By Ilana Dubrovsky
LAKE HUNTINGTON — August 10, 2004 – Jacky Robisch’s words captured the true essence of Sullivan Renaissance.
“By working together, great things can be achieved,” the Delaware Valley Elementary principal said.
The opening of the awards ceremony at the Sullivan West High School in Lake Huntington included a performance of “America the Beautiful” by the Daytop Choir.
The awards ceremony for the top Renaissance projects was held Sunday. There were a total of 36 Sullivan Renaissance projects aimed at beautifying Sullivan County.
State Senator John Bonacic spoke on the improvements made within Sullivan Renaissance and its projects.
“Sullivan County is just warming up,” he said.
Head of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Jacquie Leventoff thanked Bonacic for his $20,000 contribution through the local chamber.
As for future Renaissance projects, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said, “As a representative, I am committed to continue funding for this project.”
Legislator Jodi Goodman and South Fallsburg in Bloom Renaissance member Ruby Gold distributed the seven seasonal communities awards. These awards were given to Sullivan’s summer residents who have upgraded their grounds to beautify the area.
The winners for these awards were Camp Blueberry Hill, Camp Simcha, Camp Winston, Helen Morrell Cottages, Our Kids Day Camp, Ten Mile River Scout Camp, and White Rock Colony.
Three environmental impact awards were given at the ceremony to those projects that addressed environmental issues and protected resources within the community.
The Jeffersonville JEMS worked to address concerns on erosion occurring in town, and the group was awarded first place and a $3,000 grant for their efforts. Livingston Manor Renaissance took second place and a $2,000 grant for planting trees and shrubs that provided for a better habitat for the surrounding wildlife.
The Wurtsboro Renaissance came in third place and won a $1,000 grant for using environment-friendly and recyclable materials.
Established by the SCCC Foundation, two scholarship awards were awarded to volunteers who had put an immense amount of effort into their projects.
Four-year part-time student Ruth Ann Rundle was awarded a $750 scholarship for collecting materials and cash, selling raffle tickets, and other duties for the Cochecton Center project. Second winner Kristin Mulvaney cleaned up Woodbourne by designing flower boxes, planting trees and shrubs, and numerous other tasks to improve the area.
All of the projects were separated into three categories: A, the smaller of the three projects, included signs and small improvements made on an area; B, included improvements made such as building a playground, information center, etc.; and C, the largest of the three projects that had made vast improvements on a street, town or general area.
The winners for the 2004 category A projects were:
• First place: Youngsville Environmenal Preservation Committee for building a sign and planting shrubs and trees in front of the Youngsville School. The committee was awarded a $3,000 grant.
• Second place: Rock Hill Sullivan First won a $1,500 grant for installing a welcome sign, bench, and various shrubs on the corner of Katrina Falls Road and Lake Louise Marie Road.
• Third place: A tie – Monticello First Baptist Church on Liberty Street for creating a sign and installing numerous flowerbeds along the walkway. The second winner was the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon and included a sign and beautification of the surrounding grounds. Each earned a $1,000 award.
Category B winners included:
• First place: Monticello Sullivan First won a $7,000 grant for their landscaping beautification efforts.
• Second place: Wurtsboro Renaissance won a $5,000 grant for flower planting, painting, and preparations for a new swingset at the Wurtsboro Children’s Park.
• Third place: Boy Scout Troop 96 of Liberty, under the direction of 16 year-old Michael VanDenberg targeted Walnut Mountain Park in creating a new playground and installing trees, flowers and shrubs. The project was awarded a $3,000 grant.
Category C winners included:
• First place: Livingston Manor Renaissance won a $20,000 grant for building new sidewalks, replacing old trash cans, installing 16 cherry trees and lining Main Street with hanging baskets.
• Second place: Grahamsville’s Daniel Pierce Library won a $10,000 grant for corridor beautification efforts throughout the town.
• Third place: Jeffersonville JEMS won $7,500 for installing a new gazebo, flowerbeds and landscaping.
One of the key players of the winning Livingston Manor Renaissance project, Gerard Ilaria, said, “We had a great time, we’re glad to get the recognition.”
Sullivan Renaissance is planning to hold the 2004 Showcase Awards ceremony on November 18. This award is given to the best improvement or creation of municipal buildings. Sullivan Renaissance is currently looking for nominations.
The 2003 Showcase Award went to the creation of the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School in Monticello.
The Sullivan Renaissance’s year-long projects are a direct result of the constant efforts of Alan and Sandra Gerry, who have strived to make Sullivan County a brighter county and a happier place to live.
In thanking the Renaissance volunteers, Sandra Gerry said, “Your enthusiasm is infectious to all of us – you have inspired us all.”