andthe Junior League of Orange County. Odette Sabourin-Dumais –Horticulturist from St-Bruno-de-Montarville,Québec; acts as national and internationaljudge for Communities in Bloom since1995; has evaluated more than 140 communities in Quebec, Canada, UnitedKingdom, France and Japan; secretary-treasurer of the Communities in Bloom Executive Committee and chair of the Symposium and Awards.Ann Smith – An avid gardener for over 35years; member of New York Botanical Garden, Friends of Boscobel and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; pastboard member of Cornwall Garden Club;garden associate specialist for Devitt's Garden & Supply, New Windsor.RJ Smith – Owner of RJ Smith Realty for40+ years. Extensive experience in community planning, development, andrestoration. With others, he spearheadedPine Bush’s Renaissance in the early1980s and continues to advise communities on similar efforts. He assistswith community planning and farmlandpreservation and is a former town board,school board, and county legislator. Deborah Sweeton – President and co-owner of Techni-Growers GreenhousesInc.; published books in Common SenseGardener series; past OFA board member;chairs Cornell Floriculture Advisory Committee; chaired Warwick in Bloom in2004; won 1st and 2nd prize in Kathy Puhfal container competition at Cornell

University in 2007 and the internationalchallenge in 2010.Michael Sweeton – Generalmanager/marketing director for Techni-Growers (clients include BrooklynBotanic Gardens); NYS Certified NurseryProfessional; Town of Warwick Supervisor;President of the Orange County Associa-tion of Towns, Villages and Cities; serves onOrange County Citizens Foundation Boardand Orange County Planning Board.

COMMUNITY MITZVAHPANELMary Lewis – Founder of the garden design firm Barncroft, she served as a Sullivan Renaissance judge for nine yearsand a garden design consultant for twoyears; past president of Garden Club ofOrange and Dutchess Counties, past ZoneRepresentative of Visiting Gardens Committee for Garden Club of America(GCA), and co-chairs GCA flower show “AWoman’s Hardy Garden” in Beacon. Alsoserving as a Category B judge on the beautification panel.Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein – Gained hisrabbinic ordination at Ziegler School ofRabbinic studies in 2015. He began histenure as the new rabbi of Temple Sinai ofMiddletown this summer. He is quite excited to begin exploring the area and is agreat lover of the Catskill mountain region.R. Rubenstein enjoys biking, hiking andstudying Jewish mystical texts in his sparetime. Yossi Toiv – “Country Yossi” is the nameof an English-language Orthodox Jewishmagazine, radio show, collection of musicalalbums and children's books created,

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

VIDEO CONTEST PANELBen Younger – Film director and writer,whose work includes “Prime” starringMeryl Streep, Uma Thurman and BryanGreenberg; “Boiler Room” with Vin Diesel,Giovanni Ribisi and Ben Affleck; and thesoon-to-be-released “Bleed for This” starring Miles Teller and Katey Sagal. Healso writes for The New Yorker and has soldnumerous television pilots to FX, NBC, ABCand Fox.Daniel Mack – multi-media artist, writerand teacher with a studio in Warwick; whoserves on the board of the Orange CountyCitizens Foundation. He has written sevenbooks 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 since1996, he also has taught nature studies inpublic schools and hospitals. Eniko Hunyadi – freelance marketingand advertising consultant from Connecticut;formerly worked at Sullivan Renaissanceand created the video contest. “Videos aregreat ways to tell stories that reach a largeaudience in a short amount of time. Wewant everybody to learn what Sullivan Renaissance volunteers are doing aroundSullivan County, so we created this contestto encourage them to share their experiences with the world.”

2015 SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE JUDGES

Birgitta Brophy Donna Harrison Michael Newhard Peter Patel Nancy Proyect Odette Sabourin-Dumais

Ann Smith

Eniko HunyadiDaniel MackBen Younger Yossi Toiv Rabbi MarcusRubenstein

Mary Lewis

RJ Smith

Deborah Sweeton Michael Sweeton


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