Sullivan County Pride 2017 by Sullivan County Democrat/Catskill-Delaware Publications

S U L L I VA N C O U N T Y

PRIDE Celebrating 26 years of Great Accomplishments

A Special Section of the Sullivan County Democrat November 2017

Catskill Regional Medical Group Congratulates all of the Sullivan Pride Award Honorees

LIVINGSTON MANOR 36 Pearl Street Livingston Manor, NY 12758 845-439-3579

CALLICOON 8881 State Route 97 Callicoon, NY 12723 845-887-5693

MONTICELLO 38 Concord Road Monticello, NY 12701 845-333-6500

HARRIS 68 Harris Bushville Road Harris, NY 12742 845-794-5335

CatskillRegionalMedicalGroup.org A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System

2 P R I D E AWA R D S

55918

Creating a Healthier Community, Together

2017

56030

2017

P R I D E AWA R D S 3

Tonight, we celebrate you as Business Person of the Year. Every day, we celebrate your vision, leadership and tireless efforts to enrich our lives, strengthen our community, and empower our future.

Congratulations Darlene and all the deserving honorees.

55818

Your friends and colleagues at

4 P R I D E AWA R D S

2017

Businessperson of the Year:

Darlene Fedun arlene Fedun was born in the

Bronx and was living in Yonkers until the seventh

grade when her family moved to Liberty, where she attended Liberty High School. Fedun’s grandmother and aunts lived in

tive.” These traits, among others, are what

Sullivan County and she would often stay

earned her Businessperson of the Year

at the bungalow colonies in Hurleyville.

from the Sullivan County Chamber of

“I was an only child, my mom was a

Commerce.

hard-working single parent, so I was

“I am very grateful to the Chamber, and

pretty much on my own and had to be

its board. I feel that there are so many in-

self-sufficient and make a lot of my own

dividuals involved that this award is really

way,” explained Fedun. “If I wanted

for all of us,” Fedun said. “Our staff and

something, I was the only person going to

volunteers and Bethel Woods requires a

help me to get it. I think it made me

wonderful army of support to make

scrappy, hard-working and very inquisi-

continued on page 6

2017

P R I D E AWA R D S 5

continued from page 5

Shortly after the selling of CVI to Time

things happen. I am grateful to my board

Warner, Alan Gerry of CVI, purchased the

as they are dedicated and caring people.”

parcel of land where the famed 1969

Fedun is grateful to Alan Gerry, the

Woodstock Festival took place. In 2004,

chairman of Bethel Woods Center for the

ground was broken for construction of

Arts, for all the years working alongside

the cultural arts center at Bethel.

him. “He puts people and quality service

Fedun was brought onto the Bethel

first, whether it was CVI or Bethel

Woods management team in 2006 as Sen-

Woods,” Fedun added.

ior Director, External Affairs and assumed

Fedun started working in her teens at the old Grossinger’s Hotel as a waitress.

her current role as Chief Executive Officer in 2008.

Her current career started with a conver-

Furthermore, in 2006, the concert

sation with one of her best friend’s father

pavilion was opened with a performance

about her then employment as a waitress.

by the New York Philharmonic. Since that

She was offered a job at Cablevision In-

opening show, Bethel Woods has seen

dustries Corporation (CVI) and has been

musical acts and performers such as Bob

fortunate to have two careers. One in

Dylan, Elton John, Phish, The Eagles, Zac

cable television news and the other as

Brown Band, James Taylor and most re-

CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

cently Santana, who originally performed

Ŭ 6HSWLF 7DQNV &OHDQHG Ŭ /LQH -HWWLQJ Ŭ 'UDLQƢHOGV 6HUYLFHG

Congra tula to Alll of tions th Recipien e ts of thhe S ull Pride A ivan wards

koberlein.com

55905

Ŭ 6\VWHPV ,QVWDOOHG Ŭ 3XPSV ş 6DOHV 6HUYLFH

845-292-1494 55886

Proud to be located in

6 P R I D E AWA R D S

Ferndale, NY 2017

at the 1969 Woodstock

Foundation

Festival.

“Women

Who Make a Difference”

Fedun currently serves on

Award for her contributions to

the Board of Directors of the Liberty Community Development Corporation and was recently appointed

Business and Economic Development. When asked about the future of Sul-

to the Hudson Valley Patterns for

livan County she stated “I am excited. Es-

Progress’ Board of Directors. Her past

pecially for our young people. There is a

honors include, YEL Award in 2007 from

lot of development going on from large

the Sullivan County Chamber of Com-

projects to boutique projects, which will

merce and “Sullivan County Woman of

mean jobs.”

the Year” in 2010 from the Sullivan County Democrat.

And for the young aspiring business leaders of Sullivan County, she stated,

In 2012, she received the Sullivan

“Always challenge yourself, accomplish

County Partnership for Economic Devel-

things through people, never stop learn-

opment’s Distinguished Service Award

ing, be bold, find something you love, be

for her commitment to economic devel-

gracious, seek out a mentor, be humble,

opment and more recently, Fedun re-

and finally, always give back when you

ceived

can.”

the

2016

SUNY

Sullivan

Still Banking Strong!

Congratulations to all of the 2017 Sullivan Pride Award Recipients:

Darlene Fedun, Brian Rourke, Ira & Ruby Gold, Phil Eggleton, and Katrina Graby (845) 482-4000 • www.je ank.com www.facebook.com/jeﬀersonvillebank 55826

2017

P R I D E AWA R D S 7

DARLENE FEDUN, BRIAN ROURKE, IRA & RUBY GOLD, PHIL EGGLETON, AND KATRINA GRABY — The Pride of Sullivan County ѵƏƏ u; b; v Excellent Very Good Average Poor Terrible

2017

MEMBER’S

CHOICE

Business Leaders

);Ľu; ]u-|;= Ѵ =ou o u 1oll mb| bm oѴ ;l;m| -m7 1om|ub0 ঞomv

55757

to the economic development of Sullivan County.

(&ȓɌ 8ZQǰǮǾȜS(FǹȤPǮǰǱX HTǲ 8ZQǰǮǾȜS(FǹȤPǮǰǱX 8 P R I D E AWA R D S

2017

Congra atulations Hon H norees Í&#x20AC; (OHFWULF :DWHU +HDWHUV Í&#x20AC; )OXVK 9DOYHV Í&#x20AC; 6LQNV Í&#x20AC; 0HGLFLQH &DELQHWV Í&#x20AC; 3(; 3LSH Í&#x20AC; 3OXPELQJ %UDVV Í&#x20AC; 3OXPELQJ )L[WXUHV Í&#x20AC; 3XPSV Í&#x20AC; 7RROV Í&#x20AC; :DWHU )LOWHUV Í&#x20AC; :DWHU +HDWHUV

(/(&75,&$/ Í&#x20AC; &LUFXLW %UHDNHUV Í&#x20AC; &RQQHFWRUV /XJV 7HUPLQDOV Í&#x20AC; 'LPPLQJ &RQWUROV Í&#x20AC; )L[WXUHV Í&#x20AC; )XVHV Í&#x20AC; +HDWHUV Í&#x20AC; /DPSV Í&#x20AC; 0HWHU (TXLSPHQW Í&#x20AC; 3DQHO %RDUGV Í&#x20AC; 6PRNH 'HWHFWRUV Í&#x20AC; :LULQJ 'HYLFHV Í&#x20AC; 7UDQVIRUPHUV Í&#x20AC; :LUH &DEOH

+($7,1* +9$& Í&#x20AC; %RLOHUV Í&#x20AC; %XUQHUV Í&#x20AC; &LUFXODWRU 3XPSV Í&#x20AC; &RQWUROV Í&#x20AC; &RQYHFWRUV 8QLW +HDWHUV Í&#x20AC; 'XFWOHVV 0LQL 6SOLWV Í&#x20AC; *DV 3LSLQJ Í&#x20AC; ,QGLUHFW :DWHU +HDWHUV Í&#x20AC; 5DGLDQW +HDWLQJ Í&#x20AC; 5DGLDWLRQ Í&#x20AC; 5HJLVWHUV *ULOOHV Í&#x20AC; 9HQWLQJ Í&#x20AC; :DUP $LU )XUQDFHV

:$7(5 :25.6 Í&#x20AC; $'6 'XFWLOH Í&#x20AC; +\GUDQWV Í&#x20AC; 0HWHUV $FFHVVRULHV Í&#x20AC; 0- )ODQJH )LWWLQJV Í&#x20AC; 6HSWLF Í&#x20AC; 7HVW 3OXJV Í&#x20AC; 7RROV Í&#x20AC; 9DOYHV

558 868

-HÍ®HUVRQ 6WUHHW 0RQWLFHOOR 1< | ,QGXVWULDO 'ULYH )ORULGD 1< | ZZZ VFKPLGWVZKROHVDOH FRP

55809

3/80%,1*

2017

P R I D E AWA R D S 9

Distinguished Achievement:

Brian Rourke STORY AND PHOTO BY MATT SHORTALL

hen you talk about commitment to your community, one shining example is Brian Rourke of Liberty. In addition to his work with the Law Offices of Brian P. Rourke, he has created and invested in six local businesses. “Commitment to your community means more than just putting your wallet down, it means sacrificing the time and energy for a cause you know is worth it,” Rourke said. In recent years Rourke has turned his efforts toward rehabilitating blighted neighborhoods and vacant buildings. The clearest example of this is along Darbee Lane in the Village of Liberty. Rourke invested in the Super Clean

10 P R I D E AWA R D S

Laundromat, turning it into a safe and thriving business easily accessible to village residents. He launched the Downtown Barn in 2014, which has since grown to become 2017

a popular live music venue in the area. During the summer months in the Village of Liberty you can often hear the sounds of old-fashioned Americana acoustic music such as Bluegrass, Folk, 2017

Roots Rock, and the Blues carried down the street. As a respected town judge for 16 years, Rourke not only helped to solve disputes within the community, but got to know the people of Liberty and the problems they faced. Rourke has resided in Liberty for 31 years, where he raised a family that still calls Liberty their home too. “I’m very honored and humbled to receive this award, but I’m not the only one committed to this community. I meet people every day whose efforts to make Liberty a better place serve as a constant inspiration.” In addition to his business and professional interests, Rourke has shown himself to be someone who stays involved in many aspects of the community. He’s a former Youth Group Director, Church Trustee and Sunday school instructor, a little-league baseball coach, Director of Liberty Kiwanis, and a board member for the former Liberty Community Development Corp (CDC). Rourke served as board director for B.A.T.S (Begin Again Transitional Services for veterans, where he helped open Sullivan County’s first veteran’s home. He received the Greenberg Award for Excellence this year in honor of that achievement. Currently Rourke is a board member of Callicoon Cooperative Insurance and the Sullivan County Visitor’s Association. “There’s so much untapped potential here in Liberty. If we’re able to instill the pride in our town that has strained over the years, and keep our young talent here to carry the torch, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.” P R I D E AWA R D S 1 1

Distinguished Achievement:

Brian Rourke STORY AND PHOTO BY MATT SHORTALL

10 P R I D E AWA R D S

Laundromat, turning it into a safe and thriving business easily accessible to village residents. He launched the Downtown Barn in 2014, which has since grown to become 2017

a popular live music venue in the area. During the summer months in the Village of Liberty you can often hear the sounds of old-fashioned Americana acoustic music such as Bluegrass, Folk, 2017

Congratulations to all the Honorees.

You are the Pride of Sullivan County 369 Broadway, Monticello, NY www.kristt.biz 845-794-6639

HURLEYVILLE, NY

55808

Les Kristt & Gene Kelly

Live + Play + Make

To All Sullivan County Pride Award Nominees and Winners!

GALLERY 222 Collaborative Fablab Invent | Build | Tinker Learn New Skills If you dream it you can make it here.

A Welcoming Exhibition Space

Movies, theater, dance & yoga classes, where all people are celebrated and welcomed.

Exhibition space for local, national and international artists to connect through the universal language of creative expression.

845-707-8047 hurleyvilleartscenter.org

845-693-4119 hurleyvilleartscenter.org

55811

845-707-8564 hurleyvillemakerslab.org

Event Space & Arts Centre

HURLEYVILLE, NY

12 P R I D E AWA R D S

A place for the presentation, exploration, and appreciation, of the contemporary arts.

2017

55999

2017

P R I D E AWA R D S 1 3

Distinguished Service:

Ira & Ruby Gold STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICIO ROBAYO

hen you enter the Sullivan Fire Protection Corporation headquarters in South Fallsburg you are greeted by the warm Gold family and their workers in the building that has been in their family since the 1930’s. Ira who was born and raised in

14 P R I D E AWA R D S

South Fallsburg met his wife Ruby, who is originally from Cheverly, Maryland, when he walked into a hair salon in Middletown in 1985 and saw Ruby cutting hair. “I took one look at the pretty lady, with a deep southern drawl cutting hair and it was love at first sight, for me anyway,” Ira said. His friends Brad and Lisa Kaplan told Ruby that Ira was a great friend, but to “do herself a favor and not 2017

Ruby that Ira was a great friend, but to “do herself a favor and not go out with him.” Gladly, Ruby didn’t take that advice and has been married to Ira for 33 years and they have been able to raise two great children in Fallsburg, Adam and Ilana. Ira’s family has been a staple for a long time in the community. Ira’s father, Morris “Moishe” Gold started Fallsburg Gas, which was then sold, and started Sullivan Sprinkler Company in the 1950s. When Morris passed away, Ira, along with his late brother, Herbie, took over the family business and has been able to keep a strong and viable business in Sullivan County. While Ruby doesn’t work directly for the business, she does help out when needed and has become the heart of the enterprise. “If I see a problem, I go at it,” said Ruby. Ira added, “I attribute a lot of my success to her strong will and vigor; it has helped me build the business two-fold.” Ruby started “Fallsburg in Bloom,” which was a precursor to the Sullivan Renaissance, where a campaign was set up to help beautify the town. Three years ago she helped start a soup and sandwich program that runs from January to April and serves 10 churches throughout Sullivan County. The food is prepared at New Hope Community and it is picked up by the Golds on Friday and is then packaged and delivered to the 10 locations with all the paper goods the place would need. “Anyone whose willing to open their doors to feed the hungry, we will provide everything they need.” said Ruby. The locations open on Saturday and serve 2017

anyone who walks in the door, no questions asked. “I always find that when you have something that works, people step up,” added Ruby, and this year has been the first year the Golds have been able to secure funding for the project through local sponsors from the community. In receiving this year's Distinguished Service Award, Ira said “I’ve lived and worked here all of my life, and Ruby most of her life, and we’re grateful to be here as we see the county undergoing such a monumental transformation.” When Ira thought about the plans for his future, he said “My plans for the future are to continue working until I can’t any longer.” While working in South Fallsburg he still finds time to enjoy some rest and relaxation in Jupiter, Florida with Ruby. They also have their “slice of heaven” with a lake property on White Lake, where they spend their free time through all seasons that Sullivan County has to offer. The Golds are happy to welcome new members to the Gold Family, as their children, Adam and Ilana will each be getting married soon. Ira and Ruby Gold have lived in the county for a long time and have seen it go through its many phases. “Good, sometimes not so good and now a tremendous revitalization is happening, that both Ruby and I are thrilled to see,” said Ira. “It’s been incredible to witness in just a few short years. We’re seeing so many, small successful ‘mom and pop’ businesses popping up, which have always been the bread and butter of our community. We’re looking forward to seeing only more good to come.” P R I D E AWA R D S 1 5

SHORT-TERM REHAB, LONG-TERM CARE.

Achieve Rehab and Nursing are proud to honor this year’s Sullivan County’s best and brightest leaders in our community.

Our Administrator, Robin Darwin, with Jay Zelman taking a picture in front of the garden our residents planted and harvested.

Private Rehab Suites Rehab 7 Days A Week 56079

170 Lake Street, Liberty, NY 845-292-4200

67 East Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701

56007 44793

www.AchieveRehabNY.com

Request A Quote At: www.mbagency.com 16 P R I D E AWA R D S

2017

Young Emerging Leader:

Katrina Graby STORY AND PHOTO BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM

ullivan County is home to many bright young leaders, one of which is Katrina Graby, who is more than deserving of this year’s Young Emerging Leader Award. “Katrina Graby is an excellent example of an involved and dedicated, young professional in Sullivan County,” Catherine Paty, President/CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. “This energetic and positive individual is a role model for the youth in our county and is truly someone to emulate.” Graby has worked as a sales representative at Liberty Mutual since June 2014, where she has made sure her clients have adequate coverage and their families are properly protected. She’s licensed in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to provide auto, home, life insurance, group benefits, retirement planning, rollovers, small business and now pet insurance. In a short span, Graby has already accomplished a lot within the company, winning the 2017 Ro Verano Person of the Year Award (recognition for outstanding service and commitment for giving back to the community, first ever award presented by Liberty Mutual); 2017 became Sales Coach for all new hires at Middletown Branch; 2017 Promoted to Sales Representative II; 2015 Life Insurance Lamplighter Achievement Award – presented by Liberty Mutual only eligible to rookie reps

2017

in their first year and must achieve a level of outstanding sales performance insuring families with life insurance; 2015-2016 Pursuit of Excellence Award – Liberty Mutual. A Sullivan West High School graduate, Graby was active in athletics playing soccer, basketball and track. She went on to attend the University of Rhode Island, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurial Management in 2014. Graby was raised on a dairy farm in Callicoon, noting that her mother (Marie) and father (Bill), “...provided me with every opportunity to follow my dreams and be successful. Without them I would not have the work ethic, motivation, or be where I am today.” Her hobbies include painting, four wheeling and anything on the river. Graby is extremely active in the community. Since 2016, she has been the Vice President of the Callicoon Business Association, as well as the Coordinator of the Callicoon Tractor Parade. She’s the Chair of Sullivan County Young Professionals (SCYP), Vice President of Leadership Sullivan Class 2017 and an active member in both the Sullivan and Orange County Chambers of Commerce. “To win this award means that all of my hard work the past couple years has really paid off,” Graby said. “You don’t always see the fruits of your labor. It takes time to not

continued on page 18

continued from page 17 only grow and develop a book of business but also to establish change and growth in a community. I am happy that I have been able to help on some great community projects throughout the county and I look forward to the years ahead and seeing all the change that is coming our way. I am proud to be an advocate for entrepreneurship and young professionals in Sullivan and Orange County. It is so important to support and provide resources for businesses to grow and succeed, I am honored that I am in a role that provides me with that opportunity.â&#x20AC;?

Crushed Aggregate Hot Mix Asphalt Ready Mixed Concrete

845-794-7744

Tack Coat-Liquid Emulsion

56051

Construction-Paving Services

www.callanan.com | facebook.com/callananindustries | Corporate: 518-374-2222

56031 ÂŽ

55914

31 Lewis Street Street, Suite 303 | Binghamton Binghamton, NY 1390 01 | lechase.com 18 P R I D E AWA R D S

2017

Township Award:

Phil Eggleton STORY AND PHOTO BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM

he Township Award, which in the past was given to someone from each Sullivan County town, is now only given to one individual per year. The award is given to someone who goes above and beyond for their community, and in the Town of Rockland, there’s no better choice than Phil Eggleton. He is a member of Roscoe Kiwanis and the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce, where he sits on the board. Eggleton served on the Roscoe School Board for 12 years (spent some of those years as President) and he’s been a member of the United Church of Roscoe since he was young. He graduated from Roscoe in 1977 and spent 27 years working for the Department of Corrections (22 of which were in Woodbourne). He coached Little League Baseball in the community for many years, and is a former JV Girls Basketball and JV and modified football coach at Roscoe. Phil also spent a couple years volunteering at Livingston Manor where his son David used to coach. He and his wife Shelley maintain a few flower beds on Highland Ave. in Roscoe. Eggleton also serves as an unofficial liaison to visitors who ask for directions around Roscoe.

2017

On why he enjoys community work, Eggleton said, “It’s just a way of life. You’re some place, you want to be a part of it and make it better. I like the interaction with people, whether they’re residents or visitors.” In addition to his work as a salesperson at the Eagle River Team of Keller Williams, Phil and David started Trout Town Adventures and Guide Services, a seasonal business, eight years ago. “You grow up in the county and see other people who are guides that aren’t local and say, ‘it looks like it would be fun to do.’” Family is important to Eggleton. He also has a daughter, Alexis, who has quite the resume herself, having won the Distinguished Achievement Award at the 2014 Sullivan County Pride Awards. Also, one of the highlights of his week is when he gets to spend time with his two granddaughters. When he’s not working, Eggleton’s hobbies include gardening, traveling, hunting, fishing, paddling and biking. On being selected as this year’s winner of the Township Award, Eggleton says, “It’s very humbling. There are so many people who do so much volunteerism. It’s humbling to be in the same category and same crowd.” P R I D E AWA R D S 1 9

Catskill Regiional Medi dical Center salutes all of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sullivan Pride Award Honorees.

Thank n yoou

A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System

w w w.crmcny.org 20 P R I D E AWA R D S

55880

for all that you do for our community.

2017