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.