sullivan county pride journal 2016

25thAnniversary

Sullivan County Pride1992-2016

Celebrating 25 years of Great Accomplishments

A Special Section of the Sullivan County DemocratMay 2016

2 PR IDE AWARDS 2016

EDITORIAL |

In the blink of an eye: Chamber awards turn 25

Twenty-five years. The SullivanCounty Pride Awards is celebrat-ing its Silver Anniversary this

month by honoring five special Sulli-van County businesspeople.

By our count, a little more than 400businesses and organizations havebeen honored during the past two-and-a-half decades, starting with Busi-ness Person of the Year Alan Gerry in1992.

Our coverage of that historic dayseems to sum up the real meaning ofthe awards, which was originally calledthe “Magic of Sullivan County Cham-pagne Gala.”

It was a standing-room-only crowdof 272 people at the Villa Roma Club-house in Callicoon that bright Aprilday in 1992 when AssemblymanRichard I. Coombe introduced AlanGerry as the first Businessperson of theYear to a standing ovation.

“Alan Gerry has learned the value ofhard work,” Assemblyman Coombesaid. “He has hoped and dreamedabout the future and his hard work haspaid off.

“Not only has Gerry gone to theApex of business in Sullivan County,New York, but in the United States andthe world. He never forgot his roots

and he wants to provide hopes and dreamsto our children.”

Gerry responded, “The harder you work,the luckier you get. People ask me if I had abig picture, a great plan. It was nothing likethat. Good fortune of many, many friendsand doing things right, treating everyonefairly, and doing a quality job (was importantto the success of Cablevision).

“You also have to gather good peoplearound you,” Gerry continued. “I thank youfor the recognition. I’m indeed a very fortu-nate man to know all of you and have yoursupport.”

It was a wonderful event that first yearwhich showcased Sullivan County’s businesscommunity in a different light – a light ofunity and success.

That torch has been passed on through theyears to many businesses and hard-workingmen and women along the way. May thisyear’s award winners continue in the spiritand cooperation of the award and helpmake Sullivan County an even better placeto live, work and play.

Page 4 Les Kristt 25th Silver Anniversary Award

Page 8 Franklin Trapp Business Person of the YearAward

Page 12 Dr. Gerard Galarneau Distinguished Achievement Award

Page 15 Jeff Siegel 25th Silver Anniversary Award

Page 17 Evan & Brynn Allees Young Emerging Leaders Award

Page 19 Honorees Through the Years

Page 22 Chamber Spotlight

CONTENTS


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L es Kristt, of Kristt Kelly OfficeSystems in Monticello, is aman of the community.

Kristt first joined the MonticelloRotary Club in 1975 when the clubconsisted of 60 or so individuals;people who Kristt looked up toand was inspired to emulate.

In 1979 he became President ofthat same Rotary Club.

He is the voice of the Annual

WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon and former VicePresident of the SullivanCounty Chamber of Commerce. Heis on the Executive Committee ofthe Boys and Girls Club CelebrityDinner and the Chairperson of theMonticello Hall of Distinction Com-mittee.

Kristt is also the Chairman of theMonticello Rotary Monster Race,which this year, will be benefitingthe Sullivan County Veterans Coali-tion.

He is a husband to Amy, a father,and excitingly, soon to be a grand-father.

So it comes as no surprise thatKristt is receiving the 25th SilverAnniversary Award from the Sulli-van County Chamber of Commerceat the 25th Anniversary Pride

Awards Gala. “I’ve always been involved in

two, three or four projects,” saidKristt, “and I’m still very much in-volved.”

Born and raised in Monticello,Kristt was greatly inspired by hisfather and the community in whichhe grew up.

“In High School, I had a lot offriends but I never really put myself

out there. I kept to myself a lot,”said Kristt. “As I got older, I starteddoing more things in and for thecommunity. I felt fulfilled doingthat.”

After graduating from MonticelloHigh School in 1964, Kristt at-tended Cornell University for Elec-trical Engineering, during the timeof the Vietnam War.

He decided to come back to Mon-ticello in March of 1969, and wentinto business with his parents atKristt Co., which, at the time, hadjust four employees. In 1975, afterincorporating, that number in-creased to seven.

“Coming back to Monticello wasimportant to me. Being a part of

Inspiring Community Activism 25th Silver Anniversary Award

Les Kristt, Kristt Kelly Office Systems

BY AUTUMN SCHANIL


my community,” explained Kristt,“That’s what it is to live, to be a partof the people that are around you.”

In 1977, when his father passedaway, Kristt became president of thecorporation.

Since then, Kristt Co. has grownsignificantly under his watchful eye,eventually opening The Art Shoppeand Frame Game right next door tothe original business in a beautiful1890s Victorian house. In 1985,Kristt had the two company build-ings connected, creating a 4,500square-foot showroom for furniture,office equipment and more.

The Art Shoppe has now been inoperation for a little more than 25

years. Kristt eventually partnered

with Gene Kelly, who hadjoined the company as adriver back in 1984. In 2002,they renamed the originalbusiness as Kristt Kelly OfficeSystems. Kelly took on therole of Corporate Secretarywhile Kristt remained as Cor-porate President.

That same year, Kristt wasproudly named the BusinessPerson of the Year for Sulli-van County.

In 2005, Kristt served asChairman of the Sullivan Hos-pitality Committee, focusingon public awareness and “Sul-livan Smiles.” It was a worthycampaign that included ads,hospitality awards, “good be-havior” handbooks, reaching

out in the schools to the childrenwho are the future work force ofSullivan County to promote kind-ness, helpfulness, smiles and pa-tience when dealing with customersand tourists.

“I enjoy working with everyone atmy business, and I enjoy workingwith the people in the community,”continued Kristt. “One of the mostenjoyable aspects to me is creating aproject and then watching it cometo fruition. To look back and seehow well we’ve communicated withthe community. To see all the smil-ing faces.

“That’s my motivation. Some peo-ple get high on this or that. I gethigh on life.”

Les Kristt

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Thank you to All who make Sullivan County a wonderful place to live!

Les Kristt

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ranklin Trapp grew up inOhio and first came to Sulli-van County in 2001, when

hired for the summer season at theForestburgh Playhouse as a residentcompany actor.

Considering his many accomplish-ments since then, it’s not surprisingTrapp will be receiving the BusinessPerson of the Year award from theSullivan County Chamber of Commerce.

Trapp has an extensive career inthe acting business, freelancing forseveral years as a professional actor

in New York City.After his first summer in the

Catskills, Trapp ended up spendingthree additional summers with theForestburgh Playhouse, getting thechance to not only perform but alsodirect playhouse shows, eventuallyreceiving membership in Actor’s Eq-uity Association.

Ironically, Trapp left the northeastto attend Vanderbilt University LawSchool in Nashville, Tennessee, andlanded a job at a firm in Atlanta,Georgia, shortly after graduation,

where he practiced for five years. “At a certain point in my acting

career, I was tired of being a free-lancer,” explained Trapp, “you’regoing from job to job, constantlyauditioning and there’s a lot of un-certainty. Of course, it’s a wonder-ful career path and I encourage it,but it’s not for everybody.

“I decided I wanted to combinethe different things that I’ve done inmy life, and law school felt like anatural next step for me.”

While practicing in Atlanta, Trappreceived a phone call from the for-

mer owner of the Forestburgh Play-house asking if Trapp would beinterested in coming back to theplayhouse and officially taking over.

“I said, ‘absolutely not,’” statedTrapp, “I was really enjoying what Iwas doing. A year later I had timeto really think about my future pathand the playhouse kept calling, so Idecided to jump on the opportunityand here I am today. This is mythird year.”

The former owner stayed withTrapp that first summer, to help him

Theater entrepreneuradvances the arts

Business Person of the Year AwardFranklin Trapp, Forestburgh Playhouse

BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

F


transition into his role as the newowner of the Forestburgh Playhouse.

“It was a marvelous first summer,”said Trapp. “During the second yearI felt that I really created the brandthat I wanted to create in order tokeep the playhouse growing. I’m really excited about the future andthe possibilities.”

Since taking over the playhouseTrapp has overhauled the website,created a huge social media pres-ence, replaced all the seats in the

theater thanks to supportfrom the community, built abrand new outdoor patio atthe Forestburgh Tavern, cre-ated an Alumni Associationfor the Playhouse whichdates back to the 1970s andimproved upon the produc-tion quality of the shows,bringing in new exciting tal-ent; the list goes on and on.

Most importantly, Trapphas been engaging morewith the community, creat-ing the Forestburgh GivesBack Program, which do-nates tickets to shows, en-abling more people from thecommunity to attend.

“We want people to knowwe’re here. Something reallydevastating for me to hear, “continued Trapp, “is whensomeone who doesn’t livevery far away says thatthey’ve never been to thePlayhouse. I want that tochange.”

Trapp is changing the ForestburghTavern as well, encouraging bene-fits, weddings, graduations, cabaretsand other events to be held there,creating it as its own brand.

“I hope to eventually not only offerwhat we already do,” added Trapp,“but to develop and offer newworks.

“I wouldn’t have made this hugeleap and be where I am at the mo-ment if it wasn’t for the push frommy partner, John, who said, ‘just doit, don’t miss this opportunity.’”

Franklin Trapp

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Dr. Gerard Galarneau traces hisinterest in medicine back to hisboyhood in downstate Blauvelt.

“I broke my thumb when I waseight years old playing baseball,” heremembers.

He was taken to the emergencyroom by a high-schooler, a medicallysavvy older friend who instantly be-came a mentor.

“I wanted to be like him – and hewent to medical school,” says the mannow affectionately known as “Dr. G.”

Indeed, the effect was lasting andprofound. In 1991, Dr. Galarneaugraduated SUNY Binghamton with aB.S. in Biology, then received his MDfrom New York Medical College in1995.He held residencies in GeneralSurgery and Urology at Beth IsraelMedical Center in New York from1997-2000 and recently graduatedfrom Carnegie Mellon University witha Master’s degree in Medical Manage-ment.

Throughout this time he built hisskills not only as a physician but as aman of care, compassion and charm.

Those talents have served him wellover the past two decades, and nowthey are making a substantial impacton Sullivan County, where he’s servedas Catskill Regional Medical Center’s(CRMC’s) Chief Executive Officer andChief Medical Officer since 2013.

“The county has really embracedme,” Dr. Galarneau shares, delightedby the Distinguished Achievement

Award, the latest in a slew of acco-lades.

Characteristically, he’s not one tokeep the spotlight solely on him.

“Me being recognized also recog-nizes the hard work our 750 employ-ees do every day,” he relates. “I have agreat group of people I work with!”

Indeed, he’s cultivated a leadershipteam he knows has been key toCRMC’s revival.

“We were able to right the ship,” heexplains.

For example, when Dr. Galarneauarrived, CRMC had just 17 days ofcash on hand and was in deep debt toits various vendors.

Today, bills are paid on time, andCRMC has well over 70 days of cashavailable.

Look, too, at the employee engage-ment scores (a measure of workers’involvement, productivity and satisfac-tion), which are at the highest levelsthey’ve ever been.

“We have five engaged employeesfor every one that is disengaged,” Dr.G proudly notes.

He sets the tone by setting the ex-ample.

“I don’t think there is an employeein this organization who would say Idon’t work hard,” he nods.

And he focuses on supporting every

STORY BY DAN HUST

Making lives better is hislife’s mission

Distinguished Achievement AwardDr. Gerard Galarneau, CRMC


employee via his leadership team,from those at the Grover M. HermannDivision in Callicoon to the Rose &Sam Seelig Division in Harris to theMiddletown-based Greater HudsonValley Health System, which in addi-tion to CRMC includes Orange Re-gional Medical Center and OrangeRegional Medical Group.

Patient satisfaction rates have risen,as well – and since that affects insur-ance reimbursement levels, CRMC isoperating in the black.

That’s freed up funding for new of-ferings, from the just-opened Bariatricand Metabolic Surgical Services pro-gram to the much-appreciated cov-ered entranceway in Harris.

“I think we’ve been successfulwhere other hospitals have not in thepast few years,” Dr. Galarneau ob-serves.

Next up is an urgent care/medicaloffice complex off Route 42 north ofMonticello, not far from where thenew casino is being built. It’s expected

to open in the summer of 2017.There, too, the focus will be on sat-

isfying patients and staff – an increas-ingly important consideration forinsurers and the state and federalagencies which fund CRMC.

“We want to create a hospital peopleare proud of, one that offers a healingexperience,” Dr. G affirms.

Meanwhile, he continues not onlyleading CRMC but raising two daugh-ters, Madison and Taylor, with wifeJennifer.

And he’s still practicing medicine inhis chosen field of urology. Indeed, heperforms surgery at least once a week.

“I still see patients,” the doctor ex-plains. “It allows me to have a real in-sight into what’s going on” – not justin their lives but in the world ofhealthcare.

Dr. Galarneau is board-certified inurology and has been an active Orange Regional medical staff mem-ber since March 2000.

Having served as the vice chair ofOrange Regional’s Department ofUrology from 2002-2004 and Chair-man from 2005-2006, he was theChairman of Staff from 2007-2008 andhas held the position of Chief of Staffsince January 2009.

His leadership responsibilities con-tinue to squeeze his time to just be“Dr. G,” but he’s not complaining. Heis, after all, helping guide the healthand wellness of thousands.

“As CEO of CRMC,” he explains, “Ihave a greater impact on the lives ofpeople in this community than as anindividual physician.”

And that is why he’s so gratified tobe recognized as the Pride of SullivanCounty Distinguished AchievmentAward winner.

“I am honored,” he admits.

Dr. Gerard Galarneau

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Including Distinguished Achievement Award Recipient, Dr. Gerard Galarneau, CEO, Catskill Regional Medical Center At Catskill Regional Medical Center, we’re committed to a healthier community. This commitment starts at the top. Our CEO, Dr. Gerard Galarneau, known to his colleagues and patients as “Dr. G.,” is a practicing Urologist at our hospital and makes time to connect with local organizations. Sincere congratulations to Dr. G on this well-deserved honor! We appreciate your dedication to Sullivan County.

Congratulations to all the 2016 Pride Award Honorees

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S ervice equals success for JeffSiegel. Indeed, it’s defined hisentire life.

Born and raised in Monticello, hegrew up in his dad’s dry cleaningbusiness, where he learned how tomeet customers’ exacting demands.

He took that service-oriented skillto Partymaster, where he spent 19years as a DJ.

“Perry Gips [the owner] was agreat mentor,” he remembers.

Siegel subsequently went intobusiness for himself, startingIM4Fun which, like Partymaster, fo-cused on creating memorableevents.

After one corporate function,however, he was advised to aim fora “more marketable” name – thusthe Spencer Daniels Agency (SDA)was born.

“Spencer and Daniel are my twoboys,” Siegel relates with a grin.“And the phone rang immediately.It was very ‘corporate-sounding’.”

But don’t call SDA an “event plan-ner.”

“People need Jeff Siegel and theSpencer Daniels Agency to produceand execute their event or function,”he explains. “They don’t need me toplan their event. You already havethe idea, and you’re planning it.”

Where Siegel and company offertheir expertise is in decorations, en-tertainment, setup, location, insur-ance and making sure everyone hasa memorable time.

“So you can give me a hug and akiss afterwards,” he laughs.

But it’s truly serious business, anda role Siegel approaches quite seri-ously – whether he’s producing abar mitzvah in Sullivan County or acasino party at the Masters Tourna-

ment in Georgia.“You need to build a relationship,”

he says. “I do that every day.”That’s led to ongoing work with

Circle Line Cruises in New York City(around 200 events a year),fundraisers for Crouse Hospital inSyracuse and the American CancerSociety, collaborations with localnonprofit initiatives like the AllysonWhitney Foundation and RhulenRock Hill Run and Ramble, and cor-porate events around the country.

Many locals, of course, knowSiegel from his various Village ofMonticello gatherings – especiallythe Bagel Festival, which arose fromhis and other Monticello Business

Builds business - and life -on service Distinguished Service

AwardJeff Siegel, Spencer Daniel’s Agency

STORY BY DAN HUST


Association members’ desire toreignite downtown commerce.

He’d been thinking about themany discussions he’d had with Dr.Peter Tarlow, a tourism expertbrought to the county by SullivanRenaissance.

“Peter said to me, ‘You have to getyour group to focus on whateverthe theme is going to be for yourtown’,” Siegel recalls, using as anexample the transformation of thelackluster North Tarrytown into thepopular Sleepy Hollow.

The idea hit him inside the Monti-cello Bagel Bakery.

“Bagels were not invented inMonticello,” Siegel acknowledges.“However, the guy who created thebagel-making machine – he lived inSullivan County!”

And just like Siegel, that little-known inventor loved makingsomething work against all odds.

“People thought I was out of mymind, but they played along,” hechuckles.

The first Bagel Festival attracted5,000 people and a few dozen ven-dors. With the second, 12,000 peo-ple and 130 vendors arrived. At thethird, 15,000 folks ambled pastnearly 200 vendors.

“That’s a great day in any festival’sbook,” Siegel boasts.

The fourth incarnation is comingthis August, even though Siegel sayshe hasn’t made a profit yet.

“I didn’t do it for me,” he ex-plains. “I always hope the best forMonticello and Sullivan County, nomatter what I do.”

It’s where he’s raised his now-grown children, the aforementionedSpencer and Daniel and daughterBrianna. It’s where he still liveswith wife Kathy Roebuck (withwhom he has a stepson, John, andthree grandchildren: Jonathan,Joshua and Jordan).

“Because I was born and raisedhere, I will always have a connec-tion,” he admits. “It’s always goingto be the place where I’m from.”

To be recognized as that place’sDistinguished Service Awardee isimmensely gratifying to him.

“I was surprised and flattered,” hesays.

And it dovetails perfectly withSiegel’s motto.

“If I can help you be successful,”he advises, “then I will be too.”

Jeff Siegel

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S ullivan County is many things for

Brynn and Evan Allees: a home

they’ve created for their two (with

a third due in September) children, a

place for their flourishing restaurant and

careers, family, and a supportive com-

munity. It is also where it all began for

the honorees.Brynn, (nee Rausch), was born and

raised in Hurleyville, and started her

education at Sullivan CountyCommunity College. After com-pleting her education at SUNYNew Paltz and receiving a Master’sDegree in Education from LIU, shestarted a career in education in Sulli-van County, teaching middle schoolEnglish at Livingston Manor.

Evan, from Liberty, also studied atSullivan County Community College,trained in local restaurants, and gradu-ated from the Culinary Institute ofAmerica in 2008. He would also starthis career in Sullivan County, most re-cently running the kitchen at the for-mer Albert’s Liberty House. With histenure there ending, Patrick H. Dol-lard of The Center for Discovery, ap-proached the couple with theopportunity to add a restaurant toMain Street and be part of Hurleyville’sawakening, the timing was right andthe couple jumped at the chance.

In August of 2015, the Pickled Owl

Gastropub, Evan and Brynn’s longtimedream, opened for business.

The Pickled Owl is a labor of loveand a source of pride for the two.

A cornerstone in Hurleyville’s Ren-aissance, the family-friendly MainStreet eatery combines many impor-tant things for the couple: SullivanCounty, great food, a variety of beer,and dining as an experience. They es-pouse a belief that “good food takes

time” and to that end, everything ismade from scratch (from the biscuitsaccompanying the now famous brinedfried chicken to the desserts).

Brynn worked on decorating thedining room, sitting area and barmaintaining original features andadding personal touches, creating a“casual yet refined setting.”

Evan developed a menu that is anod to the blue collar and farm rootsof Sullivan County, featuring producesourced from The Center for Discov-ery and local farms, locally sourcedpoultry from Snowdance Farms in Liv-ingston Manor, maple syrup from theCatskill Mountain Sugar House, coffeefrom Java Love in White Lake and arotating beer selection including fa-vorites from the Catskill Brewery.

The Allees’ believe in “thinking local,

Living their dream inHurleyville Young Emerging Leaders Award

Evan and Brynn Allees, The Pickled Owl

BY KAITLIN CARNEY


buying local, and being local” which isevident in Evan’s sourcing for therestaurant. He uses these quality ingre-dients to craft familiar recipes with aspin. Evan explains, “This is such a bluecollar area, we wanted to do somethinggreat food-wise but nothing too extrava-gant. We also wanted to have fun cook-ing.” The 24-hour brined fried chickenhas taken the culinary scene by storm,and many have tried decadent offeringslike bone marrow and fried chickenskins for appetizers. The menu and beerpairings are designed to create a diningexperience where laughter, chatter, andtaste testing occur.

Entering the restaurant scene on theirown has been an adventure for the cou-ple, but the outcome is worth the work.They’ve recently added a new chef,Brooklyn’s Jared Lozupone works withEvan in the kitchen, while Brynn helpsout with the front of house duties andplanning of special events like TriviaNight, Sip and Paint, and live music fea-turing seasoned and breakout localartists on the weekends. They’ve en-joyed meeting new people and greetingregulars that come in for their favorite

dish or to sample something different. Brynn and Evan have been supported

in their venture by their families, withBrynn’s mother completing the restora-tion of the original plasters and paint-ings of the restaurant.

As they near their one-year anniver-sary this summer, Brynn and Evanmarvel at the evolution of the PickledOwl, from an idea to a neighborhoodstaple. They’re excited to be a part ofthe rebirth of Hurleyville, and to be adestination for food, fun, and com-pany for their friends and neighbors.Familiar faces for live music on theweekends, good natured rivalries onTrivia Night, and families and friendsenjoying a leisurely brunch are all as-pects of the restaurant and the com-munity that Brynn and Evan werehoping to develop.

Being named as Young EmergingLeaders is exciting for Brynn and EvanAllees, “We are just incredibly honoredto be so received by the community.We look forward to continuing togrow and bring an enjoyable experi-ence to all who come through ourdoor!”

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Evan and Brynn Allees

1992Businessperson of the Year Alan GerryTown of Callicoon Dr. Joseph NebzydoskiTown of Fallsburg The Gold Family, Ray GoldTown of Forestburgh Mr. Willy’s RestaurantTown of Fremont Lohr Lumber, Ed LohrTown of Lumberland Nolan RestaurantTown of Mamakating Canal Towne EmporiumTown of Thompson Bruce Reynolds

1993Businessperson of the Year Walter RhulenBethel Sutphen EastCallicoon The Doll House, Ricky GrahamCochecton The Heritage AllianceDelaware Diehl’s Farm MarketFallsburg Bob StultsForestburgh Forestburgh PlayhouseFremont Jill PinderHighland Eldred PreserveLiberty Paul LounsburyLumberland Supervisor Tom HilllMamakating O’Toole’s Harley-DavidsonNeversink Thomas PassaroRockland F. Richard VeronaThompson Apollo PlazaTusten Peters Pharmacy

1994Businessperson of the Year Steve Drobysh

1995Businessperson of the Year Ray Walter

1996Businessperson of the Year Joyce Salimeno

1997Businessperson of the Year Bruce Reynolds

1998 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Bill ReynoldsDistinguished Achievement Robert DadrasBethel Rachel KeeblerCallicoon Gus KabackiCochecton Lillian KraussDelaware Jim & Barbara KaytonFallsburg Robert ScheinmanForestburgh Robert LiebmanFremont Ivan WeingerHighland DeCumber FamilyLiberty Eugene BlabeyLumberland Bicentennial CommitteeMamakating Pat LanzaNeversink Peter OffringaRockland Carolyn BivinsThompson Fred & Florence EdelmanTusten Ned Lang

1999 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Paul CarlucciDistinguished Service Brian FitzpatrickBethel Gary Corts & Seth PulverCallicoon The Shandelee Music FestivalCochecton Katherine Jean McCoachDelaware Charlie MillsFallsburg Ruth HolmesForestburgh Andrew KozachuckFremont East Ridge CemeteryHighland Jim GuekunstLiberty Diane BradyLumberland Ukranian Youth Festival

continued on page 20


Honorees through the yearsThis list reflects the most accurate information available to the chamber.

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2000 Honorees

Businessperson of the Year Fred Stabbert IIIDistinguished Achievement Selma FieldDistinguished Service Jonathan DrapkinBethel Ed & Edith BoydCallicoon WJFF RadioCochecton Dr. Paul SalzbergDelaware Herbert BauernfeindFallsburg Chris & Kim Sutton

2001 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Helen KutsherDistinguished Service Sandra GerryDistinguished Achievement David KaufmanBethel Chris BilickCallicoon Frank HaskellCochecton Bruce MeyerDelaware Leota HermannFallsburg Phil ValloneForestburgh Michael LeRoyFremont Evelyn ParksHighland Pietro MerendinoLiberty Norman KerrLumberland Frank SchwartzMamakating Melissa LanzaNeversink Phil Coombe, Jr.Rockland Manor 200 Corp. Thompson Michael DollardTusten Laurie Stuart

2002 Honorees Businessperson of the Year Les KristtDistinguished Service Tim MullallyDistinguished Achievement David KaufmannMamakating Susan & John LavelleNeversink Mike & Lori MickelsonRockland Miriam Stone

2003 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Steve DubrovskyDistinguished Service Tim MullallyDistinguished Achievement SCCC Dormitory Corp.Bethel Gay DonofrioCallicoon Chris PfanstielCochecton Joseph MeyerDelaware Mickey & Reese RocheFallsburg Veronica & Anthony PeritoForestburgh Donald Elliott Highland Kittatinny Canoes, Ruth JonesLiberty Sal & Mary MoranaLumberland Michael F. Werneke, Jr.Mamakating Dali RoosaNeversink Bob & Beth MickelsonRockland Gerard Ilaria & Steve WilkinsonThompson Sherri & Jim Barnicle

2004 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Gary SchmidtDistinguished Service Robert ErnstDistinguished Achievement Tony CelliniBethel Gibson McKeanCallicoon John PilnyCochecton John GorzynskiDelaware Richard WulffFallsburg Perry GipsForestburgh Lucille HortonFremont Kerri Lee SensibaHighland Lynn O’NeillLiberty Karen Van CraenbroeckLumberland Dorothy AmeyMamakating Charles ManginiNeversink Meigan DeanRockland Patricia & Jack YelleThompson Steven BrahinajTusten Klu Padu

2005 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Rick LanderDistinguished Service Andrew KreigerDistinguished Achievement Maurice GerryBethel Denise FrangipaneCallicoon Sue BodensteinCochecton Vincent LucianiDelaware Ruth BrustmanFallsburg Ellen & Murray BreskyForestburgh Paul RauschFremont VincentHighland George & Tony KawalsiLiberty Allan BerubeLumberland Ann DanuffMamakating Veronica HellerNeversink Charles & Justine BlumeRockland Craig SherwoodThompson Paula KayTusten John & Yoke DiGiorgio

2006 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Craig PassanteDistinguished Service Robert ScheinmanDistinguished Achievement Dianne BradyBethel James & Mary Ellen DiCarloCallicoon Mike & Colleen BarberCochecton John MaasDelaware Rosemari DiCristofaroFallsburg Helen BurockForestburgh Robert D. NorrisFremont Leonard BauerHighland Patricia FreiichLiberty Sue GarizasLumberland Roger BislandMamakating Lori Rubinstein-FleckNeversink Pam & Keith ZanettiRockland Spiro MantzoratosThompson Roslyn SharoffTusten Ned Lang

2007 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Bill SiposDistinguished Service Carolyn MasseyDistinguished Achievement Stuard HirschYoung Emerging Leader Darlene FedunBethel Blanche MillerCallicoon Steve SchmidtCochecton Jerold YavarkovskyDelaware Jim KaytonFallsburg Phil ValloneForestburgh Richard FellerFremont Walter SippleHighland Keith FriederichLiberty Nancy LevineLumberland Bill SterlingMamakating Pat MorrisNeversink Michael & Donna BrooksRockland Barbara Gref & Van MorrowThompson Janet KleinTusten Nancy Yoder

2008 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year M & M Auto GroupDistinguished Service Josephine FinnDistinguished Achievement Joan Farrow Bethel John & Rosemarty BogaertCallicoon Anna LeRoyCochecton Charles A. SmithDelaware Gerald EukerFallsburg John, Mary & Frank NardiForestburgh Alan KestenFremont Randy LohrHighland Elizabeth FrazierLiberty Paul & Annette KosofskyLumberland Judy StermMamakating Wurtsboro Arts AllianceNeversink Medi and Linda BeluliRockland Lisa Chesny & Karrie Jara

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Thompson Kristine & Ed GalletTusten George Krause

2009 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Phil ValloneDistinguished Service Steve WhiteDistinguished Achievement Darrell SupakYoung Emerging Leader Tim HavasBethel Jean BrucherCallicoon Dawn & Peter ErlweinCochecton Dorothy SchlegelDelaware Delaware Valley Job CorpsFallsburg PRASAD Children’s Dental

Health ProgramForestburgh David & Kim PattersonFremont Joe NieroHighland Richard QuinnLiberty Jeffrey & Carol MillerLumberland Phyllis KnappMamakating Barbara GutekunstNeversink Paul & Carol LagueuxRockland Lisa LyonsThompson Eric & Bernadette AdlerTusten Will Geisler

2010 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Howard SiegelDistinguished Service Charles H. MyersDistinguished Achievement Philip Coombe, Jr. Young Emerging Leader Sara IngberBethel Patricia & William BurnsCallicoon Deming Krum - Krum & Sons Exc.Cochecton Sal IndelicatoDelaware Tanya and Ken Cohen - Jance CenterFallsburg Fallsburg LumberForestburgh Eileen & Ronald GeysonFremont Loreen Gebelein - Jeff BankHighland Frederick Reber - Cedar RapidsLiberty Hillside GreenhouseLumberland Mack B. & Susan B. MorleyMamakating Michael Spiegl - Eagle’s NestNeversink Denman AgencyRockland Pete DeVantier - Roscoe LumberThompson Cooper & NiemanTusten Jill Padua - Jill’s Kitchen

2011 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Sonny PatelDistinguished Service Thunder 102Distinguished Achievement Norman DuttweilerYoung Emerging Leader Jared KaufmanBethel Stacy Cohen & Monte SachsCallicoon Dr. Joseph NebzydoskiCochecton Jeff & Mary Jane NoberDelaware Robin MaileyFallsburg Charles “Bummy” MormanForestburgh James Steinberg, Sr.Fremont Burton & Lovey HandelsmanHighland David L. Bush & Luiz AragonLiberty Ellen Marino and Louie PetragliaLumberland Joe and Rosemarie CarrMamakating JoAnn M. SalamoneNeversink Barbara PurcellRockland Barry & Diane FosterThompson Ari Straus & Bill McMichaelTusten Jane Luchsinger

2012 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Alan KestenDistinguished Service Gary SiegelDistinguished Achievement Elaine M. FettigYoung Emerging Leader Nuby DeleonBethel Carol MalekCallicoon Joseph & Mary NosekCochecton Eileen HennessyDelaware Tom FredaFallsburg Sally J. GladdenForestburgh Chuck VassaloFremont Matthew J. HubertHighland Attila Benke & Agnes Makay

Liberty Nick TsicalosLumberland Peter & Marsha ComstockMamakating Tom Verdiglione, Dan TandyNeversink Dave Forshay, John ClarkRockland Thomas & Marea RoseoThompson Corrinne & David DunlapTusten Anthony B. Ritter

2013 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Mike & Walter TaylorDistinguished Service Jeff BankDistinguished Achievement WSUL/WVOS

& Watermark CommunicationsYoung Emerging Leader John GariglianoBethel Dan and Nancy BreyCallicoon Walter and Ela AmbrozewiczCochecton Robert and Dennis NearingDelaware Giuseppe “Joe” LentiniFallsburg New Hope CommunityForestburgh Mike & Matt JahnFremont Kenneth RedardHighland Elyse, Greg & John BouloukisLiberty Bob LavelleLumberland Alex GrechMamakating Vinny RampeNeversink Betty ShaverRockland Kirk & Sarah MadisonThompson Randy, Butch & Billy ResnickTusten Gerard Manzi

2014 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Greg J. GoldsteinDistinguished Service Elain GiguereDistinguished Achievement Alexis L. EggletonYoung Emerging Leader Brad RutledgeBethel Michael & Sandi CassaroCallicoon Scott & Juliete GaebelCochecton Lloyd & Roger BrucherDelaware Matthew Lanes & Dominique JenkinsFallsburg Ira & Nathan Stiengart

& Cindy PerlmutterForestburgh Kelvin GorrFremont Philip Hillriegel, Jr.Highland Lou MonteleoneLiberty Joel & Kenneth RossLumberland Richard CodichiniMamakating Dr. Linda & Dean TintleNeversink James R. & Susan SheeleyRockland Dr. Mary Johnston AustinThompson Bryce & Jamy FlynnTusten Patrick & Peggy Harrison

2015 HonoreesBusinessperson of the Year Van Etten FamilyDistinguished Service Glenn PontierDistinguished Achievement Charlie DegliominiYoung Emerging Leader Melinda MeddaughBethel Dr. Jamie NoethCallicoon George & Tammy ShakeltonCochecton Peter & Norma PierceDelaware Henry & Eric KubenikFallsburg Robert Wong (Zane Morganstein)Forestburgh The Hartwood ClubFremont Fred Sherman & Debbie KazmarkHighland NACL TheaterLiberty Don & Jeanne TulpLumberland Christine SmetaniukMamakating Paul DeninnoNeversink Ben KnightRockland Sims & Kirsten FosterThompson Alan MadnickTusten Paul Nanni & Marla Puccetti

2016 Honorees25th Anniversary Award Les KristtBusinessperson of the Year Franklin TrappDistinguished Service Jeff SiegelDistinguished Achievement Dr. Gerard GalarneauYoung Emerging Leader Evan & Bryn Allees

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wenty-five years ago, Jacquie Lev-entoff got tired of hearing peoplegrumble about the loss of the by-

gone era when resorts boomed and busi-ness bustled.

“If we don’t brag about Sullivan County,how can we expect anybody to appreciatewhat we have?” Leventoff asked back in1992.

The county, she said then and she em-phasizes now, “has a sense of community,a sense of pride, a sense of place: naturalbeauty, culture, and, yes, a rich history inthe resorts with (comedians) Totie Fields,Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks.

“We have a strong community sense,”

Leventoff continued, “where businesses areservice-oriented, with mom and pop shopsthat help you. Here, it’s not unusual for alocal restaurant to send a platter of food toa grieving family. It happens all the time.That’s what you have in Sullivan County.”

So, a quarter of a century ago, as newpresident of the Sullivan County Chamberof Commerce, Leventoff launched theChamber’s annual Pride Awards.

PRIDE AS A VIRTUELeventoff was clear about what the

awards should represent.“A lot of companies are run by people

with great business acumen who stay untothemselves, and that’s fine,” she said. “Butthere are other businesses that want tomake a difference. The Pride Awards areabout them – those who are doing more,who are paying it forward.”

In 1992, the award went to Alan Gerry,the TV repair business owner turned Ca-blevision magnate who has invested mil-lions in the county through Bethel Woodsand the Gerry Foundation, and by fundingkey projects at Catskill Regional MedicalCenter.

This year’s Sunday, May 15 Pride Awardsceremony at the Villa Roma continues themission of honoring the best and brightest.Set to accept a special Silver AnniversaryAward is Les Kristt of Kristt Kelly OfficeSystems in Monticello and Honesdale.

“Les served on my board while I waswith the Chamber,” recounted Terri Ward,who succeeded Leventoff as ChamberCEO. “I can honestly say that his commit-ment to making Sullivan County a betterplace was second to none. Not once didLes ever take off those rose-coloredglasses, and his unwavering commitment

Congratulations!

Leisure shopping in aturn of the century atmosphere

The area’s finest selection of gifts anddecorative accessories from penny candyto handcrafted furniture, with candles,lamps, fine country preserves, brass,

pewter, and a pickle barrel, too.

Featuring the region’s largest and finestyear round Christmas Shop

Open 7 days a week 10 A.M.-5 P.M.107 Sullivan St., Wurtsboro, NY

(845) 888-2100visit us at www.canaltowne.com 1702

9

Proud Chamber castsspotlight on firms that work

hard and care deeplyTBY KATHY DALEY

to raising funds forbattling heart dis-ease andAlzheimer’s.

Terri Ward, nowa county legislator,recalled how pop-ular the PrideAwards galaquickly became.

“We had a tremendous turnout at Pride,year after year,” she remembered, “with awaiting list of attendees all hopeful for alast-minute cancellation. It was amazing butoverwhelming for seating purposes, so Ihad to discontinue the assigned seating forall attendees and just give each winnertheir own table.”

It was under Ward that the Chamber insti-tuted the Young Emerging Leader (YEL!)Award.

“I founded YEL! with a couple otherboard members, and we decided it wouldbe a great way to recognize young profes-sionals... and give them a sense of purposeand pride as well,” she said.

“Pride was always a very emotional timefor me,” Ward continued. “Both my parentswere small business owners while I wasgrowing up, so I know and have lived thelife these amazing people live. They areour unsung heroes. They are the lifebloodof our community and they had never got-ten the recognition they deserve until PrideAwards.”

NEW ERA IN THE MAKING

One of the Chamber’s young leaders is itscurrent CEO Cathy Paty. She’s hard at workon the event's minutia, including a filmedseries of interviewswith past BusinessPersons of the Year,to be screened onMay 15.

“It’s a look backand a look forward,”said Paty. “I'mthrilled to be part ofthe 25th anniversary,to spotlight the busi-

nesses that are hands-on in the trenches ofmaking the county a good place to live.”

Over the years, the Chamber typicallytapped town supervisors for names of po-tential award winners. For the past threeyears the outreach include accepting nomi-nations from the general public as a way tobe more inclusive.

In addition to Kristt, those honored willbe Franklin Trapp of the Forestburgh Play-house, Dr. Gerard Galarneau of Catskill Re-gional Medical Center, Jeff Siegel ofSpencer Daniels Agency, and Evan and

Brynn Allees of thePicked Owl, a pubin Hurleyville.

“I am happy to saythat each year it is adifficult process forwinner selection,”Paty said. “That is agrand problem tohave. We have somany individuals

and businesses who continuously set thebar high with exemplary standards of in-volvement and community outreach.

“We are at a pivotal time in SullivanCounty. An incredible time for businessesand dedicated community members whohave waited patiently for a resurgence ofpositive energy and growth, Paty said.“We have numerous projects developingsimultaneously in Sullivan County – eachunique and crucial to our business com-munity.

“The networking of the Chamber mem-bership is key in providing knowledge andsynergy across our 15 townships in under-standing and knowing every product andservice available in your backyard, Patysaid. “It is a way of encouraging and fos-tering volunteerism and supporting youngprofessionals as they seek their place in so-ciety and within their own communities.

“We ask that Sullivan County businessesand residents put their best foot forward inmaking the Sullivan Catskills the jewel ithas always been and is meant to truly be,Paty said. “It is no longer what SullivanCounty ‘was’ it is about what we are goingto ‘be’.

Jacquie Leventoff

Terri Ward

Cathy Paty

Kath

y Dale

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Mike

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PERSONAL ATTENTION • FAMILY OWNED FOR 25 YEARS • LARGEST DEALER GROUP IN SULLIVAN COUNTY

845.292.3500 LIBERTY, NY www.MMAutoGroup.com

WE’RE BEAMING WITH PRIDE!

CONGRATULATIONS Les Kristt, Franklin Trapp, Dr. Gerard Galarneau,

Jeff Siegel, and Evan & Brynn Allees!

Your commitment to community sets the standard for excellence.

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sullivan county pride journal 2016

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