By Ted Waddell
SOUTH FALLSBURG — May 7, 2002 – On Friday, the folks from “South Fallsburg in Bloom” gathered across from Brian Ingber Park to kick off this year’s series of Sullivan Renaissance beautification projects in the town with a tree-planting ceremony.
“South Fallsburg in Bloom is planting the trees in honor of four community members who have passed on and left their mark in service to our community,” said Ruby Gold, coordinator of the project.
In addition, a fifth magnolia tree was planted to recognize the contributions of New Hope Community.
Sandra Gerry, the guiding force behind Sullivan Renaissance, joined several local dignitaries and relatives of those honored in braving a blustery wind and occasional flake of snow to participate in the ceremony.
The honorees were as follows:
• Sam Dickens was born in Manhattan in 1919. He joined the U.S. Navy in WWII and served in the Pacific Theater. In 1987, Dickens retired from his business as a metal buyer in the city and moved to Sullivan County, which he loved from time spent here in his youth. Dickens returned to his passion for painting, and in 1994 he received the Rose Kramer “Friend of the Arts Award” for his support of the Catskill Art Society.
• Brian Ingber was an outstanding humanitarian who devoted his time unselfishly to his family, town and youth of his community, said organizers. He was a Little League and AYSO soccer coach, and a member of the local school board. Ingber served as supervisor of the Town of Fallsburg, chairman of the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors, and was a successful businessman. Many of the projects he accomplished have laid the foundation for the future growth of the town and county.
• Sam Rosenshein was born in Poland and came to the United States as a 2-year-old. At first, his family lived in Brooklyn but soon moved to the county and became dairy farmers. Rosenshein never went to school past the 8th grade, but he went on to achieve much success in life. He and his wife ran several businesses in town, including a hardware store, movie houses and a restaurant called Pop-Ins. As one of the town’s first assessors, he traveled by horseback to view properties.
Rosenshein served as councilman for several years and two terms as town supervisor.
• Carol Sheiner moved to South Fallsburg with her new husband in 1949. They both worked in the then-bustling hotel industry during the Golden Age of Sullivan County. During her 42 years living in the community, Sheiner touched many lives. She adopted four children, who became the focal point of her life. Sheiner became a one-woman support network for couples navigating the frustrating adoption procedure. She was a Girl Scout leader, a member of the PTA and worked with the local Boy Scouts.