Sullivan Renaissance awards at Bethel Woods

By FRITZ MAYER

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — It’s August in Sullivan County, and that means it’s time for the eagerly anticipated Sullivan Renaissance awards ceremony. Judges from outside the area will be touring the county on August 11 and 12, to get a close look at the 42 projects that are vying for awards this year, ranging from welcome signs to ambitious programs to remake the look of entire communities.

The project teams received grants for varying amounts on March 30, and have been working since then to make their communities more beautiful. The largest and most visible projects are in the C category. These projects received $5,000 grants in March. One of these projects will win an additional $5,000 completion grant, and one will also win the $50,000 Golden Feather Award.

The C projects this year include the following:

In Bethel, the project is the revival of the Kauneonga Lake corridor, which includes the establishment of a farmer’s market.

In Barryville, the effort revolves around a history walk and a self-guided tour.

In Hurleyville, the work involves sprucing up Main Street with landscaping, pavers and planters.

In Swan Lake, volunteers have been working on the creation of a new park on the lake.

In Lumberland, the project involved the creation of rest rooms in Circle Park.

In Rock Hill, the effort centered on the construction of a walking path through the business center of the community.

Prizes for the A and B categories, projects from welcome signs to village and playground improvements, range from $1,000 to $10,000. According to Sullivan Renaissance officials, 12 communities will be receiving second-round grants after the judging. Certificates will be given to 11 communities that participated in the mini-grant Just Plant Flowers effort, and to 13 school groups as part of the Spruce Up Your School and Community program. New awards will also be given for Showing of Flowers and Project Maintenance. Returning awards will include Historic Preservation, Environmental Impact and the Silver Feather for planning excellence.

The 2006 awards ceremony will be held on Monday, August 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.