Times Journal Article (published 5/12)

By Jim Poole

Cobleskill’s Community Plaza officially became part of the community Saturday afternoon.

As brilliant sunlight quickly gave way to a chilly thunderstorm, state and local leaders joined with residents to celebrate the new gathering spot at the corner of Main and Division streets.

But the weather was incidental to celebrating the completion of a project that was in the planning and construction stages for more than year and brought a half-dozen groups together to get it done.

The brick and stone Plaza has benches, tables, landscaping and lighting, all with a goal of brightening and improving Main Street.

Cobleskill Partnership Inc., the downtown improvement group, led the project, but pitching in were SUNY Cobleskill, the Village of Cobleskill, the Cobleskill Rotary Club, many volunteers and Bill and Betsy Lancaster, who own the property.

It was that spirit of cooperation that led to the project, CPI President Brian Kaiser said on Saturday.  He praised Sandy MacKay, “one of the village’s most vocal proponents,” with coming up with the idea and broaching it with the Lancasters, who agreed.

It was designed by Dana Hamm of Middleburgh, a SUNY student.

CPI, the college and the Rotary Club helped with fundraising, and much of the actual construction was done by SUNY’s Steve Mullarkey and his Landscape Construction staff and students.

Mr. Kaiser called the Plaza “a true service learning opportunity” and said SUNY and its students deserved “a heartfelt thanks from a grateful community.”

But the entire team approach actually got the Plaza planned, paid for and built, he said.

“This is not the work of any one person, agency, institution or benefactor,” Mr. Kaiser said.  “They are the product of dedicated individuals who are willing to embrace change and who recognize the power of what can be accomplished when we work collectively.”

SUNY Cobleskill President Don Zingale called the Plaza “a community endeavor in which everybody makes out.  I’m pleased as punch to see this work.”

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher was in Cobleskill for the state FFA convention at the college, and she took time out to attend the dedication.

Ms. Zimpher said she had seen the corner before work started––dilapidated planters and overgrown shrubs––“and I couldn’t have imagined what hardworking students and faculty have created.”

This could be a model for similar projects around the state, she said, as SUNY schools will “focus on revitalization and the quality of life in every community.”

Senator Jim Seward said the Plaza helped re-establish Cobleskill’s identity, and, like others, stressed the importance of cooperation.

“This shows what good things can happen when you bring all the players together,” Senator Seward said.  “This community is on the move.”

Assemblyman Pete Lopez followed, pointing out that although Saturday’s dedication was a celebration, it could also be viewed as a first step.

“This is a collective accomplishment, but it should encourage you to do more,” Assemblyman Lopez said.  “You have individuals who looked within for a collective responsibility.”

Like Mr. Kaiser, Cobleskill Mayor Mark Nadeau thanked Mr. MacKay––who was his mayoral opponent in November––for developing the Plaza idea.

And Mayor Nadeau praised the project for what it may mean for the future.

“This marks a new path for Cobleskill,” he said.  “There’s a new future between the community and the university.”

As rain poured after a sunny beginning, officials gathered for a multi-scissor ribbon cutting to officially open the Plaza.

Celebrate Earth Day’s 40th birthday!

~$20.10 per couple at the door

^{An Evening of environmentally friendly entertainment}

^{LOCAL MODELS show off “REclaimed ‘Lo’Fashion Outfits”}

^{Local Musicians, Actors & Poets “REvisit 1970″}

^{Local Restaurants offer “REally Good Treats”}

^{Local Thrift Stores welcome your “REusable Goods Donations”}

^{brought to You by:}

^{Citizens for a Clean Environment, Inc. ~ Cobleskill Partnership Inc. ~ The Theater Project of Schoharie County}

^{Wine & Cheese ~ Punch & Cookies ~ Fruit & Veggies}

^{Table Top Displays}

^{Sustainability at SUNY Cobleskill Discussion Corner}

^{Earth Day Birthday cake Awards & Open ‘mic’ closing ceremony}