Banners on the Byway Art Project – All Artists Selected for 2024

Artist Claudia BockerThe Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce has completed the 2023 search for artists to replace the current “Barryville Banners on the Byway” along the scenic river corridor on NYS Route 97 in Barryville, NY.

This is an opportunity to immortalize your artwork along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway where residents and 300,000-400,000 visitors traverse year-round. We will re-select new art in 2026.

Each selected artwork will grace two-sides of a single banner.

Each banner will be part of an art show that will dually be exhibited online on the “Barryville Banners on the Byway” page on BarryvilleNY.com, where an image of the artwork, title, artist’s name, and link to the artist’s website will appear.

The artwork fits the theme of being: “Emergence”

We suggest that artists submit works of art that are identifiable from a distance. As the banners will hang about 10 ft above the ground and will be seen mostly by passersby on bicycles and cars. Works may be representational, suggestive or abstract. Suggested mediums are photography, painting, drawing, mixed-media, or other.

Submission Deadline: 2026

Applications & Submission Requirements >>

If the juried artwork is selected for a banner, a $50 fee will be required from each selected artist’s piece to help assist with the banner printing and promotion of the “Barryville Banners on the Byway” Art Project.

View Current Artist Banners >>

Interested in Becoming a Banner Sponsor?

If you would like to sponsor a banner as an individual or business, please contact GBCC at info@barryvilleny.com to discuss levels of opportunities.

The Highlands Salon – Now Open

I ran into a friend at a restaurant recently and she looked just fabulous. I asked her what she had going on? Oh, she told me “I just had this great haircut from Keith Nicholson.”

That was it – her new haircut was beautifully shaped around her face. Keith Nicholson just opened a new hair salon called The Highlands Salon.

It is in the small row of shops in what I believe is called the Barryville Commons where the Barryville Bottle Shop is located. I recently attended the ribbon cutting opening for the Salon held by the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce and while sipping some nice champagne and visiting with all the other folks who came out on a pretty frosty afternoon, I had the opportunity to chat with Keith and tour his lovely salon.

Born in the great state of Kansas and cutting hair since he was nine years old (‘knee high to a grasshopper’ as Grandma Helen would say), Keith Nicholson has been a hair stylist and colorist for over thirty-eight years and has worked in salons in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.

Being in Barryville is nothing new for Keith. He has been coming to our town since buying a house in Barryville in 2003. And over the past nineteen years he had developed a very loyal clientele for his at-home salon services.

“The opening of the salon is really just the next logical step of providing my services here in the local river communities” he told me.

The Salon is equipped with all the latest hair care products and equipment, has plenty of comfortable seating and is flooded with warm natural sunlight all of which adds to one very relaxed and serene atmosphere.

Keith said he will be assisted in the Salon by Mary, an experienced colorist who will provide the hair color, gloss and glazing services.

view into the salon

Since I was with Keith, I had to ask him what was the best advice he had for maintaining healthy hair during such extreme winter cold?

Keith said the key is hydration and it is important to moisturize your hair with a very good leave in conditioner. He also advised to keep yourself well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Drinking fluids helps your hair to stay healthy preventing problems such as slow growth, hair loss, brittle hair shafts and split ends.”

Keith told me he was so happy to be able to offer his haircare services. “I have always loved the Town of Highland and I’m very excited about this amazing opportunity.”

 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

The Highlands Salon is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays, Fridays from 11am-7:00pm and Saturdays 11am-4pm. And closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. You can call The Highlands Salon at 845-243-0301 or text them.

3344 Route 97
Barryville, NY 12719

Story by Paula Campbell of Sullivan County Democrat


The Highlands Salon is a member of the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce. See their membership listing >>

Revitalized…the Barryville Car & Truck Wash Returns

celebration of the newly opened car wash

All in the family. Barryville car wash comes back to life.

Jim Sallusto has been bringing his family to Yulan for weekend getaways for over 27 years. Now that they live here full-time, he and his son Matt have renovated and re-opened the Barryville Car & Truck Wash.

“Matt is in charge,” Jim said at the December 18th ribbon cutting and celebration, “I’m just the eye candy.”

The ceremony, complete with cider and donuts, was sponsored by the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce, with refreshments supplied by The Stickett Inn.

“We have installed all of the most modern self-serve car wash equipment that is on the market today. We have all kinds of soaps, conditioners, waxes and undercarriage rollers.” Matt said.

“We had to redo everything, so we figured we might as well do it right,” Jim replied.

And they have.

In deference to the proximity to the Upper Delaware River, the car wash is equipped with a series of holding tanks that filter out sediment, salt and any chemical residue from the biodegradable soaps. The produced grey water is then pumped out by a local carrier.

“It’s wonderful to welcome this new business to Barryville,” said John Pizzolato, chamber board of director. “And there will be more ribbon cuttings soon.”


The Barryville Car & Truck Wash is a member of the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce. See their membership listing >>

 

Halloween Spirit

pets, kids, and others

Halloween at the Barryville Farmer’s Market

This year, to get us all in the Halloween Spirit, we are partnering with Barryville Farmers’ Market Saturday, October 23rd. Events to take place at and near the Barryville United Methodist Church.

There will be costume contests and parade for pets and kids, bake offs, trick or treating with the vendors, trunk or treating with local businesses, music, warm apple cider, cookies, and CANDY!

Meet our Hometown Heroes

a list of people who are giving to the community

Hometown Heroes started on April 15, 2020 as a way of recognizing locals who were making contributions to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and assisting those in need.

Lauren Alves, Nurse, NYU Langone

Candy S. Bott, Postal Clerk in Eldred

Molly Heather Fahnestock, Nurse

Jill Geosits-Mahler, ER unity secretary at Bon Secours Community Hospital

Margie Granese, Manager, St. Anthony food pantry, Yulan

Tony LaRuffa, Captain, American Legion Ambulance Corps, Yulan Fire Department Volunteer

Gil Mahler, 911 Call Center Dispatcher, Lumberland Fire-Department volunteer fireman & ambulance driver

Lou Monteleone, Santa Express, annual St. Baldrick’s fund drive, and #TeamIzzy

Angela C. Roselli, Nurse, Wayne Memorial

Louis Tambini, Paramedic, Hurleryville Mobilemedic EMS

Katie VanTuyl, ER Tech, Bon Secours Community Hospital

Courtney Weber, Garnet Health/Catskills Regional Medical Center

Tracy Whitney, Mackenzie School Nurse, manager of Eldred Central School District’s ‘Backpack Program,’ and Achieve Nursing Home RN Supervisor

Read details of each of the awardees >>

More NYS Vaccines Available

vaccine availability

Middletown Medical is opening up more Covid19 Vaccine Clinics in New York State.

 

Age Groups for Moderna Vaccines

March 30 = Vaccines open to 30 years-old and up.

April 6 = Vaccines open to 18 years -old and up.

 

Check for locations and available appointments and locations: NYS Covid Vaccine >>

 

Plant a Tree on April 30th — Arbor Day

outdoor living spaces

Trees provide the very necessities of life itself. They clean our air, protect our drinking water, create healthy communities, and feed the human soul. But these life necessities are threatened around the globe.

To address this, we’re launching an unprecedented undertaking: the Time for Trees initiative. Together, we can create change … through trees.

There are several nurseries in the area. We recommend contacting long-time GBCC member Ed Gavalla at Jesse G’s Nursery

Celebrate Arbor Day on April 30th and learn about tree planting and care

Town Clerks/ Tax Collectors Office – Due to an exposure to COVID-19

Dear Residents and Friends of the Town of Highland,

The Town Clerks/ Tax Collectors Office under the Guidelines of Sullivan County Public Health and New York State will be closed until further notice due to an exposure to Covid-19. I will continue to work remotely from home and have forwarded phone calls to my cell phone. We cannot accept taxes in person, please place them in the mail to Town of Highland, P.O. 138, Eldred NY, 12732. We accept the postmark date as payment date.

If you are in need of a fishing license, the Town of Lumberland Town Clerk sells fishing and hunting license.

All the other offices at the Town Hall are open.

We will do our best to accommodate everyone, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

Thank you.
Good Health to you.

 

Doreen Hanson
Town Clerk

Delaware River Access & Overlook Project

river accesses and overlooks

The Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce’s Delaware River Access Project has passed the next phase at the Town of Highland workshop last night.

We are on the agenda to have the Town of Highland join us with Sullivan Renaissance, Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, The Delaware Company to beautify and clean up our town’s accesses. Please consider letters of support and attend the Feb 9th Town Board meeting.

Email gbcc@barryvilleny.com if you want to join us in uniting these seven sites along the Delaware River.

  • Barryville Cul-de-sac Street Mural »
  • Riverside Greenspace
  • Eagle Observation site 1
  • Town of Highlight DEC River Access
  • The Barbara Yeamen Eagle Observation site 2
  • The Kate Project along the Historic Tow Path
  • Robeling Bridge

Stay tune for updates and how you can participate.

Funding for this project was made possible in part by a Community Impact Grant from Sullivan Renaissance.

River Road Cul-de-sac Street Mural

Flower Fish Pollinator Garden Stree Mural

The GBCC is excited to be creating a splash of welcoming color in the River Road Cul-de-sac Street Mural at the intersections of Routes 97 and 55 by the Shohola-Barryville Bridge, while helping reduce the surrounding sea of black top.

The mural will serves as a place-making device for people to remember their impression of the Hamlet and Town as well as a landmark for referencing in directions.

During the building of the new Shohola-Barryville Bridge the existing road, which linked to the intersection, was eliminated and turned into the cul-de-sac. Since then it has provided parking spaces for many to launch kayaks and walks along the River. We hope that are new mural brightens their day.

Interested in contributing to this project?

Help Buy-Buckets of Paint »

Look for Wildlife Tracks this Winter

close up view of grouse track in the snow

Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Now is a great time to search for winter tracks (PDF) or other animal signs visible in the snow. It can be fun to be a detective and figure out what animals have been walking through your yard or across a trail. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Snow conditions can make a difference in a track’s appearance—wet snow captures a print better than powdery snow.
  • Members in the dog family (coyote, fox, or dogs) will usually leave claw prints above the toes, while the cat family (bobcat, housecat) will not. You should see four toes on both front and back feet for both families.
  • Rodents, such as squirrels, chipmunks, mice, muskrats, and voles, usually have four toes on the front feet and five on the back. Claws may or may not be seen.
  • Bring a notebook, camera, or field guide with you.
  • Sometimes an animal’s droppings, or scat, can help you identify it—a rabbit’s looks like small balls of sawdust.
  • Find out more in the Become a Winter Wildlife Detective (PDF) issue of Conservationist for Kids.

In case you missed it, check out the recent Winter Wildlife Tracks and Scat Identification Video on DEC’s Facebook page.

Photo by Sandy Van Vranken.

Take a Hike Program

Take A Hike

Challenge yourself to something this year! Have you paddled the entire 73.4-miles of the Upper Delaware River? Have you hiked all 6 trails scattered throughout the river valley? Whatever challenge you choose, be sure to make a plan and as always Recreate & Responsibly! Heading outdoors for a breath of fresh air whether it be on the river or on our trails can have both great physical and mental health benefits.

Complete all 6 hikes to earn your very own “Take A Hike!” patch as part of our Take A Hike program! Stay tuned for the release of our Take A Paddle program coming summer 2021!

Visit https://www.nps.gov/upde/planyourvisit/take-a-hike.htm to learn more about our Take A Hike program.

Holiday Tree Lighting

Erin West singing at celebration

It wasn’t the usual tree lighting. Thirty people, all socially distant, gathered around the tree. Others parked across the street at Gibson McKean Real Estate, Clancy’s and Clobr and listened to the celebration on their car radios. Others stayed at home and watched the 15th annual tree lighting on the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The festivities took place on Saturday, December 5.

At center stage was the 35-foot fir tree, planted in 2005 in the cul-de-sac at the Barryville river access area. Co-sponsor WJFF Radio Catskill, the area’s NPR public radio station, streamed the event on-air.

Rev. Charles Perez, pastor of the Barryville Methodist Church, and his family filled the air with sounds of joy, hope and brotherhood. Broadway stars Erin West and Kyle Dean Massey emceed the event and sang duets. Brett Shaggy Travis belted out rockin’ holiday tunes for those who sought relief from this winter’s pressing but necessary need for social distancing.

Erin singing from the bucket truck“We wanted to make sure that there was some safe holiday joy we could bring to our community. I contacted WJFF with the idea of a drive up, virtual tree lighting, and they were very supportive and excited about it. Roswel Hamrick, the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce president and head of all things beautification and decorating, replaced all of the white lights with colored lights to make it a bit more vibrant and jolly. Kyle and Erin, along with Shaggy and Pastor Charles, were more than happy to host and perform. It was really so wonderful and took a village—or a hamlet, really.” said Johnny Pizzolato, who serves on the chamber’s board.

If you missed the event, you can replay it anytime, courtesy of the pandemic.

Watch the festivities on Facebook »

Story provided by The River Reporter

Stars & Stripes Wave Over Barryville

forth of july

The Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight the partnership between Der Oskar Tree Service & Doozer Granite in the sponsorship of the local Fourth of July display of the American flag and patriotic banners, honoring our country and those who made sacrifices to protect it.

Der Oskar Tree Service and Doozer Granite hope to continue the presentation of our country’s flag and colors during Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day celebrations, as a new tradition to the Highland community.

Special thanks to Steven VanTuyl and Pam Vega, from Der Oskar Tree Service,  for their hard work and dedication in hanging the banners. Their efforts were in service to the community, and greatly appreciated.

Doozer Granite specializes in the selection and import of premium wholesale granite slabs for use in residential & commercial kitchens, bathrooms and other building applications, direct from the factory to fabricators throughout the tri-state area.

Der Oskar Tree Service is the leading, local tree service organization, available to carefully meet all of your residential & commercial tree service needs. Their services include, but not limited to;

  • 24 Hour Emergency Service
  • Tree Removal
  • Organic Pesticide Spraying for Gypsy moths, fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and more
  • Tree Injections
  • Stump Removal
  • Free Estimates

Both local businesses are proud to be members of the Barryville Chamber of Commerce.

GBCC Officer Johnny Pizzolato Elected as Chairperson to the UDSB

John Pizzolato photo by Noah Kalina
NARROWSBURG – The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB) Committee recently elected an annual slate of officers to lead the non-profit organization which promotes and protects the outstanding character, heritage, and beauty of New York State Route 97 and its communities, while encouraging economic development through tourism and recreation.

John Pizzolato (Town of Highland) was elected chairperson at the UDSB’s annual meeting held April 27. Rosemarie DeCristofaro (Town of Delaware) was named vice-chair, while Larry H. Richardson (Town of Cochecton) continues his role as secretary-treasurer.

“Rosie” DeCristofaro, a licensed real estate broker in NY and PA who owns Callicoon Real Estate, LLC, and Richardson, who is semi-retired as vice-president of sales and service for the Yaun Company, have each served on the UDSB committee since its 2002 incorporation.

Pizzolato succeeds Glenn Pontier, both as UDSB chairperson and the Highland Town Board’s representative. Pontier joins Debra Conway as Highland’s alternates to the volunteer board on which the nine municipal members appoint voting delegates to work with non-voting members that represent agencies and organizations in the Upper Delaware River Valley.

Stickett Inn

Since 2012, Pizzolato has co-owned the Stickett Inn, a boutique hotel located along the byway in Barryville, which also produces its own brand of cider. He and husband Roswell Hamrick, a TV/film production and interior designer, purchased the D&H Canal era house in 2010 after Hamrick had bought the circa 1835 Congregational Church and Cemetery property in 1997 to adapt into a residence.

Pizzolato is also director of the public relations and consulting agency, International Playground, and was the lead teaching artist for the Peace. Love. Arts. You. (P.L.A.Y.) youth theater program at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in 2019.

The Rockford, IL native earned a B.F.A. degree in Theatre Arts from Hofstra University.

Barryville Farmers Market logoPizzolato’s community service extends to his positions on the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as president of the Barryville Farmers’ Market.

“I am thrilled to step into the role of chairperson of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Committee, especially after the recent honor that has been bestowed on the Delaware River by American Rivers in naming the Delaware as its 2020 River of the Year to celebrate what the environmental advocacy group characterized as the ‘dramatic revitalization from the decades it spent polluted by industrial and sewage waste’,” Pizzolato says.

“Although it is an unprecedented and challenging time – especially for tourism in a county that relies on visitors for its livelihood – we are blessed to have the river for recreation and sanity. We can use this pause from the traditional bevy of tourists to ready the organization, the byway, and the river for its close-up,” he adds.

Pizzolato’s collaborative goals aim to enhance and promote the Route 97 corridor.

“Chiefly, cleaning up the byway from litter and graffiti, promoting all the mom and pop businesses that tourists have come to love in the river towns, and bringing the long-term projects that celebrate the traditional uses of the Delaware River into fruition will be my focus,” he says.

“We have a perfect blend of new energy and those that hold the key to the history of the area as part of our group. We can accomplish great things with support of the local communities, our three counties, and our New York State legislators. I am proud to represent the Town of Highland on the board and thank them for that,” Pizzolato concludes.

The state-designated UDSB route begins in Orange County off I-84 Exit 1 along Rt. 6/East Main Street through the City of Port Jervis to the Town of Deerpark in Orange County, proceeds on Rt. 97 through the five Sullivan County Towns of Lumberland, Highland, Tusten, Cochecton, and Delaware, then resumes through the Village of Hancock to the Rt. 17/I-86 entrance ramp in Delaware County.

Route 97 was extolled as “The Most Scenic Highway in the East” at a public dedication ceremony for the new state highway held on August 30, 1939. A Reader’s Choice Contest conducted by USA TODAY travel experts in 2015 ranked the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway as the #1 Best Autumn Drive in Northeast U.S. and #2 in the entire country.

The UDSB Committee regularly meets on the 4th Mondays of the month in Narrowsburg. For more information, please visit the evolving www.UpperDelawareScenicByway.org website, leave a voice mail at 866-511-UDSB (8372), or email info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org.

 

Photo of John Pizzolato by Noah Kalina.

Pulling Together in a Time of Need ❤️List of Resources

daffodils

It was not so long ago that we gathered together to honor and celebrate our projects and local businesses.

Our annual Winter Warm Up was a smashing success, and drew the likes of our Senator Jen Metzger, who along side of us, bestowed special honors to the Highland Highway Department, Shain Fishman of Highland Yoga & Dance, Susan Smith of Floral Cottage Weddings & Events, and the Barryville Farmers’ Market. Little did we know that our day-to-day life would change so drastically, so soon.

We hope that you are all safe and sound with your loved ones, and most importantly, healthy. 

We’ll get through this time with the support of each other.

We also encourage you to support our local businesses that are continuing to serve our residents, check their Facebook pages for varied hours and mode of operation.

We’ve complied a list of businesses that are open, along with some business and community resources. If you know of others, please email us at gbcc@barryvilleny.com.

Local Food • Drink • Supplies • Resources

Food & Drink

(restaurants via takeout or curbside)

Back to Bakers
Barryville Bottle
Barryville Farmers’ Market
BVH Sports Bar & Liquor Shop
Il Castello Pizzeria & Ristorante
The Carriage House
The Corner in Eldred
Peck’s
The River Market
Shrewd Fox
Stickett Inn
Yulan Country Store

 

Health & Wellness

Dr. Marie Devore
General Dentistry – 845-557-8500
Taking emergencies within limited hours. Call & leave message for patient appointments. Appointments are happening one patient at a time.

Dr. Richard Daboul
Middletown Medical/River Valley Family Medical
Call for Tele-Medicine visits: 845-557-6411
Telemedicine >>
https://middletownmedical.com/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

 

 

Services

Eldred Equipment Service & Supply (845) 557-6168
D & R Auto
Jeff Bank
Midtown Service Center
Springhouse Garage
Wayne Bank
Healthcare Marketplace Information: enroll before April 1st

 

NYS Business Resources:

NY.gov
https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates
https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
(including Sullivan & Orange Counties, NY)

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

NYS-DOL Shared Work Program
Allows employees on a reduced schedule to collect unemployment for days not worked to help offset reduced incomes.

Healthcare Marketplace Information: enroll before April 1st

 

Nationwide Business/Organization Resource

Facebook Small Business Grants

Pumpkin Fest Through the Years

pumpkin display

The GBCC’s Barryville Pumpkin Fest has been celebrating the harvest season for sixteen years with art, food, and fun. We now partner with the Barryville Farmer’s Market for the Halloween & Harvest Fest

Adults, kids, and pets are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in the contest. If baking is your specialty, enter the sweet or savory bake-off. In past years, we offered the chance to win prizes with a pumpkin carving contest and scarecrow design and pie-eating contest. Current annual event features live music, a parade down River Road to a stellar trunk-or-treat in the cul-de-sac hosted by members of the Chamber.

“Fly the Coop!”

chicken and rooster

These Chicks Get Around!

But they’re all coming home to roost Sept. 7, 2019  3:30 – 6 PM
For our “Fly the Coop!” Event
at AMCC, 114 Richardson Avenue, Shohola, PA

More than 30 local artists have been hard at work creating art–on display at many local businesses.
Check them out on Facebook

And visit them in person at these local businesses, who support our mission of building community through art:

In Barryville, NYjeweled chicken

Barryville Bottle
Carriage House
Il Castello
McKean Real Estate
RiverMarketNY.com
Stickett Inn

 

In Milford, PA

Apple Valley Restaurant
The Artisan Exchange
Carini Cucina and Pizzeria
Holy Crepes
Milford Craft Show
Naked Bagel
Pike County Outfitters
Spoonful Soups & Eats

 

In Narrowsburg, NY

The Tusten Cup
Tre Amici Ristorante Italiano

 

In Port Jervis, NY

Simply Cheesecake

 

In Shohola, PA

Artists Market Community Center
Dirlam Bros. Lumber Co.
Midtown Convenience Store
Shohola Village Barber Shop
Wayne Bank

 

Thanks also to these participating artists:

Norma Bernstock
Bob Bradley
Cruz Casiano
Dan Chapman
Rose Chateau
Maureen and George Detrik
Dale Emmart
Lucas Florentin
Mef Gannon
Wendell Graham
Candy Heiland
Lynda Holloway
Carolyn Holmes-Hood
Walter Hood
Rena Hottinger
Russell Huntley
Patty Koch
Cheryl Lannon
Lauryn de Leeuw
Celena London
Preston McCollum
Courtney Meyer
Kelsey Meyer
Ari Mir-Pontier
Kevin Owen
Danielle Palmer
Gregory Pelly
Joseph Petrosi
Janet Poppendieck
Samantha Robyn
Tina Rosinski
Anja Tikka
Diane Tromans-Burg
Alexandra and Gabby Tsiattalos

THANK-YOU to the businesses and artists who have made this event possible.

Peace, Love, & Mermaids!

peace, love, and mermaids

Back by popular demand, Barryville Area Arts Association once again invites YOU to come dressed up as a Mermaid or King Neptune and parade around our space for the Coney Island In Shohola Event.  Since it’s the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, BAAA is also encouraging attendance in clothes of a “hippy”.

While there’s no formal parade route this year, event coordinators have a feeling there will be a “spontaneous stroll” around 3:30 on August 3, 2019, starting at Artists’ Market Community Center, 114 Richardson Avenue, Shohola, PA.

“This event seems to take on a life of its own,” notes Event Coordinator, Rose Chateau, “so let us know if you’d like something special, have something special to offer, or want to volunteer.”

A live program is also scheduled. Denny Daniel will be up from the Big City with his traveling Museum of Interesting Things.  Complimentary refreshments, live entertainment, and other fun activities are also planned.

Barryville Biennial Banners on the Byway Art Project

Banner project

CALL TO ARTISTS

Banner mockup on RT97The Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce is seeking artists’ submissions to become the new “welcome banners,” replacing the current and dis-repaired banners along the scenic river corridor on NYS Route 97 in Barryville, NY, debuting Memorial Day weekend 2019.

This is an opportunity to immortalize your artwork along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway where residents and 300,000-400,000 visitors  traverse year-round.

There will be 20 banners in all. Each selected artist’s piece will grace two-sides of a single banner.

Each banner will be part of a numbered art show that will dually be exhibited online on the “Barryville Biennial Banners on the Byway” page on BarryvilleNY.com, where an image of the artwork, title, artist’s name, and link to the artist’s website will appear.

The artwork should fit the theme of being: “Inspired by the community in which we live.”

The visuals could be natural (flora, fauna, landscapes, riverscapes, etc.), culturally-related or other inspirations from our environs and surroundings, in micro or macro views.

We suggest that artists submit works of art that are identifiable from a distance. As the banners will hang about 10 ft above the ground and will be seen mostly by passersby on bicycles and cars. Works may be representational, suggestive or abstract. Suggested mediums are photography, painting, drawing, mixed-media or other.

Submission Deadline:  April 26, 2019
Email to: art@barryvilleny.com

 

Download Rules & Application

“Barryville Biennial Banners on the Byway” Art Project Application

Youth Artist Application for Banner Art Project

 

Interested in Becoming a Banner Sponsor?

If you would like to sponsor a banner as an individual or business, please contact GBCC at gbcc@barryvilleny.com to discuss levels of opportunities.

Celebrate with Us: Scholarship & Our Community

Best of 2018

We are hoping that the beginning of this new year has been a happy and healthy one for you and your family. As we all eagerly await our mornings growing warmer and to see flowers popping, the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) has been planning our annual Winter Warm-Up dinner.

For the past ten years, we have invited the community to gather for an evening in celebration of our neighborhood and to recognize thoughtful, service-minded students by awarding our Community Volunteer Scholarship. To date we have awarded $25,000.

The GBCC offers this annual scholarship to graduating high-school students seeking college or trade-school funds. The scholarship is based on the student’s volunteer service in our community while keeping up their grades. The GOAL is to embody the importance of being involved and supporting our community.

If you know of a qualifying student, please visit Community Volunteer Scholarship for more details. The application deadline is February 15th.

 

Please join our celebration on March 2nd…

We would like to invite you, along with your friends and family to our Winter Warm-Up. During which The River Reporter will award us with the “BEST” Chamber of the region, voted by their readership.

The evening will be full of delights. We will be honoring a long-standing GBCC members Ed Gavalla, Jim Akt, and Marie Devore for their commitment to the Chamber. We’ll also be tipping our hat of thanks to Jason Van Tuyl who volunteered his time and services for our Barryville triangle sign garden last summer.

Additional evening highlights will be honoring our Community Volunteer Scholarship applicants and bidding on fantastic silent auction items to help raise Scholarship funds.

Tickets to the Winter Warm-Up evening are $50.

Buy Tickets Now

View event details

With help from you…

We are also hoping to receive donations in the form of dollars or items for our Silent Auction to help raise Scholarship funds. Past items range from artwork, gifts certificates of services, goods, Broadway tickets, and baskets of cheer. All donations are welcomed and appreciated.

Email gbcc@barryvilleny.com, if you would like to discuss donations and drop-off or pick-up locations.

We are excited to see you on March 2!

Tree Lighting

Tree Lighting

Barryville Tree Lighting on December 1st

Old-fashion fun for kids, friends and family in the Barryville cul-de-sac at Route 97 & 55.

Caroling followed by goodies & hot chocolate.

Bring your camera for photos with Mr. & Mrs Santa Claus!

 

Coney Island comes to Shohola

The Pike County Courier By George Leroy Hunter

SHOHOLA — Coney Island came to Shohola last Saturday, when the Artists’ Market Community Center hosted a themed exhibition by local artists — and a parade with local mermaids.

The event re-created the look and feel of New York’s summertime beach of renown, complete with sea creatures, street performers, and circus sideshow.

Director and co-founder Nick Roes said the center is a place for “anyone with a creative idea. Whether through dancing, music and other art forms we want to help make it come to life. We have different themes each month, so this month one of our exhibiting artist Rose Chateau came up with the ‘Coney Island in Shohola’ idea. The Artists’ Market Community Center is filled with Coney Island themed artwork and decor. We also decided to have a mermaid parade too just like the actual Coney Island. So it is really a way of involving the community through art.”

The mermaid parade route began in front of the center on Richardson Avenue and continued along Rohman Road, which runs in a circular pattern back to the center. Neptune the god of freshwater and the sea, with wife, Salacia, the female divinity of the sea by his side, were joined by mermaids, an assortment of sea creatures, and other participants. Visitors lined the streets to watch.

Artist Phil Rachelson of Shohola poses next to his Coney Island themed painted partition, which is painted on both sides. Rachelson worked as a colorist for Marvel Comics and D.C. Comics for many years. (Photo by George Leroy Hunter)

“Exhibiting artist Rose Chateau came up with the ‘Coney Island in Shohola’ idea… It is really a way of involving the community through art.” — Nick Roes

The Shohola Police Department made sure the parade route was safe from vehicular traffic by stationing an officer at the scene. The Shohola Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Engine 1 was on display along the mermaid route.

After the conclusion of the parade, visitors met with artists at a reception inside the center. Refreshments were provided to guests as they moved through two floors of art.

Indie/rock/alternative band Spunday Mourning performed during the event. Fire dancer Raina Bowers of Callicoon, N.Y., captivated guests with slick moves while handling a flaming stick. Sideshow performer James Bajda of Greeley did some amazing tricks, including having an audience member stand on a board atop his chest and stomach. Sharp nail points beneath the board pushed against Bajda’s flesh with no effect, which earned him great applause.

The “Coney Island in Shohola” exhibit will continue through August. Visiting hours and information for artists interested in exhibiting their work are provided on the center website at artistsmarketcc.com

Art on display at the Artists’ Market Community Center is available for purchase.

Exciting Project for Singers/Songwriters/Music Lovers

Sullivan Sings

Singing competitions like “American Idol” and “The Voice” are popular viewings, but singer/songwriters in Sullivan County, NY, think they have come up with something much better. It’s a project based more on cooperation than competition, called “Sullivan Sings”.

Made possible with funding from a Sullivan County Arts & Heritage Grant, funded by the Sullivan County Legislature and administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, “Sullivan Sings” is reaching out to singer/songwriters who live or work in Sullivan County. The project involves creating events, producing videos, and offering those videos to the world on a new YouTube Channel, “Sullivan Sings”.

There is no charge to participants, and singer/songwriters will have public events scheduled and videos created for them. The Project Sponsor, Barryville Area Arts Association, is also looking for volunteers to offer/scout venues, produce videos, and help with publicity.

Anyone who would like to be involved in this project is encouraged to contact barryvilleareaarts@gmail.com or visit http://www.barryvilleareaarts.org/SullivanSings.html for more information.

CONTACT: Nick Roes 845-557-8713  or barryvilleareaarts@gmail.com

Déjà vu (all over again): GBCC Winter Warm-Up Re-Cap

Warmup 2018

 

Webster’s defines it as “a feeling of having already experienced the present situation.” In other words: it’s snowing. Again. The dictionary further states that it can be interpreted as “tedious familiarity” and Dictionary.com calls it “disagreeable sameness.” Yeah. What they said. Clearly, Mother Nature did not get the memo—it’s the middle of March, for cryin’ out loud, and I think most of us are done. It’s just that I’m so tired of the cancellations. Regardless of how many times I mark my calendar for a particular event, there’s a good chance that I won’t be going. At the risk of sounding like Methuselah, I do, in fact, remember walking to school in two feet of snow and the rare cancellation was truly something to celebrate with hot chocolate, snow pants (does anybody still wear snow pants?) and a sled being dragged behind me as I joined the rest of the neighborhood kids at Rusty Wilson’s house for endless hours of fun. These days? Not so much.

Agnes Benke and Carriage House Staff
Agnes Benke and Carriage House Staff

In the past week alone, meetings that have been on the calendar for months vanished under mountains of white stuff. No Kauneonga Block Party planning committee (hopefully, by Father’s Day the snow will have melted), no Bethel Business Association mixer (maybe next week!) and no “Winter Warm Up,” a years-long tradition hosted by the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), an event which honors local businesses and provides community service scholarships for some very deserving (IMHO) students who exemplify all that is right with our young emerging leaders. After a bit of post-blizzard scrambling, the chamber reorganized—and with the help of many hands, the dinner commenced one week later and this time, it all went off without a hitch last Saturday night. In the spirit of déjà vu (minus the tedium), the organization has once again been voted the “Best Chamber in the Region” by readers of The River Reporter, and I made my way to Barryville through the freshly plowed roads to the Carriage House, to join The River Reporter rep Barbara Winfield, who was scheduled to present the Reader’s Choice Award.

I’ve been to the Carriage House (which was built in the 1900s and is recognized as a “designated landmark”) repeatedly over the years, but never tire of the stunning views, nor the warm and welcoming staff that helps to provide the “old world charm and hospitality” that their brochure rightfully boasts.

Todd Lantz, Johnny Pizzlato, Roswell Hamrick, Nonna Hall and Husband
Todd Lantz, Johnny Pizzolato and Roswell Hamrick of Stickett Inn, Nonna and Jeff Hall
New Hope Manor staff
Executive Director Barrie Jacobsen and New Hope Manor staff

Following the welcoming remarks from Jeff Bank’s Meg Blaut (subbing for president Ed Gavalla of Jesse G’s Nursery) the evening served as a springboard to hear about upcoming projects like the 2018 “Butterfly Bike Ride and Seed Toss,” new signs, sculptures (toddlantzstudio@yahoo.com), and gardens in the works along with an upcoming “call to artists” who will be contributing to the proposed GBCC “Artist Banner” project that looks exciting.

A beautiful “Butterfly Award” was presented to New Hope Manor for their amazing work “providing tools for change: support, treatment and education” in the form of their “Mother-Child Program” and as guests perused the silent auction offerings and enjoyed a wonderful meal, the evening was capped by the presentation of scholarships to Isabella Pizzo, Kimberly Gonzalez, Julia Foster, and Kayla Maas, all of whom spoke eloquently about their involvement with community service, their goals and aspirations and college plans in the works. “A family is a group of people that work together to support and care for each other,” Pizzo’s bio states, “and I found family in my community.”

 

Community Volunteer Scholarship winners Isabella Pizzo, Kimberly Gonzalez, Julia Foster, and Kayla Maas
Community Volunteer Scholarship winners Isabella Pizzo, Kimberly Gonzalez, Julia Foster, and Kayla Maas
Kari Margolis, Myra (Mikee) Rappoport, and
Kari Margolis, Myra (Mikee) Rappoport and John Kemp

“I’m amazed at how so few people can pull off such big events,” Julia Foster shared, recalling her involvement in a community dinner which raised funds for families in need. “Being a part of these events is what brings a small community together and make the memories everlasting,” she said in a prepared statement. Kayla Maas and Kimberly Gonzalez were no less enthusiastic, and all four of those honored have impressive resumes that will serve them well as they venture forth into the world, bolstered by their communities and sponsored in part by the wonderful scholarship program provided by the Chamber of Commerce, all of which is supported by the programs listed above.

Gazing out my window, I see a light snow continuing to fall, and a glance at my calendar indicates a full roster of events (re-scheduled or otherwise) on the docket for the next week. Whether or not I get to all of them is up in the frigid air (now that brand name suddenly makes sense!) but déjà vu or not, the madness will surely come to an end and the dog will be frolicking in the lake soon enough. Undoubtedly, I’ll be complaining that it’s just “too darn hot” by then, so… bear with me… Spring is just around the proverbial corner, right?


Top featured photo: Dr. Marie K. Devore, Dot Davies of Inn the Glen B&B, Cathy Daboul of Middletown Medical/River Valley Family Medical, Dorene Warner of W Design, and Meg Blaut of Jeff Bank

Celebrate with Us: Scholarship & Our Community

Best celebration

We are hoping that the beginning of this new year has been a happy and healthy one for you and your family. As we all eagerly await our mornings growing warmer and to see flowers popping, the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) has been planning our annual Winter Warm-Up dinner.

For the past ten years, we have invited the community to gather for an evening in celebration of our neighborhood and to recognize thoughtful, service-minded students by awarding our Community Volunteer Scholarship. To date we have awarded $25,000.

The GBCC offers this annual scholarship totaling $2,500 to graduating high-school students seeking college or trade-school funds. The scholarship is based on the student’s volunteer service in our community while keeping up their grades. The GOAL is to embody the importance of being involved and supporting our community.

If you know of a qualifying student, please visit Community Volunteer Scholarship for more details. The application deadline is February 15th.

 

Please join our celebration on March 3rd…

We would like to invite you, along with your friends and family to our Winter Warm-Up. During which The River Reporter will award us with the “BEST” Chamber of the region, voted by their readership.

The evening will be full of delights. Beginning with serenades by the Robert Kopek Quartet with jazz fusion, blues classics and originals.

We will be honoring a long-standing GBCC member, New Hope Manor for its commitment to helping women overcome substance addiction by arming them with the tools to change their lives: support, treatment, and education. Learn more by visiting NewHopeManor.org.

Additional evening highlights will be honoring our Community Volunteer Scholarship applicants and bidding on fantastic silent auction items to help raise Scholarship funds.

Tickets to the Winter Warm-Up evening are $40.

Buy Tickets Now

View event details

With help from you…

We are also hoping to receive donations in the form of dollars or items for our Silent Auction to help raise Scholarship funds. Past items range from artwork, gifts certificates of services, goods, Broadway tickets, and baskets of cheer. All donations are welcomed and appreciated.

Email gbcc@barryvilleny.com, if you would like to discuss donations and drop-off or pick-up locations.

We are excited to see you on March 3!

Pumpkin Fest: Sat., Oct. 7th

Pumpkin Fest

Join us for Live Music • Arts & Crafts • Food & Fun!

Saturday, October 7th • 10am – 5pm
3351 Route 97 • Barryville, NY 12719
Behind The Carriage House along the Delaware River

Event Schedule and details


kids costumesPROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS…

Become a Sponsor

Download the Sponsorship Form now

There are many opportunity levels from you to choose from.

Sponsorship promotions levels include your name on the GBCC website, fliers, posters, all advertisements. Some levels include radio advertising and a free event day booth.

 


fiber artsIT’S NOT TOO LATE…

Become a Vendor

Download the Application

There are discounts for members and early registration!

Your name will appear in a full page advertisement in the River Reporter!

 


volunteersMAKE IT A BRILLIANT DAY…

Lend a Hand

We need a few extra hands to:

  • Guide vendors to their spots
  • Pass out pie for pie-eating contests
  • Assist families making scarecrows
  • Line up participants for costume contests
  • Hand out awards & prizes for our many contests

 

This is a perfect opportunity for racking up volunteer hours for the GBCC Community Service Scholarship.

Email to let’s us know how you want to help


 

Scenic Byway Awards First Grants For Promoting Butterfly Habitat

butterfly sculpture

NARROWSBURG – The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc. (UDSB) awarded a total of $1,137 in the first round of its grant program, “Promoting Butterflies on the Byway.”

Applications will continue to be accepted from non-profit groups on a rolling monthly deadline of the third Monday. The UDSB Committee has earmarked $5,000 for projects which support the goals of the Monarch Butterfly: Fostering the Flyway by the Byway initiative.

Program guidelines and a one-page application form are available by emailing a request to info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org or calling (845) 252-3022. On June 26, the UDSB Committee approved the following three projects:

butterfly sculpture by Todd Lantz
BUTTERFLY SCULPTURE: Local artist Todd Lantz is shown creating a mold for a series of butterfly sculptures that will be placed strategically along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway through a grant project submitted by the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce and the Hayraisers 4H group.
Greater Barryville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hayraisers 4H Group

$325.00 to create a series of butterfly sculptures that will be placed strategically along the New York State Route 97 Upper Delaware Scenic Byway. Local artist Todd Lantz is creating a mold out of plaster and urethane that can be cast multiple times. The installation that is subject of this grant will be in the gardens near the River Road cul-de-sac in Barryville. Once in place, the sculptures function as artwork to bring focus to monarch butterflies and may also be incorporated into a scavenger hunt to locate as many as possible for a prize. The total value of this project with a $325 cash match from the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce, a grant from Sullivan Renaissance, and in-kind donations by the artist for this original piece is $2,380.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy

$777.00 to purchase materials to conduct a seed bomb activity at three summer festivals to teach participants of all ages about native plants and the dependence of Monarch butterflies and other pollinators on them. Seed bombs are made from recycled paper and water, which will be combined in a blender to form a ball around the seeds that will bloom into such plants as milkweed and Black Eyed-Susan to create new habitat. Volunteers will staff booths at the July 15 Zane Grey Festival in Lackawaxen, PA; the July 23 RiverFest in Narrowsburg, NY; and the Aug. 5-6 Festival of Wood at Grey Towers in Milford, PA. The total value of this project with matching funds for volunteer training, staff oversight, planning, preparation, and labor is $2,883.92.

Delaware Youth Center Summer Program

$35.00 to offer two classes in seed ball making on Aug. 9 and 11 at the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon to educate the children of the Upper Delaware River Valley about the monarch habitat and the importance of preserving it. The class will start with reading the book, “Monarch Butterfly”, by author Gail Gibbons as an introduction, followed by discussion, then get instructions to make from a kit 100 seed balls which participants will take home as well as planting some at the center. The Delaware Youth Center donates the space for their classes and a member of their paid staff, Julie Valentin, will teach the classes.

Completed applications for Promoting Butterflies on the Byway Grants may be returned electronically or to UDSB, P.O. Box 127, Narrowsburg, NY 12764.

Annual Flower Planting

Plantings

Many thanks to the GBCC members and volunteers who pitched in to plant the flower pots along Route 97 in Barryville, NY.

Locals and visitors alike will enjoy the colorful showings as they drive through the hamlet.

 

Celebrating Community Involvement, Awards Scholarships at Annual Dinner

Community involvement is at the core of the mission of the Barryville Chamber of Commerce, and such involvement was celebrated in abundance at the Chamber’s annual Winter Warm Up held on March 4.

About 120 celebrants gathered at the Carriage House to share a buffet dinner and silent auction and raffle opportunities, all with the purpose of raising scholarship money for local students as well as local beautification and charitable projects.

This year there were a record eight outstanding applicants, all seniors at Eldred High School.  Community service is a major component of the qualifying process for the awards.  Scholarships were granted to three.

Lynzee Kelty received $500 to be applied to her college of choice, Pace University, where she will major in pre-med.  Lynzee’s community involvement includes Can’t Hurt Steel, Litter Pluck, Salvation Army, Sunshine Hall Free Library and Trunk or Treat.

Braelyn Kolvenbach was awarded $750 to aid in her studies in Psychology at SUNY.  Braelyn’s community service highlights her involvement in music as well as Eldred Key Elements, Performing Arts Club, the Chamber’s annual Pumpkin Fest, Litter Pluck and Young Life programs.

Receiving the first place scholarship of $1,250 was Max Smyth, who will utilize these funds in his study of Architecture at the University of Buffalo. Smyth’s involvement included his Eagle Scout project at Koinonia as well as other scouting programs and events, NACL Weather Project, the School Garden at Mackenzie Elementary, and the Shohola Pumpkin Festival and 5K.

In his welcoming remarks, Chamber President Ed Gavalla noted that to date the Chamber has awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to deserving students.   He challenged all present to increase their community outreach.

Advancing the theme of community involvement, Meg Blaut, an officer in the Chamber and also a Board member of the Can’t Hurt Steel Foundation, shared how her brother JJ Hanson’s battle with brain cancer led to an outpouring of community spirit and that the Foundation was birthed to pay-forward that spirit.  The Can’t Hurt Steel Foundation seeks to better the community through education on healthy lifestyles including making available local, organically grown foods on a weekly basis in-season and to provide rapid-response funding to assist families faced with catastrophic illness or events.

Dorene Warner announced the early summer launch of the enhanced Chamber website and series of Facebook seminars aimed at increasing the profile and marketability of the member businesses.

Music was provided by the Robert Kopek Quartet.

A Chamber-sponsored beautification event is planned for the spring, when the flower pots along Route 97 in Barryville will be replanted.  This event is a great opportunity for high school students to collect volunteer hours and meet community members.  Among those cited for their service in keeping the flowers tended were Steve Archibald, Cathy Daboul and Marie Devore.

Among other events, the Chamber also sponsors the Annual Pumpkinfest in October and Christmas tree lighting in December.  The annual membership drive occurs in May and local business owners and artisans are encouraged to join.

By Susan Wade
Times-Hearld Record

Grow Your Business or Organization

3 Wednesday Seminars
Facebook for Business

MARCH 15 • 7:00-8:30pm

Facebook Advertising

MARCH 22 • 7:00-8:30pm

Facebook Live

MARCH 29 • 7:00-8:00pm

 

Facebook thumbs up

Presented by: Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce

Instructor: Tim Sohn, Sohn Social Media Solutions

FACEBOOK FOR BUSINESS:
Did you know that Facebook only shows your posts to 2-6% of the people who “Like” your business page? LEARN… what types of content to post, how to get more followers, see examples from local businesses, and start an editorial calendar. Facebook has more than 1.5 billion users, but it can be the most challenging social network to use for business. Learn how to use it effectively.

FACEBOOK ADVERTISING:
Wanting more people to come through your business door? Do you want current customers to keep returning? For as little as $1 a day, you can reach hundreds – or thousands – more people. Learn how you can reach new potential customers and more people who already like your Facebook business page. Tim will do a live demo, walking you through all the steps of creating a successful Facebook ad.

FACEBOOK LIVE:
Do you want more people to see your Facebook posts? Reach potential new customers by using Facebook’s new livestreaming video feature. Tim will share best practices for creating successful live video and walk you through the process step-by-step. He will also share different types of live videos examples.

$20 per Seminar
Members: $35 for All 3 Seminars
Non-Members: $45 for All 3 Seminars
Includes Coffee, tea and snacks

 

Butterfly Bike Ride

bike ride

Barryville Butterfly Bike RideBARRYVILLE, NY — The Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce and Bicycle Shows U.S. will sponsor the first-ever Barryville Butterfly Bike Ride on October 15 to help support habitat restoration for the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Pre-register by October 13, 2016.

Bicyclists will strategically toss wildflower seeds along the 4.6-mile route, which starts in Lackawaxen, PA at 10:30 a.m. and proceeds to Barryville along the New York State Route 97 Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.

There is also a 0.6-mile option to join the bikes at River Road Park. The final destination is the Barryville Farmers’ Market at 12 River Rd., where light refreshments will be served.

Sunshine SeedRZIndividuals who sign up for $10 will receive one bag of Sunshine SeedRZ, which are clay discs infused with milkweed or other native pollinator seeds. Families contributing $25 are entitled to three bags. Participants are encouraged to get into the spirit by decorating their bicycles and themselves as butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

Bike helmets are required wearing. Pre-filled water bottles are recommended. Participants will be shuttled back to their vehicles by Reber River Trips.

monarch brochureLearn more about “The Monarch Butterfly: Fostering the Flyway by the Byway” by reading or download this borchure

To learn more visit www.upperdelawarecouncil/monarch-butterfly or request a print copy, email info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org.