By Ted Waddell
BETHEL — May 6, 2005 – In a modern-day adaptation of an ancient custom, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts held a “Topping Off” ceremony Wednesday afternoon. Folks who have been instrumental in getting the project off the ground were on hand to watch the ceremonial final piece of steel be installed on the roof of the performing arts pavilion that will one day host the New York Philharmonic and others. Residents like Judy Green of Monticello got a chance to sign their names to the beam before it was placed atop the structure by ironworkers from Local 417, guys like Bruce Bennett and Doc Dunn. Site owner Alan Gerry said, “This high point in construction marks the completion of the steel phase of the pavilion. We are on schedule and excited about opening in just over a year. We cannot give enough thanks to the men and women who have labored to bring us here today, so we pause for just a moment to recognize the hard work they have accomplished.”