|
|
Dan Hust | Democrat
MEMBERS OF THE 143rd and 56th New York Volunteer Infantry Civil War re-enactment groups line up to "sigh" the county's original charter during Friday's bicentennial celebration in Monticello. The re-enactors can typically be found on the "battlefield" at Walnut Mountain Park in Liberty during dramatic Civil War re-enactment.
|
Celebrating 200 years, Sullivan County style
Re-enactment at the Gov't Center
By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — On Friday, the Sullivan County Legislature and the Sullivan County Bicentennial Steering Committee hosted a “Charter Reenactment” ceremony at the Government Center to mark the beginning of the year-long celebration in honor of the county’s 200th Birthday.
Historical reenactors from the 143rd New York Volunteer Infantry Civil War reenactment group from Liberty signed the charter . Sullivan County Historian John Conway gave a brief history of the first charter signing on Match 27, 1809.
During the ceremony the County Legislature officially declared the 2009 Sullivan County Bicentennial celebration open. They also signed a current copy of the County Charter, designated the mountain laurel as official county flower and encouraged residents to sign personal pledges to help protect and sustain Sullivan County’s environment for the next 200 years.
Music for this ceremony was provided by Shawn Bailey of Mileses, Lori Orestano-James of Harris and the Tri-Valley High School Chamber Orchestra- Triple Threat under the direction of Orestano-James.
Bicentennial Gala at the Villa Roma
By Frank Rizzo
CALLICOON — The Villa Roma Resort Hotel in Callicoon hosted over 450 guests at the Sullivan County Bicentennial Gala Friday, March 27.
It was sponsored by the Sullivan County Legislature and the Sullivan County Bicentennial Steering Committee, along with Heritage Partner Crystal Run Healthcare.
Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis served as emcee and proclaimed the official toast:
“Here’s to 200 years of Timber, Tanning and Tourism… and the Mountains of Opportunities still before us in Sullivan County.”
Shawn Bailey of Mileses sang the National Anthem while Mother Joan LaLiberte of the Saint James Episcopal Church in Callicoon delivered the invocation.
Keynote Speaker was County Historian John Conway, who talked of the environmental stewardship of the Lenape tribes who lived in our area to the enterprise and perseverance of the Jones brothers, who founded Monticello and were instrumental in the creation of the county.
State Senator John Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther were on hand, as was Congressman Maurice Hinchey.
|
