Architectural Work of Little Known Architect Abraham Okun to Be Featured At Preservation Conference

WORKS OF LITTLE KNOWN MONTICELLO ARCHITECT TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AT PRESERVATION CONFERENCE

For each of the past ten years, the first Sunday and Monday in November have brought to the Liberty Museum & Arts Center the two day Main Street Forum, better known as Preservation Sunday and Main Street Monday.

The Forum, which attracts planning professionals, developers, and public officials, as well as interested property owners, to Liberty for the two days, is presented by the New York Main Street Alliance and is co-sponsored by the New York State Urban Council, the New York State Planning Federation, the New York Conference of Mayors, The Catskill Center, and the Liberty Museum & Arts Center.

This is actually the 15th year for the Monday event, which will focus on cultural centers—libraries, movie theaters, museums, art galleries and the like-- and how they can anchor and define a community’s main street.

The Sunday program, which focuses specifically on historic preservation, was added to the schedule in 2002, making it a two day forum, and some of this year’s presentations will highlight the buildings of longtime Monticello architect Abraham Okun.

Okun was active during the middle years of the 20th century, designing a number of interesting local buildings which seem to have distinct elements in common, including the Associated Mutual Insurance Building in Woodridge, and Bruce’s Garage in Liberty. This year’s forum will feature a panel discussion of his work moderated by developer Ken Schmitt of Mountaindale as well as a look at his buildings through the eyes of talented photographer Louis Jawitz.

The Preservation Sunday conference has traditionally provided participants—many contemplating historic preservation projects of their own-- with guidance and inspiration, and this year is no exception. Besides the programs on Okun’s work, there are sessions dealing with restoring cultural buildings from an architect’s perspective and from a contractor’s perspective, and on using preservation as an economic development tool. Another session details the restoration of the Roxbury Arts Center in neighboring Delaware County.

This year’s events are scheduled for November 6 and 7. Each day’s events begin at 8 AM and sessions run throughout the day both days, culminating with a reception each evening at 7 PM.

Advanced registration is not required but is appreciated for the conferences, and can be accomplished by calling the Liberty Museum & Arts Center at 292-2394, or at libertymuseum.com.

There is typically a charge for the Forum, but the Liberty Museum emphasizes that people should not let the cost stand in the way of attending if they are interested. “We do have several scholarships available to defray the cost of attendance,” they say. “People should call the museum to find out about them.”

Downtown Experts In Liberty

Two-Day Conference to Focus on Downtown Cultural Attractions

LIBERTY – A two-day conference in Liberty will feature over 30 specialists in downtown and main street revitalization as well as building preservation from around New York State. This year’s annual event takes place on November 6 and 7 at the Liberty Museum and Arts Center located at 46 South Main Street in Liberty. It is co-sponsored by the New York Main Street Alliance (NYMSA) and the New York State Urban Council.

Now in its 15^th year, the annual “Main Street Forum” on Monday, November 7 will offer practical advice and information to communities about downtown revitalization issues. For the first, the format will be all panel discussions with Main Street experts that will cover basic, intermediate and advanced topics.

One panel discussion will be moderated by representatives from the NYS Housing and Community Renewal, which has been responsible for millions of dollars in funding and grants for main streets and downtown redevelopment throughout New York State.

The tenth annual “New York Preservation Forum” will be held on the previous day, Sunday, November 6. Speakers will discuss restoring Main Street buildings, as well as historic preservation issues and techniques with the focus on cultural buildings on Main Street. The day concludes with an evening reception for the 10^th Annual Preservation Photography Show.

The cost of registration is $40 for Sunday, $95 for Monday or $120 for both. Breakfast and lunch at the museum are included with registration. Discounted registration rates are available for three or more persons registering together. Scholarships are available through the Liberty Museum.

Sullivan Renaissance Community Planner Helen Budrock is one of the conference speakers and the event may be of particular interest to organizations and individuals that have had Sullivan Renaissance projects on their Main Streets. For more information contact Helen Budrock at 845-295-2462 or hbudrock@sullivanrenaissance.org no later than November 3^rd.