Pictured, from left to right, Jeannine Mayer and Richard (Doc) Kappler, Garlic Festival co-chairs, Beth Bechtold, Kiwanis Club president, Greg Chorvas and Phil Tucker, Kiwanis treasurer
Superintendent of Parks and Buildings Greg Chorvas extended his thanks and appreciation to the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties at their weekly Tuesday morning breakfast meeting for the $40,000 donation the group made toward the lighting of Cantine Field # 11. Chorvas also gave an update on the project and fielded questions from the membership.
Through the efforts of the American Legion baseball program, the Kiwanis Club has committed up to $15,000 annually for a five-year period toward the project.
Last December, the town of Saugerties received matching grant funding for lighting from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Chorvas told the assembled club that he felt the large amount of previously committed funds was a contributing factor for the state to make its award. “With the Kiwanis funds, along with other funds committed by other sports entities and organizations, this project will be completed without any direct monetary outlay of tax dollars,” said Chorvas.
Chorvas commended the organization for their many other contributions and donations made to the community over the years. Since the inception of the Garlic Festival, over $1.3 million dollars have been brought into the community, along with many quality of life enhancements.