Business and Professional Women 2015

PRICELESS

Honoring Professional Women & Women in Business Featuring 14 Professional and Business Women in a 3-county region

A Special Section of the Sullivan County Democrat • November 10, 2015 • Callicoon, New York • Section W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

is at Cr Crystal ystal Run Run.. Appointments available 7 days/week.

At Cr Crystal ystal Run, our family-focused pediatric pro providers, viders, lik likee Dr Dr.. Florence Lazaroff, are dedicated to caring for yyour our child from infancy through adolescence as w well ell as educating yyou ou on pre prevention vention y, activ and w wellness ellness strategies to kkeep eep yyour our kids health healthy, activee and safe. W Wee offer con venient appointments in the eevenings venings and w eekends for both convenient weekends emerggeencyy, our pediatric care is aavailable w ell and sick visits. And in an emergency, vailable well 24/7. The best care caare for yyour our kids is at Cr ystal Run. Crystal ealthcare – Because it’s not just healthcare it’s Crystal

Rock Hill Hill s

s \\ Cr CrystalRunHealthcare.com ystalRunHealthcare.com

Run Healthcare. ealthcare.

34463

2W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

3W

Cathy Bender she had survived the Holocaust, had lost her whole family at Auschwitz and was the only one to survive.

Through all that, she can still smile.

She’s an inspiration.

Education: Tri-Valley High School Class of 1988; Cornell University, BA – Agricultural Economics.

Professional certifications: FINRA, General Securities license, principal license; Certified Financial Planner from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, CO; certified for life and health insurance; long-term care insurance broker Favorite movie: Top Gun Favorite actor and/or actress: Tea Leoni – I love her in “Madam Secretary” How do you spend your spare time: Doing something physical – gardening, doing things with the kids, helping on the family farm Favorite vacation spot: Adirondacks

Family: Husband Tim, son Nathaniel (a freshman at Alfred University), daughter Autumn (a senior at Tri-Valley) and son Nicholas (a thirdgrade student at Tri-Valley).

Civic or volunteer affiliations: President of the Neversink Agricultural Society and the Grahamsville Fair Board for past 20 years; Co-Superintendent of Sunday School at the Grahamsville Reformed Church; treasurer of numerous funds – small church funds, scholarship funds, FFA Alumni fund; Mid-Hudson Cooperative Insurance Co. Board of Directors Dream job: I like what I do! I thought I wanted to be a teacher, but I still get to do a lot of education with adults. The more the client takes an interest in their finanacial planning, the more it helps us and the more flexibility they have. But honestly, I would love to be a forest ranger because I love being outside.

Cathy Bender

STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF

Investment Advisors Creating and Preserving Wealth Philip Coombe III, CFP® Catherine Bender, CFP® Lynn McDonald

Office locations: Main Office: P.O. Box 333 / 6872 Route 209 Wawarsing, NY 12489

548 Broadway Monticello, NY 12701 Call for appointment

Phone (845) 647-4800 • (800) 4 COOMBE www.coombebender.com Email: pcoombe@coombefinancial.com

11232

Name: Cathy Bender Age: 45 Place of employment: Coombe, Bender & Co. LLC, and Coombe Financial Services Current title and duties: Partner in Coombe Bender & Co.; Certified Financial Planner/Practitioner and Chief Compliance Officer. I work with clients to help manage assets toward some meaningful goal – retirement, other plans; assist with transitions in life – death, end-of-life arrangements.

Years of experience: 21, since May 1994 Favorite part of your job: Working with individuals and couples to help

them assess where they currently stand right now, financially speaking.

Getting to know their story – learning about their plans and dreams. Helping organize their finances to help achieve their dreams. I like the people part of it.

Most challenging part of your job: In our industry, keeping up with regulations – we don’t have problems with it, but being a small advisory firm in a world where compliance, requirements and fees keep growing, it is a challenge. But it’s all good.

Favorite on-the-job moment: I have a client in her 90s – she’s the happiest woman I’ve ever seen. She is always positive and always has a smile. I found out after a while that

4W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Rhonda Decker

Rhonda Decker

33968

STORY AND PHOTO BY JEANNE SAGER Name: Rhonda Decker Age: 52 Place of employment: Jeff Bank Current title and duties: Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Administrator and Security Officer Years of experience: 34 total in banking, 32 with Jeff Bank Previous titles with your company: Teller, Head Teller, Mortgage Clerk, Loan Clerk, Branch Manager, Branch Coordinator Favorite part of your job: Seeing staff succeed and be happy in their job Most challenging part of your job: Staffing branches sufficiently and efficiently Favorite on-the-job moment: Anytime I was able to help someone purchase a home Education: Jeffersonville-Youngs-

ville Central School, Sullivan County Community College, presently enrolled at New England College of Business Favorite movie: The Sound of Music Favorite actor and/or actress: Adam Sandler How do you spend your spare time: Reading, walking, boating and snowmobiling Favorite vacation spot: Our cabin in Oswego County Family: Husband Jack, son Evan, and pets Smidgen, Tiger, Sasha and Simon Civic or volunteer affiliations: Advisory Board of Children’s Center at Sullivan County Family Court; Secretary of Jeffersonville Lions Club; Secretary of Jeffersonville Area Chamber of Commerce Dream job: Running a successful bed-and-breakfast

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

5W

Anne Marie Willi almost like a “Cheers� bar. We sponsor a few softball teams, and they will come in and hang out and everyone can just be comfortable and enjoy themselves. Two of our players are training for the NYC Marathon, and it has been fun to support them.

Education: I grew up in Callicoon and graduated from Delaware Valley High School. I am self-taught in the kitchen, I have no formal culinary education. My mother is an excellent cook and baker, and most of the food I serve is comfort food: meatloaf, pot roast, soups.

Favorite movie: The Godfather. My husband and I went to see it on our honeymoon.

Favorite actor and/or actress: Meryl Streep How do you spend your spare time: I like to play golf, love to read. I visit my mother weekly, and I really enjoy

my time with her. She was my guest to my recent High School Reunion, because she is also a Delaware Valley graduate.

Favorite vacation spot: My husband and I go to Orlando every year with some of our friends – we look forward to it.

Family: My husband of 43 years, Thomas Willi. I also have two brothers and a sister.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: I’m a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Dream job: I couldn’t think of doing anything else besides cooking and seeing people every day. I think I would say this is my dream job; cooking, feeding people, seeing everyone.

I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I love working with my husband of 43 years, and we couldn’t do this without each other.

To our ‘ ‘—” ƒ™‡•‘Â?‡ niece Joanna, ‹•–‡”nj‹Â?ÇŚÂŽÂƒÂ™ ƒÂ?† —Â?–ǤǤǤ Love, Barbara & Richard Sush, We are so proud of you! Â?Â?‡ ƒ”‹‡ ‹ŽŽ‹Ǩ We are so proud of you!

STORY AND PHOTO BY KAITLIN CARNEY

Name: Anne Marie Willi Age: 66 Place of employment: White Sulphur Springs Inn Current title and duties: I pretty much do everything: cook, run the place. It’s a small business. Sometimes, I even end up behind the bar!

Years of experience: My husband of 43 years and I have been in this business since the early 1970s. We had a place in Liberty in the late 1980s, and we opened here in 2001. I’ve been in the business since my first job at the Villa Roma in 1965.

Previous titles with your company: None, husband Tom and I have done everything here together.

Favorite part of your job: We’ve watched a lot of kids grow up. We have couples from our place in Liberty who were newly married, and now their kids are our customers here, too. I love everything about this job.

Most challenging part of your job: I’ve been doing this for so long I don't find much challenging. The hours are hard, but they are what they are.

Favorite on-the-job moment: Besides watching all of these families grow up, it’s that everyone comes in and is really comfortable here. It’s

Love, Barbara & Richard Sush,

Â? ƒ™ƒ”† •‘ ™‡ŽŽ †‡•‡”˜‡† Č‚ ‘˜‡ ›‘—Ǩ Love, Barbara & Richard Sush, We are so proud of you!

We are so proud of you!

Ardith, Karen,&Randy, Love, Barbara RichardDonna, Sush, Dominic, Kelsey & Mckenzie Sheila Haber & Steve Gordon 23454

34582

Anne Marie Willi

6W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Dr. Florence Lazaroff STORY AND PHOTO BY KAITLIN CARNEY

Name: Dr. Florence Lazaroff Age: 47 Place of employment: Crystal Run Healthcare Current title and duties: Physician, specifically a Pediatrician.

Years of experience: I graduated in 1994. I have 27 years of experience, 11 of them practicing in the United States.

Previous titles with your company: None. I have been a Pediatrician with Crystal Run Healthcare since September of 2008.

Favorite part of your job: I like taking [care of] children. I feel the best when I help them to get better – that’s my reward, when I am able to help them get better.

Most challenging part of your job: That is hard to say. Probably, for me, it is to hide my emotion. I am a very emotional person. I’m a mom, and I cannot hide that. Their pains, physical and emotional, are hard for me.

It’s hard for me to keep my emotions away and separate them from my professional duties. Also, I get sick very frequently because of my job.

Favorite on-the-job moment: There is a patient I will never forget. I diagnosed her with ulcerative colitis, and she needed an ostomy bag. She had the bag for 5-6 years and was able to no longer need it. Recently, a nurse that I work with and I pushed for her to be admitted to Westchester Medical Center. Because of that

Dr. Florence Lazaroff

admission, and because we worked with her pediatric gastroenterologist closely, she was able to stay off the bag and continue with her normal life. It would’ve been devastating for

Professional Women &Women in Business Published by

Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 November 10, 2015 • Vol. CXXV, No. 42

her, at her age, to have to go back to the ostomy bag.

Education: I graduated from Pediatric Medical School in St. Petersburg, Russia. I am originally

Publisher: Senior Editor: Sports Editor: Editorial Assistants: Advertising Director: Advertising Coordinator: Advertising Representatives: Business Manager: Business Department: Telemarketing Coordinator: Classified Manager: Production Associates: Distribution:

from Bulgaria, where I also attended and graduated from a French school before medical school.

Professional certifications: I am a Board-Certified Pediatrician, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics Favorite movie: I love old-fashioned movies – my favorite is Gone With the Wind.

Favorite actor and/or actress: Meryl Streep How do you spend your spare time: I like to go with my daughter to the ballet, to museums and just having fun together. We enjoy spending a lot of time together. I like gardening when I have the time.

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach.

Family: I am divorced and have one daughter. She is 17 years old, and we are enjoying college-hunting. She wants to be a psychologist or a psychiatrist, so we have been exploring different programs.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Historically, I did a lot more. I lead the prenatal and parenting classes at Crystal Run’s Rock Hill location. They are done quarterly. I am also active in the Bulgarian Women’s Society in Middletown and organize and host the March 8th celebration every year since I came to New York. March 8th is a very important day for us to celebrate.

Dream job: This one. I have never dreamed about being anything besides a pediatrician.

Fred W. Stabbert III Dan Hust Ken Cohen Willow Baum, Kaitlin Carney, Kathy Daley, Alex Rau, Richard Ross, Allison Ruef, Jeanne Sager Liz Tucker Sandy Schrader Cecilia Lamy, Barbara Matos, Susan Panella Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger, Joanna Blanchard Michelle Reynolds Janet Will Nyssa Calkin, Petra Duffy, Elizabeth Finnegan, Ruth Huggler, Rosalie Mycka, Tracy Swendsen Bill Holmes

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

7W

Laurette J. Pitts ing in the winter. I spend a great deal of my spare time with my children at their various sporting/musical events.

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere that it is warm!

Family: I have been married for 21 years to my husband David. My son Shane, 18, is a freshman at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA, and my daughter Hayley, 12, is in 7th grade at Wallenpaupack Middle School Civic or volunteer affiliations: I have volunteered my time for several nonprofit boards in the past. I enjoy helping out with local events in Sullivan, Pike and Wayne counties.

Dream job: I have it.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Laurette J. Pitts

Congratu lati to all th ons honoree e s!

Kristt Company featuring Kyocera TASKalfa & Ecosys color

21945

Name: Laurette J. Pitts Age: 46 Place of employment: Empire Resorts, parent company of Monticello Casino and Raceway Current title and duties: Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Years of experience: 23 Previous titles with your company: Chief Financial Officer Favorite part of your job: Getting to meet our guests and mentoring folks with less experience than myself Most challenging part of your job: Finding enough hours in the day to spend time with our guests and our

employees Favorite on-the-job moment: I have had the opportunity to mentor several folks with less experience than myself who have moved on to bigger and better things Education: I graduated from Hammonton High School in Atlantic County, NJ; I have a BA in Accounting from Stockton State College in Pomona, NJ and an MBA from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing Favorite actor and/or actress: Robin Williams How do you spend your spare time: I love to spend time with my family. We like to be on Lake Wallenpaupack in the summer, and we enjoy ski-

34462

BY SANDY SCHRADER

845-794-6639 Ask for Les or Gene

8W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Tiffany Mack STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF

Name: Tiffany Mack Age: 26 Place of employment: M&M Auto Group Current title and duties: Fixed Operations Director – I run the service and parts departments, the backend of the store.

Years of experience: Started in December 2015 Previous titles with your company: I worked in the office in high school.

Favorite part of your job: I love watching things come together.

When I started in December, the service and parts departments were going through a reorganization, so I was starting in a new position while almost everyone else was new as well. My first two months were a shock – and a challenge. We had a small staff, and watching the depart-

ments grow, becoming more efficient and becoming a team has been great.

Most challenging part of your job: Starting fresh, never having done this job in the past, it was an adjustment.

I was a 6th grade teacher in Syracuse for four years before moving back to Sullivan County, in a very tough urban school.

Favorite on-the-job moment: I had a customer who, under the old staffing, didn’t like coming in, but told me that she was so grateful that I was here because now she didn’t have to get an ice cream before coming here to make herself feel better.

Education: Monticello High School, 2007; College of St. Rose, Early Childhood Education.

Professional certifications: Fully certified teacher, grades 1-6 Favorite movie: Elf Favorite actor and/or actress: Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper

Tiffany Mack

How do you spend your spare time: I don’t have any! Recently started getting Blue Apron – they send you a box with the ingredients you need and recipe to make meals, so I guess I’m playing chef lately. Also, I moved recently so I’ve been getting the house together. Also, camping with my boyfriend.

Favorite vacation spot: St. Thomas; Punta Gorda, Florida Family: I live with my boyfriend Josh; my parents are Howard and Donna Braunstein; two brothers: Danny at the University of Michigan and Timmy, a senior at Monticello High School; and our “adopted” brother, Lahjuan, who is in the Marines and stationed in California.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: None – but I want to get more involved.

Dream job: I would love to have a very successful animal shelter/ ranch.

You’re going to love buying your next car from us!

25727

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Mike Preis, Inc. Insurance Agency

Auto ~ Home ~ Business Life ~ Annuities Long Term Care Group Life & Health Individual Accident & Sickness Policies

Congratulations to All the Nominees From All of Us Callicoon (845) 887-4210 Jeffersonville (845) 482-5510 Roscoe (607) 498-4301

BY NYSSA CALKIN Name: Irene Nickolai Place of employment: Callicoon Trading, Owner Current title and duties: Jewelry Designer / store owner. Curator of Art Programing – Callicoon Trading, Callicoon Artwalk. Store design and merchandising Previous titles with your company: Real Estate Broker, Douglass Elliman Favorite part of your job: Creating jewelry from semi-precious stones and beads. Meeting people from the area and visitors. Meeting local artists, artisans and farmers. Working with the business association on organizing the various recent events in the hamlet!

Most challenging part of your job: Finding the time to do it all.

Favorite on-the-job moment: Working with kids on their own custom jewelry pieces from the stores selection of beads and findings.

Professional certifications: Real Estate Broker Favorite movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s Favorite actor and/or actress: Clint Eastwood / Audrey Hepburn How do you spend your spare time: Walking my dog by the river, reading, designing jewelry and working with the Callicoon Business Association.

Favorite vacation spot: Callicoon, NY Civic or volunteer affiliations: President, Callicoon Business Association Dream job: Wonder Woman

There’s More to Discover at...

Affordable

Congratulations Irene!

SHOES

All Sizes

It’s well-deserved!

SCARVES

GIFTS BABY ITEMS

10% OFF 2nd Floor Gift Items with ad thru December 31

MAIN STREET, CALLICOON, NY • 845-887-3116

Open All Year

34593

26810

www.mikepreis.com

BAGS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Irene Nickolai

from the members of the Callicoon Business Association

34136

Irene Nickolai

9W

BPW

10W

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Nicole Dungey STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF

Name: Nicole Dungey Age: 42 Place of employment: Rolling V Current title and duties: Safety Director; ensures the safety and transportation of all our passengers; compliance and training; bus safety programs in schools for teachers and students.

Years of experience: Started as a bus monitor in 1996; three years in current position Previous titles with your company: Bus monitor; driver, trainer, safety officer Favorite part of your job: Working with bus monitors who are just starting out, never imagining that they can become great drivers – giving them the opportunity to do that.

Most challenging part of your job:

Student management issues – people don’t understand that a driver can have up to 60 individuals on a bus and are responsible for them; teaching student management to others.

Favorite on-the-job moment: In 2008 when I became an SBDI – School Bus Driving Instructor. I had to learn to teach people – I'm quiet generally, and being pulled out of my comfort zone to teach others was a really fulfilling challenge.

Education: Fallsburg High School Class of 1991; SUNY Sullivan Professional certifications: SBDI; 19-A Examiner (law that governs bus drivers – compliance with laws and regulations); Certified CPI – Crisis Prevention Intervention Favorite movie: Bridesmaids Favorite actor and/or actress: Ellen Degeneres, Melissa McCarthy How do you spend your spare

H arvey NICOLE CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS TO TO

YOU DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED for your OUTSTANDING DEDICATION and WORKING HARD EVERY DAY! You make this a better place.

We are Proud to work side by side with you!

Nicole Dungey

From all of your Co-Workers at E

YOUR

R

V

I

N

G

COMMUNITY

ROLLING V BUS CORPORATION

Motor Coaches • School Buses Locally Owned & Family Operated ROUTE 42 SOUTH FALLSBURG

34249 15686

S

845-434-0511

time: Running – I lost 130 pounds in the last year and a half, so I run to keep fit. I also like to go to local establishments with friends.

Favorite vacation spot: Don’t go on vacation much, but I love being in the Catskills; anything outdoors.

Family: Mom “Tinker” who was also a bus driver; sister Buffy. They’re my best friends.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Don’t have a lot of free time; anything

within this industry I participate in – Bus Rodeo, collecting food, school supplies for the Fallsburg School District.

Dream job: I would love to establish a not-for-profit that helped struggling or under-educated women find their place in the world – either through job training, mental help, child care. Women are far too underserved in this country.

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

11W

Megan Becker STORY AND PHOTO BY ED TOWNSEND

Name: Megan Becker Age: 37 Place of employment: Sullivan County BOCES Current title and duties: Principal of White Sulphur Springs Elementary School Years of experience: In first year as a full-time administrator, in public education since 2003 Previous titles with your company: Special Education Teacher in Monticello for two years, ran the summer school program for pre-K-4th grade Favorite part of your job: Working with children, seeing them achieve new goals and change every day. One has to be open-minded, and you can’t take things personally. You have to be open to listening.

Most challenging part of your job: Dealing with the ever-changing moods and spontaneity of kids Favorite on-the-job moment: All

the new experiences and getting to know staff and students Education: Middletown High School Class of 1996, SUNY Fredonia (majoring in English for grades 7-9), SUNY New Paltz (Master’s in Special Education, pre-K-12th grade) Professional certifications: Pre-K-6 middle school ext. 7-9, Special Ed K12, Certificate of Advanced Study, School Administration and Supervision – School Business Leader and School District Leader Favorite movie: Comedies/dancing films Favorite actor and/or actress: Don’t really have one How do you spend your spare time: Golfing on weekends with Dad at the Cricket Hill Golf Course outside Honesdale, PA, reading fiction, spending time near the water (lakes and beaches) Favorite vacation spot: Key West or any beach – I love warm weather and swimming!

Megan Becker

Family: Mom and Dad live in Hawley, PA, younger brother is married and has three kids – two boys and a

Where Futures Begin & Dreams Are Achieved!

33941

girl Dream job: Administrator of a school (I’m there!)

12W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Natasha Rivera Natasha Rivera

STORY AND PHOTO

BY ALLISON RUEF

34089

CALL 845-434-5750 OR GO TO WWW.SUNYSULLIVAN.EDU PART OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (SUNY) SYSTEM 112 COLLEGE ROAD, LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY 12759

Name: Natasha Rivera Age: 33 Place of employment: SUNY Sullivan Current title and duties: College Nurse Years of experience: 1 year Previous titles with your company: none; former SUNY Sullivan student Favorite part of your job: The students – they keep us on our toes!

Most challenging part of your job: The students – having to give test results; listening to anything bad they may have experienced; and helping them find a solution.

Favorite on-the-job moment: The sexual consent training I did – the interaction was awesome.

Education: Walton High School in the Bronx; SUNY Sullivan; RN; online – Chamberlain College of

Nursing, BS in Nursing Professional certifications: RN Favorite movie: Lost Boys Favorite actor and/or actress: Ryan Reynolds – he makes me laugh How do you spend your spare time: Spending time with my family and traveling with them; exploring, hiking Favorite vacation spot: Disney World Family: Husband Michael, son Jayden, 11. I am the third generation in my family who went into nursing – my mom and aunt are nurses, and my grandmother was a nursing assistant Civic or volunteer affiliations: Events and activities at the college; Walk for Breast Cancer Dream job: This job comes very close – I love it here. I love the human interaction. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s difficult, but the good always outweighs the bad days.

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Vanessa Lescano STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF

Name: Vanessa Lescano Age: 28 Place of employment: Achieve Rehab and Nursing Current title and duties: Director of Marketing, Nurse Liaison Years of experience: Nurse for 9 years, Director of Marketing for 6 months Previous titles with your company: I started as a dishwasher in the kitchen when I was 15 years old, then went to nursing school and came back as an RN and was an RN Unit Manager and RN Supervisor. I was responsible for QAPI – Quarterly Assessments and Performance Improvement Program, [a program that evaluates the quality and appropriateness of client care]; Risk Management; Employee Health Services, Staff Developer and Educator.

Favorite part of your job: There are

so many! Getting to help and interact with people. I travel to hospitals all over the region to check on patients and get to be their liaison while they transition from a hospital setting into a rehabilitation setting. I work with the patient and their family to make that transition as easy as possible and let them know that coming to us is taking a step forward to being as independent as possible. I get to be a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a huge transition for people, and I love making that transition easier.

Most challenging part of your job: Transitioning into marketing. I’ve always been a nurse first, so this was a new role for me, but I’ve embraced it and I’m finding that I love it more than ever.

Favorite on-the-job moment: A patient came in to rehabilitate from a car accident. When he got here, he was a quadriplegic. His goal was to walk out of here. It took so much on

Vanessa Lescano

everyone’s part, but we made it happen for him. He worked so hard, but together we changed his life – he walked out of here. We all cried. It was

13W

the best moment in my life. He still comes to visit us.

Education: Tri-Valley High School Class of 2005; SUNY Delhi School of Nursing, graduated 2008 Professional certifications: RN (Registered Nurse); BLS (Basic Life Support); ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support); PALS (Pediatric Life Support) Favorite movie: Biodome, Pretty Woman Favorite actor and/or actress: Julia Roberts How do you spend your spare time: I love to play with my animals – my dogs! And gardening. My house looked like a paradise this summer.

Favorite vacation spot: Long Island – the beach Family: Mom Constance lives in Bethel, and I have one brother, Anthony Civic or volunteer affiliations: Member of OATS – Older Adults Transitional Support; NY Connects; SLAC – Senior Legislative Action Committee; head facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Support Group Dream job: I would love to be the CEO of a hospital someday.

SHORT-TERM REHAB, LONG-TERM CARE.

y

Private Rehab Suites Rehab 7 Days A Week

28909

Facebook: Achieve Rehab

28064

170 Lake Street Liberty, NY 845-292-4200

www.AchieveRehabNY.com

14W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Tara VanHorn STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF Name: Tara VanHorn Age: 40 Place of employment: Cornell Cooperative Extension Current title and duties: Finance Manager – handling all financial responsibilities of the association, all financial operations. Analysis, budget, assisting the executive director and board of directors with different financial concerns; minor accounts payable/accounts receivable bookkeeping duties.

Years of experience: Started in October 2012 but previously ran the accounting department for local Walmart stores for 16 years. Started while in college, advanced to middle management when I left the position.

Responsible for seven stores.

Previous titles with your company: Hired as a Finance Administrator, worked up to Finance Manager.

Favorite part of your job: Nothing is the same with accounting; some things are going to be the same, but different aspects are constantly changing. For example, during Little World’s Fair time (where CCE and 4-H are important parts of the threeday event) or the gala, I’m still working but able to enjoy it and have a life as well. I enjoy what we do here. I enjoy getting up each day and going to work. There’s something different and challenging every day.

Most challenging part of your job: End-of-year time – having to close

the books for the year as well as maintain regular job duties and open the books at the beginning of the year – between November and February or March.

Favorite on-the-job moment: Fair time – we get to get out of the office, interact with different people; don’t have the stresses the 4-H staff has, and for me it’s a chance to do something different. I also enjoyed the barn dance that we did a few years ago because I got to get to know people and serve our Cornell recipe barbeque chicken. Getting promoted was also great.

Education: Fairleigh Dickinson University Class of 1997: BA – Psychology; minor in math; accounting degree from Mount St. Mary.

Professional certifications: NY and PA Emergency Medical Technician Favorite movie: The Sound of Music Favorite actor and/or actress: Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock How do you spend your spare time: In the past year, I’ve gotten married, bought a house and had a baby, so that’s pretty much how I spend my spare time – packing and unpacking!

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii – domestically, Virginia Beach Family: Wife Rebecca; daughter Amelia (10 weeks old), mom Linda, who lives in Port Jervis; three brothers Lincoln, Vance and Vince; niece and nephews Civic or volunteer affiliations:

Volunteer firefighter with Matamoras Fire Department; volunteer EMT and Certified EMT for Port Jervis.

Dream job: I kind of already have it.

My Executive Director is awesome – this is a family-oriented place, and I

really enjoy my job. I love working with numbers and always wanted to be a CPA. I might go back for a master’s degree, but right now, this is it.

Colleen Monaghan makes coming to work enjoyable every day.

Tara VanHorn

892 State Route 17B, P.O. Box 190 Mongaup Valley, NY 12762 Phone: 845-796-1800 Fax: 845-796-1826

ǡ

ǯ

ǨǨ

33772

www.cooperaria.com

133 Route 304, Bardonia, NY 10954 Phone: 845-623-0300 Fax: 845-623-0350

34276

10 Silver Lake Scotchtown Rd Middletown, NY 10940 Phone: 845-343-2215 Fax: 845-343-2811

>> ϴϰϱ ϮϵϮ ϲϭϴϬ >/ < ͮ ǁǁǁ͘ƐƵůůŝǀĂŶĐĐĞ͘ŽƌŐ D /> ͮ ƐƵůůŝǀĂŶΛĐŽƌŶĞůů͘ĞĚƵ ^K / > ͮ ĐĐĞƐƵůůŝǀĂŶ s/^/d ͮ ϲϰ &ĞƌŶĚĂůĞ >ŽŽŵŝƐ ZŽĂĚ͕ >ŝďĞƌƚLJ Ez ϭϮϳϱϰ

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

CONGRATULATIONS

15W

Merrell Benco Insurance Agency

to All the Professional Women of Sullivan and Wayne Counties!

And a

Lawrence Miller Insurance Agency

Special Thank You

PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU!

to All the Hard-working Women who help make the Sullivan County Democrat such a Great Newspaper.

Call

845-887-5200 to Subscribe or advertise

‘You Get What You Pay For!’

MEET OUR TALENTED CREW

Liz Tucker Advertising Director lizt@sc-democrat.com

Jeanne Sager Editorial Assistant

Kaitlin Carney Editorial Assistant

scdemocratonline.com

Kathy Daley Editorial Assistant

Allison Ruef Reporter/Photographer

Willow Baum Editorial Assistant

aruef@sc-democrat.com

willow@sc-democrat.com

Sandy Schrader Cecile Lamy Barbara Matos Susan Panella Margaret Anderson Advertising Coordinator Advertising Representative Advertising Representative Special Section Coordinator Online Representative sandys@sc-democrat.com

clamy@sc-democrat.com

barbaram@sc-democrat.com

susan@sc-democrat.com

manderson@sc-democrat.com

We’ve Got You Covered

We offer customized Insurance Programs PERSONAL COVERAGE Auto Boat & Marine Homeowners Flood Condominium Rental Mobile Home Motorcycle Snowmobile Motor Home & RV BUSINESS COVERAGE Commercial Property Builders Risk Contractor Liability Medical Malpractice Hotel & Motel Hospitality Worker’s Compensation Restaurant & Bars

Merrell-Benco www.MBAGENCY.com 845-796-1500

mreynolds@sc-democrat.com

class@sc-democrat.com

Linda Anderson Circulation

Ruth Huggler Production Associate

circ@sc-democrat.com

obits@sc-democrat.com

Tracy Swendsen Production Associate

Rosalie Mycka Production Associate

calendar@sc-democrat.com

32100

Michelle Reynolds Janet Will Telemarketing Coordinator Classifieds & Circulation

Lawrence Miller Associates www.LBMILLERINSURANCE.com 845-292-2100

Elizabeth Finnegan Production Associate

Petra Duffy Production Associate

Nyssa Calkin Production Associate

petra@sc-democrat.com

ron@sc-democrat.com

Sue Owens Business Manager

Patricia Biedinger Business Department

Joanna Blanchard Business Department

sowens@sc-democrat.com patriciab@sc-democrat.com monticello@sc-democrat.com

67 East Broadway, Monticello, NY

16W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

TAKE ONE

F

FAMILY ALL in the The od of lifeblo my our econo

A Special Section

Family-own

EDITION EARLYBIRD

twice-weekly Published LAR ONE DOL 28, 2014 JANUARY TUESDAY,

Callicoon,

of the

ed and operated

NY • Section

since 1891

F • January

28, 2014

s S: Family tie BUSINES E ses. INSID es cc su aid

JustPer1.25 Week

NGE: Judge N CHALLE ELECTIO t. 2A ssey lawsui dismisses Ma lly named TY: Officia CATHY PA ber. 8A EO of Cham president/C

for Bryce e f i l f o t f i The gk youth, 8, gets heart transplant

| 1 INSERT emocrat.com | 26 PAGES www.sc-d SECTIONS NO. 64 2 VOL. CXXIII

be found. e a heart to pital for Bryce able to tak the But with ation at home, his medic opted to keep him to Rogersons nk, to allow him ool in Neversi attending sch e continu h his family. uld r a routine and be wit e told it wo to born, afte weeks was even They wer nths to a year at 18 ly. und ma mo SAGER ultraso up an ano take six

BY JEANNE ich re a heart. me in wh rt s- picked find him e 25, 2013, mo rt a syndro hea The Tue HLHS – On Jun r, his hea INK — of a child's changed NEVERS ns years late the left side eveloped – is one when life than two e. The Rogerso erd stacommon day night erson family was was und hadn’t comir son up to 1A nt e most the thre a child can be for the Rog other. the spla of ved tran ur mo l any es top of the just like planned two-ho heart issu but it can be fata tus, the Valley with, With a the Tri, born ted. waiting list.time, doctors had t ED PHOTO said delay for trict the next day- if left untrea se the Bryce’s tha RIBUT and At CONT ir mind School Dis Bryce and 5-yeara To increa ole underwent is of the e and nged the n Bryce logo the cha ce could stay homersons 8-year-old had been give ch chances, Nicgery at just 26 The Team of support for Rog Bry up y told the a month old Bryan up late and wat - in utero sur nt to open up a local gro wait. The ly be ks pregna heart to allow pass to staytogether. Sixteen ily. ld probab a heart was ng wee and fam il the it wou a movie Emily was doi a hole in his two unt properly the od to ED PHOTO or blo flow ld on d to r-o CONTRIBUT ate in do yea e blood months elop oxygen nagers found. dition, Bryc ost seven him dev after he was what tee ht. Dad Brian was told the heart con e. Here, he lungs.

It was alm came. a, help days doctors ally fatal call school nig trip in Alabamng womb. Ten ruary 2005, Bryce 14, the By 2011, their best choice a potenti dhood as possibl until the ting January ns snuggli t open g born with a chil n in Feb on the on a hun That was called a friend to Nicole wasTV by her- bor erwent his firs nths, he Rogersobe to put Bryce as normal t he caught.

Despite bein A led rt. ole her so mom has ld hea Nic mo und to e trou ching erson gery. At 8 in October wou splant list – for a them, night Bryan and packed flight to Rog t ws off a hug in bed, wat car heart sur sho lies he ch told t tran the ear and y udly wat r, tha g. rt pro the s into ran the rt, the the 6 a.m. self. had ano a third open hea new hea e pressure off w other two kidroads to Morgan the phone there in ment.” uardia, a And then pediatr ic nurse the ting assign had just LaG ed would get him e boy of 2008, pital at would tak hopefully allo a fly over your wri littl hop ldren’s Hos Brian e Bryce’s It was a devassurgery. see his y. lungs and l themselves. ce Stanley Chi Presbyterian in 0 came with littl Husband Alabama for his dition. time to went into surger hea familiar But in 201 sis. Bryce had in ’t find was crybut 2011, Bry nt Columbia them to heart con rs on he , ved ce ldn 25, ore late gno ital arri Bry cou . itis, bef dia rch gen yea City and nch con ne left tating On Ma to the transpla , but his ting trip rented a rly three New York plastic bro st Brian’s pla ned – because of ed as 1B ole recalls“how am I hun ht north, so he After nea nt list, there was developed of the lungs mo was add ery and ing, Nic fates alig t’s known a flig on the transplating for Bryce.

Montgomough the the with wha ond from the t worry was my homeBRYCE, 3A a conditi in cystic fibrosis ges in SEE list g SE big wai of in din car sec thr PLEA kid told a heart , for common Rubbery chunks - status, the straight ng to turn doctors ‘Are you elop ing goi r drove to Atlanta, Georgia the time, “I said lls. “I was patients. r teache ole reca begun devg him top. At ersons that listand work?” him you ry about night me?’ ” Nicskipping up and mucus had the Rog – the highest “I told gs, makin ld to wor in his lun athe. Although literally hallway!” him at 1Ady status – wou - isn’t going ns ing bre down the call the Rogerso r struggle to sents itself in the st nee t in a hos eve me mo uire Bryce to wai e pre bla uld It was a issu the wo the put req sure doctors pumps diagnosed weren’t ce was rt lungs, rt, which come. Bryoplastic left heahe on his hea with hyp (HLHS) before syndrome

Neversin

City grows a in h C to n io Opposit

RITON RLES HAR

BY GUY CHA

In its LLO — MONTICE Catskill resorts, the t Belt, heyday, the Borsch t known as mier vacation spo the were a pre residing in se ch acts not for tho Top nor theast.

wn their s have sho politician well. of as concern the people ut it, When heard abonded,” fou Thompson mb e “du Bill they wer to Supervisor was according osition The opp strong he . ber Rie and immediate

of the dice Casino, throw Shawanga ol to Mamakating co RITON RLES HAR

BY GUY CHA

erRO — Gov WURTSBO M. Cuomo’s rew enue to nor And bring rev plan to

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

enities have am selling t would a marke d and foo such as duce, a local pro ter and an out wine cen formance space per r doo

$

That’s all a subscription to the Twice-Weekly Sullivan County Democrat and www.scdemocratonline.com costs.

NOW YOU CAN KEEP UP-TO-DATE on all of Sullivan County’s News via your newspaper, computer, cell or tablet!

Just fill out this form and mail in today to Sullivan County Democrat, PO Box 308, Callicoon, NY 12723 or go to www.SCDemocratonline and click the subscribe button.

Sullivan County Subscribers

Out of Sullivan County Subscribers

K 1 Year - 104 issues plus online access -

K 1 Year - 104 issues plus online access -

Only $64 GREAT BARGAIN! Save $40 off the newsstand price

Only $69 GREAT BARGAIN! Save $35 off the newsstand price

K 6 Months - 52 issues plus online access -

K 6 Months - 52 issues plus online access -

Only $36 WHAT A DEAL! Save $16 off the newsstand price

Only $42 WHAT A DEAL! Save $10 off the newsstand price

Name _______________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________________ Phone Number___________________________________ Credit Card No. ______________________________________________________ Exp. Date ___________________________ Signature ________________________________________________ Security Code___________________________________

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

17W

Michele Brockner STORY AND PHOTO BY JEANNE SAGER

Name: Michele Brockner Age: 45 Place of employment: Sullivan West Central School Current title and duties: Fourth

grade teacher; President of the Western Sullivan United Teachers and School Related Professionals Years of experience: 20 Previous titles with your company: Third, fifth and sixth grade teacher Favorite part of your job: The chil-

dren! And helping others.

Most challenging part of your job: Dealing with the negative public image that politics has put on public education Favorite on-the-job moment: My job consists of teaching and being a teacher leader as union president.

On top of that, I am a mom and wife.

A few years ago, while I was working on my national board certification, I was feeling overwhelmed but still successful. I had a coworker give me a note that recognized me for being an inspiration to others for how much one person can do and accomplish. That meant the world to me!

Education: Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of science, SUNY Oneonta; Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree, Binghamton University Professional certifications:

National Board Certification, middle childhood generalist; NYS teaching certification, elementary Pre-K-6, special education Favorite movie: The Hunger Games movies Favorite actor and/or actress: My students and daughters!

How do you spend your spare time: Family time: soccer, snowmobiling, swimming Favorite vacation spot: Sandbridge, VA Family: Husband Gary, daughters Megan, 17, and Caitlin, 15 Civic or volunteer affiliations: NYS United Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Dream job: Labor relations specialist with NYSUT (NYS United Teachers)

The Western Sullivan United Teachers and School Related Professionals would like to

on her well-deserved recognition.

Michele Brockner

34591

Congratulate Michele Brockner

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

STORY AND PHOTO BY KATHY DALEY

Josephine V. Finn

Name: Josephine Victoria Finn Age: 65 Place of employment: Village of Monticello Justice Court, where I am the Village Justice. I am also the chief executive officer for the DREAM Tank, a local youth program to keep young people out of the criminal justice system through enrichment activities; self-actualization which includes learning life skills; and etiquette, for example, teaching children to show respect for themselves and others. I also do cultural diversity training and sexual harassment training. Finally, I sit on the New York State Board of Regents.

Years of experience: For the Village of Monticello, I served as Acting Judge in the early 1990s. Then, in 2002, I was elected to the post and continue there.

Favorite part of your job: My favorite part is being the person who gets the process to run smoothly – seeing that people get treated fairly and that justice is done. It’s called the criminal JUSTICE system, I like to

“My favorite part is being the person who gets the process to run smoothly – seeing that people get treated fairly and that justice is done.” say, and I’m a stickler for fairness. You can’t please everyone. You can only do your best to see that people get a fair shake. Sometimes people go to jail, some longer than others.

Most challenging part of your job: To see some people come back to court over and over again for the same thing. And viewing young people addicted to heroin, which is a scourge and a death sentence. Third, dealing with domestic violence, where 99 percent of the victims are females, and they find it very difficult to get away from their abusers.

Favorite on-the-job moment: Instances where people have been written off and I give them a chance, and they come shining through.

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Sometimes, it takes time. One young lady was constantly coming back into court because of drugs. She was exposing herself to a horrible lifestyle. I had to put her in jail several times. One day, she told me she was getting tired of that life and wanted to clean up. She did.

Education: Monticello High School, SUNY Oneonta with a dual major in Psychology and Black Studies, Juris Doctorate from State University of New York at Buffalo Law School.

Favorite movie: “Shining Through” with Michael Douglas and Melanie Griffith. I love how she persevered, how determined she was. I like her spirit, her grit, her chutzpah!

How do you spend your spare time: I love to play music, and have a bass, two saxes and a piano in the house.

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere warm with tropical weather. I love Hawaii, Spain, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Family: My mother and my sister, and I’m married to Marshita Washington.

CONGRATULATIONS Honorable Josephine Finn

Congratulations Justice Josephine Finn

It is a Privilege to have you in our community and to work with you for all these decades.

on your well-deserved recognition!

Village of Monticello

34600

PENNY WISE PROPERTIES Mark & Pam

34610

18W

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

BPW

19W

Civic or volunteer affiliations: I’ve served as Assistant County Attorney for Sullivan County and Assistant Town Attorney and Town Attorney for the Town of Thompson.

For over 18 years I was legal counsel to the Sullivan County Branch of the NAACP. I taught at Sullivan County Community College for 13 years and ran the Paralegal Program for several years.

Past service: on SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees, the Private Industry Council of Sullivan County, the Cultural Diversity Committee of the New York State School Boards Association and the presidency of the Sullivan County Bar Association.

I now serve on the Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee.

I am a member of the New York State Magistrates Association and the Sullivan County Magistrates Association.

Dream job: My dream job is doing just what I’m doing. I’m good at it. The biggest thing is that I think I make a difference. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here, and that’s the truth.

Drew, Davidoff & Edwards, Law Offices, LLP

Michael Davidoff and Brian Edwards

34614

Congratulations Judge Finn

13 Liberty Street, PO Box Drawer 1040, Monticello, NY 12701 (845) 794-5000 Fax (845) 794-5606 E-mail ddelaw@verizon.net

Learning & Growing Child Care Center Play, Learn and Grow Together

34546

60 Milanville Road P.O. Box 137 Beach Lake, PA 18405 570-729-7853 email learnandgrowccc@gmail.com NEW HOURS: 6:30am - 5:30pm

34592

Tommy Haass Melanie Jay

20W

BPW

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

CONGRATULATIONS LAURETTE PITTS

MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLA AY VIDEO GAMING MACHINES. PLEASE E PLA AY RESPONSIBL LY.

2 0 4 S t . R t . 1 7 B t . P O U J D F M M P / : t N P O U J D F M M P D B T J O P B O E S B D F X B Z D P N t 34050