Write a commentIt’s market night in Pulaski, which means you’ll find Jessie Joss Kling out managing traffic and dozens of vendors at the village’s South Park.
Kling is the Vice President of the non-profit organization PROP (Preservation and Revitalization of Pulaski) and the new manager for the farmers market, which is run by PROP.
The markets have been newly reimagined under her leadership, with a full vendor list and weekly curated music in the park that is powered by donations. Kling began her work organizing and rebuilding the markets months ahead of opening day. Her artistic expertise was instrumental in creating new branding and building up excitement from an engaged base of vendors. Because transportation has been a barrier to market participation in the past, Kling has worked with Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) to provide free transportation to and from the market from multiple points in Pulaski—inspired in part by similar efforts made in the City of Oswego.
Kling has deep agricultural roots in Oswego County. She grew up on a multi-generational dairy farm in Pulaski where both her parents and grandparents worked. Most of her extended family lives in Oswego County as well, from Pulaski to Granby.
“Farming is something I know,” Kling asserted. “I wanted to make the market better for the farmers and showcase the amazing farmers and growers we have locally.” In addition to the major changes already seen in the market this year, Kling has plans to continue expanding and improving the market next year. She hopes to try including more local businesses next summer by expanding the market into North Park as well as South Park.
Kling left the area for college, earning her Master’s in Art Education in Albany and then teaching at South Jefferson High School. But, life brought her back to Pulaski after she met her husband. After teaching for several years in Pulaski schools, she shifted gears and purchased Bridge Street Makers. The art and ceramics studio offers numerous classes to the community, providing an outlet for continued education in the arts, sharing in Kling’s love of working with her hands and “the positive effects from slowing down to just be creative.” The studio will be connecting to the summer community as well by offering satellite classes at nearby Brennan’s Beach.
“I think Pulaski is a great place to raise my kids and I enjoy being close to my family here,” Kling told iHeart Oswego. “I love the small town feel and knowing your neighbors. I think Pulaski could really shine with the right investments and opportunities.”
Her farming background has given Kling the motivation and the work ethic to help the village develop and reach lofty goals. Outside of managing the markets, Kling is working with the village on an application for a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant—the same New York State grant that has transformed Oswego and is funding numerous new projects in Fulton. “Oswego County has so much potential with the lake, river, and falls and we just need to show others how unique and special it is here,” she said. “I look forward to improving things for my children and possibly grandchildren who may choose to stay here. If we invest the time and effort into making this community strong and supportive, then we will all thrive.”
Community support is critical to helping these efforts come to fruition. Kling credits a community service Snow Scholarship Award she received in high school with helping her get started in community development. “I met former PROP President Margaret Weigel, who was [our] librarian during this work. Making connections early on with the library, art center, historical society, etc., provided me with a path and network to go back into community service” as an adult.
Many members of PROP have acted as role models and mentors to Kling in her journey, including PROP President Tiffany Hax-Craig and PROP member Bonnie Finnerty. “[Bonnie] is a woman in business in town and she has also been a role model for me as I navigate community outreach and improvement… she has brought consistent energy and support to the market and to me managing the market.” Volunteers like those involved in PROP balance numerous work and family commitments as they work together to improve the Pulaski community.
For those interested in being a part of improving their own community—whether they live in Pulaski or not—Kling suggests looking for vacancies on local boards for organizations like libraries, historical societies, fire departments, animal shelters, arts centers, and beyond. Larger organizations like OCO are also always looking for volunteers for various initiatives and extra help carrying out their mission. “In Pulaski, PROP is always looking for volunteers,” she noted. “You could choose to help out at [our annual] gala, clean up the riverwalk on Earth Day, or volunteer one Friday a month at the market.” PROP has numerous connections with other groups as well, and can help guide people to where their talents and skills can be used best.
To get involved with PROP, send them an email at pulaski.prop@gmail.com or message the PROP Pulaski Facebook page.
Elsewhere in Oswego County, opportunities abound on town boards, in service organizations like Rotary Club and The Arc of Oswego County, and in larger organizations like the Office for the Aging’s RSVP program and the veteran-run Clear Path for Veterans.
In Jessie’s own words, “What a beautiful thing it would be to see volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to make their communities thrive.” We couldn’t agree more!
