[BETHEL] – Hundreds of people attended the Sullivan Renaissance Awards Ceremony at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Monday, August 7, as over $500,000 in grants and scholarships were awarded to communities throughout Sullivan County.
The Awards Ceremony was the culmination of months of work on the part of volunteers, municipalities, and community organizations to enhance gateways, public spaces and main streets. Monetary prizes were awarded in several categories and scholarships and recognitions were presented to individuals and communities.
The Village of Monticello, was recognized for the transformation it has accomplished in the areas of beautification, code enforcement and building healthy communities. They won the top prize of the evening, a $250,000 grant secured by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. “I have wonderful board members who have supported this work,” said Village Manager Dave Sager. “We have done a world of work to reinvigorate things and get community buy-in in a challenging place. We are excited – the work is just beginning. It is nice to be recognized for the totality of our efforts. We are committed to reclaiming this Village as a proud County Seat.”
The Town of Fallsburg was awarded a $50,000 grant through Senator John Bonacic; and the Village of Jeffersonville was awarded a $50,000 grant bequested by former Renaissance judge Tim Stoddard.
The Town of Thompson and Mamakating were both recognized with the Bronze Feather Award of $25,000.
GARDEN GRANTS: Single element beautification projects
First place - ($3000) 4-H Hayrisers – Flyway by the Byway on Route 97 in Highland
Second place - ($2000) –Youngsville Busy Beavers 4-H Club Butterfly Garden in Youngsville
Third place - ($1000) – St. Peter’s Church in Monticello Two Judges Choice Award at $500 each were awarded to BATS for Veterans in Liberty and the United Church of Roscoe.
Two Judges Choice Awards of $250 each were awarded to Youngsville Busy Beavers 4-H and the 4-H Hayraisers; both for youth involvement.
COMMUNITY GRANTS: Multiple element beautification and community development projects
First place – ($12,000): St Peter’s Church Renaissance - Liberty
Second place – ($7000): Catskill Fly-fishing Museum Environmental Beautification
Third place – ($5000): Neversink Renaissance Community-wide Beautification
Two Judges Choice Awards of $1,000 each were awarded to Lumberland Parks and Recreation and the Village of Woodridge.
THE COMMUNITY MITZVAH AWARD Program engaged nine seasonal colonies and camps from throughout Sullivan County in beautification and property enhancement efforts. The winner of the $10,000 Community Mitzvah Award went to
Camp Ahavas Israel of Liberty; Second place award of $5000 went to
Green Acres of Liberty and Third place of $3000 was awarded to
Camp HASC of Parksville and $1000 Judges Choice Award went to
American Theological of Kiamesha Lake.
SHOWING OF FLOWERS AWARDS were presented to
St. Peter’s Church, Liberty $5,000
Swan Lake Renaissance $5,000
Forestburgh Playhouse - $3,000
Hudson River Healthcare - $3,000
Lumberland Parks and Recreation - $2,000
Livingston Manor Renaissance - $1,000
Phillipsport Community Center - $1,000
United Methodist Church of Monticello - $500
Livingston Manor United Methodist Church - $500
Three community groups were recognized with Special Achievement Awards. Hudson River Healthcare and White Sulphur Springs Sullivan First were acknowledged for volunteer outreach, inclusion and capacity building. Dynamite Youth Center was awarded for participation in educational classes and community participation.
SUNY SULLIVAN SCHOLARSHIP The SUNY Sullivan Foundation awarded one full time scholarship to Vanessa Ramos, a volunteer who assisted at Hope Farm at SUNY Sullivan. Vanessa is a student at SUNY Sullivan who is planning to continue her studies during the 2017-2018 academic year.
SULLIVAN RENAISSANCE SCHOLARSHIPS The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties awarded six Sullivan Renaissance scholarships to volunteers who made a significant contribution to a Sullivan Renaissance project. These scholarships are for the spring semester at the college of one’s choice.
- Michael Dorn Marist College
- Samantha Dorn SUNY Geneseo
- Cheyanne Matulewich SUNY Cobleskill
- Mackenzie Mitchell Elmira College
- Michael Schulte SUNY Cortland
- Cristian Serapio SUNY Delhi
Cara Kowalski, Volunteer Program Manager, acknowledged the dedication of members of the Sullivan Renaissance Volunteer Corps and presented a special recognition for going above and beyond to Volunteers Karen Ellsweig and Amy Nielsen.
Ari Mir-Pontier, Multicultural Program Manager, asked the audience to help our county continue to grow into neighborhoods that are “happy, relaxed and satisfied”. On behalf of the Sullivan Renaissance Multicultural Program, Ari presented a special award to Shanita Artson for her passionate, steadfast and inspiring dedication to her community.
A video of the ceremony will soon be available online with the link posted on the Sullivan Renaissance YouTube page and the Sullivan Renaissance website.
Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation with support from Bold Gold Media Group, Fisher Mears Associates, The River Reporter, The Sullivan County Democrat and Thompson Sanitation. For information, contact 845-295-2445 or
SullivanRenaissance.org
.
