Community Events
Russell’s Store
In 2009 the MARK Project, with funding assistance from the O’Connor Foundation, embarked on a community driven feasibility study and long term plan for the Russell’s Store building in Bovina. Russell’s is an anchor historic structure on Bovina’s Main Street and has housed a General Store since 1919, when Cecil Russell bought the building. The date of construction of the structure is not clear. Some information indicates it could have been as early as 1823 but other information indicates perhaps 1870. Upon the death of Marjorie Russell, the family-owned operation was deeded first to the United Presbyterian Church in XXXX and then passed along to the Bovina Historical Society in XXXX. The store is currently leased to Beatriz Sohni but the additional space in the building and overall evaluation of the structure remains an uncertainty. MARK held it’s first community forum on Saturday June 6, with over 50 townspeople in attendance. MARK will continue to develop all the necessary components of a long term plan to ensure the sustainability of this community jewel.
Recently the MARK staff got their hands dirty for a good cause. Sweeping, scrubbing, and polishing helped the village of Fleischmanns in their efforts of open up the historic movie theater as part of their memorial day celebration.
Area Organizations Help Make the Central Catskills a Cycling Destination
It’s like riding a bike. Wait! It is riding a bike. Whether you consider 100 miles to be a “ride in the park” or you’re an intermediate cyclist that can go the 50-mile distance, or maybe a relaxing 15 miles best suits your fancy, then the first annual Ride n Peak has the perfect route for you.
The Catskill Scenic Ride n Peak is the result of several community based organizations coming together for a good cause. Supported by a grant from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, this event is a partnership between MARK, the KAATS Foundation, the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Plattekill Mountain and Delaware County Tourism. “This event holds the potential to help make cycling in the Catskills an ongoing opportunity to develop green tourism activity,” says MARK Director Peg Ellsworth. Peter Manning, Regional Planner with the Catskill Center, adds "many don't realize that the Central Catskills are a cyclist's paradise. This event aims to change that. From long rides through mountain passes to a spin around the reservoir or a family ride along gentle country roads, there's something here for everyone."
The event, which will benefit the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Center is scheduled for Saturday, May 16. “I am pleased to announce that proceeds from the event will go to this vital regional organization,” says Lucci Kelly of the KAATS Foundation. With an opportunity to spend the day cycling in the Catskills while helping the caring work of Catskill Area Hospice, going green has never come at a better time” adds Kelly.
All of the five rides – ranging from 14 to 104 miles -- begin and end at the Village Park in Margaretville. The entry fee of $25 includes a one-day USAC license, commemorative t-shirt and water and snacks along the routes. Music, food, and activities for children at the park pavilion will complement the rides. “All in all, the first annual Ride n Peak gives everyone the opportunity to see the Central Catskills like they never have before,” says Carol O’Beirne, Executive Director of the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, adding, “This is only the beginning of several new cycling events that will establish the central Catksills as a destination for cycling enthusiasts.” Pre-registration as well as route maps and event logistics are available on the Chamber’s website at www.centralcatskills.org/bike. Those seeking additional information can call MARK at 845.586.3500 or email bikerideinfo@markproject.org
The MARK Project Inc. invites you to a NY Main Street Informational Meeting-
on Saturday, April 4 at 12:00 Noon at La Cabana Restaurant, 966 Main Street, Fleischmanns. Peg Ellsworth, Executive Director of MARK, will be discussing the upcoming application for a New York Main Street Grant and the funding that may become available to improve properties along Main Street. If you are interested in helping Fleischmanns come alive again, please plan to attend. Call the MARK Project at 845-586-3500 or iris@markproject.org to let us know you will attend.
A los propietarios de viviendas en Main Street Fleischmanns.
El proyecto MARK inc., los invita a un foro informativo público el Sábado, 4 de Abril a las 12:00 del mediodía en el Restaurante La Cabaña, 966 Main Street, Fleischmanns.
La directora de MARK inc., presentará información sobre la oportunidad de recibir fondos para la restauración y el mejoramiento de edificios situados en Main Street Fleischmanns. Estos fondos se han hecho disponibles gracias a un programa suministrado por el estado de Nueva York. Si está interesado en ayudarnos a revitalizar la comunidad de Fleischmanns, por favor participe en el foro informativo. Por favor llame al 845-586-3500 o escriba a: iris@markproject.org para confirmar su asistencia.
MARK Project staff in training for foreclosure prevention counseling.
Everyone knows times are tough and it can often lead to a situation that seems unavoidable or hopeless. Unexpected life changes are often contributing factors to foreclosure. Loss of employment, illness or injury, divorce or separation or death of a spouse are just some of the situations that often back us into a financial corner. MARK is here to help. By the end of April, four staff members of MARK will be fully trained and certified in Foreclosure Prevention Counseling.
A foreclosure can be a devastating experience to any homeowner, but knowing the warning signs and getting the advice you need early on can certainly help avoid these unfortunate circumstances. Do not wait to act. If you are getting behind on your payments and feel like there’s nowhere to go, contact MARK immediately. If we do not have someone on staff to help, we will point you in the right direction. We are here for you. Let’s work together. For more information or to make an appointment contact MARK at 845.586.3500.
FREE Lead Safe Work Practices being held in Stamford
If you are a contractor and looking to tap into those infrastructure programs created by President Obama’s stimulus package or simply out there rehabilitating old buildings,chances are you need to be certified in Lead Safe Work Practices. If you have been avoiding Lead Safe Work Practice training, now is the time to act. Lead safe work practices must be used during Lead Hazard Reduction, rehabilitation, and maintenance work that involves surfaces with presumed or identified lead-based paint. Considering over 70% of our housing stock was built prior to 1970, chances are, you’ll need the trianing.
Laissez les bon temps rouler—Heat of Louisiana sponsored by MARK
The Cajun culture sure knows about good times. It cultivates the combination of friends and family, great upbeat soul inspired Zydeco music and an abundance of true southern cooking. It almost makes you want to book a flight and venture into the heart of the Bayou. Well, think again, no need to travel further than Roxbury as the MARK Project hosts a traditional Louisanna 
Saturday night on February 28th at the Roxbury Arts Center. “Experiencing the Cajun culture is like no other” says MARK Project director Peg Ellsworth, “unfortunately we can’t all head down to the bayou, so instead, we’re bringing the bayou to you” With the true sense of "joie de vivre" (joy of living) MARK invites all to a Louisiana Saturday Night. This “heat up the winter” event is in an all-inclusive community gathering.
Louisiana Saturday Night brings all the sizzling backbeat of Zydeco music with Lil’Anne and Hot Cayenne, which will make it nearly impossible for your feet to hit the dance floor. Take a half dozen groovemasters and add a spicy blend of rock n roll, blues and funk to the up-tempo Zydeco beat and you’ve got a dance groove that just won’t quit.
Another tantalizing reason to “Book your fare” is the “Top Chef” Cajun/Creole cooking contest. From Courtbouliion (coo-boo-yon) to Andouille sausage and Etoufee, all those closet culinary wizards are encouraged to bring on their best. Dishes will be judged with cash prizes for the top chefs and then auctioned off to benefit the many programs MARK brings to the region. Louisiana Saturday Night begins at 6:30 and is $25 per person or $20 each when booking a table of 8 or more. Traditional red beans and dirty rice are included in your ticket as well as an evening of music, friends and fun—BYOB. Tickets are going fast so call immediately to make your reservations. Reservations and cook-off guidelines are available by calling MARK at 845.586.3500.
Laissez les bon temps rouler—let the good times roll.
Cook off guidelines
- Contestants must be ticket holders and plan on attending the event.
- Dishes must be of Cajun or Creole origin. Originality when developing dishes is permitted and encouraged.
- Contestants must enter two identical dishes. One small sampling, enough for three judges to taste (dinner plate size) and one dish large enough to be shared by a table of 8. Dishes will be auctioned off to add fun to the evening’s event. Contestants can also make an additional dish to be shared at their table.
- Dishes must be clearly labeled and include the following: Name of the dish. Name and Contact information of contestant. All ingredients used in the creation of the dish.
- Dishes must arrive HOT and ready for judging at 6:30. Reheating facilities will be available prior to auction. Utensils will be provided.
- Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants and judged on the following: Taste (up to 50 points), Presentation (up to 25 points) and Originality (up to 25 points).
- Prizes are $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place and $50 for 3rd place.