The Catskill Chronicle

Photos by Leni Santoro

LIBERTY – Encouraged by gardening expert C.L. Fornari’s keynote address to grant recipients, volunteers will begin dozens of beautification, environmental and community development projects throughout Sullivan County.  For the 10^th consecutive year, Sullivan Renaissance awarded grants during its annual Spring Forum on April 22 at the CVI Building in Liberty. 

“The fact that Sullivan Renaissance is celebrating its 10^th year is a testament to our dedicated volunteers and their commitment to their community and neighbors.  The volunteers have taken the lead and have demonstrated in a marvelous way that the planting of flowers does more than beautify – it makes us feel better about ourselves – and that anything is possible,” said Sandra Gerry, who chairs the Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee.

C.L. Fornari’s keynote address – “Ready, Set, Grow!” – was webcast live.  She spoke about garden design (including the “wow” factor), maintenance (weeding, watering) and critters (woodchucks, deer) before concluding with a Q&A session.  The keynote was followed by refreshments and distribution of grants and “flower dollars” to beautification and community development projects in the atrium of the CVI Building.  Recipients had a chance to talk with organizations that have volunteers interested in helping with individual projects. 

A total of 64 grants worth over $65,000 have been given in nine categories.  A list of participating communities and projects is attached.  Additional grants may be awarded in the next several weeks. 

Sullivan Renaissance Flower Dollars are a new resource this year that allow groups to purchase additional annual plants by July 9.  The dollars can only be used at a local participating nursery, greenhouse or garden center; and they must be matched with plantings of an equal or greater value.

The beautification and community development projects must be completed by August 2.  Those vying for a Phase II grant will be judged on August 6, 7 and 8.  The second round of grants will then be announced at the Renaissance Awards Ceremony on August 9 at Monticello High School. 

Phase II awards range between $1000 and $10,000 – with the Golden Feather Grant of $50,000 going to a Category C project.  A special Showing of Flowers award up to $5000 will be given to the community that has the best showing of flowers, along with four $1000 judge’s choice flower awards.  There are also three $1000 Stewardship Awards in each category: historic, environmental and best maintenance practices ($1000).  A Silver Feather Award of $5000 is given in Category C for planning.  All projects that finish will receive a completion grant.

Nine categories of community beautification grants were announced on Thursday, April 22.

• 14 single element projects in Category A received $1000 grants and $100 in flower dollars; (with support from WSUL/WVOS).

• 10 multiple element projects in Category B got $1500 grants, $250 in flower dollars and paid youth internships; (with support from Thunder 102)

• 5 three-year community development projects in Category C were given $5000 grants (with another $5000 in August), $250 in flower dollars, as well as interns and technical assistance; (with support from Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther).
• 2 communities received $5,000 community development grants and $250 in flower dollars as well as interns and technical assistance for special projects: the O&W Rail Trail in Fallsburg, Mountaindale and Woodridge; and the Daniel Pierce Library in Neversink;
• 3 maintenance grants up to $750 and $100 in flower dollars went to help well-established groups maintain and embellish previously-funded projects;
• 8 environmental initiative grants up to $2500 will support new approaches to education, rain barrel demonstrations and community garden projects;
• 4 seasonal matching grants up to $2500 will improve facades and landscape properties; (with support from Thompson Sanitation).
• 5 school and youth initiative awards went to class projects with amounts ranging up to $400 for gardens or theme projects with an educational component;
• 13 mini-grant projects will be reimbursed up to $200

Grants for municipal cleanup projects and technical assistance are awarded at a later date.  Additional mini-grants, seasonal demonstration grants and environmental initiative grants may also be awarded.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, a limited number of scholarships to the college of one’s choice will be offered to volunteers who make a significant contribution to a Renaissance project.  The Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) Foundation also offers full and part-time scholarships to Renaissance volunteers. 

Sullivan Renaissance collaborates with many organizations and agencies.  The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce continues to sponsor the merchant discount program, with over 60 businesses offering discounts for community projects.  The Center for Workforce Development administers the youth internship program. 

Several organizations help local groups supplement their projects by providing some level of volunteer help such as general clean-up, site preparation, planting and painting.  Other assistance may also be available.  Some of these agencies include: Alternatives to Incarceration; Camp Shomria; Daytop; Delaware Valley Job Corps Center; New Hope Community; Occupations, Inc.; Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Sullivan County BOCES; and Workforce Development Board of Sullivan County, Inc.  Requests for assistance go through the Sullivan Renaissance office.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.  Additional funding has been secured by NYS Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther.  Sponsorships are also provided by WSUL/WVOS for Category A projects and by Thunder 102 for Category B projects.

Since 2001 Sullivan Renaissance has funded hundreds of projects throughout Sullivan County.  For more information about programs, call Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2445 or visit the website at www.sullivanrenaissance.org.