COBLESKILL — In Cobleskill, community pride often grows from quiet acts of generosity.  That spirit shines brightly through Donna Bartholomew.  Donna and her family helped transform the Veterans Park into a beautiful display of lighting on the trees, a gift that will be admired for many years to come.  She hopes this transformation will inspire others to take pride in the Village, to see possibilities and encourage others to help where they can.  

Donna is a strong businesswoman, a caring neighbor and a person who sees potential where others see obstacles.  Her family’s work not only brightens the park, but also lifts the spirit of the entire community. The idea began when her son Andrew, who manages A & K Slip Forming, imagined the park lighting when he and Donna Gunzinger did a brainstorming session walk the park. He brought the idea to his mother, Donna, and the family carried it forward with heart and determination.  

Donna Gunzinger, also an instrumental part of this project, visited the Village office and spoke with Mayor RJ Freitag about the brilliant idea. With coordination from Village Code Enforcement, the plan grew into a six-month project. The Bartholomew’s donated all the lights and electrical supplies to illuminate Veteran’s Park.  The park had no electrical cords so all wiring had to be installed underground – a major undertaking.  

Local partners stepped up to bring this project to bring the vision to life.  Walberg’s Electric provided a generous discount on electrical supplies.  Aaron Cooper, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for the Village got to work preparing the site. Romine from the Cobleskill Rental Center, part of Kelly’s Farm & Garden DBA Cobleskill Agway, provided a trench digger and a lift at no charge. Piece by piece, the park began to glow.

Stop by at dusk and watch the beautiful transformation in Veterans Park. The lights slowly come on, and the trees take a soft, fairy-like glow. It is mesmerizing. A quiet magic that reminds you what a caring community can create.