Best of Columbia County 2014

get it on.

ONE WARREN STREET HUDSON NY 12534 518-291-9901

R C Lacy Inc.

25 Maple Avenue Catskill, NY 12414 518-943-4300

See Our Entire Inventory Online at www.rclacy.net

Columbia-Greene Media

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Dear reader, It is my pleasure to present to you the latest magazine in the Columbia-Greene Media portfolio — our inaugural “Best of Columbia County” publication.

Working in conjunction with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and its leadership team under Dave Colby, we asked you to let us know who and what are the premiere retailers, entertainment venues, scenic views, activities, and so much more! You responded by sending us entry forms and voting online by the hundreds for your choices in over 80 categories. This magazine recaps the winners and tells you a little bit more about each of them, in their own words.

Full disclosure — some of you may already have seen the winners, as we hosted an event at the Chamber offices earlier in June where we presented awards to these most deserving folks. But for the majority of you, sit back and enjoy the read and most of all frequent these establishments and sample the best that Columbia County has to offer!

Mark P. Vinciguerra Publisher/General Manager

Hundreds of online and paper ballots were counted and now we are very excited to present the “Best of Columbia

County Awards”

We are proud to highlight some of the best the county has to offer. We know we have some of the best food, best views, best, well, everything! Now it is time to recognize those people and places who help make Columbia County the best place to live and work.

There are six categories: Community, Shopping, Food and Drink, Night Life, Arts & Culture and Services. Within these categories are winners for the best bartender, place to dine with kids, farmers’ market and so much more.

We hope that you will discover a new “best” something in Columbia County.

The best part of these awards is that the winners were chosen by you, the people! Didn’t vote this year? Be sure to keep an eye out next year for the ballot online and in the Register-Star and the Chatham Courier.

On The Cover

Photo by Daniel Region

Dear friends, Great local and independent business owners help make Columbia County, New York a special place to live and visit. These businesses provide a great experience and great products to their loyal customer base.

This Spring the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Register-Star/Chatham Courier asked Chamber members and newspaper readers to identify what they like best in our community. We hope you will enjoy this publication as it highlights the businesses, places and organizations that were most frequently mentioned to be favorites. For this contest, we have dubbed them “Best of Columbia County”. Please take note of the advertisers in this book as they helped to make this publication possible.

Olana, is an iconic image for Columbia County.

The estate of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church, Olana, is a unique threedimensional work of art, including romantic landscape design and exotic architecture.

Olana was voted Best Historic Site and Best Scenic View, see page 21.

A special thank you to David Colby, Amy Kneller and Carol Patterson of the Columbia County Chamber for their support in launching the inaugural Best of Columbia County reader’s choice contest and awards.

INSIDE:

Best of Community.......................5

Best of Shopping........................16

Best of Arts & Culture................21 Best of Nightlife.........................22

Best of Food & Drink.................25

Best of Services..........................35 Contents ©2014 Columbia-Greene Media.

No portion may be reproduced in whole or part without the express written permission of the publisher.

Publisher, General Manager

Executive Editor

Mark Vinciguerra

Theresa Hyland

Director, Business Development & Advertising

Contributing Editor

When looking for comprehensive lists of great local businesses, we hope you will contact our Chamber of Commerce. Please share your thoughts on changes and additions for future lists and contests.

Jim Gibbons

Special Sections Editor

Advertising Representatives

Nancy Whelan

Robert Belby • Jonathan Block Tara Buffa• Meghan Espel

Director, Creative Services

Sincerely,

Digital & Magazine Consultant

Ad Design/Composition

David B. Colby President & CEO, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

Kate Mostaccio

Phil Finkle

Ashley Drewes

Erica Izer Steve LaRowe

A publication of

Photographer David Lee

Business Manager

518.828.4417 • 1 North Front Street, Hudson, NY 12534 www.ColumbiaChamber-NY.com

One Hudson City Centre Suite 202 Hudson, NY 12534 518-828-1616 www.registerstar.com

Tammi Ullrich

Production/Distribution Bruce Meiswinkel

District Manager Courtney Wrigley

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Thank you for voting Hawthorne Valley Farm Store ‘Best Food Market’ 2014!

Helping clients buy, sell, invest or lease.

Ellen Devens, NYRS

From Our Hands to Your Table

Associate Real Estate Broker

A full-line natural foods store featuring organic breads, pastries, cheese, yogurt, raw milk, and sauerkraut made fresh on our farm!

Manhattan Condo/Coop Brokerage - Since 2001 Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales

Fresh s Organic s Local s Delicious Open 7 Days

646-425-5330 cell • 212-452-6240 office edevens@bhsusa.com

7:30 am to 7:00 pm FARM STORE | www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 | 518-672-7500

www.brownharrisstevens.com/ELLENDEVENS

Voted Best Veterinarian in Columbia County

4141 US Route 9 Hudson, NY 12534 518-828-1622 mtnview@mountainviewanimalhospital.net www.mountainviewanimalhospital.net

Columbia-Greene Media

f o t s e BCOMMUNITY

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Best Community Event Flag Day Parade

Best Block in the County to Shop

Flag Day photos by David Lee/Columbia-Greene Media

Chatham Main Street

The Hudson Elks Flag Day parade is an annual event that honors the American Flag and our veterans and individuals who sacrificed to protect us and our liberties. It is the center of the day-long event that occurs on or near Flag Day that also provides numerous activities, vendors and wonderful entertainment. Spectators look forward to the many kiosks and events in the parks and along Hudson’s main streets, including merchants, bands, civic groups, organizations, businesses and food vendors.

The celebration begins at 10 a.m. with activities city-wide including at the Seventh Street Park, all along Hudson’s main streets and the park at the waterfront. There are also many strolling vendors. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. and marches down Warren Street to the waterfront on the beautiful Hudson River. After the parade, spectators gather at the park areas for fun rides, have their choice of several merchandise and food items for sale by many vendors and end the day watching the spectacular fireworks display at nightfall.

Our parades have more than 100 marching units, veterans organizations, fire departments, local civic organizations, radio and television personalities, state, county and local politicians, and more.

Photo by Suzanne Trevellyan

Main Street in Chatham has a small town atmosphere with the kind of Main Street that everyone remembers. The village began like other settlements that grew up at the intersections of roads and along streams that could provide water power.

What set Chatham apart was its role as a railroad center. After the 1830s, population, commerce and industry were drawn to this hub. Chatham continues to thrive.

Village business owners pride themselves on their sense of community and railroad history.

The event is organized by the Hudson Elks #787 and the Flag Day Parade Committee, consisting of local volunteers who proudly wish to continually thank those individuals who sacrificed to protect us and our liberties.

For more information, call 518.828.9059, email hudsonelksfdc@gmail.com or visit the website www.hudsonelksflagdayparade.com.

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Best Place for Kids Birthday Party

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

JUMP! Indoor Children’s Play Center

JUMP! Indoor Children’s Play Center is a safe, clean, dynamic place to bring your children (ages 1 to 11 only) to play and exercise.

A place to get your children away from the TV and video games.

At JUMP! there are many ways for children to enjoy physical activity. JUMP! features several inflatable play structures that give your child an opportunity to crawl through obstacles, climb, bounce, and zoom down giant slides. In addition, there is a toddler zone, music, coffee, light snacks and of course — party rooms!

Owners Nadine and Jason Gabriel spent a lot of time prior to opening three and half years ago researching indoor play centers and kids party venues. As parents themselves, they knew what they liked and didn’t like. They wanted a safe, clean place to bring their child to play or celebrate a birthday. A place that offered a “turn-key” party so that they could relax and enjoy the party themselves. Thus, they created JUMP! They now offer even more: fundraisers, character story times, theme parties and summer camp.

JUMP! staff members pride themselves on attention to details, the supervision of children and cleanliness — everyone has to remove their shoes, even the adults.

Best Park/Playground Greenport Town Park

JUMP! Indoor Children’s Play Center is located in the Columbia Centre, 350 Fairview Avenue, in Hudson. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and is open Mondays in summer and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 518.828.1982, email nadineg@just-jump.net or visit the website www.just-jump.net.

Best Educator

Peter Desmond - Questar III For Peter Desmond, teaching culinary students at Questar III Columbia Greene Education Center is the highlight of a chef career spanning more than 30 years. Desmond has been teaching culinary for five years, he said. “The administration and the faculty here at Questar are the best,” Desmond said. “Their support, care for the students and professionalism.”

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, class of 1981, Desmond went on to work as the executive chef of Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Trump Taj Mahal and Interstate Hotel, before he branched into teaching. He worked as an adjunct culinary instructor at Schenectady Community County College and then joined the Questar team.

Greenport Town Park was established and dedicated in 2001 and has grown into an enjoyable community area that attracts people of all ages for outdoor entertainment. The town of Greenport prides itself on its clean facilities, well-kept grounds and safe playground equipment, along with its picturesque views, courteous staff and ample parking. Its affordable refreshment/concession stand creates a relaxing environment for young and old, and its free Music at Sunset concerts on Friday evenings in the summer offer a relaxing night of fun for local residents. In addition to dropping in any time, the park offers an annual summer recreation program, which runs for six weeks. Participants enjoy crafts, sports and field trips. The park can be rented in three-hour blocks for birthdays, graduations and other celebrations and it is open from sun-up to sunset.

Town officials say the history and architecture, combined with the mountains, Hudson River, farming and a four-season climate provide residents and visitors a non-stop offering of events, entertainment, dining and recreation in Columbia County.

For more information on the park, located on Joslen Boulevard, call 518.828.4656, visit www.townofgreenport.com or email supervisor @townofgreenport.com.

“I love teaching culinary,” Desmond said. “I love to share my passion.” Desmond loves his job — and he loves where he gets to do it. “The farms, the community and all students” are what he loves best about Columbia County.

Questar III is located at 131 Union Turnpike, Hudson. To learn more, visit www.questar.org or email peter.desmond@ questar.org. He can also be reached by phone at 518.828.4157.

Best Community Service Project

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

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Columbia County Habitat for Humanity Since its founding in 1993, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity volunteers have built 16 new homes for lower-income working families –– 13 in Hudson and one each in Chatham, Copake and Valatie. Families contribute 300 hours of sweat equity.

In 2009, they opened the ReStore, which sells donated, gentlyused furniture, building materials, appliances and other household goods at steeply discounted prices. All ReStore proceeds support Habitat’s building program and have enabled them to build two homes a year since 2009.

As part of their mission to build safe, affordable housing for lower-income working families, Columbia County Habitat has aggressively pursued the economic sustainability that energy conservation affords homeowners. After building homes to progressively higher Energy Star standards, they constructed the Columbia Passive Townhouses in 2013, the state’s first affordable housing to meet passive house standards, which cut overall energy use by 70 percent and heating/cooling energy by 90 percent. Ground will be broken in June for two new Passive Townhouses, Phase 4 of their Columbia Street Campaign in Hudson.

Habitat is thankful for the generosity of the people who live and work here, sharing their time, talents and treasure to make new lives possible for Habitat families. Last year Habitat volunteers

Best Local Volunteer

contributed more than 9,000 hours to the Columbia Passive Townhouses build and to the ReStore, which relies completely on donations from individuals and businesses.

Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation.

Columbia County Habitat for Humanity offices are located at 829 Route 66 in Hudson. For more information, call 518-828-0892, email badams@columbiacountyhabitat.org. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteer opportunities are available weekdays and Saturdays.

Local Volunteer Firefighters To volunteer is to perform a service willingly and without pay, something volunteer firefighters across the county are very familiar with.

They run into burning buildings and respond to accidents and save lives. They volunteer for the love of the “job.” John Howe was asked to represent all of those in our county who respond to the alarms at our homes or businesses, day or night.

John Howe is a 40-year member of the S.W. Smith Hook & Ladder Company of the Chatham Fire Department. During that period, he has held every line officer position, including chief of the department over three separate terms.

In 1995, he volunteered to become a fire investigator with the Columbia County Cause & Origin Team and in 1996, he was appointed to the position of the Deputy Columbia County Fire Coordinator, overseeing the Columbia County Hazardous Materials Team. In 2012, he was appointed to the position of Columbia County Fire Coordinator.

Howe is a member of the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association and also the Columbia County Fire Chiefs Association. He serves as co-chairman of the annual Columbia County Fire Parade. He is currently vice chairman of the Columbia County LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee). When time permits, Howe assists with the Ghent Food Pantry. Howe is the president of the Tracy Memorial Foundation in the village of Chatham. In 2010, he retired as section supervisor after 35 years of service with the New York Thruway Authority. Howe resides in the village of Chatham with his wife Maureen and they have two grown children, Kyle and Kira.

Best Place for a First Date Ca ’Mea Ristorante

Ca’Mea Ristorante serves authentic Italian cuisine, fresh ingredients, and light sauces in a pleasant atmosphere inside or outside on the terrace.

Roy Felcetto opened Ca’Mea 11 years ago and Max Cenci became his business partner soon after. Nine years ago they expanded with accommodations at their three guesthouses.

Ca’Mea translates to “My home” and it feels like you are at home because they are a big family. Felcetto and Cenci pride themselves on having a dedicated clientele and staff.

They love Columbia County because it works as a team, especially Hudson, for the greater good of the community.

Their efforts as a team have greatly improved the success of the town.

Ca’Mea is located at 333 Warren St., Hudson, and is open for lunch noon to 5 p.m. and dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday; and noon to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner 5 to 9 p.m.. For more information, call 518.822.0005, email info@camearestaurant.com or visit the website www.camearestaurant.com.

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Take A Musical Journey With Us This Summer!

July 3-6, 9-13, 16-20 July 24-27, July 30 - August 3 August 7-10, 13-17

Pizzeria • Restaurant Delivery Available

Daily Specials

August 21-24, 27-31

CATERING • PARTY PLATTERS AVAILABLE

September 5-7, 11-14

Fairview Plaza, Rte 9 • Hudson, NY (160 Fairview Avenue, Hudson, NY)

Original musicals for children & special Monday night productions

518-392-9292 machaydntheatre.org

11am-10pm 518.828.7722 HOURS:Sun.Mon.-Sat. Noon-9pm www.angelashudson.com

Your #1 Resource for Education and Training Credit Degree-Programs Noncredit Classes Customized Training for Business & Industry

the right school. the right time.

ROUTE 23 • HUDSON, NY • 518-828-4181 MYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.COM

Best Outdoor Recreation - Spring/Summer Columbia-Greene Media

Best of Columbia County 2014

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Lake Taghkanic

Lake Taghkanic State Park, nestled next to Lake Taghkanic in the rolling hills and lush forests of Columbia County, offers a wonderful variety of recreational activities. The park has tent and trailer campsites and cabin and cottage camping facilities.

Large trucks, RVs and campers can enter from the Route 82 entrance. It also features beaches, picnic areas, boat launch sites, rowboat, paddleboat and kayak rentals, playgrounds, sports playing fields, a rentable pavilion, and newly renovated recreation hall and showers. In addition, the park has hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, hunting, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted when conditions are appropriate.

In the years 1928-29 the Taconic State Park Commission considered the suitability of Lake Charlotte for park purposes. This lake was given to the Commission together with some uplands by D. McRae Livingston providing the lake be renamed Taghkanic. In 1933, with the advent of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a camp was established and with the appointment of capable carpenters and masons to oversee the work, members of the CCC built the East Beach bathhouse, the beach, camping and cabin area and the water tower.

Best Outdoor Recreation - Fall/Winter Catamount Ski Area

Today, the spacious beaches — with fully equipped bathing facilities, secluded picnic areas, informal game areas, and boat rentals for rowing or fishing — round out a day's stay at Lake Taghkanic State Park. Lake Taghkanic is located at 1528 Route 82 in Ancram. For more information, call 518.851.3631 or visit the website http://nysparks.com/parks/38/.

Family-owned and operated, Catamount Ski Area has been catering to families primarily throughout the Hudson Valley.

They offer terrain for all ability levels that is covered by snow-making machines and maintained with nightly grooming.

Tom Gilbert and Rich Edwards, current owners, pride themselves on a family-friendly atmosphere and personal interaction with guests.

Catamount is typically open from early December to late March. In addition to snow-making capabilities, the mountain receives 70 to 100 inches of snow each season. The snowsports school offers group and private lessons, as well as the Mountain Cats children’s program.

The Adventure Park offers an exciting aerial forest excursion for patrons ages 7 and up. Enjoy more than 50 zip lines, with two courses featuring 2,000 feet of zip lines each.

Best Riverboat - Spirit of Hudson

Catamount is located at 78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, and is open from 8:30 to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. midweek and nonholidays; and until 9 or 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 518.325.3200 or visit www.catamountski.com.

Hudson Cruises Inc. started in 2003 with the Spirit of Hudson, and added the “Lil’ Spirit in 2005 to provide lighthouse tours. In 2012, owners Guy Falkenheimer and Noor Rahaman restarted the “Hudson-Athens Ferry” to help cross-promote businesses in Columbia and Greene Counties.

Hudson Cruises Inc. provides fun on the water from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, May through October 31. In business for 11 years, they pride themselves on personal service and friendly crew. The wide variety of music, artists, ever-increasing restaurant variety and views of the river and Catskills is what the owners love the best about Columbia County. For more information, call 518.822.1014, email capten1@msn.com or visit the website www.hudsoncruises.com. Hudson Cruises Inc. operates out of the Henry Hudson Waterfront Park.

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Thank You For Voting Us The

“Best in Columbia County”!

Nicolette Sacco-Brown, OD

Our Staff:

Dr. Sacco-Brown, Lisa Wood (licensed optician), Caitlin Stickles (office manager), Nadia Repucci (optometric assistant), Donna Mullins (receptionist) and Victoria Jensen (lab assistant)

Family Eyecare Center 183 Healy Blvd | Hudson, NY 12534 518-828-USEE | www.drnsb.com Hope to see you soon!

Best Managed Town

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Hudson Henry Hudson was probably the first European explorer to visit the site of what is now the City of Hudson, in his ship the "Half Moon" in 1609. Mohican Indians inhabited the area then, and continued to habit the area until much later.

The Dutch arrived in the 17th Century. One of them, Franz VanHoesen purchased a large tract of land from the Indians.

His farm included the area of Hudson, plus part of what is now Greenport. The area was called Claverack Landing and served as a port for the surrounding areas. The landing contained only a few stores, wharves, and a canoe ferry.

In 1783, a group of seafaring men from Massachusetts and Rhode Island were seeking a safe harbor for their vessels because of attacks by the British Navy. When they saw Claverack Landing with its high bluffs, deep waters, and two bays, they appointed a committee which proceeded to buy large tracts of land, much more extensive than what is now Hudson. They purchased the land in the spring of 1783.

By the Fall, two families had arrived. In the spring of 1784, more families arrived, some with houses which had been prefabricated in Nantucket.

This group, numbering no more than thirty, called themselves the Proprietors. A sizeable number of these individuals were Quakers. They made a pact that bound each individual to settle here personally or sell his holdings to the others "at first cost, without interest".

They established rules and regulations and laid out the City on a grid pattern, with lots 50

Photo by Daniel Region

x 120 feet. Gangways, twenty feet wide were laid out between long streets. In 1785, the City of Hudson was Chartered. It was the third City in the State.

A European traveler, here in 1788, wrote in his journal that in four years the area had emerged from a Dutch farm into the position of a commercial city with considerable population, warehouses, wharves, and docks, ropewalks, shipping and industry.

The local economic mainstays of whaling, sealing, and international trade declined around 1810 because of English and American embargoes, but revived again in 1829. The discovery of petroleum in the middle 1800's decreased the demand for sperm whale oil.

The coming of the railroads in the late 1840's closed off the north and south bays as port facilities and Hudson again declined.

Even as the railroads and steamboats sealed the fate of one era, they fostered the beginning of a new era.

Hudson began a transition

Best Place to See a Celebrity Warren Street in Hudson

Hudson’s main thoroughfare, Warren Street, is lined with beautiful architecture and a wide range of art galleries, antique shops, bookstores, restaurants and everything in between.

This mix attracts all sorts of people — including celebrities.

Over the years countless celebrities have made Columbia County home and others have made it a place to visit. Over the years stars of music, television and movies, along with the arts and literary world have been spotted at some point along the milelong stretch of Warren Street. They have taken part in Hudson events like Winter Walk, purchased antiques for their homes or grabbed a bite to eat or a cold beer. And in true Columbia County fashion, we don’t need to brag by naming them all but we do make them feel at home in this paparazzi-free zone. from a seaport to a small industrial city. While there had been gristmills, tanneries, foundries and breweries in early Hudson, the railroad enabled new industries to take shape in the 19th Century.

Knitting and cotton mills were opened and brick yards flourished. The Allen Paper Car Wheel Works brought a measure of fame and fortune to the city and a myriad of other small manufacturers developed during this business boom.

The economy of the City of Hudson began to decline during the last quarter of the 19th Century. The decline in the local economy and the resultant lessening of demand for land, however, enabled the City to retain its architectural heritage, and the richest dictionaries of architectural history in the state.

From the city of Hudson website (www.cityofhudson.org); submitted

by Patricia Fenoff, City Historian.

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SINCE 1921 {VOTED BEST GOLF COURSE - 2014}

Situated on 160 unspoiled acres with breathtaking views of the Berkshire and Catskill Mountains, Copake Country Club is a golfer’s paradise.

Come play an amazing 18-holes on the most majestic public course in Columbia County.

44 Golf Course Road, Copake Lake, NY Pro Shop: (518) 325-4338 The Greens Restaurant: (518) 325-0019

www.CopakeCountryClub.com “One of the best value courses in the country” ~Morning Drive, The Golf Channel

Best Campground Columbia-Greene Media

Best Golf Course

Best of Columbia County

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Copake Country Club

Copake KOA

Copake Country Club was originally built in 1921, designed by the famous Devereux Emmet. In 2005, the golf course was in danger of being sold to developers, when Jon Urban and business partner Ross Mauri stepped in and purchased the course and later the club house.

They have been restoring it to its original glory with modern updates ever since. They believe their customer service to be stellar and genuine. When you go to the Copake Country Club, for the first time or the hundredth, you are treated as a member of the family. They are there to cater to you. While Copake is open to the public, it still feels like an exclusive club.

The owners pride themselves on making the course accessible to all individuals. Copake Country Club owns one of the few Solo Rider golf carts in the Northeast which allows golfers with limited mobility to play the game.

The Copake KOA campground has 244 campsites with everything from tent sites, big rig 50 amp RV sites to deluxe cabins, Cable TV and Wi-Fi throughout. There are daily activities, themed weekends, an arcade, a well-stocked camp store, pool, tennis, mini golf and more.

Even though they are part of a franchise, they are a family owned campground with great staff. They constantly get feedback from campers that the staff is very friendly and helpful.

The Reinard Family — Gary, Cathy, Chrissy and Tom — has owned Copake KOA for the past five years. They are very proud of a very clean, fun, safe and up-to-date facility with awesome entertainment. They strive to give you the best camping experience you’ve ever had.

Columbia County has, by far, the best change of seasons. At the club, you can enjoy cross country skiing along the course in the winter; witness the ethereal spring dew and fog rising up from fresh mowed grass; the lush greens of summer leaves and the magical and unforgettable colors of autumn.

Copake Country Club is located at 44 Golf Course Road in Copake Lake. For more information, call 518.325.4338, email kyleigh@copakecountryclub.com or visit the website www.copakecountryclub.com.

The Reinard family loves Columbia County for its diversity— from Hudson with its antiquing and night life, to the rolling hills and farms, with all their scenic beauty. “We are two hours from New York City, and yet you can still lay on your back and see every star in the night sky,” said the family.

Copake KOA is located at 2236 County Route 7 in Copake and is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Mother’s Day to Columbus Day weekend. For more information, call 518.329.2811 or visit the website www.copakekoa.com.

Best Hiking/Biking Trail Bash Bish Falls Bash Bish Falls is located next to both the Taconic State Park and Massachusetts Mount Washington State Forest. According to wikipedia, the falls are made up of a series of cascades, nearly 200 feet in total, with the final cascade being split into twin falls by a jutting rock, dropping in an 80-foot "V" over boulders to a serene pool below. The waters of Bash Bish Falls begin at a spring in Mount Washington and after the falls, Bash Bish Brook continues on a gentler course through New York State until joining the Hudson River and flows through Copake. The waterfall is at the mouth of a gorge formed during the last ice age. There are two access points for viewing Bash Bish Falls and one additional via a hiking trail network, both of the two on Falls Road in Mount Washington, Massachusetts. Falls Road is the continuation in Massachusetts of New York State Route 344. There are both upper and lower access points with views of the falls on the road. The hiking trail access is a short steep trail (blue blazed) off of the South Taconic Trail, and, unlike the other two, access the falls from the south side. From the top of the waterfall, there is a clear view across Massachusetts into New York state.

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Best Non-Profit/ Community Organization Columbia Land Conservancy

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

The Columbia Land Conservancy is a nonprofit organization and relies on the financial support of individuals to conserve the farmland, forests, wildlife habitat, and rural character of Columbia County, strengthening connections between people and the land. CLC has established 5,750 acres of public land, including the 10 public conservation areas owned and managed by CLC. It has helped some 200 local families protect an additional 23,700 acres of land through voluntary conservation agreements. CLC provides outdoor and educational activities to more than 4,000 participants per year. CLC also works to support and strengthen agriculture by matching landowners looking to have their land farmed with farmers seeking land; and through a corps of experienced farmers who mentor landowners and new farmers. CLC also assists the county and its towns in a variety of land use planning efforts.

CLC is the only conservation organization focused on protecting the working farmland, forests and natural resources in all of Columbia County. This county-wide perspective and the integrated approach to its mission, combining direct conservation, land use planning, education and agricultural support is unique, not only in the county, nationally. CLC is a fully accredited land trust, meeting the highest standard of operations nationally, set by the Land Trust Alliance.

Columbia County has managed to retain its rural character and embraces its agricultural heritage as a modern-day economic development opportunity. Columbia County has some of the best farms and highest quality natural resources in the Hudson Valley. It also has a population that values these assets and is working hard to make sure they will endure for future generations.

Photo by Peter Blandori

CLC offices are located at 49 Main St. in Chatham and are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 518.392.5252, email info@clctrust.org or visit the website www.clctrust.org.

Best Picnic Lunch Spot Columbia-Greene Media

Best Place to Propose

Best of Columbia County 2014

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Clermont State Historic Site

Hudson Waterfront Park

Romance is in the air at Clermont State Historic Site among the meandering gardens and picturesque views of the Hudson River. The 50-year-old historic site boasts a magnificent 270-year-old mansion, the country seat of the wealthy Livingston family. Each of the seven generations that called the mansion home worked to sculpt the home and the land into the perfect Hudson River escape. The grounds are “full of hidden nooks and cozy benches that can make your special moment a private one together,” site staff said.

Photo by Daniel Region

Hudson's Waterfront Park is the site of many festivals, events and even weddings. But there is no place better than here to enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the boats — and life — go by.

Clermont prides itself on its peaceful, natural beauty and friendly hospitality. Owned by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the site is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to sunset.

Site staff say Columbia County offers the best blend of metropolitan and country living. Rich with history and natural beauty, the county has so much to offer visitors and residents alike.

Best Wedding Venue - Basilica Hudson

Courtesy of Basilica website

When one thinks of a wedding venue, breathtaking beauty comes to mind.

And now, in Columbia County, so does Basilica Hudson at 110 S. Front St. “We are a unique events venue located in a reclaimed factory, bringing arts and community to the Hudson waterfront,” said owners Melissa Auf der Maur and Anthony Stone. Basilica Hudson has played host to original weddings, music and film festivals — and many things in-between. Auf der Maur is a musician and photographer who has dedicated her artistic vision to the Basilica Arts Program. Stone is a hands-on, ecofriendly filmmaker who seeks to bring more film to Columbia County. Together, they bring flair to the oncefactory and have turned it into a destination venue. And they love Basilica’s location, saying the best thing about Columbia County is “the Hudson River, the diversity that it is a place where it is possible to live and work in the arts and have access to the bounty of local food.” In business for four years, the Basilica is open from May through November. For information on events, visit www.basilicahudson.com or email info@basilicahudson.com. The venue can also be reached by phone at 518.822.1050.

The mansion is located at 1 Clermont Avenue in Germantown, and is open for tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during the summer and fall. For more information online, visit www.friendsofclermont.org, www.NYSParks.com or search for Clermont State Historic Site on Facebook.

The site can also be reached by email at kjirsten. gustavson@parks.ny.gov or by phone at 518.537.4240.

Send a fax to 518.537.6240.

16 ■

f o t es BSHOPPING

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Best Consignment/Vintage Shop The Second Show

The Second Show Inc. is a collaboration of Columbia Memorial Hospital, its auxiliary and Operation Unite, NY. This partnership is committed to serving the needs of individuals in our communities in an “atmosphere of compassion and dignity.” The philosophy of “Resistance of the heart against business as usual” is what sets The Second Show apart. The Second Show is not-for-profit thrift shop that serves everyone. In addition to clothing and accessories, the store carries furniture, housewares, collectibles, records, books, artwork, and miscellaneous whatchamacallits.

The Second Show and its staff are here to serve. Through something as simple as greeting each customer, making a pleasant, friendly atmosphere for shopping, and keeping the small retail experience user-friendly, they have created a caring and attentive environment.

There is a free rack with clothing and housewares. There are usually boxes of free books outside for the taking, too — the staff loves to encourage reading. There is a voucher system set up with local agencies to provide for individuals and families in need at no cost to them. Connections have been made with DSS, Columbia Opportunities, Catholic Family Charities, ReEntry, Firemen’s Association, among many others.

The store is staffed with two full time employees — and a work force of volunteers from both of the benefiting organizations, as well as community members, volunteers from The Red Door, Mental Health Association and others. The shop staff has participated in three elaborate fashion shows helping to raise awareness and funds for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build project and Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Child Advocacy Program.

The Second Show opened its doors in September of 1996 — originally in the old Community Theater building — in what was the concession area. Jim and Jill Salerno purchased the building in 1998 and gave it to The Second Show, Inc. “As we approach our 18th year in Hudson — we are within range of having given away one million to our benefiting organizations. Yes, that’s one million dollars — from the little thrift shop that could,” staff said.

The Second Show is located at 519 Warren Street in Hudson. For more information, call 518.828.2990.

Best Furnishing/Decorating Furniture Plus

Steve and Bonnie Caro opened Furniture Plus in 1995.

Ten years later, they expanded to a new showroom. They pride themselves on the large selection of affordably priced brand name furniture right in Hudson. Locally owned and operated, Furniture Plus is set apart by not being a big chain. The 10-member staff offers personal attention and excellent customer service. They are a noncommissioned sales staff who go the extra mile for their customers.

Furniture Plus is located at 329 Fairview Avenue in Hudson. The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fridays and is closed Sundays. For more information, call 518.828.3683, email furnitureplushudson@gmail.com or visit the website www.furnitureplus.com.

Best Clothing, Shoes and/or Accessories

Browns Emporium, Inc. Browns Emporium Inc. has been a fixture on Main Street Chatham for almost a century. The current owners, Judith and James Rundell, pride themselves on offering their customers quality apparel and footwear. Their knowledge and friendly sales staff provide a level of customer service that sets Browns apart from other stores. The Rundells have owned Browns for almost 25 years and cite the caring and supportive community that shop small as one of the reasons why they love Columbia County.

Browns, located at 37 Main Street in Chatham, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sundays. For more information, call 518.392-2541, email brownempinc@yahoo.com or visit the website at www.BrownsonMainStreet.com.

Best Local Bookstore Columbia-Greene Media

Best of Columbia County 2014

Chatham Bookstore The Chatham Bookstore, located at 27 Main Street in Chatham, was established in 1977. Its present owners, Nicole Furnee and Thomas Chulak, acquired the store in 2012 and are dedicated to building community through books. They love the natural beauty of Columbia County and the residents’ commitment to shop locally. The Chatham Bookstore is the setting for many community events and author events. The owners pride themselves on an excellent selection and knowledgeable staff. The bookstore is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays; 9:30 to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Call 518.392.3005 or visit the website at www.chathambookstore.com for more information.

Best Jewelry Store

■ 17

R.H. Van Alstyne Fine Jewelry R. H. Van Alstyne Inc. is a traditional Main Street jewelry store, something you would expect to find in a bygone era. Providing all the basics — diamond engagement rings to sterling baby cups, watch and jewelry repair, handengraving and appraisals — Van Alstyne’s is also a store that is overflowing with jewelry and gifts that are startlingly diverse, up-to-date, and always high quality, a perfect blend of the old and the new. In business for 24 years, a solid reputation for customer service and integrity is why generations of locals and weekenders alike make R. H. Van Alstyne “their” jeweler.

Born and raised in Columbia County, owner RitaVan Alstyne is the mother of three, grandmother of two, a Graduate Gemologist, and one of the lucky ones who has managed to find a career dong something she loves.

“Columbia County is like a slice of heaven, the perfect place to grow up, raise a family, open a business and make life long friends!”

Best Building Supply Store

R.H. Van Alstyne, Inc. is located at 42 Main Street in Chatham and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; open till 6 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 518.392.7718, email rhvan@fairpoint.net or visit the website www.vanalstynejewelry.com.

Ed Herrington, Inc.

Ed Herrington, Inc. is a fourth-generation family-owned and operated lumber and building supply company offering quality hardware, lumber, engineered wood products, windows and doors, kitchens and baths, paint and architectural stone. The company offers a wide variety of home improvement and home building services to homeowners and professional builders, tradespeople and architects. The company is owned by Richard Herrington and Allison Neumann. They say that Herrington’s is set apart from other companies because of their people and the depth of knowledge they bring to the construction industry. They also pride themselves on providing quality building materials and solutions for building, remodeling and renovation projects.

Herrington and Neumann love Columbia County for its people, country living, access to the arts, state parks, local history and great restaurants.

There are three locations in Columbia County: Hillsdale, Hudson and Chatham. They are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information, call 518.325.3131 or visit the website at www.herringtons.com.

Best Antique Dealer Doyle Antiques Doyle Antiques is owned by Timothy Doyle and Sarah Libsky. The antiques shop voted “Best Antique Dealer” focuses on mid-century modern. They’ve been in business for more than 30 years — 24 of them in Hudson! Doyle Antiques is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday or by appointment.

Find them online at www.doyleantiques.1stdibs.com.

For more information, call 518.821.1573 or email doyleantiques@verizon.net.

18 ■

Best Specialty Food Store

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Otto’s Market

Best Lodging - The Barlow The Barlow provides the perfect blend of historic architecture and modern amenities that today’s discerning traveler expects. The personal service and friendly staff combined with the central location makes a stay at the Barlow truly memorable.

The Barlow welcomed its first guests in June 2013 after the building underwent an extensive renovation. The hotel offers guests 16 wellappointed rooms which include complimentary wi-fi, in-room Keurig coffee makers, fireplaces and spa-inspired bathrooms. All rooms also offer flat-screen TVs with complimentary DirectTV. Owners Duncan Calhoun and Russ Gibson are proud of their Privileges Partner Program that offers guests discounts at most Hudson shops, restaurants and galleries and encourages them to shop locally. Calhoun and Gibson said there is always something new to discover in Columbia County and the diverse nature of the area’s attractions make it the perfect destination for everyone.

The Barlow is located at 542 Warren Street in Hudson. For more information, call 518.828.2100, email frontdesk@thebarlowhotel.com or visit the website www.thebarlowhotel.com.

Otto’s Market is the current occupant of a building in Germantown that has been a grocery store since 1927.

Otto’s Market is operated by Otto Leuschel, a 17-year veteran of Whole Foods Market. Otto’s Market aims to recreate the small-town grocery of a bygone era, with everything on your list in one small friendly store.

Otto’s Market has your everyday groceries, specialty and ethnic foods, the best of natural and organic foods, and local delights from the Hudson Valley. There is also a deli case chock full of delicious prepared foods and cold cuts, meat cut to order, and an in-house baker who turns out the best cookies, muffins and scones in the county.

Located at 215 Main Street in Germantown, Otto’s is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 518.537.7200 or visit the website www.ottosmarket.com.

Columbia-Greene Media

Best Florist

Best of Columbia County 2014

■ 19

Chatham Flowers & Gifts For those of you who haven’t been to Chatham Flower & Gifts, it is a local, family-owned floral and gift store, just a mile and half west of the light in Chatham.

They specialize in innovative designs, fresh flowers and unique décor. In addition to the large assortment of fresh-cut flowers, they also provide a beautiful selection of florist quality plants, distinctive home accessories, Willow Tree collectibles, recycled aluminum jewelry by The Artist Jay, handmade pottery, Haitian wall art, specialty candles, baskets, unique decorations, memorable greeting cards and more.

Best Nursery, Lawncare & Garden Center Callander’s Nursery & Landscaping Callander’s Nursery & Landscaping Inc., was established in 1973 by Fredrick Callander and consists of a garden center as well as landscape, design, construction and maintenance departments. The retail garden center provides a wide selection of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials and annuals.

You will also find a vast array of garden supplies, gifts and seasonal de´cor.

Landscaping supplies include a variety of bulk materials, wall stone and blue stone. Birdhouses, birdbaths and all types of statuary can be found nestled throughout the garden center. Callander's also features many choices in fine garden furniture for those looking to relax outdoors during the warmer weather. When the winter weather sets in, you will want to check out the many holiday items. They make their own wreaths, offer fresh cut trees and much more. For that difficult gift purchase, there is always Callander's gift certificates. Callander’s is located at 2308 Route 203 in Chatham. For more information, call 518.392.4540 or visit the website at www.callandersnursery.com.

Best Specialty Store American Pie

American Pie is a unique, contemporary general store offering practical, affordable and quirky kitchen and tableware and personal care, cards, candles, jewelry, edibles, wearables — and so much more than you can imagine. American Pie prides itself on great customer service. Owners Lynne Michael and Thomas Hope came to Chatham seeking a wholesome environment to raise their son, and a beautiful place to live and work. They opened American Pie to provide the community with affordable and unusual items needed on a day-to-day basis as well as special occasions. They say they love Columbia County because it is blessed with open space and surrounded by working farms, yet close to New York City, providing the best of two worlds. There is a wonderful and diverse community here. American Pie is located at 41 Main Street in Chatham. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 518.392.6632 or email amerpie@gmail.com.

Kathleen and Frank Rohlfs will celebrate 28 years of ownership this year. Their business is set apart by their great team of creative and experienced floral designers.

They truly enjoy helping people select the perfect flowers for all types of events: holidays, births, funerals, weddings, a gift for someone special, an arrangement for the dining room table, or “just because”. They love creating beautiful arrangements for all the important milestones in people’s lives.

The pair pride themselves on their involvement in the community. Whether it’s 4H, Lion’s Club, Little League or Sean’s Run, contributing to Columbia County is a great privilege. In fact, it’s the community that they love the most about Columbia County. They have loved getting to know many local families through the important occasions in their lives. “The people who live in Columbia County are some of the most kind and thoughtful people we’ve ever met,” said the Rohlfs.

Chatham Flowers & Gifts is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

They are located at 2117 Route 203 in Chatham. For more information, call 518.392.6414, email chathamflowers@aol.com or visit the website at www.chathamflowersandgifts.com.

Don’t forget to check out the Chatham Flowers Facebook page for special deals and pictures of their latest work. All important information and updates will be shared there, so please ‘like’ them and spread the word to friends and family.

20 â–

Best Gift Shop

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

The Cross Eyed Owl In the fall of 1993, Patti Varga opened her first shop as a means of selling her own crafts and creations. Over the years, the shop grew and moved to its current larger location, becoming The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop that we know today. The shop now features unique and quality products from more than 400 companies including Yankee Candle, Jim Shore and Willow Tree. You will find home de´cor as well as cards and gifts for men, women and children of all ages. With their large and unique assortment of gifts and personalized service, you are sure to find that special present, for even the most challenging people in your life.

Varga grew up in Columbia County and enjoys working in her home community. She is generous with donations to local groups for their fundraisers and raffles and believes in giving back to the community that has supported her business for 20 years. Varga says the best part of owning her shop is the interaction and relationships she has with her customers.

The Cross Eyed Owl is located at 3143 Route 9 in Valatie. They are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m.

Sundays. For more information, call 518-758-6755 or visit the website: www.crosseyedowl.com. In addition, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Columbia-Greene Media

f o t es & CULTURE BARTS

■ 21

Best of Columbia County 2014

Best Scenic View & Best Historic Site Olana

Best Library Chatham Public Library The Chatham Public Library opened its doors to the public on September 27, 1905. Two Chatham residents, Dr. John Thorne Wheeler, a young physician, and William B. Howland, editor of The Chatham Courier, were instrumental in attracting Andrew Carnegie, steel magnate and philanthropist, to fund the building of the library, which would serve both the school district and the public. “The beautiful brick and stone building is a good example of small town pride and initiative,” writes Dominick Lizzi in his book, “Let there be light: The Forgotten History of the Chatham Public Library.”

(Available through the library system or for sale at the library.) In 2001, an addition was added to meet the needs of a modern, vibrant community with more computers, wi-fi, and e-readers.

The Chatham Public Library is a Carnegie Library with a Louis Tiffany window that people come from all over to see. It is one of only two libraries in New York state that is run by a school district; in this case: The Chatham Central School District. Chatham is the largest library in Columbia County with the largest circulation.

They also operate a branch library in Canaan.

They have an extensive large print book collection, a story hour and summer reading program and an Author & Artists Series, sponsored by The Friends of the Chatham Library. The dedicated staff said they are lucky to be a part of the Mid Hudson Library System, which helps provide a vast number of lending materials to patrons. The staff said they love the beautiful countryside, rolling hills and farmland, apple orchards, the charming towns and villages with their array of restaurants, art galleries and cultural events. But most of all, they love the sense of community and caring among their neighbors. The library is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Olana is more than just the house; it is a work of art designed by Hudson River School artist Frederic Church and the site integrates the landscape, views, farm, house and collections.

Since Olana was saved from the auction block in the 1960s, there has been greater recognition of the importance of its viewshed — and threats to that viewshed, such as a proposed nuclear power plant, St. Lawrence Cement and Athens Generating. It has been the mission of those who love and support Olana to protect that viewshed. “So many people and organizations that value the importance of preserving farmland and open spaces” makes Columbia County a great home for the historic homestead. “To date, more than 1,300 acres have been protected within the Olana viewshed,” site staff said.

Owned by New York State, and open to the public for 47 years, the grounds at Olana are accessible from 8 a.m. to sunset every day for walking, picnicking, painting and bird watching, among other activities, and five miles of carriage roads make for a scenic foray through the landscape. Tours of the historic house are also available. For more information, visit www.olana.org or call 518.828.0135. Olana is located at 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson.

Best Art Gallery

Editor’s Note: Olana’s award for Best Scenic View is part of the Best of Community category.

Carrie Haddad Carrie Haddad owns the Carrie Haddad Gallery.

She grew up in San Francisco and moved to New York City at age 19 to dance — and she did. She also modeled and acted on stage, in television and in film. Haddad owned a clothing store. She met her husband, Nick, and they moved to Clermont with their two children.

Nine years ago, they moved to Hudson.

The gallery has been open for 23 years and is all inclusive. Hailed as the premier gallery of the Hudson Valley, the Carrie Haddad Gallery presents eight large exhibits a year and includes all types of painting, both large and small sculpture, works on paper and a variety of techniques in photography.

Haddad said she loves Columbia County because of its beautiful countryside and vistas. “There is a a great mix of backgrounds, occupations and talents.

Here, one person's efforts can really make a difference. Don't give up the fight,” she said.

Carrie Haddad Gallery is located at 622 Warren Street and is open daily.

Visit 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday. For more information, call 518.828.1915, email carrie.haddad@ carriehaddadgallery.com or visit www.carriehaddadgallery.com.

22 ■

Best Local Live Theater - Mac-Haydn Theatre

Best of Columbia County 2014

Best Local Movie Theater The Crandell Theatre The Crandell Theatre is Columbia County's oldest and largest movie theater. This 534-seat theater, located at 48 Main Street in Chatham, was built in 1926 by Walter S. Crandell as a vaudeville house in a Spanish Renaissance style. The Crandell shows first and second run feature films daily with bi-monthly Sunday matinees of art, independent and foreign films.

Owned by The Chatham Film Club, a nonprofit, the Crandell is host to FilmColumbia, a five-day festival of films. They also have digital projectors and offer 3-D viewings.

The theater is open seven days a week with 7:15 p.m. screenings. For more information, call 518.392.3331, email mail@crandelltheatre.org or visit www.crandelltheatre.org.

Columbia-Greene Media

The Mac-Haydn Theatre was founded in 1969 by Lynne Haydn and Linda MacNish; Haydn still serves as artistic director/producer. For the first few years the theater performed in rented space at the Chatham Fairgrounds; in 1978 they opened in their own building just outside of the village. Hundreds of performers, directors, musicians, designers and technicians have honed skills toward a successful career in a highly competitive business at the theatre — fulfilling one of the original aims of MacNish and Haydn. Their other aim, to provide top quality musical theater entertainment to people in an area that (at the time) had nothing of that sort, has also been reached, as thousands of patrons enjoy each year’s productions. Mac-Haydn takes pride in being the cornerstone of some 20 plus performing arts groups in the county.

Mac-Haydn’s unique theatre-in-the-round setting focuses on the story and the music, while giving a fresh, new perspective to the show. The people have exceptional talents, bringing the highest possible quality to all aspects of the productions. They are also very proud to have brought high quality entertainment to thousands of people for more than 45 years.

Haydn loves the the diversity of Columbia County, “Where else can you go fishing, hiking, antiquing and then see a Broadway quality professional musical all in one day? The location: being so near to major highways is a positive factor for our business. The people: we could not exist without our so helpful and so loyal volunteers, and the other businesses and people who support us.”

f o t s BeNIGHTLIFE Best Entertainer

Mac-Haydn is seasonal, open late-May to mid-September; performance days and times vary, see website for information: www.machaydntheatre.com.

Mac-Haydn is located at 1925 State Route 203 in Chatham. For more information call 518.392.9292.

Best Artist - Gerald Cooley Born and raised in the Northeast with the everchanging seasons has created Gerald Cooley's passion for color and texture. He works using various mediums — acrylics, oil, watercolor, ink or pastels are some of his favorites. Different subjects will often dictate which is best to use. Finding that combination is very important to him. Attending college increased his desire to learn from others and to never shy away from advice — but always remember that life is the best teacher. Cooley's Atlantic West Gallery is located at 6583 West Atlantic Avenue in Hudson. For more information, call 518.828.1384 or 518.610.4732, email stateofmindart@ live.com or visit the website www.stateofmindart.com.

Justin Weaver

Born and raised in Hudson, Weaver has been performing since age 5. A fixture on the local community theater scene for more than 20 years, Weaver graduated from Hudson High School in 1994 and went on to Siena College, Columbia Greene Community College and SUNY New Paltz where he majored in theater and received many awards and acknowledgements for his performances. After giving birth to Girlgantua five years ago, he/she has performed regularly at Club Helsinki and The Half Moon with Musty Chiffon’s Kook, Trixie’s Whorehouse, The Diamond Street Dames, Hudson Pride and has created Girlgantua’s Drag Race which will be taking place in October. Weaver would like to thank his family and friends for all their support and encouragement; Girlgantua for making him laugh and keeping his creative juices flowing; and all of you for voting him Best Entertainer of Columbia County. Thank you!

Columbia-Greene Media

f o t s BNeIGHTLIFE

■ 23

Best of Columbia County 2014

Best Happy Hour Spot

Mexican Radio Mexican Radio has been producing a lasting tradition of Mexican comfort food for close to two decades. With locations in New York City and Hudson, the owners, Lori Selden and Mark Young, have just launched a brand-new 25,000-square-foot location in downtown Schenectady.

Mexican Radio features separate vegetarian/vegan menus and the staff and owners pride themselves on taking care of their guests’ requests.

They have been forerunners of the local food movement and are dedicated to local community activism.

Open 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, Mexican Radio is located at 537 Warren Street in Hudson. For more information, call 518.828.7770, email mexrad@gmail.com or visit the website at www.mexrad.com.

Best Music Venue

Best Bar - Peint O Gwrw Peint O Gwrw is an eclectic Welsh-themed pub — one of only four in the United States. It has a warm, old-time atmosphere with tin ceilings, wood paneling, swords and armor, Welsh flags and taxidermy. It’s a quirky corner of the universe where you can enjoy a kimchi burger. Established in 2001, the owners, Thomas Hope and Lynne Michael, wanted to provide a comfortable local pub atmosphere with affordable prices. They pride themselves on the 16 local and micro brews on tap including local cider and a nice selection of scotches and bourbons, exciting Quiz Notes and Wednesday Curry Nights. Peint O Gwrw is located at 36 Main Street in Chatham and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 518.392.2337 or email amerpie@gmail.com.

Helsinki Hudson

Best Bartender

Cassandra Cumming Red Dot Restaurant Cassandra Cumming grew up here, left for 15 years, and came back 11 years ago.

She works at the Red Dot Restaurant, where she thoroughly enjoys her job and the customers. “This is a beautiful area, and I'm happy to call this city my home,” Cumming said.The Red Dot Restaurant and Bar is located at 321 Warren Street in Hudson. The bar is open 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. and weekday nights are subject to patronage. For more information about the Red Dot, call 518.828.3657 or visit the website www.reddotrestaurant.com.

Helsinki was founded in 1995 as the inspiration of Deborah McDowell, who was looking to share her love of community, tea, good food and music with the Berkshires, harkening back to her family of artists and the years her grandfather spent operating the Hotel Helsinki in Finland. Two years later, Columbia County native Marc Schafler, whose family owned Camp Natchez, joined her and Club Helsinki was born and began presenting some the finest musicians, activists, poets and lecturers from around the world. It’s not possible to capture the impact Helsinki productions have had artistically and socially by merely running down a list of artists presented through the years, although the list includes an impressive line-up, with names like Shawn Colvin, Pete Seeger, Leo Kottke, Mike Gordon of Phish, Levon Helm, Norah Jones, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Odetta, Steve Earle, Mose Allison, Burning Spear and many many more. The move to Hudson four years ago brought California producer and visionary, Cameron Melville to the collaboration, and Helsinki Hudson became the Club’s new incarnation. The restoration of the 1800’s industrial building complex was accomplished using local builders and artists with an eye toward providing the best possible theatrical experience for both musicians and audiences. Helsinki is not just a music venue, it’s a total sensual experience for the heart, ears, mind and palate. All the senses are fed and Helsinki provides a little refuge for all. The owners are proud of their relationship to the community and enjoy watching the town blossom. Helsinki bandcamp, free for local children and now entering its third summer season, is something they are really proud of. Helsinki Hudson is located at 405 Columbia Street. For more information, call 518.828.4800 or visit the website www.helsinkihudson.com.

24 ■

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

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Columbia-Greene Media

f o t s e & DRINK BFOOD

■ 25

Best of Columbia County 2014

Best Fine Dining

Ca ’Mea Ristorante Ca’Mea Ristorante serves authentic Italian cuisine, fresh ingredients, and light sauces in a pleasant atmosphere inside or outside on the terrace. Roy Felcetto opened Ca’Mea 11 years ago and Max Cenci became his business partner soon after. Nine years ago they expanded with accommodations at their three guesthouses. Ca’Mea translates to “My home” and it feels like you are at home because we are a big family.

Felcetto and Cenci pride themselves on having a dedicated clientele and staff.

They love Columbia County because it works as a team, especially Hudson, for the greater good of the community. Their efforts as a team have greatly improved the success of the town.

Ca’Mea is located at 333 Warren Street, Hudson, and is open for lunch noon to 5 p.m. and dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday; and noon to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner Sunday. For more information, call 518.822.0005, email info@camearestaurant.com or visit the website at www.camearestaurant.com.

Best Lunch Spot The Cascades

Best Breakfast Spot Tanzy’s

Tanzy’s is owned by two sisters — Tisha Mulligan and Sandie Tanzillo-Gay — who were born and raised in Hudson. They established their restaurant nine years ago in the neighborhood of their childhood, catering to locals and tourists as well.

The sisters pride themselves on the size of their pancakes and that they serve breakfast all day long.

In addition to breakfast and lunch, they also offer afternoon tea service and children’s tea parties are one of their specialties. Tanzy’s is located at 223 Warren Street in Hudson and is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Wednesdays; and is open 8 a.m. to noon Sundays.

For more information, call 518.828.5165, email info@tanzyshudson.com or visit the website at www.tanzyshudson.com.

Best Coffee Rev

The Cascades has been a successful restaurant and catering business for 20 years. The Cascades offers high quality, excellent value and professional and friendly service. Their soups are out of this world. Wine and beer are available.

Delivery and catering are also offered.

Bob Lucke studied hotel/restaurant management at Washington State University.

He then spent several years in management working for a Seattle restaurant chain.

Bob and his wife, Martha Lane, moved to Hudson in 1988. Five years later, Bob opened The Cascades on Warren Street. They cite Hudson’s impressive mix of restaurants, art galleries and retail establishments as why they love Columbia County.

“It is an historic city with a young population. It is vibrant and energized.

Residents walk to every thing, including the train station. Being able to take the train to and from NYC is wonderful,” they said.

The Cascades staff prides themselves on prompt, friendly service. The restaurant, located at 407 Warren Street in Hudson, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 518.822.9146, email info@thecascadeshudson.com or visit www.thecascadeshudson.com.

Rev Coffee and Tea offers exceptional, ethically sourced organic coffees and espresso from Just Coffee Cooperative. Organic teas, light fare and delicious treats with a focus on local ingredients from Hudson Valley favorites like Pika Farm Table, Fruition Chocolate and Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, are served in a cool and relaxed environment.

Rev, owned by Jerry Leoni for the past four years, is located at 742 Warren Street. The coffeehouse is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. For more information call 518.828.2210. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/revhudsonny.

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Best Chef

Best Healthy Snack - Tierra Farm

Best of Columbia County 2014

Hugh Horner - Helsinki Hudson Executive Chef Hugh Horner of Helsinki Hudson takes his inspiration from the creative spirit of Helsinki, his love of the bountiful Hudson Valley, and his southern ancestry to create a Rustic New American cuisine with a knack for making the familiar extraordinary. From his roots in Georgia, the Carolinas and Louisiana, Chef Hugh brings to the table his Low Country roots cuisine, with his years as an early pioneer in the Williamsburg, Brooklyn Food movement to Helsinki, and offers affordable comfort food like nothing else around.

The Restaurant at Helsinki Hudson carries on a 15-year tradition started at the wildly popular former location in Massachusetts — that is of creating a menu of creative homespun seasonally selected food in a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere.

Horner’s ability to cook for any pallet of any guest to Helsinki, from someone just getting off of the river looking for a killer burger, to a couple looking for a four course meal with the perfect Chilean Wine. This flexibility and honesty in cooking has given Horner the opportunity to reach a vast majority of Columbia County natives, as well as visitors to the area.

The restaurant also prides itself on its front of house. They’ve developed a knowledgeable, unpretentious and dynamic staff.

They’re fun people who love what they’re doing here at Helsinki, and that conveys to the guests.

Helsinki Hudson is located at 405 Columbia Street in Hudson and is open for dinner 5 to 10 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, call 518.828.4800, email hugh.helsinki@gmail.com or visit the website www.helsinkihudson.com.

Best Dessert

Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar owner Kim Bach brought her mother’s tea shop to Hudson after 18 years in Park City, Utah.

Verdigris carries an extensive selection of tea by the cup, pot or ounce as well as an in-house bakery, local and regional artisinal chocolates and espresso drinks. The shop has been at its Hudson location for the past eight years with Chef Regina Simmons baking the goodies and Bach presiding over the tea counter. Verdigris Tea and Chocolate Bar, located at 135 Warren Street, Hudson, is closed Wednesdays, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and until 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more information, call 518.828.3139, email verdigristea@gmailcom or visit the website www.verdigristea.com.

Columbia-Greene Media

All of Tierra Farm’s products are certified organic, glutenfree and kosher.

The coffee and chocolate are certified Fair Trade. They manufacture the products they sell: they dry roast and flavor nuts and seeds, roast coffee, blend granola and trail mixes, grind nutbutters and coast nuts and fruits with chocolate. In business for 15 years, Tierra Farm was started in the late 1990s as a diversified organic vegetable farm in the Finger Lakes Region.

The company is owned by Gunther Fishgold and prides itself on customer service, employee benefits and education and its commitment to the local community.

Between the people, natural beauty, tremendous support from the community and the strong agricultural roots, they couldn’t ask for a better location than Columbia County.

Tierra Farm is located at 2424 State Route 203 in Valatie and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. For more information, call 518.392.8300 or visit www.tierrafarm.com.

Best Baked Goods Our Daily Bread

In 1977 Svi Cohen started Our Daily Bread, making traditional, artisan loaves in the European style. They sold hearth baked breads and handmade pastries at their cafe and at markets throughout the region and in NYC. Over the years, they began to hear from customers who were unable to eat gluten, and were seeking baked goods like the ones they had enjoyed for years at the market stands.

In the fall of 2011, Our Daily Bread made a long overdue move to a new, larger space just down the street. That left the owners with an empty bakery, and a great opportunity to meet the demands of a growing number of people looking for a healthy alternative and a fresh gluten free option. After weeks of cleaning (they practically re-built the bakery), and months of development and testing, they opened The Gluten Free Bakery, delivering the first loaves and cookies to market in February 2012. Many stories from gluten free bakeries start the same way. Someone in the family is found to be gluten intolerant. Someone starts baking.

Someone says, "That stuff is great! You should start a bakery."

“Sure enough, that is the story in our family — my favorite nephew can't get near the stuff, and it was breaking my heart.

The thing is, we were bakers. With decades of experience. Our approach to gluten free baking is the approach of bakers. We brought all of our experience and knowledge to the task of developing a line of gluten free products. We also brought our high standards and traditional techniques”, said Cohen.

Our Daily Bread is located at 54 Main Street in Chatham. For more information, visit www.odbefee.com.

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Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

It’s Something to Behold Come Share The Spirit!

American Pie

A Contemporary General Store 41 Main Street Chatham, NY 518-392-6632

•

•

Greene and Columbia County’s

WE PAY CASH DIRECTLY TO

YOU

#1 TRAVEL AGENCY Over 60 years combined travel experience

ALL ABOARD TRAVEL 518-943-6500 • 1121 Route 23 Catskill, NY

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That’s right, we pay cash directly to you when you need it the most!

Whether you are sick or injured and can’t work, or you want additional protection for your loved ones in case of serious illness or death, Dawn Reeves, one of Combined Insurance’s helpful agents, will work closely with you to help get you the right coverage at the right price.

Even lower than the box stores

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for semi-custom and custom cabinetry.

FUNCTIONAL SCULPTURE CABINETS & TILES

354 Main Street, Catskill, NY Phone: 518-943-9313 • www.functionalsculpture.com

Your Local Combined Insurance Agent I have a plan for you.

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE

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Health | Accident | Disability | Life

www.combinedinsurance.com STP-AD-NY-0114 Combined Life Insurance Company Of New York, Latham, NY

28 ■

Best Caterer

Best Place to Dine With Kids

Best of Columbia County 2014

Carlucci Simons Catering Mara Simons-Jones took over Carlucci Catering in 2010, establishing Carlucci Simons Catering.

They are the house caterer for the summer residency program at Art Omi, as well as for the students in the hot lunch program at Hawthorne Valley School. They cater weddings, cocktail parties, dinner parties, and barbecues of all sizes. The innovative team of creative young chefs sets this catering company apart from all the others whether they’re whipping up a batch of bacon jam, or baking their own bialys, they are all passionate about producing delicious and beautiful food for every event. Carlucci Simons Catering service staff routinely receives rave reviews from clients lauding their friendly and professional manner.

Simons-Jones said that she loves the farms of Columbia County and is so grateful to have access to the best quality produce, eggs, meats and cheeses in the Northeast.

For more information about Carlucci Simons Catering, call 518.392.FOOD (3663), email 392food@gmail.com or visit the website www.392food.com.

Columbia-Greene Media

Baba Louie’s

Baba Louie’s Sourdough Pizza Company owners Paul and Eileen Masiero pride themselves in using the freshest ingredients, they work hard at providing specials and seasonal dishes using locally grown products and they have a menu that treats gluten free and vegan guests as just one of the gang. What sets Baba Louie’s apart is their use of both classic and creative combinations. There is something for everyone on the menu whether you have a discriminating palette and are craving a new flavor or need to feed the kids something familiar.

What the Masieros love about Columbia County is the diversity of people and activities — arts, music, agriculture, dining, outdoor activities — all within a scenic ride from one another. Anyone can do, eat, see what they love in Columbia County. There’s something for all.

Now in its ninth year of business, Baba Louie’s is located at 517 Warren Street in Hudson. They are open 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 3 for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner on Fridays; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday; closed on Wednesdays. For more information, call 518.751.2155 or visit the website www.babalouiespizza.com.

Call, Stop By or Visit chathamflowersandgifts.com

The Best in Columbia County Columbia County’s EVERYDAY Farmers Market 8am - 6pm • Everyday Open Year Round

We have the Best Meat.

We Grow the Best Greens, Berries and Summer Produce.

We are NO Spray and Pesticide Free

518-392-6414 2117 Rte. 203 • Chatham, NY 12037

o gwr t n i w pe welsh english style pub

A Quirky Little Corner Of The Universe.

(518) 392-4609 Route 203 between Chatham & Valatie www.thechathamberryfarm.com Check us out on Facebook!

We’re more than just berries

OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY AT 4:00 36 MAIN STREET | CHATHAM, NY • USA | 518.392.2337

Best Farmers’ Market

Best Farm Stand

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Hudson Farmers’ Market

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Holmquest

According to its website, Hudson Farmers’ Market was started in 1997 by Milt Meisner and Norman Posner. The vendors continue to strive to support their founding vision and provide Hudson with fresh local product from family farms, being sold by farmers directly to their ever loyal customers. When Milt “retired” they continued to grow and offer a wider variety of products and more vendors each year. Milt has passed away and he is missed terribly, but his spirit lives on in the market he co-founded. Hudson’s market is one of the longest running farmers’ markets in the region.

All vendors comprise the Vendor Collective and have a say in how the market is run. Come be a part of what makes Columbia County great — agriculture at its best! The Hudson Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot at Sixth and Columbia streets. It is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from May through November.

For more information, visit www.hudsonfarmersmarketny.com.

Thomas Holmes, owner of Holmquest Farms, was born, raised on and worked on the farm which has been in the family since the 1940s. For the past two decades, Holmes has been running the operation where everything from start to finish is done on site. The seed is sown there, planted there, harvested there and sold to the consumer there. They pride themselves on quality, not quantity, and everything is picked vine ripened and ready to eat. The four seasons and the Hudson Valley’s abundant bounty is what Holmes loves best about Columbia County.

Holmquest Farms is located at 516 Spook Rock Road in Hudson and is open from 8 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 518.851.9629, email holmquestfarms516@gmail.com or visit the website at www.holmquestfarms.com.

Best Local Farm Fix Bros. Farm

Best Food Market

Hawthorne Valley Farm Store Hawthorne Valley Farm Store is a full-line organic, biodynamic and natural foods and grocery store, committed to supporting local farmers and artisans. They also have an organic deli bar with hot and cold meal options and salad bar, and an organic bakery offering fresh breads and pastries and bread daily. The store, in business for 26 years, strives to provide customers with the best biodynamic, organic and local products available at reasonable prices. Their goal is to source as much product from local and regional providers as possible and to give customers the quality shopping experience of a community store.

Hawthorne Valley Farm Store prides itself on being the gateway to Hawthorne Valley Farm and being part of a diverse, educational not-for-profit association. Columbia County has such a robust local food economy and the farm store is honored to play a role in it.

The store is open 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday and is located at 327 County Route 21C in Ghent. For information, call 518.672.7500, visit the website at www.hawthorne valleyfarm.org.

The Fix Farm was established in 1899 when John Henry Fix immigrated from Germany and settled with his family in the Hudson Valley in upstate New York. He gradually added acres enlarging his orchards over the years. His son William Henry continued farming and in 1953 his sons William (Bill) and Robert (Bob) started the third generation and named the farm Fix Bros.

At that time, the orchards were sweet and sour cherries and apples. They added more varieties of apples, pears and peaches.

When Bill retired, Bob’s sons Bobby, Gary and David became partners with their Dad to become the fourth generation on the farm. They purchased an adjoining farm and planted additional orchards. A “Pick your Own” operation was started, opening up cherry, peach and apple orchards to the public. Their mailing list has grown and the Fix Bros website has brought a tremendous response from people desiring tree ripened fruit.

Bob and Linda’s two sons Stephen and Bradley are now the fifth generation. Cousin Brandon is also working full time, representing the fifth generation. The Fix Family takes great pride in producing high quality fruit and carrying on their legacy.

The farm is located at 215 White Birch Road in Hudson. For more information, call 518.828.7560 or visit their website at www.fixbrosfruitfarm.com.

30 ■

Best Burger

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Grazin’

Grazin’ is the first and only restaurant in the country to be Animal Welfare Approved, so all of the animal proteins are from animals raised to the highest animal welfare standards. The grassfed and finished beef and dairy, as well as the pasture raised pork and eggs travel just 7 miles from their farm to their restaurant and the rest of the produce comes from local, organic, bio-dynamic, and/or sustainable farms within 10-12 miles of the restaurant.

Best Slice of Pizza Angela’s Pizza & Pasta

From the “Bambino” to the “Kitchen Sink,” Angela’s Pizza and Pasta, located in the Fairview Plaza on Route 9 (160 Fairview Avenue) in Hudson, has something for every taste. Patrons can order pizzas, chicken wings, parmigiana dishes, pasta dishes, appetizers and calzones, among other items on the menu. They are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 518.828.7722 or visit the website, www.angelashudson.com.

Owners Dan and Susan Gibson and Andrew and Christine Chiappinelli pride themselves on their uncompromising values. They only source fresh, local, sustainable, organic, bio-dymanic ingredients. If it’s not local and in season, they won’t have it! Grazin’ Farm to Table – Direct exists so that folks in Columbia and neighboring counties can enjoy the bounty of Columbia County in Columbia County! It’s important to really know where your food comes from.

Columbia County is rich with exciting things for visitors to do! And it’s also the food shed for nearby cities. We are blessed with huge markets within 100 miles and consequently, much of the best proteins and produce are right here in Columbia County where it can be enjoyed fresh from the farm!

In business for the past three years, Grazin’ is located at 717 Warren Street in Hudson. Grazin’ is open noon to 8 p.m. Thursday; noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and noon to 8 p.m. Monday. For more information, call 518.822.9323 or visit the website www.GrazinDiner.com.

Fix Bros.

FRUIT FARM

Now Picking!

Hudson

North

23

Cherries • Peaches • Apples Pears • Pumpkins (Seasonal Availability)

www.fixbrosfruitfarm.com

9G

JERRY JENNINGS

Rip Van Winkle Bridge

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR, INC. RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • FARM

9G South

FRUIT FARM

14

518-828-6467 • Commercial & Industrial Consultation & Design

• Underground Faults Located Electronically & Repaired

10

South

White Birch Rd., Hudson, NY (518) 828-4401 or (518) 828-7560 2 miles south of Rip Van Winkle Bridge on 9G Left on Co. Rte. 14 or Rte. 10, Follow Signs.

• House Wiring Analysis & Estimates Utility Poles for Overhead Wiring, Bucket Truck Services and Trenching for Underground Wiring

SINCE 1961

Thanking the people of Columbia County for your continued business & loyal support!

151 FOOTBRIDGE RD. EXT., COLUMBIAVILLE, NY

LICENSE #135

Fix Bros.

Best Liquor Store - Fairview Wine & Spirits Columbia-Greene Media

Best of Columbia County 2014

■ 31

A carefully chosen and sophisticated selection of wine and liquor, presented without pretentiousness, make Fairview Wines & Spirits a store that customers keep coming back to. Their customer service is one of the most important things that they offer. A comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, an offer to help find something and personal attention are things that customers appreciate and are often lacking in today’s busy world.

The owners and staff also pride themselves on offering a comprehensive selection of wine and liquor, from the sublime to the mundane, with a small town feeling and big city tastes! They will also do their best to find and order customer requests.

Owners Lewis and Risa Dimm came to Columbia County, pioneers in the 70s, to establish the Livingston Pottery. Their ceramics are in many private collections, museums and the White House. Their interests in food and gardening combined with family experience in the wine world made the decision to open Fairview Wines & Spirits in April of 1990 a natural progression.

With their keen interest in wine and food, they have traveled the U.S., Europe and South America to numerous wine growing regions to meet and visit with growers, winemakers, vignerons and negociants. They have attended numerous trade events, private tastings and dinners, and have tasted and researched thousands of wines here and abroad.

The Dimms love Columbia County because of the welcoming and diverse, independently minded people who live here. The couple has called the county home for more than 40 years and have watched it grow. They enjoy the increasing availability of goods and services in the county while it manages to retain its rural “sleepy” character. As a business, they are pleased to be able to participate in that growth.

Fairview Wines & Spirits is located at 160 Fairview Avenue in Hudson and is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 518.828.0934 or email lewisandrisa@ fairview-wines.com.

YOUR HOMETOWN PLUMBER

S.T. Hudson's Son Inc. would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers for voting in the Best Of Contest. If you haven't heard we received the award of the Best Plumber of 2014 in Columbia County.

We are looking forward to continued service to all of our valued customers.

ST HUDSONS SON PLUMBING 804 Columbia St., Hudson NY www.sthudsons.com

518-828-6928

32 ■

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

umber Paint Windows & Doors Estimating K tchens & Baths ower Tools S one F ee Estimates

Thank you... for Voting Us Best Building Supply Store.

OUR PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Proud To Be Your Building Resource At Herrington’s we share the passion of our customers for a project well done.

We understand the need for product to arrive on time, and for quick responses to questions. Our sales staff is educated in building products and processes. We think you will agree that they are a true resource for successful building and remodeling.

®

We share your passion.

Hillsdale, NY: 518.325.3131· Lakeville, CT: 860.435.2561 Millerton, NY: 518.789.3611· Hudson, NY: 518.828.9431 Chatham, NY: 518.392.9201 www.herringtons.com· 800.453.1311

Best Distilled Spirits

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

■ 33

Core Vodka - Harvest Spirits

Best Local Wine

Derek Grout is a third generation farmer who founded Harvest Spirits Farm Distillery with his wife Ashley Hartka in 2008.

They live in Hudson with their young sons Theodore and Oliver.

Harvest Spirits, LLC is New York state’s first farm distillery.

Located in Valatie on the family farm, Harvest Spirits creates more than nine hand-crafted spirits, distilled from the farm’s surplus fruit. One-hundred percent family owned and operated and independently distributed – Harvest Spirits Farm Distillery is open for tours and tastings every weekend, noon to 5 p.m.

The distillery is located at Golden Harvest Farms, 3074 Route 9 in Valatie. For more information, call 518-253-591, email info@ harvestspirits.com or visit www.harvestspirits.com.

Hudson-Chatham Winery The Hudson-Chatham Winery opened in 2007 — Columbia County’s first winery! The winery is on the property of the former Brisklea Dairy Farm, a Columbia County fixture, retaining the agricultural heritage. There are 14 acres, 5 of which are planted with vines. Carlo and Dominique DeVito are both publishing professionals and authors. Carlo specializes in wine, sports, history and literature, and publishes a popular wine blog, East Coast Wineries. Dominique also writes the column “Wine Time” for Columbia-Greene Media.

At Hudson-Chatham Winery the wines are truly special. Using all New York state fruit (and more and more fruit from their own vineyard), the grapes for the wines are hand-picked, and the wines are hand-crafted.

No fining. No filtering. They’re all natural. While they have something for every taste, Hudson-Chatham specializes in quality dry reds produced from hybrid and heirloom grapes. The wines have won numerous awards, including Best Red Wine at the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival in 2013, and have been featured in top publications, including Edible Manhattan, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Sommelier Journal, as well as in many others. Hudson-Chatham Winery has been voted the Capital Region’s Best Local Winery for three of the past four years.

“There are many things to love about Columbia County, including the stunning natural beauty; diversity of interests and lifestyles of the people who live here; proximity to Albany, the Berkshires, Boston, and New York City; and the agricultural heritage,” said the owners.

Hudson-Chatham Winery is located at 1900 State Route 66 in Ghent and is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday yearround. For more information, call 518.392.WINE, email info@hudsonchathamwinery.com or visit www.hudsonchathamwinery.com.

Best Local Beer

Chatham Brewing

Chatham Brewing is the brainchild of two beer lovers: Jake Cunningham and Tom Crowell. They were tired of the generic taste of mass-market beers, so they decided to brew their own. At least once a week, every week — except when they were on a fishing trip. Chatham Brewing beers are all natural — no additives, no fillers. Just hops, barley, malt, yeast and that magic elixir called Chatham water.

At Chatham Brewing, they know that the ingredients going into the kettle will determine the taste of the beer going into the glass. So with that in mind, their brewer, Matt Perry, carefully selects the finest available malt and hops to create beers that are world-class. The taste with the personal service keep people coming back, pint after pint. Chatham Brewing has been designated a “farm brewery” which means they have pledged to produce beer using New York state grain and hops, which they source from right here in Columbia County.

Cunningham and Crowell said it is the people that they love the best about Columbia County. Their customers are extremely loyal to Chatham Brewing, the business community shows its support by putting Chatham on tap and helping them through their expansion. And lastly, as a brewery, being located in an agricultural community is huge. They purchase local hops, grain and maple syrup and support local farms and farmers markets whenever they can.

In business for the past eight years, Chatham Brewing is located at 59 Main Street in Chatham and is open 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 518.697.0202, email beer@chathambrewing.com or visit the website at www.chathambrewing.com.

34 ■

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Treating Our Customers Like Family MeettheValleyTeam.

Best of Columbia County Best of Business

– locally owned company Valley Energy has done it again.

The community has Voted us best business of the year!

Were on Call 24/7 for all your needs.

CLAVERACK, NY

CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE

518.851.3921 | 800.696.5552

Valley Energy Company offers price protection to customers who wish to pre-buy oil or propane for the upcoming heating season.

Call the office for pricing & complete list of terms and conditions.

Servicing our customers with reliable heating fuel delivery and superb 24 hour service

Life’s Better with

Valley

Pre-BuyPrograms

Energy www.valleyenergy.com

We Do Not Charge our Customers to do Business with Us & there are No Hidden Fees!

Columbia-Greene Media

Best of Columbia County

f o t s BSeERVICES

■ 35

Best Fuel Oil/Propane Provider Valley Energy

Best Beauty/Spa Services Bodhi Holistic Spa and Yoga Bodhi Holistic Spa and Yoga prides itself on finding the most natural, yet effective, products for all of its services. Located at 543 Warren Street, Bodhi is a full service spa, salon and yoga studio owned by Melinda and TJ Macchiardi. All services are based on principles of holistic wellness and the belief that beauty is from the inside out. Melinda Macchiardi started the business as a small massage practice 12 years ago. She listened carefully to the needs of the community and the guests visiting Hudson, which inspired Bodhi as it is today. “It’s pretty great to get a massage after yoga,” the owners said. TJ transformed the old building through blood, sweat and tears into an incredible yoga space.

The owners say the best thing about Columbia County is “everything!”

“The beauty is overwhelming. The people are amazing. It has always felt like ‘home’ in the sweetest sense of the word,” they said.

Bodhi is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 518.828.2233, visit www.bodhiholisticspa.com or email bodhiholisticspa@gmail.com.

Best Yoga/Pilates/Exercise Studio/Gym

Valley Energy is third-generation family owned since 1952 and is currently owned by Russ Beck Sr. and Russ Beck Jr. They serve local businesses and families in Columbia, Greene and Dutchess counties from their office in Claverack. Valley Energy prides themselves on being a 24/7 full service company that with their team of experts provide superb service and quality fuel at low prices.

They love Columbia County because of their commitment to their customers and neighbors, they have grown their business full circle and remain still centered in their hometown. Valley Energy is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 518.851.3921, email info@valleyenergy.com or visit the website www.valleyenergy.com.

Pilates Hudson

Originally from southern Kentucky, Nicole Meadors opened Pilates Hudson in June 2004. Meadors teaches in Hudson and at West Village Yoga NYC. Recently, she established a partnership with Vittoria Iraci, organizing wellness retreats at La Montagnola, an agriturismo in Umbria, Italy. She also travels with Escape to Shape, working in locations like Marrakech, Cartagena, and Bali. Certified to teach Classical Pilates and Yoga, Meadors continues to study and collaborate with movement professionals such as Kinesthetic Anatomist Irene Dowd, Alycea Ungaro, Steve Giordano, Susan Moran, and Iyengar Yoga teachers Kevin Gardiner and Kofi Busia. Nicole incorporates bodywork similar to Thai Massage and adheres to a system that nourishes mind, body, and spirit.

At the studio, they now incorporate all kinds of fitness training, including spinning, TRX bootcamp classes, personal fitness instruction, Yoga, and Classical Pilates. The staff is highly trained, including its newest member Dr. Paul Spector, an expert physician and fitness coach who specializes in the art of referral and weight loss management. Small group classes insure safety and personal attention.

“After training hundreds of clients in the Hudson Valley for over 12 years, we cultivate real relationships with real people, in simple ways that work,” said Meadors.

Pilates Hudson is located at 403 Warren Street, third floor in Hudson. For more information, visit www.pilateshudson.com or call 518.828.9776.

36 ■

Best Alternative Energy

Best Alternative Medicine Practitioner

Best of Columbia County 2014

Sundog Solar

Sundog Solar embodies its solar products in every way — from its 100 percent solar powered and carbon neutral factory, to its Sundog Smarthouse, a house that creates its own electricity, stores power, heats water and doesn’t need to be hooked up to a utility company.

Owned by Jody Rael, an entrepreneur, inventor and environmentalist, Sundog opened 10 years ago and now installs more than just solar electric. The company also specializes in solar hot water systems, closed cell spray foam and blown cellulose insulation, electric heat pump water heaters and its staff perform home energy assessments.

Rael founded Kling Magnetics in 1984 and has employed hundreds of local residents through the years. Kling is still in operation today. After purchasing the Columbia Box Mill in 1997, Rael set out to transform the former energy-wasting property into a model of renewable energy.

Solaqua was born. Meaning “Sun + Water,” the Solaqua project has housed a number of demonstration projects (some funded by NYSERDA and the USDA) and has been an incubator for new business. The most recent start-up is Sundog Cider, a hard apple cider made from locally grown New York apples.

Taking solar seriously, the Sundog factory has a truly unique energy system. “We heat our factory in the winter with our vegetable oil boiler and cool our offices with upstate New York’s only solar thermal powered air conditioner,” Rael said. The vegetable oil comes from area restaurants, he added.

When asked what is the draw to Columbia County, Sundog’s owner states: “The micro location advantages of fresh air, abundant water, open land; the macro location advantages of being two to three hours from Boston and New York City. Columbia County also has a population and governance that understands that we need to reduce the carbon we emit into the air to preserve not just our county but our planet as well.”

For more information on Sundog, located at 343 Route 295, Chatham, visit www.sundogsolar.com or email info@sundogsolar.com. You can also call 518.392.4000 or fax 518.392.8191.

Columbia-Greene Media

Andrea Elliott - Elliott Acupuncture Following a stint in the Peruvian Amazon and armed with an interest in ecology and ethnobotany, Andrea Elliott returned to her undergraduate roots in Chinese language and decided to study Chinese herbal medicine.

Acupuncture was also a part of her training, and her practice is now about equal parts acupuncture and herbal medicine plus the occasional opportunity to translate.

Elliott Acupuncture serves as a full time Chinese medicine clinic where you can schedule for acupuncture and herbs when you need them. Elliott’s practice of acupuncture goes beyond needles to incorporate other traditional techniques such as moxibustion, cupping and gua sha. Add to that the availability of custom Chinese formulas and there are many options for the treatment of a wide variety of complaints.

Her office is in a beautifully renovated carriage house.

Elliott prides herself on having spent three years in China from 2005 to 2008 where she refined her knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine as well as improved her medical Chinese by observing with two Chinese doctors who continue to serve as her teachers.

She also learned a lot about Sichuanese cuisine and culture.

Elliott said that she loves the diversity of the area and the abundance of organic agriculture and farm to table food.

Where else could you live across from the Copake Auction, work up the street from Marina Abramovic and see yaks on your way into town?

Elliott Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine is located at 876 Columbia Street in Hudson. For more information, call 518-828-8588, email info@elliottacupuncture.net or visit the website www.elliottacupuncture.net. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Thursday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Tuesdays.

Best Architect

Dennis Wedlick - BarlisWedlick Architects For more than 20 years, BarlisWedlick Architects LLC has been offering architecture, master planning, interior design and landscape design to clients from its New York City and Hudson locations. Founded as Dennis Wedlick Architect LLC, the award-winning firm has built a reputation for expressive, sustainable places to live, work and gather that prize innovative architecture and time-honored craft. Owned by Dennis Wedlick and Alan Barlis, the firm’s Hudson River Studio is located at 17 N. Fourth Street, Suite 1N, Hudson.

BarlisWedlick Architects is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be reached at mgjini@barliswedlick.com or 212.625.3838. For more information, visit www.barliswedlick.com.

Columbia-Greene Media

Best Auto Service

Best of Columbia County 2014

Todd Farrell’s Car Care Center With a strong belief in family values, maintaining a clean reputation and hiring dedicated employees, Todd Farrell’s Car Care Center Inc. on Worth Avenue in Hudson prides itself on quality service.

Owner Todd Farrell said the familyoperated business offers a quality of service that chain stores can’t provide. “Our customers are our extended family,” he said. Together with his father, Dan, and best friend, Kevin, they have been running a friendly and efficient auto repair shop since 1995.

Farrell said the best part of Columbia County is its character and its people. “The picturesque beauty and friendly residents make Columbia County the best county in New York to run a business and raise a family,” he said.

Todd Farrell’s Car Care Center Inc. is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. For more information, visit the Bridgestone/ Firestone website, email toddfarrellscarcare@aol.com, call 518.828.1573 or fax 518.822.1842.

Best Excavation Contractor Gaylord Contracting Corp.

A family-run business, Gaylord Contracting Corp. prides itself on honesty and doing the job right. Owners Jeffrey and Karen Gaylord have been in business for 28 years, starting out working on the grounds at Columbia Memorial Hospital. They gradually began doing outside jobs until the work blossomed into their own business. Gaylord offers services that range from stone/gravel driveway repair to new/repaired septic systems to total site preparation for new homes. The excavation contractors were born and raised in Columbia County, and have remained in the county they love to raise their own family. Gaylord Contracting Corp. is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 518.851.7306, fax 518.851.3974, visit www.gaylordcontracting.com or email gaylordcontracting@csdsl.net.

Best Builder/Contractor

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Bill Stratton

Bill Stratton Building Company has been a high-end custom home builder for more than 14 years, providing detailed quality construction while offering a high level of customer service.

“We have a very strong focus on providing a high level of customer service and are capable of handling projects of all scopes and architectural styles,” said owner Bill Stratton. The company has long-standing relationships with premier local and regional architects, as well as vendors and sub-contractors, Stratton said.

Its staff of more than 25 skilled tradesman have the knowledge and integrity to deliver the highest quality craftsmanship and the office staff provides excellent service to both the team and to clients.

Bill Stratton Building Company operates in Columbia County because of its “rural and natural beauty and its diverse and progressive clients that choose Columbia County as their home.”

The company is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment. It is located at 630 Highland Road, Old Chatham, and can be reached online at www.billstrattonbuilding.com/ core/ or by phone at 518.392.4200. To send a fax, use 518.392.7026.

Best Plumber ST Hudson’s Son ST Hudson’s Son Inc. was established in 1878 by Samuel Thomas and has been handed down through the generations. Today, the plumbing company offers customers 90-plus years of combined experience, and promotes a responsibility to customers, along with honesty, integrity and standing behind its work. Current owner Richard Heron is a lifelong Columbia County resident and is deeply involved in the community, promoting good will as a director for the Columbia County Fair. He said the company, located at 804 Columbia Street, Hudson, prides itself on its appearance and on customer service. According to Heron, the best thing about Columbia County is its cultural diversity, and its blend of urban and rural areas.

ST Hudson’s Son Inc. is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, email sthudsonson@gmail.com; call 518.828.6928 or fax 518.828.2112.

Best Accountant Shallo, Galluscio, Bianchi & Fucito, CPAs The accountants and staff at Shallo Galluscio Bianchi and Fucito Certified Public Accountants, P.C. in Hudson are committed to their clients and to being active members of the local community.

Established in 1950, the firm provides expert tax, financial and accounting services to businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations from its 21 N. Seventh Street, Hudson office. The business is enmeshed in the county. “Our families are here. Our careers are here.

Our hearts are here,” the staff said. The firm is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and information is available at www.empirecpa.com. To contact the office, call 518.828.6500 or fax 518.828.1177.

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Best Dentist

Best of Columbia County 2014

Dr. Ron Chiminelli Hudson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Ron Chiminelli graduated with honors from the University of Toronto in 1988 and did his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital. He ran the Dental Department at Baycrest Hospital and taught in the Oral Medicine Department at the University of Toronto for six years. In 1994 he moved to the Hudson Valley, and has been practicing in Hudson for more than 15 years. As a commitment to clinical excellence, he is always attending continuing education courses and incorporating new and better procedures into the practice. For more information, call 518.828.1712.

Best Computer Service

Jonathan’s Computer Store For many, computers are now a part of everyday life. And when they suddenly stop working, life grinds to a halt. Jonathan’s Computer Store, which opened up shop on Warren Street in 2002, repairs all brands of PCs and Apple computers.

“Our experienced technicians will listen to your issues and clearly explain what may need to be done and how much it will cost,” owners Jonathan Simons and Nicole Vergottini said. “We will go out of our way to be sure you are satisfied with our work, and you will not have to wait more than a couple days for your repair to be completed.”

Jonathan’s Computer Store is a small, family-run business that began as Deals on Wheels in 1997 when the family moved to Hudson.

“We traveled throughout the tri-state area selling computers and accessories at computer fairs,” the owners said.

In addition to computer repairs, Jonathan’s specializes in website design, real estate photography and 360-degree virtual real estate tours.

Dr. Chiminelli is also an award-winning professional photographer whose work can be found in galleries in the Hudson Valley, Cape Cod and Bar Harbor, Maine. He is currently working on a children's book and a fine art book on Cape Cod. His photo of Death Valley was selected to be on the National Parks Pass in 2006. His photography can be seen online at www.majesticlightscapes.com.

Chiminelli is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, cycling, downhill and cross country skiing and sea kayaking with his wife and daughter. He can also be found at various music venues in the Hudson Valley where he sings and plays guitar, mandolin and ukulele.

Best Healthcare Service Practitioner

Dr. Elizabeth Howard For 23 years, Dr. Elizabeth Howard has been caring for patients ages 16 and older — and 12 of those years have been at Kinderhook Medical Care, 2827 Route 9, Suite 8, Valatie.

She graduated magna cum laude from Muhlenberg College and went to medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Howard completed her residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

“As an internest, I specialize in the primary care of adult patients 16 years and older,” Howard said. “I am humbled and honored by this award. it is my privilege to serve the people of Columbia County.”

Howard also attributes the success of Kinderhook Medical Care to its conscientious and caring staff.

Dr. Howard loves Columbia County because of its “warmth and the generosity of the people of the county,” she said.

“I feel fortunate that I have gotten to care for them.”

For more information on Kinderhook Medical Care, call 518.758.6101 or fax 518.758.2162.

Columbia-Greene Media

What drew them to Columbia County was its location. “Columbia County is one of the most beautiful areas in the country,” Simons and Vergottini said. “We love its proximity to the Hudson River, Catskill mountains, great small towns like Hudson and Catskill and its central location to New York City, Boston, Albany, the Adirondacks and western New York.”

The shop is located at 315 Warren Street, Hudson, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday. For more information, visit www.jonathanscomputers.com, email info@jonathanscomputers.com or call 518.822.8435.

Best Financial Advisor

Erik Lehtinen - Integrative Wealth Integrative Wealth prides itself on “outstanding, personalized, often entertaining, customer service.”

Located at 441 E. Allen Street, Suite 313, Hudson, the company was opened nine years ago by Erik Lehtinen. An independent, veteranowned financial management business, Integrative Wealth puts a strong emphasis on socially responsible investments and ethical business practices. “We connect values to finance,” Lehtinen said. Why Columbia County? “The beautiful rolling hills, ever improving Hudson River, diverse population, colorful history and promising future,” said Lehtinen.

Open by appointment only, learn more about Integrative Wealth at www.connectingvalues.com. For more information, call 518.220.4233 or email erik@integrativewealth.com.

Best Optician/Eye Doctor Columbia-Greene Media

Best of Columbia County 2014

Dr. Nicolette Sacco-Brown Family Eyecare Center

The staff at Family Eyecare Center is committed to providing you and your family with the highest quality comprehensive eye health care and eyewear. They strive to treat all of their patients like family with kindness, respect and appreciation.

The modern facility and state-of-the art equipment allow the staff to meet your eye health needs as well as provide you with quality eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision devices and fashionable sunglasses at a great value.

In business for 26 years, Family Eyecare Center has been at its present location for the past seven.

The optical staff handpicks unique and beautiful eyewear to offer in the optical dispensary. The right pair of glasses not only provides crisp, clear vision, but also allows the wearer to express their personality. If you are in need of something original, artistic, handcrafted and beautifully made, look no further.

Dr. Nicolette Sacco-Brown is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley School of Optometry, where, she was awarded a Doctor of Optometry degree as well as a BS in Physiological Optics. She also holds a BS in Biology from Stonehill College. Dr. Sacco-Brown has been practicing optometry in Columbia County since 1988 and enjoys serving the community she grew up in. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the New York State Optometric Association, the Germantown Lions Club, the Columbia-Greene Community Foundation Board and The Bank of Greene County Community Advisory Board. She resides in Germantown with her husband, Roy. The staff at Family Eyecare Center includes Dr. SaccoBrown, Lisa Wood (licensed optician), Caitlin Stickles (office manager), Nadia Repucci (optometric assistant), Donna Mullins (receptionist) and Victoria Jensen (lab assistant).

Feel free to stop in any time at 183 Healy Boulevard and take a look at the special collection of frames and sunglasses. Visit the website at www.drnsb.com or call 518-828USEE for an appointment with Dr. Sacco-Brown or Lisa Wood. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday.

Best Insurance Agency

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MetzWood Insurance

Now in its fourth generation, MetzWood Insurance at 11 Central Square, Chatham, prides itself on “a policy of doing more.” Owned by Scott Wood, Gary Van Allen, Jeff Knight, Mike Van Allen, Derick LaTorre and Matthew Wood, the company focuses on personal attention, prompt execution and professional and competent advice. MetzWood represents many reputable companies to provide customers with the best coverage at competitive rates. The independent agency has been in business for 101 years and the owners love Columbia County’s people, land and its low-key atmosphere. MetzWood is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

For more information, call 518.392.5161, visit www.metzwood.com, or email metzwood@metzwood.com.

Best Electrician

Jerry Jennings Electrical Contractor, Inc. Equipped to handle any size job — from residential to commercial and larger industrial plans — Jerry Jennings Electrical Contractor Inc. has been serving Columbia County for 53 years. The company, owned by Jerry and Audrey Jennings, prides itself on installing only quality materials and providing professional work that meets all the latest electrical code standards.

What sets them apart? “We answer our telephone and are able to provide regular service to our loyal customers, as well as emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” the owners said.

Jerry Jennings has been active in the electrical contracting field for 60 years, and the company boasts eight members from three generations of the Jennings family among the team of 11 employees. The company handles both design and installation of all types of electrical operations and it is located at 151 Footbridge Road Ext., Columbiaville.

Jennings is a lifelong Columbia County resident and said he is very familiar with all the individual towns and roads throughout the county.

He loves the county because of the people. “I am always impressed with how friendly the people are and the pride they have in their towns and communities,” he said.

To reach Jerry Jennings Electrical Contractor Inc., call 518.828.6467.

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Best Photographer

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

Photographics Solution A picture can capture a moment in time and preserve it for years to come. At Photographics Solution in Hudson, artistic talent is blended with the latest trends and technical skills to bring customers top-of-the-line products.

“We opened in 2009 after freelancing a few years following a tour as a photographer for the USMC,” said owners Michael and Nicole Molinski. “Since then, we’ve been growing the business as the area’s leading photography studio providing family and high school senior portraits, weddings and local business services.”

Photographics Solution prides itself on its constant drive to provide for its clients who live and work in the Hudson Valley. The Molinskis have nothing but praise for Columbia County, saying they love the atmosphere.

“The land is beautiful and the close-knit community where you can ‘just about know everyone’ is a perfect place to set up shop and raise a family,” they said.

Photographics Solution is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and is located at 2 Park Place, Hudson. For more information, call 518.929.7378, visit online at www.photographicssolution.com or email molinski@msn.com.

Best Veterinarian

Dr. Alan Topal Mountain View Animal Hospital Mountainview Animal Hospital has been providing quality care for the pets of Columbia County for 18 years.

“We strive to provide excellent, compassionate care,” said the owner, Alan J. Topal, DVM. “The staff will always try to understand and accommodate the clients’ concerns and wishes.”

Priding itself on integrity, Mountainview Animal Hospital is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at its 4141 State Route 9, Hudson, location.

Topal graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a bachelor of science in biology in 1983. He received his DVM from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988.

The best thing about being in Columbia County is the open space and wonderful landscape, according to Dr. Topal.

For more information, call 518.828.1622 or visit online at www.mountainview animalhospital.net.

Best Graphic Designer Rich Kraham Although voted best graphic designer by the Columbia County Chamber’s Best of Columbia County program, Rich Kraham’s work is anonymous, he says. Many are unaware that the Chatham designer creates the words and graphics that identify scores of organizations throughout the region. His work for Columbia Memorial Hospital through 2012 is notable — designing the brochures, signs, television commercials, and advertisements that repositioned the hospital.

He is also responsible for the new image of the Rhinebeck Bank, sign systems for Olana and Niagara Falls, and most recently was consultant designer to Richmor Aviation in a re-branding of the company through web and print design. Kraham has worked with other Columbia County organizations to distinguish their business such as Mario’s Home Center in Valatie and Our Daily Bread in Chatham. Kraham is also publisher of the Chatham Press.

“Every organization of any size deserves good design to grow their business profitably,” said Kraham.

Kraham is self-taught in marketing and design and works alone in a minimal office on Main Street Chatham in the historic Crandell Theatre. He has designed for clients in the U.S., West Germany, and South America for 40 years. “Prior to founding my firm, I was the design director of a German marketing group, a journalist with the European Stars and Stripes newspaper, and worked with the United States Information Agency in Colombia, South America,” said Kraham. “I worked in the Alps and the Andes, but love the foothills of Columbia County just as much for the abundant natural resources and pace of life. It’s home.”

Kraham’s work can be seen at www.richkrahamdesign.com and he can be reached at 518.392.5755.

Best Realtor Columbia-Greene Media

Best of Columbia County 2014

■ 41

Coldwell Banker Bartolotta Realty From a simple building lot, to multi-million dollar estates and businesses, the experts at Coldwell Banker Bartolotta Realty bring the best real estate know-how to all their customers and clients.

Owner L. Paul DeCrosta is a Columbia County native who began his real estate carrer in 1978 with Century 21. In addition to his real estate license, he is a certified RE appraiser.

“The power of the Colwell Banker name and the exceptional local expertise and experience of our brokers and salespeople creates a synergy of respect, trust and performance unsurpassed in our community,” the owner said. “Coldwell Banker is the best known, most trusted and largest selling real estate brand in the world; many of our brokers have 15, 20 even 35 years of local real estate experience.”

Coldwell Banker Bartolotta Realty prides itself on caring for the customer. “It’s important to all of us that our customers know we care about them and their transaction,” the owner said. “We bring respect, fairness, a smile and a work ethic to every sale.”

The staff at Coldwell Banker Bartolotta Realty, in business for more than 30 years, is made up of a mix of real estate professionals — associate brokers who once owned their own firms; salespeople who are lifelong county residents and New York City natives who have made Columbia County home. The company

now has 18 licensees and represents properties all over Columbia County, branching into Rensselaer, Dutchess and Greene counties.

What’s the best thing about Columbia County? “Everyone loves Columbia County’s rural beauty, but we also love the character of our residents,” the owner said. “Their decency and respect for nature, our history and for others’ rights and privacy. We love the genuine concern shown by multi-generation natives and new residents alike for preservation of the land and the enhancement of our cultural opportunities and education.”

For more information, visit BRealEstate.com or email LPDE@ColdwellBanker.com. The office at 5 Fabiano Boulevard, Hudson, is open seven days a week and can also be reached by phone at 518.828.7111 or fax at 518.828.4888.

Best of Columbia County 2014

Columbia-Greene Media

-and-

in Columbia County!

Photo by Rich Gromek

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