Arkville

Halcottsville

Andes

Bovina

New Kingston

Roxbury

Margaretville

Fleischmanns

On March 24, MARK Project Executive Director Peg Ellsworth and Deputy Director Kent Brown held an application workshop to launch a new $25,000 competitive grant funding round and over twenty business owners and entrepreneurs were in attendance. “Some interesting business concepts were floated around during the workshop” said Ellsworth “ but the six weeks given to develop the application and a full blown business plan seemed to cause a bit of trepidation among some of the potential applicants.”  With this in mind, Ellsworth went back the Fund Review Committee and requested a deadline extension. “I would hate to see some great ideas for new development or business expansion fall through the cracks because they were intimidated by the timeline or process” added Ellsworth. The Committee unanimously agreed to extend the deadline to May 15^th.  Subsequently, MARK is poised and ready to help. There is a list of resources on the MARK site and one-on-one assistance is available by calling MARK for an appointment with one of our business mentors. It should be noted that this program is only available to businesses located in the Town of Middletown.

Applicants should read the Grant Guidelines and Endorsement Standards thoroughly prior to developing their application.

SBDF Lgr Grant Application

SBDF Guidelines

Middletown SBDF Endorsement Standards

Business Plan online Resources

Business Prep Guide

Spring in the Catskills is often announced by the trill of returning birds and sap running from our maple trees immediately followed by the sweet amber signature of the mountains—pure maple syrup. So what happens when you mix that sweet succulent syrup with culinary prowess—the first annual Fleischmanns First Maple Bake Off to be held on Saturday March 24th during the inaugural Maple Festival weekend in Fleischmanns . Whether you are a seasoned baker or new to the art of mixing flour, sugar and flavors, Fleischmanns First is encouraging everyone to toss their creativity into the Mixmaster with some sugar, butter, flour and a good strong dose of our region’s richest recourse—maple syrup.

The Bake Off is designed to reflect the traditional agricultural competitions of the county fairs that have dappled our rural geography since the early part of the 19th century. And, as Fleischmanns First invites you to celebrate spring in true country form, they are also creating a “pop-up” Grange Hall in the former telephone building on Main Street for a tastings and judging cafe. This marriage of contemporary “pop-up” downtown development with more traditional community sense of place all comes to life from 4-6pm on March 24th and is one of several planned events for the Fleischmanns Maple Festival Weekend.

There is no entry fee for the Bake Off and you can obtain a registration form on www.markproject.org or by calling 845 586-3500. Ribbon award categories include traditional, gluten-free, low fat and baked goods made by inter-generational baking teams. The café tasting and judging at the Café and Pop-Up Grange is a fundraiser for Fleischmanns First and is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and include maple baked goods, maple walnut ice cream, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Pine Hill and Fleischmanns, and the opportunity to bid for the winning maple inspired indulgences. Also included with your ticket are coffee, tea, hot maple toddies, fiddle and guitar music and an opportunity to gather and celebrate community, all in that unifying Grange environment.

Remember, this is just one of many Maple Festival Events planned for the weekend. It all begins with the crowning of the Maple Princess on the steps of the historic Skene Memorial Library on Friday afternoon. The celebration continues on Saturday with the Fleischmanns Fire Department’s Maple Glazed Chicken
Barbecue beginning at 11 am and continuing until sold out followed by the Maple Bake Off Cafe at the ‘Pop up” Grange Hall on Main Street from 4-6. Sunday, 8-11am, the second annual Maple Pancake Breakfast at the Fleischmanns Community Church wraps up the weekend. Tickets for the breakfast are $6 for adults, $4 for children.

For more information, to obtain the Bake Off guidelines and entry form please contact the MARK Project at markproject.org or 845 586 3500.

Maple Festival Activities

March 23

Crowning of the Maple Princess - Skene Library  – 4pm

March 24

Vly Creek Maple Farm Tours, 10-4 (24th & 25)

Maple Glazed Chicken Barbecue -Fleischmanns Fire House, 11am until sold out

Maple Bake-Off Café at the ‘Pop Up Grange, Main Street, (old telephone Building)
4-6pm, $15 includes music, coffee, tea, hot maple toddies, maple sugar cookies, maple walnut ice cream courtesy of Pine Hill/Fleischmanns Rotary-bake off judging and Ribbon awards at 5pm to benefit Fleischmanns First

March 25

Maple Pancake Breakfast
in conjunction with Fleischmanns Community Church, 8-11am, $6 adults and $4 children all the fixin’s of a traditional pancake breakfast with pure maple syrup

more specific questions email msidrane@gmail.com with the subject header “maplefest”

Click here for the Maple Festival Flyer

 Bake Off and Pop-Up Grange Hall

Saturday, March 24 •  4-6pm • 1053 Main Street Fleischmanns

Bake-Off Guidelines

1. Contestants must be present at the event.
2. Baked goods must include a maple product as one of the primary ingredients. Originality when developing entries is permitted and encouraged.
3. Contestants must enter two plates. One small sampling, enough for four judges to taste and one plate large enough to be auctioned off to high bidder.
4. Entries must be clearly labeled and include the following:

a. Name of the item.

b. Name and contact information of contestant

c. All ingredients used in the creation of the baked good.

Please make sure you fill out the Registration Form and bring it with your bakes good to the event.
5. Entries must arrive ready for judging by 3pm.
6. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories.

a. Traditional Baked Good

b. Gluten Free

c. Low fat

d. Multi generational two person team entry.

7. Judging will be based on the Following

a. Taste (up to 50 points)

b. Presentation (up to 25 points)

c. Originality (up to 25 Points)

If you intend to enter the Bake-Off, please contact the MARK Office with the name and category of your entry by MARCH 21. To register your entry, or for any other questions, please call us at (845) 586-3500 or email Katie at katie@markproject.org. Thank you.

Captain Squeeze set to heat up Louisiana Saturday Night

Tickets go on sale this week for “Louisiana Saturday Night,” a Cajun-themed night of fabulous food and dancing on February 18 in Roxbury. “Louisiana Saturday Night” is a major fund-raiser for the MARK Project, a regional economic development agency. Ticket sales begin January 19 and are available by calling 845 586-3500. Last year’s event sold out in three days.

Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers will return and promise to have guests kicking off their shoes and dancing up a storm. These seasoned musicians from the region include: Greg Speck, vocals and accordions; Alek Speck, frottoir; Brian Egan, vocals and drums; James Rissacher, vocals and guitar; Ryan Dunham, Cajun vocals and harmonicas; Bill Lawrence, bass.

“Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers will make it impossible for your feet avoid the dance floor,” said smiling bandleader Greg Speck.

The fourth annual event will be held at The Roxbury Arts Center and starts at 6 p.m. A mouthwatering Cajun/Creole Cooking Contest will also be part of the festive evening. Guests are invited to whip up their favorite Louisiana regional specialty for the cooking challenge. Prizes are awarded to the top three dishes, plus the best dessert. Entries are auctioned off to add a bit more competitive spice to the evening.

Guidelines for the contest are available by contacting MARK. Businesses and individuals can also inquire about becoming event sponsors.

This year, one of the coveted judge’s seat for the cooking contest will be made available through an on-line bidding process prior to the event. “The judge’s seat is a sought-after commodity and the top bidder will be richly rewarded with first tastings of an array of spectacular dishes,” promised MARK Executive Director Peg Ellsworth.

“‘Louisiana Saturday Night’ has quickly become a tradition for many people. It’s a great time to break out of the winter doldrums and enjoy a night of great food, socializing and dancing. We encourage people to make reservations quickly to make sure they have an opportunity to attend,” Ms. Ellsworth added.

Tickets are $30 per person. For bookings of tables of eight or more, tickets are $25 each. Admission includes some super jambalaya with corn bread, music, soft drinks and camaraderie to warm up a brisk February evening. Visitors may BYOB.

For more than 30 years, MARK has provided housing programs, economic development and technical assistance services to the Towns of Andes, Middletown and Roxbury and the Villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville and more recently the hamlet of Pine Hill and Town of Bovina. The MARK Project Inc. is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt rural development company that unites efforts and secures resources to build and revitalize our communities.

For additional information, please call 845 586-3500 or continue to visit: markproject.org

Small Business Development Fund

CURRENTLY ACTIVE through MARK
Up to $5,000 for operating businesses in the Town of Middletown affected by flooding or looking to enhance or expand their business. Application available www.markproject.org and reviewed monthly by a panel of community members and business specialists.

Small Business Expansion or Start Up Fund for Town of Middletown

Will be available on Wednesday, March 14  MARK Project
This will be a competitive grant program for funds to expand an existing business or new business start up in the Town of Middletown. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Small Business Development Panel and awarded at their discretion.

Delaware County Micro Enterprise Program

Grants ranging from 5,000-10,000 for Business and Job creation related projects
Call Delaware County Economic Development
607 746 8595 for more information

Construction Repair and Rehab Programs

Delaware County Main Street Revitalization Program
For Construction Projects on commercial or mixed use buildings in the Town of Middletown affected by the Flood
Call Delaware County Economic Development
607 746 8595 for more information

Catskills Watershed Corporation Flood Repair Program

For Constructions Projects on commercial or mixed use buildings affected by flooding in Middletown and Roxbury
Applications available at MARK
$30,000 cap for structural repair.

Fleischmanns Main Street Program

Mixed use or commercial buildings in the village of Fleischmanns
75% of project costs up to $30,000
Based on availability of funds
Applications and Guidelines available at the MARK Project

Roxbury Main Street Program

Mixed use or commercial buildings in the hamlet of Roxbury
65% of project costs up to $40,000
Based on availability of funds
Applications and Guidelines available at the MARK Project

Rental Rehabilitation Program

For rehabilitation of rental properties and upper story units of mixed use commercial properties
65% of project costs up to $20,000 per unit. Properties need to be located in the Town of Middletown, Villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville, Town of Andes, Town of Roxbury, Town of Bovina or hamlet of Pine HIll
Based on availability of funds, some affordable housing guidelines required
Applications and Guidelines available at the MARK Project in late March

Empire State Development

Flood Repair Funds
$20,000 for repair and rebuilding

Deadline has passed

Funds to Individuals and Households: These funds were distributed through an application process that was deemed complete by the staff, then presented to a review panel and funds were allocated based on the following:

• Level of devastation

• Income/Need

• FEMA and Insurance Assistance Received

After review, the panel would make funding decisions of up to $7500 according the documented level of devastation countered by the assistance from FEMA. Funds WERE NOT paid to individuals, but paid directly to contractors for repair, vendors for goods, and/or individuals for reimbursement with proof of receipts. All construction projects were inspected by our housing rehabilitation inspector prior to any payment being made. This ensured the highest level of quality  and accountability.

MARK redistributed $131,125.78 in funds assisting a total of 45 households.

Funds to Small Businesses for Emergency Relief

MARK also utilized relief funds to provide emergency relief to businesses not only who suffered damage, but who were affected by a severe loss of business as a result to flooding. The majority of these businesses were located on Main Street, Margaretville and the Hamlet of Arkville. These too were reviewed by funding panel and allocated up to $2500 to enable these businesses to “keep the lights on” during clean up and recovery.

MARK redistributed $130,564.72 to assist 51 businesses and not for profits.

There is still a small amount of funds remaining in the Flood Relief fund. Those who feel they have a need can contact Kent Brown MARK at 845 586 3500.

* Additional funds went to supplies for sanitizing households in order to effectively remediate mold and emergency utility and heating expenses for flood affected buildings. In addition, the MARK Project received a modest 10% in administrative funds to address the organizational expenses related to flood relief programs. This includes additional staff time and the addition of one new staff member necessary to carry out these programs, bookkeeping, auditing, travel, postage, inspections, office supplies.  Most not for profits charge 15% for administration and program delivery–some charge as much as 35%. To this end, MARK has served the region in a  responsible fashion without compromising the health of the organization. Our fiscal year runs form July 1 to June 30th and we are audited annually.

In addition, the MARK Project was designated as the recipient organization and administrative body for the Town of Middletown Small Business Development Fund. This was funded by a private philanthropist and is a stand alone fund that is completely separate from other flood relief programs. The Small Business Development Fund (SBDF)has two arms of financial assistance and also offers a mentoring program for struggling or new businesses start ups.

$5,000 grant funds for small business start up, enhancement, and/or rebuilding efforts. Applications are received at MARK, reviewed for completeness then go before a committee of community members and business owners and reviewed for funding. These are accepted  on an ongoing basis and reviewed approximately every month based on availablility of panel members for review participation. Click Here for BUSINESS GRANT application. For a list of review panel members please contact Peg Ellsworth, executive Director, at peg@markproject.org

Application Package for the Small Business Development Fund $25,000 program will be available at close of business Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Additional Flood Assistance Round Up

• The MARK Project has assisted business owners in the filing, processing, and validating of 54 applications for CWC funds for structural repair. These funds were allocated and administered by Catskill Watershed Corporation and NOT part of funds allocated by the MARK Project.
• MARK continues to work with over 40 households on post Irene clean up, mold remediation, and rebuilding efforts.
• Volunteer mold remediation assessors and work crews have logged in over 9600 man-hours since early September 2011.
•  The MARK Project has helped 56 displaced individuals and families in their search for temporary and permanent housing. MARK continues to help families to relocate.
• There are 24 homes working within The MARK Project existing state funded home repair programs with 6 new projects entering with post Irene repair and rebuilding projects. Costs for these renovation and rebuilding projects total over $300,000. These programs were in place and funded by NY State PRIOR to Hurricane Irene
• Over $175,000 in State funding is approved for use on interior and exterior repair and improvements to 10 mixed use and commercial buildings on Main Street Fleischmanns as part of the NY Main Street Program administered by the MARK Project. This program was in place and funded by NY State PRIOR to Hurricane Irene. Program administrators estimate that this will help leverage an additional $500,000 in private and public investment.

Ragtime Maggie Cullen and Andy Cahill expose the arts, preview Roxbury Arts Group events Friday 1:00 pm.

Bonnie’s Bop Bonnie Mitchell plays ‘50′s and ‘60′s music—not just the usual stuff. Friday 6:00 pm.

Open Mike Mike Teitelbaum plays rock in historically profound and sometimes amusing themes. Saturday 2:00 pm. Mike returns with Sheleigah Grube on Thursday night at 8:00 to co-host Pop-Up! It’s pure pop for now people.

Car Kvetch Ace mechanic Norman Leavitt & driving enthusiast Amy Royal wrestle with your car questions and each other about how to drive. Alternate Sundays 9:00 am.

Joel’s Jazz The real deal, the best there is in improvisational playing, singing and solos from the masters of jazz, hosted by Miles Davis’ former neighbor, Joel Bregman. Friday 3:00 pm and alternate Sundays 12:00 noon. Dig.

CJ’s Midweek Beat Christine Johnson mashes roots, rock, and reggae with the weather and other tid-beats! Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on your way home from school or work at 4:00 pm.

The Writers Voice Annie Hersh, Geoff Rogers, Ann Epner and others provide literary listening, alliteration and all. Tuesday 1:00 pm.

Love on the Rox Jill Ribich & Lydia Castiglia love the nighttime. You will, too. Wednesday 10:00 pm.

The Guitar Show Jim Rauter shreds the blues, rocks the house, picks it fine and strums up a storm: electric, acoustic, steel string, nylon, 6 string, 12 string…The Guitar Show resonates. Friday 11:00 pm.

From the Forest Jim Waters & Ryan Trapani from the Catskill Forest Association discuss trees, logs, nuts, and the nuts and bolts surrounding issues central to our local forests Wednesday 6:00 pm.

The Orbit T-Sonic navigates a radio spacecraft through the aural cosmos of ambient space. Alternate Mondays 8:00 pm.

Mostly Folk Magician, mastermind and acoustician, Artie Martello, goes mostly folksy weekdays 10:00 am. Folk impresario Sonny Ochs hosts Mostly on the first Friday of the month.

Classics in the Catskills Albert Verdesca plays the original vinyl recordings of great orchestras, operas and other timeless classics. Sometimes scratchy but always a lesson in form, passion and history. Monday 3:00 pm. Dine with Connoisseur Verdesca on My Dinner with Albert alternate Wednesdays 6:00 pm.

Midweek Classics Mild mannered Robert Steed hosts his classical hour of symphonies, operas, concertos (and when it moves him, reflections on his days at Columbia University in 1968). Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3:00 pm.

Accent on Monday Simona David enlightens central Catskillians with traditional music and in-depth firebrand interviews, all with a distinct accent. Monday 1:00 pm

Wellness Hour How are you? Do you really want to know? Listen to those in the know on our health show with rotating hosts John Riedl and Fred Margulies. Monday 9:00 am.

Tip Off Legendary local high school coach, sports reporter John Bernhardt covers it all… from Pickleball to horse shoes… elders’ bowling to girls varsity soccer. Monday 8:00 am.

Turn On, Tune In, or Drop Dead Rock & Roll and related noises with host Rick Neblung. Wednesday 8:00 pm.

Timberland Times The top dogs of local real estate, Eric Wedemeyer and Ray Pucci of Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties, examine what home buyers and home sellers need to know. Thursday 1:00 pm

The Andy Cahill Show Andy loves music and legendary performers… and so will you when you tune in. She laughs, she cries, she has a lovely streak of sarcasm. Saturday 12:00 noon.

Local Motion Tammy Allison and Dave Riordan get down-home with local rumors, humors and a fine array of songs. Let your mind go there. Sunday 10:00 am.

Cabaret Corner Glen Pedersen takes you to the cabaret with tunes from the Great American Songbook, Friday night 8:00 pm. Glen returns on alternate Sunday mornings 9:00 am with to host the WEE-OX Comedy Hour.

Mojo Morning Sean O’Shaughnesey wakes up Saturday at the crack of dawn to get his groove on the air at 6:00 am.

Catskill Digest Peg Ellsworth from the Mark Project, Alan White from the Catskill Center of Conservation and Development, and Dave Riordan from the Catskill Revitalization Corp bring sublime knowledge of local issues, local controversies and little known secrets to the air. Thursday 9:00 am.

Scotch on the ROX Dizzy Miss Lizzie brings bagpipes, fiddles and drums from her homeland in the Scottish highlands to our Catskill highlands. Alternate Saturday mornings 10:00 am.

Ann on Broadway Ever since she was a little girl Ann Epner dreamed of being on Broadway. Now she is, on alternate Sundays at 12:00 noon with an earful of soundtracks and reflections.

Meet the Irish & Cajun Country Jack Mansberg rolls in from Phoenicia with his rare collection of early recordings and some new tunes, too, some laced with alligator stew. Jack’s indelible tones and infamously entertaining back to back broadcasts hit the air on occasional Saturday mornings 10:00 am.

THIS IS THE ROCK! Bob Ackershoek pays homage to 1970’s era progressive rock. He’s convinced it’s the best. ‘Nuff said. Tuesday 7:00 pm.

Crackle Terry Doyle ‘s live local music program leaves no rock unturned. Comprehensive, informative and musical to no end, weekdays at 2:00 pm. The Crackle Saturday program follows Imprint, Terry’s legendary music/interview program at 4:00 pm.

Java with Jenn & Friends Jenn Schuman and guests aggregate music, news and opinion. Because Jenn has a lot on her mind, the show may stray often from the beaten path. Tuesday thru Friday 8:00 am. Java with Jenn & Glenn on Thursday has a different, yet no less amusing and informative, dynamic.

The Farm Hour Ellen Wong and Madalyn Warren love farming—the sights, the smells, the sounds, the soil. Monday 6:00 pm.

Unheard Music The Music Geek, John Savory, is smooth and rocky. Sunday 10:00 pm.

The Watershed Post Half-Hour News Hour Lissa Harris and Julia Reischel of the Watershed Post bring their stories to the air. Wednesday 1:00 pm.

What’ Up? The notorious Lewis Harrison solves problems the old fashioned way, with one brain tied behind his back. It’s Game Theory at play! Thursday 6:00 pm.

Word Up A weekly etymological vamp on one word with producer, documentarian, Kent Garrett, Thursday 7pm.

Radio Gumbo What goes on in New Orleans stays in Susan Shaw’s delta-inspired play list. Thursday 11:00 pm and alternate Tuesdays at 8:00 pm.

Mark Birman Sports Mark Birman knows sports and proves it by engaging anyone about the teams, the players, the coaches and the beer vendors at Yankee Stadium. Monday 7:00 pm.

Some of My Best Friends are the Blues Bob Stewart and Peg Ellsworth co-host alternate Saturdays at 10:00 am. Listen, dig, weep.

All Things That Rock Rock fan Rich Grapes wails metallic. Tuesday 10:00 pm

The Brilliant Show Ireland’s expatriate Jezz Harkin is brilliant (so to speak). International indy rock with a nod to Van Morrison. Saturday 7:00 pm.

The Sounds of Salsa with Papi Chulo, the Latin from Manhattan. Host Hank Schlittner hails from Tito Puente’s neighborhood—so he knows how to mix hot mambo with scorching Salsa. Friday 9:00 pm. Caliente!

The Sunday Twist DJ Simon Martinez hosts a truly eclectic, rhythmic groove. Sunday 5:00 pm.

Capt. Trips Stan Bullock’s tribute to live jam bands, especially rare Grateful Dead recordings. Sunday 7:00 pm.

Narada Muni Jenny Faison’s new age music heals. Aummm Monday 10:00 pm.

Catskills Folk Ginny Scheer hosts a show rich in Catskills folk connections and traditions. Alternate Wednesdays 7:00 pm.

Cowgirl in the Catskills Babs Cerra parley’s popular country music and down home country recipes on alternate Sunday mornings 6:00am.

Little Delaware Jamboree John Madeo plays alternative country music from the inside out. Alternate Sunday mornings 6:00 am.

Money Train It’s always nice to get info from a nice expert. Financial consultant Chris Gaddis talks numbers and makes sense of mortgage rates, markets and all things money. Wednesday 9:00 am.

It Is What It Is Phyllis Horowitz and Nat Thomas take you on a romp through their various worlds of what is. (Except when it ain’t.) Tuesday 9:00 am. Phyllis’s wake-up show, At Witz End is just the beginning of your thrilling Thursday 6:00 am; and her Siesta Stories is a prelude to your afternoon nap Friday at 1:00 pm.

Dr. Fuller’s Rock Clinic Experimental psychologist Stuart Fuller gets clinical on the air with his adept and groovy tastes. Tune in for a session (no charge) Saturday 9:00 pm.

In Heaven There is No Beer Joe Markulin hosts an accordion show for consenting adults late into the night. Oom-pah music, catholic encounters, well-formed sarcasm, and stories about Pinky—his covert agent-partner. Thursday 9:00 pm.

Eaglefeathers Native American Karyl and Cliff Eaglefeathers invoke American Indian histories and traditions. Sunday 2:00 pm.

Untitled Margaretville Central School students Alana Moskowitz and Julian Rauter reveal their exceptional tastes in rock from two completely different centuries! Sunday 3:00 pm.

Amie in the Morning Hear one of Roxbury’s most smiley students, Amelia Schuman, wake up on the air. Sometimes she drags in a co-host. Monday at 6:00 am.

Miss Pam’s Morning Jams Musician and music educator Pam West-Finkle awakens the young at heart at dawn Tuesday 6:00 am.

The LOL Show These Roxbury students have secret identities! Who are they? Lola and Layla. They laugh, they giggle, they try to remember the punch line. Wednesday morning 6:00 am.

The Meister Elaine Faison-Menzel takes the controls with her far-fetching tastes, a far-out hairdo and an incisive take on the world, including the latest in science and space news. Friday morning 6:00 am.

Macs Music Pop and son Mike and Joe McAfee host a rock-the-house party. Saturday 11:00 pm.

Democracy Now Hosted by Amy Goodman, DM is one of the few independent news programs in the world. Award winning fact-based news that uncovers the unjust and advocates for just democracy. The rural hills get a worldly perspective. Weekdays 12:00 noon.

Trailer Talk Sabrina Artell drives around and finds out stuff from real people on their own turf. Wednesday 1:30 pm.

Calendar Girls Phyllis Horowitz and Jane Piasek tell you where to go and do their best to expose listeners to what’s happening in the Catskills. Saturday morning 9:00 am.

The Citizen Host Mike Kane takes both sides to the middle of the political spectrum on alternate Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.

In Goth We Trust Chelsea Goodwin hosts a bittersweet mix of music, movies, and moods. Sunday at 12 midnight.

A woman shuffles into the MARK Project offices in Arkville with a couple handwritten sheets of paper. One of a stream of people to come in since MARK started accepting applications for flood relief, she hardly speaks, embarrassed at needing help.

She apologizes that her forms are taped and not clipped or stapled together, and MARK’s representative rushes to tell her they’re just glad to have the application. They want everyone to know it is okay to ask for help.

Later, Peg Ellsworth, MARK’s director, brushes at her eyes to dab away tears as she talks about the applications the non-profit has received.

“Everyone has been humble and often aren’t asking for much,” she explains. “You can tell a lot by the tone of an application and if we need to encourage them to ask for more.”

This is the second time she’s welled up. The first was describing a sign in Prattsville “Rebuilding Prattsville one neighbor at a time,” which is what she’s working for here. So far in their efforts, the organization has raised $210,000 for helping families and individuals.

The money has come from a diverse group. There’s been everything from a Brooklyn pub doing an afternoon of food and beer pairings by local brewers (local being in their basements) raising $2,400 to fund raisers by Arkville Bread & Breakfast, the Public Lounge and Joe Moskowitz – even a woman who rode the flood route, Ellsworth explains, “and sold spaces on her shorts and bike and jersey.”

Generous folks

One second homeowner had a houseguest – not someone even currently visiting her but a past guest who gave $25,000 one week and then another $30,000 the next, while the Paypal contributions keep coming in.

“Social networking,” she says, “really worked to get the word out and spider it out on so many levels.” The flood also galvanized second homeowners who volunteered and raised money. For many of them their sense of community is here, upstate in the Catskills, more so than where they live most of the time.

MARK staff and directors will have their first meeting to deliberate on applications this week. “The requests,” Ellsworth says, “have been everything from, ‘Oh my god I don’t know what I going to do,’ to ‘I need a little bit more for food.’ Some applications are two pages of narrative. We’re finding as well as needing assistance people just need to tell their stories. It’s part of the healing process.”

Each month MARK is reviewing applications and giving out money based on need. They’ll continue to do so on a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted. Every request will be read by Kent Brown and Peg Ellsworth at MARK, as well as representatives of each impacted community. There’s Jeanine Pascarella from Fleischmanns, Jessica Olenych of Arkville and Candace Rudd, who sits on the MARK board as well as working at MTC and lives in Roxbury, reviewing applications.

Jessica describes the process as daunting.

“Looking through them reminds me of the heartbreak, pain and loss so are going through,” she says. “Even six weeks later, as things start to return to ‘normal’ people are in transition. Their homes are badly damaged and they’re torn between staying or going. People are proud and it’s not always easy to ask for help, but there is help out there and I’m not sure people know or that they are able to ask for what they actually need.”

Ellsworth says that one part of the process has been checking to see if people have applied for FEMA relief, which can be intimidating. “If they haven’t, we help them through the process and do it right here online for them and do the follow-up and keep in touch with them.”

MARK wants to hear from everyone from those who’ve lost food in their freezers to community organizations and non-profits. They’ve had virtually no support. They don’t qualify for FEMA relief and the CWC funds are focused on helping businesses with infrastructure. All there is available for groups like non-profits are Small Business Administration loans. “We want them to know,” she says, “they’re not being left high and dry – excuse the pun.” Groups like the Open Eye Theater may need help as might the Fleischmanns Community Church whose parsonage can serve as housing for a displaced family if they replace the furnace.

The money MARK has raised isn’t limited to simply the $210,000 Flood Relief and Emergency Assistance Fund. There’s been an additional $200,000 dollars raised by a group of second homeowners designed for long-term help for Middletown businesses. While Ellsworth is reticent to discuss the fund before it publicly launches, she is seeing hope.

“With all the tragedy,” she explains, “we have a unique opportunity to use the positive energy and seize this moment for the greater good.”

Catskill Mountain News
Vol. 151-No. 14
Week October 12-18, 2011

will host an “Autumn Festival” on Saturday, October 15th, from 11am-3pm on Main Street, Margaretville. If you’ve got the “Round Barn Blues”, there will be a Farmers Market right on Main Street in front of the Municipal Building that includes local favorites; Bread Alone, Harpersfield Cheese, Pika’s Farm Table, Tea Thyme Herb and Fruit Farm, Straight Out of the Ground (Roxbury farmer Madalyn Warren) and more. Children’s activities include painting or carving pumpkins for Halloween. Come on down to enjoy hot cider and donuts and support our community. Proceeds will benefit Shops on Main, a collaborative initiative of local businesses and the MARK Project, to revitalize and help rebuild our Margaretville Main Street Business Community. For more information email: info@shopmargaretville.com

Federal Flood Aid Programs for Small Businesses & Individuals

Meetings on Friday, September 16

Middletown Town Hall, Route 28, Margaretville

Representatives of three federal agencies will explain how to find programs designed to help businesses and individuals recover from natural disasters like the August 28 flood that caused so much devastation in the Catskills.
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will explain the many programs offered by the federal government to help pay for physical damages, lost work time, temporary housing costs, replacement of household items, and other flood-related expenses. Low-interest loans for small businesses, farms, and non-profit organizations are also available.
Information targeted towards small businesses will be delivered at 4 p.m.
A second presentation for individuals and private property owners will be held at 7 p.m.
Both meetings will take place at the Middletown Town Hall, Route 28, between Margaretville and Arkville.
If you cannot attend Friday’s free sessions, remember that information on these programs is available at the Flood Recovery Center at Belleayre Mountain’s lower lodge in Highmount. 845-254-5600 ext. 1301
Other agencies stationed at the Flood Recovery Center include the New York State Department of Labor and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Stress management counseling, mental health services, and Red Cross assistance are also available.
For updated information see http://middletownfloodrecovery.wordpress.com/

To obtain an application for flood relief you may call us or stop by the MARK Project to
pick one up:

Peg Ellsworth, Executive Director
Phone: (845) 586-3500  Fax: (845) 586-3599

Physical Address:
43355 State Highway 28, 2nd Floor, Arkville, New York 12406

Mailing Address:
PO Box 516, Arkville, New York 12406

“Already three spontaneous fundraisers organized by Arkville Bread & Breakfast, Casey Joe’s and Public Restaurant have raised thousands of dollars for MARK’s Flood Relief and Emergency Assistance Fund, and organizations such as Long Year Gallery and the Artisans Guild are in process of raising additional funds. These events have been well supported while also raising awareness of the enormity of the challenge we face,” said MARK’s Executive Director Peg Ellsworth.,

“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of assistance and sweat equity,” Ellsworth added,  ”Much of which extends far beyond our communities and into the canyons of Manhattan, the vintage base ball clubs of the Northeast, our friends in the North Country, New Jersey and Long Island. said Ellsworth. “We are blessed with so many unsung heroes in this flood recovery, those with us here at home and those far and away that we’ll never know.” , Ellsworth also gave a special nod to Belleayre Mountain,  whose lodge served as an emergency shelter and the Belleayre Conservatory which turned its Sept. 3 Bela Fleck concert into a flood relief fundraiser. “As Joe Kelly wisely noted, so often we are trying to save Belleayre Mountain, and these past two weeks, Belleayre Mountain has saved us. We commend them, and also the devastated Freshtown supermarket. They have promised to rebuild this core community business and are keeping all their workers ‘on the payroll’ while they rebuild,” said Ellsworth., But What about business relief?, While the presence of FEMA and the MARK Project’s Emergency Assistance Program may give hope to families and even farms,  many business owners are uncertain what aid may be available to them,  if any. “We are in process of developing a business assistance program that will likely come in the form of a comprehensive grant and loan funding package and hopefully an injection of state funding for emergency capital projects and stabilization” adds Ellsworth.” We are also aiming to make this Small Business Development Fund a long term support mechanism that will continue to assist and nurture local businesses long after the cellars are dry and the “open” flags are re-hung.” As MARK moves this program forward they will be reaching out to local merchants associations,  business owners and the Central Catskills Chamber to gauge the immediate needs versus short and long term goals and objectives of each business community affected in our area: Margaretville,  Arkville and Fleischmanns, “. This will likely begin with a needs assessment survey or pre-application that will be offered in both paper and on-line format. “This Business Development Fund and concurrent programs will provide the necessary relief process that we hope will serve immediate economic recovery needs,  and also be a model for future disaster relief and long-term economic sustainability for our area, ” adds Ellsworth. Although the need is great and time is of the essence, it is also very important that the program be structured and ready to launch. “It would be irresponsible of MARK to put out a program before a definite process is in place.” said Ellsworth “The MARK Board and the external development committee has been working hard to ensure the program can be effectively administrated and monitored prior to launch.”

While communities to the north, like Prattsville and Gilboa, do not lie within MARK Project’s purview, Ellsworth says MARK can still provide information and help guide folks to resources in those towns.

“We encourage all businesses damaged by the flood to apply to FEMA; you may not qualify,  but that puts you in the conduit for future Small Business Association relief programs,  or USDA renewal initiatives. Start with FEMA,  so your losses and needs can be documented and that way,  you’ll be on the radar for any future investment and relief programs, ” said Ellsworth.

“We should all be encouraged that,  even though this flood was even more damaging than the January 1996 flood,  the determination to regroup and rebuild is even stronger, ” said Ellsworth. “This may be the hard beginning of a real community renewal.” Call 845 585-3500 or visit www.markproject.org to learn more.