The seasonal supermarket in White Lake has gotten a facelift, thanks to a cooperative effort among the United Talmudical Academy, owner of the supermarket, the Town of Bethel and Sullivan Renaissance.
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Located at the corner of Routes 17B and 55, the building was converted to its current use as a supermarket several years ago after serving as a movie theater in generations past.� It is now called Motty�s Supermarket.
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This year the United Talmudical Academy (UTA) received a seasonal demonstration grant of $5000 from Sullivan Renaissance to help with the improvements.� These matching grants are awarded to seasonal communities such as bungalow colonies, camps and second home developments to encourage projects that improve the appearance of their properties and serve as a demonstration to others.
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For this project the UTA made $20,000 in improvements including power washing and painting the building, replacing the old theater marquee with a new canopy and pillars, refurbished panels on the storefront, replacing an upper story window and restoring an exterior light fixture.
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Mordechai Wercberger, the UTA�s liaison to the project, said that he looked at the clock tower across the street and the new Jeff Bank being built nearby and knew he had to do a good job, not only for his organization, but for the residents who live there all year.
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Bethel Supervisor Dan Sturm said, �This is a wonderful example of what can happen when groups work together toward a common goal.� The town sees this project as opening the door to a new era of cooperation and mutual respect with the United Talmudical Academy.�
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�We were impressed with the scope of the UTA�s commitment in both time and money,� said Richard Sush, who oversaw the project for Sullivan Renaissance.
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The supermarket is one of several Sullivan Renaissance seasonal projects this summer:
Regency Estates, a second home community in Woodridge, replaced an expanse of chain-link fence with a modern, yet classic wood fence and planted a colorful array of flowers along the road.� This is a continuation of last year�s project.� Two seasons ago, the community replaced entryway fencing and a corroded gate by constructing a stone wall with new gate, signage and shrubbery.
Main Street Mall in Woodbourne is installing an awning over its storefronts and painting the building fa�ade to create a unifying look and screen the unsightly air conditioning units.� Several stores in Woodbourne have improved their interiors with new paint, murals and tables.
Garden View Cottages in Loch Sheldrake is new to the program.� The project involved improving the entryway by planting flowers and shrubs, and moving the sign to a new location.
Merchav at Camp Morris in Woodridge undertook an ambitious project to move the entrance to the staff housing to increase safety and visibility at the road.� It landscaped the area as part of the project.
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�Each year, new seasonal communities choose to participate because they are inspired by the work of others,� Sush said.� �While there is still much to do, we�ve seen a measurable improvement.� Many seasonal communities have cleaned up and beautified their properties on their own, and more join each year.� It�s very encouraging.�
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In addition to matching grants, Sullivan Renaissance seasonal beautification activities include:
-������� Mini-grants awarded to summer communities;
-������� Hands-on workshops on spring and summer gardening basics in May and July, and a workshop on improving storefronts in June;
-������� Publishing the �Building Seasonal Partnerships� brochure for area camps and colonies with the support of Thompson Sanitation;
-������� Participating in Sullivan County�s �Building Better Relations with Summer Residents� Committee;
-������� Conducting a mailing to summer camps.
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Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.� Additional funding has been secured by U.S. Representative Maurice D. Hinchey, NYS Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther.� Sponsorships have also been provided by WSUL/WVOS for Category A projects and by Thunder 102 for Category B projects.

(YWN Sullivan County News Team – 2010)