Artie moved into 10 Church Street in 2009. He had relocated upstate to Margaretville in 1996 after visiting for decades. “My uncle,” he used to say, “had a farm in Andes, and I came up all the time as a kid. But, I was born, bred, lived, and worked in New Jersey.”

Roni, who moved into 10 Church Street a few years ago from Margaretville, also talked about the community the building fostered. Artie, who passed away since this was written, used to help out neighbors, insisting that even at 79, he was still spry enough to climb a ladder and change a light bulb. He also used to assist Roni in carrying up her groceries, and she used to volunteer that the building’s handyman, Greg, was both her “right and left hands.”

She liked her apartment. “It suited me,” she used to say. “It was small but had a big refrigerator and closet and was a good way to downsize yourself. It saved my sanity.” She used to add that she’d prefer being there than living with someone else or in assisted living. “It's just the right size for one person, and I can keep it cared for and puff it up a little bit.” Her voice used to rise. “The best thing here? Four switches in the bathroom. One is a heater, which is great in winter time.”

Artie had lived in the building longer than any other resident. He used to tell the story of moving from another apartment in Arkville. “I had to move, and the MARK project called and asked – offered me –” he used to clarify – “a place. I said yes instantly without seeing it.”

Artie was happy to live there. “I can do things for neighbors,” he used to say and helped with the cats one person looked after and walked another’s dog when he went out with his own Chihuahua each day. The residents all used to keep tabs on one another, and then there was the MARK Project staff looking after the residents. “And,” Artie used to say, “I like to kid around a bit with the MARK staff and keep them on their toes.”

Artie’s presence and helpfulness were truly cherished by the community, and he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.