KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY — Bethel town supervisor Dan Sturm officiated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 4. The opening of four establishments was celebrated with speeches, balloons, brochures and public attendance.

About 75 people were there, listening as local leaders and others highlighted the new businesses and how much the Kauneonga Lake area—and Sullivan County in general—has to offer.

Representing the Bethel Business Association were president Marie Smith, vice president Carol Malek, Dina Sturm, James Loney and Nicole Newick.

Members of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association and the Chamber of Commerce were also present.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther emphasized that despite extensive travels she always has thoughts of her return home to beautiful Sullivan County.

Vicki Vassmer , owner of the former Vassmer General Store, a multigenerational family business once at the site of the newly opened 3575 Kitchen, recalled her father feeding peanut butter sandwiches to attendees of the Woodstock Festival in 1969.

The Bethel Council of the Arts (BCA) was organized in 2016 upon authorization by the town. Essentially a co-op of local artists with over 100 members, its planned events include performances and music. The large gallery with a lakeside view offers rotating exhibits with a current display of photos, paintings and crafts by 24 members. Thanks to the support of Allan and Carole Abramson and the members of the Bethel Council of the Arts, the space is a wonderful place to relax and shop.

Its president, attorney Harvey Lippman, facilitated its nonprofit status.

Founder Judith Maidenbaum—the former owner of the Fat Lady Café—was present, as were manager Jim Hawley, a silversmith, and artist Adrienne Walker. Also present were photographer Gail Tuckman and glass artist Laurie Schwartz.

After the speeches, the crowd went shopping and checked out the new stores.

As the River House, Industry opened in 2008 in Jeffersonville. Having survived the recession, it moved to Route 55 and served primarily a space for local artists.

Since the BCA was formed, Industry has focused on a retail line of ladies and men’s clothing in downtown Kauneonga Lake. Now at the site formerly occupied by Catskill Concierge, it has expanded to include specialty home goods, such as cotton throws and hand towels, ornate candle holders and diffusers, body products, leather satchels, hats and guitar-shaped cutting boards. Also carried are resin Buddhas and retro Woodstock items.

Owned by Alex Johnson and Daryl Kroken, Industry is open Friday through Monday, 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Andrew Pollino brings his 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, especially as an executive chef in Southern California, to 3575 Kitchen.

They offer a “light and refreshing” fare, he said; some bestsellers are avocado wrap, with cheese and spinach, smash burgers with caramelized onions, pickles and cheese, and roasted mushroom omelets. The menu changes quarterly, and next year a bar will open.

Currently serving breakfast and lunch, hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Mason Jar Specialty Food was profiled in the River Reporter on May 26. Business, said owner Lucas Grecky, has been on an upswing. The offerings have expanded to a wider variety of produce, fresh mozzarella and barrata, Old Chatham Creamery cheese, local organic eggs and organic carrots. Coming soon are Shaller and Weber products, and cherry tomatoes cultivated by Grecky’s wife Susanna.

The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It’s open six days a week and is closed on Tuesdays.

Four new businesses opening in a small town suggests that rural Kauneonga Lake is doing just fine, thank you. Dan Sturm lauded a “celebration of cultural and economic revival.”

Click here for more photos from the event.