Kauneonga Lake wins the big one at Renaissance

46 community projects on display

By FRITZ MAYER

BETHEL, NY — The beautification group Bethel First took the top prize of $50,000 for their multi-year effort to improve the community of Kauneonga Lake. The project includes the creation of a farmer’s market, a nature walk, rebuilding the veteran’s park and other improvements.

With new buildings and businesses moving to the hamlet this year, the hamlet has taken on a totally new appearance and business activity has been rejuvenated.

Supporters roared approval when the prize was announced near the end of the 9th annual Sullivan Renaissance ceremony held at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on August 13.

The award was just one of many that were handed out as 46 projects from communities in Sullivan County were recognized, and dozens of volunteers took to the stage to receive credit.

Looking out over the thousand or so people in the seats of the main performance pavilion at Bethel Woods, program director Glenn Pontier said, “It’s not as many people as a rock band would draw, but it’s pretty good.”

Others connected with Sullivan Renaissance agreed that the program continues to grow every year.

Cora Edwards, a member of the steering committee, said this year the program had more projects and participants than ever before. She said, “It’s great to see that residents can have a direct impact in communities at a time when that is needed.”

Bill Cutler, also a member of the steering committee, said he had the pleasure this year of driving two of the judges around to the various projects, and he was struck by how many of the projects were adopting “green” elements. Cutler, who is also Sullivan County’s recycling coordinator, said the projects were on the “leading edge” in terms of addressing environmental and conservation concerns, and he expected that trend to continue in the future.

Visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org for more information on the Sullivan Renaissance program and the awards.