Main Street Greencastle director getting settled in

Knaul, who replaces Russell Harvey, came to Greencastle in 2002, accepting a job at DePauw and met her husband, Tim Cope, who came from California to teach geology at DePauw. The two have a pair of daughters, who attend Greencastle High School.

Having already been a part of the Greencastle community for over two decades, Kate Knaul now has the task of helping promote downtown businesses as the New York native has been hired as the Main Street Greencastle director.

Knaul, who replaces Russell Harvey, came to Greencastle in 2002, accepting a job at DePauw and met her husband, Tim Cope, who came from California to teach geology at DePauw. The two have a pair of daughters, who attend Greencastle High School.

"My academic and career background is based primarily in international education and career development, though I have always found opportunities to be engaged in community development. My dad is my role model -- he is a veteran, retired small business owner, educator, town official and servant leader. In his 80's, he still serves on nonprofit boards and volunteers with local organizations. He's shown me the difference a person can make in his community and in the lives of others, and it’s something I strive to emulate in my own life. For me, a big part of engaging in my local community has been part of the place-making activities of the Putnam County Mural Project and the Winter Wonderland Lights Festival, which have contributed to local arts, cultural appreciation, and a sense of community pride and connectivity," Knaul told The Putnam County Post. 

At DePauw, Knaul was an employee for 16 years, serving in a variety of academic and career advising roles. Taking over the reigns of Main Street while both Greencastle and DePauw officials begin to embark on the Green and Gold initiative in earnest has her excited, she admits. 

"I am very excited about the Green and Gold initiative. There are incredibly smart, gifted, and caring individuals in the community and at DePauw who have been working for a long time to enrich the Greencastle and Main Street community. The funding and "push" that comes from a grant like this will allow us to really move forward on the dreams and goals we have," Knaul said. 

As Knaul gets settled into her new role, she admits there are no bold changes in the present, but rather she is "still getting up to speed." With that said, she does have several things she is thinking about. 

First is continuing the success of First Fridays that board member Gail Smith set in motion in 2014 and has grown over the years. Second, is ensuring there is a plan and building resources needed to strengthen the historical and physical attributes of downtown. Third is increasing support for Main Street businesses, whether they are just getting started, looking to grow or looking to transition. Finally, Knaul said, is developing a volunteer base to support Main Street efforts. 

"Having lived here for over two decades, I’ve been able to see and experience many of the improvements to downtown Greencastle. I’m proud to have been asked to be part of contributing to the development and success of our Main Street community. I’m excited to partner with a number of people I’ve worked with over the years who have tremendous ideas and vision. I’m especially excited about the opportunities that the partnership with DePauw will bring through the Green and Gold Initiative. In particular, Main Street is recommitting to supporting the long-term success of our local businesses, creating public spaces that draw residents and visitors to the area, and to celebrate its historic value while also ensuring it’s a place in which our youngest residents see a future," Knaul said.