When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going

O&W Historical Relic

It has been spoken, that how one deals with adversity defines the metal of the man (or woman), and in the past several weeks, and more specifically the last two weeks, our Sullivan Renaissance Project here in Mountaindale has faced a great deal of adversity through no fault of our own...it is what it is, and comes with the territory as they say.  Couple that adversity with the monsoon weather we have been getting, and our project is behind schedule.  

"Have no fear, UNDERDOG is here"...I know, dating myself again.

It is pouring down rain again today, and I do mean pouring, so spending my day catching up on all the office work that a project like this entails, and making a great deal of progress, as I wait on the letter from the Town of Fallsburg and Sullivan Renaissance which will clarify certain areas of our project that are in dispute.  We will simply go with the flow, and make whatever necessary adjustments need to be made, and who knows, in some aspects, it could work out even better.

1.  It looks like the landscaping at the entryway is going to be negatively impacted, and so we are already busy with alternative plans.  Rather than give away the opportunity to make a bold vision statement at the entryway, it is the projects intention to simply revamp, redraw our plans, and simply make a beautiful entry way on the inside of the posts that signify the gateway entrance, thus abiding by the terms of the newly draw deliverable s, while at the same time being true to the original artistic statement of the project.

2.  Work was started (on our one dry day) in earnest at the location of our first historic element, and if we can catch a break in the weather (Sunday and Monday), look for some WOW FACTOR to start creeping into the project area as soon as next week...this will be an EXCITING time for us on the committee, and for our intern.

3.  Arrangements were made this week to do a big volunteer day with the local Girl Scouts which will involve two troops, so very excited to have the opportunity to be working with them again on this year's project. 

4.  Clearing and clean up of the project area is almost done, and if we can get a few days of sun so that the area dries out, that portion of the project can be crossed off of our list.

5.  We are really excited that the GREEN ASPECTS of this project are pulling together as nicely as they are. It was our intention to use as much reclaimed materials in the project area as possible, and with a few very GENEROUS DONATIONS from people, pleased to announce that about 85 percent of the sculptural interpretation of the 33 Steam Locomotive will be constructed with recycled lumber and materials.

*CURIOUS...does any one have an old 6"-8" bell they are looking to get rid of?

6.  We have our barrels, and thanks to Raymon Elozua kind offer to use his welding equipment, we hope to get said barrels welded, and construction started on the train this upcoming week.

7.  Our fund raising plans are still in FLUX, though we have so far been very fortunate in receiving a lot of in kind donations.

So, we are digging in, and getting down to the tasks at hand, and hope to have a few more great photos to share next week...the one at the top of this articles is the beginning stages of work on our first historical element on the trail.

Latest News on Our Sullivan Renaissance Project-From Mountaindale News

Mountaindale Renaissance Project Moving Foward

Despite some disappointing, even childish local politics, our 2011 Renaissance Project is slowly moving forward, despite the efforts of some to derail our plans to build a sculptural interpretation of a train just inside the "Rails to Trails" corridor entrance. Wish someone could explain to me why all the in fighting is necessary, why all the various assorted factions in town cannot set aside their differences, and pitch in for the common good of the community...isn't that what this is all supposed to be about? Is it all about moving our small hamlet forward, or is it about who gets their name in the paper, who gets credit for what? If a flowering plant needs dead headed, and you are walking by, why not JUST DO IT, instead of thinking to yourselves, "It's not MY FLOWER BOX!" If a flower box needs repaired and planted, why not step forward as a volunteer, instead of stirring turds and trying to claim ownership of it?

I'm new to Mountaindale, and want to spend my time and efforts trying to make it a better place in which to live, want to work with any one that will work with me in trying to bring new businesses and citizens to our community. I'm stubborn, but I am giving, and willing to WORK WITH ANY ONE and EVERYONE...so please, can we set aside old animosities and grudges, and get on with the truly important tasks at hand?

On to more positive news about the Renaissance Project.

1. We are hoping to have water access to our site area by the end of this week (June 10th). Good thing with this heat wave we are experiencing.

2. Thanks to the generous donation of a local citizens (who chooses to remain nameless), last Saturday saw us bring in a great deal of rehab lumber...we are currently cleaning the nails out of this in preparation for building. This fits in with our overall GREEN THEME for the project, which includes creative re-use of materials whenever possible. This also saves our budget for use in other areas of the project. For those wondering, we could REALLY USE A) some treated 2x12's, B) Some four inch decking screws (guessing about ten pounds), and another sheet or two of plywood at the moment. Also, anyone have some rebar we could cut into three foot pieces?

3. Thanks to the generous support of our Renaissance Project, we have had another member of our community, Marty Weiner step up big time...he is in the process of lining up ten 55 gallon drums that we need for the project. Wondering if anyone out there has some 8, 10 and 12 inch diameter pipe (three foot sections) laying around we could requisition for our steam stacks on the Locomotive? We would also LOVE LOVE LOVE finding an old bell.

4. We are trying to tracking down FOUR old wagon wheels of identical size that we can use as the back wheels of this project...anyone have leads on this item?

5. We have gotten much of the site area clean up done, and our intern for this year Aaron Schmitt seems very enthusiastic about the project...speaking of interns, as Committee Chair, I have to get more adept at the paperwork end of this project.

6. The first steps of the installation project are slated to begin later this week, so if you see us in the Rails to Trails area working, stop by and say hello.

Look for a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT about our July Fund Raiser soon...It will be a really fun evening of wine, food and music!