PCC President

Seventy years! We’re looking good for 70. On Sunday, September 27, the Phillipsport Community Center hosted a celebration of their anniversary. Bob Speziale, PCC President, described the center’s transformation from a once derelict schoolhouse to an accessible, ADA-compliant venue with state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting and landscaped gardens. 

Long-time member and PCC Historian Jack Weiser narrated the story of the center’s “birth,” recounting how neighbors, unhappy with the shuttered schoolhouse as a result of the centralization of the Ellenville School District, formed the non-profit, charitable Phillipsport Community Center Association through the tenacity of one woman, former student Anna Budd.

With the intervention of then Governor Lehman, they were able to purchase the building for the sum of one dollar. Over the years it has become a community asset, a destination for music nights, events for children, garden parties, wedding receptions, memorial services, holiday gatherings, movies, poetry readings, meet the candidates, to name just a few. Throughout the years the association has lovingly preserved and maintained the historic building and grounds.

Bill Merchant, Museum Director of the D&H Canal Historical Society, spoke on the life of the D&H Canal and its impact on the growth of Phillipsport as a commercial hub during the 19^th century. There is still a partial stone wall, visible between State Route 209 and Minister Flats Road where a historical marker stands today.

Mamakating Town Supervisor Peter Goodman, while campaigning door-to-door was so impressed with the PCC and its community embrace, that he wanted to be part of it and joined as a member, valuing the spirit that the PCC evokes. Town Councilman Matt Mordas, Ward 3 representative, greeted the audience, commending the mission of the PCC. He has been an active member for many years. 

New York State Assemblywoman Paula Kay joined us and presented a handsome framed proclamation honoring the “all-volunteer, non-profit offering services throughout the rural areas of southeastern Sullivan County... and dedicated to supporting underserved residents and funding other organizations that seek to do the same.”

The event was catered by Doreen Stedner, owner of the former Sammy Brown’s Walkaway restaurant in Ellenville. Desserts were homemade by the membership. An anniversary cake topped with a buttercream photo of the PCC was created by neighbor Gabby Totten. Live music was provided by Debbie Fisher and Paul Kean. The more than fifty people in attendance enjoyed the festivities.