Seasons Greetings from the MARK Project

This has been an exhausting year for the staff at MARK, myself included. When many were an arms-length away from the effects of COVID, we were hearing and helping to cure some overwhelming situations on a daily basis—including nights and weekends. Much like after Hurricane Irene, we quickly became the go-to organization. But unlike Hurricane Irene, we still struggle to see the end of what at times seems to be an unsurmountable crisis.

Working in the not for profit sector for an organization as deep and broad as MARK is a daily challenge, and at no time do we step away—we can’t. But we can take some time to decompress and regenerate our spirit. That is exactly where we are right now.

The MARK office will be closed until Monday, January 4th with limited access to email.

When we reconvene on January 4th we will be faced with new challenges as well as new creative and rewarding opportunities. We will be setting new goals and milestones in 2021. Some of which include, but are not limited to:

• Completion of the NY Main Street Program in Andes, which will include a robust streetscape and signage component

• Completion of the Roxbury and Middletown Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Home Repair Program

• Completion of our Homebuyer Assistance program.

• Applications for continued substantial housing rehabilitation for owner occupied home repair

• An application for a regional child care facility

• The continuation of an inclusive planning process for the Inn at Kirkside, an experiential hospitality training incubator, followed by early applications for construction.

• Capacity building of smaller groups and organizations that will help them take the next step in reaching their overarching goals.

• Continued support for our business community, especially as the long-term effects of COVID become clear. Until then we cannot truly determine needs and subsequent solutions.

• The beginning of the amphitheater development project in Margaretville and the completion of the Margaretville NY Main Street Technical Assistance program.

• Regular website updates and launch of the Inn at Kirkside Website.

• Assistance to the Village of Fleischmanns for the Theater roof repair.

• Ongoing project development assistance and grantsmanship for the Towns of Andes, Middletown, Roxbury and the Village of Fleischmanns

• Virtual networking for full and part time residents and a welcoming forum for new residents

• Virtual business workshops as part of COVID recovery

• Continued assessment of community needs and subsequent program development.

In closing, a heartfelt thank you for your support of the MARK Project, especially during such a challenging time. Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season, and looking forward to turning the page to 2021.

Warm regards,

Peg

If you wish to support the work of MARK you can do so at markproject.org/donate