Young Professionals 2016

TAKE ONE FREE

YoungProfessionals ‘FEATURING 14 UP AND COMERS IN OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY’

A special section of the

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

April 15, 2016 • Section Y • Callicoon, NY

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

George W. Kinne, Jr. – financial guru STORY AND PHOTO BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

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irst and foremost, he is a father of two children and a husband.

He has served on the Board of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development for the past 10 years, while also serving on the Board of the Sullivan County Community College Foundation and the Board of Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

An avid fisherman and a lover of hiking, George W. Kinne, Jr. is a man of many interests as well as an active member of the community.

He is also the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Jeff

Bank, Sullivan County’s largest community bank, with a 34 percent market share and 12 branches.

“I always had a fondness, even at a young age, for the stock market and banking,” said Kinne, “really anything relating or having to do with the economy.”

Kinne hails from the hamlet of Roscoe, where his parents owned and ran the Roscoe Motel located near the legendary Junction Pool.

An only child, Kinne spent much of his time at the motel, helping his parents where help was needed, while learning the trade of the business, which in turn inspired his career path in finance.

Kinne, a finance graduate of Ithaca College, began his career shortly after graduation with Nations Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina, before it merged with Bank of America. He worked for them until 2006, even getting the chance to travel to London for a six-month stint working with financially distressed companies and distressed loans.

Continually climbing the “corporate ladder,” Kinne, then a Vice President with Bank of America, left his position in March of 2006 to make the move with his wife back to Sullivan County.

With a multitude of experience

under his belt, Kinne quickly moved up through the ranks at Jeff Bank, beginning as Vice President/ Commercial Lender to Senior Vice President/Senior Loan Officer, Executive Vice President and now President and CEO. “I love the small town feel and that everyone knows you,” said Kinne, of moving back to Sullivan County, “especially my commute from Roscoe to Jeffersonville in the morning.

“Plus my kids are attending Roscoe Central School and I love their small class sizes. I think they are getting a great education, as I know I did,” he said.

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

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Congratulations to George Kinne & All the Honorees!

We are a full-service accounting firm, dedicated to providing our clients with professional, personalized services.

Jeff Bank President and CEO George Kinne Jr. has embraced technology, helping to launch a new APP which allows for mobile banking as well as updating the bank’s website.

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Phone: (845) 794-2200 www.KnackPavloff.com

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s n o i t a tul

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to all of the 2016 Young Professionals and a special congratulations to our President and Chief Executive Officer, George Kinne, Jr! George Kinne, Jr.

Still Banking Strong!

(845)482-4000 • www.je ank.com www.facebook.com/jeffersonvillebank

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President Chief Executive Officer

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

IDA’s vice president looks to make county shine STORY AND PHOTO BY DAN HUST

ential position which gave her a deeper understanding of Sullivan County’s farmers, growers and ag supporters.

In 2013, she moved over to the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), where she is currently the Vice President for Government Affairs and Business Development.

“It wasn’t a big leap,” she acknowledged, noting she wasn’t unhappy with her position at Planning. “I wanted to work more closely and directly with businesses and see what incentives we could offer to help make the county’s economy thrive.”

That has become her chief mission, though she said it dovetails well with her environmental-mindedness.

“We have the kinds of industries that depend on having a healthy environment in a lot of ways,” she explained.

“One doesn’t come at the expense of the other.”

Challenging? Certainly, but worthwhile in a way that’s deeply personal for Flad.

“This is my hometown, and it’s very important to me to see that our communities sustain themselves and that people can make a living. We need a working economy in order to have any kind of quality of life.”

She is herself inspired by people like her, who have seen the world but have chosen to make Sullivan County all that it can become.

“They’re really pushing Sullivan County forward,” she nodded.

She understands but rejects criticism that the IDA simply “gives away” taxpayers’ money.

“We make sure the benefits to the community outweigh the costs in terms of the tax incentives we give,” she said. “It makes sense to me that in the long run we’re helping to build sustainable businesses that then build sustainable communities.

“I think it’s a smart way to attract businesses and help existing businesses expand.”

A volunteer with Cornell Cooperative

Extension and a member of their Ag Task Force, Flad enjoys hiking and brewing beer – though these days she and husband Josh are particularly focused (happily so) on their newborn son Charlie.

Not surprisingly, she’s sticking around.

“It’s different every day,” she affirmed. “We work with all the different agencies and a lot of nonprofits. So I get to meet a lot of people who are really enthusiastic and energized to make Sullivan County thrive.”

To All Our Young Professionals,

Congratulations Jen Flad

Congratulations on a job well done!

You are Sullivan County’s Future Leaders!

& All the Honorees

JOB WELL DONE! Quality, Fast Turnaround, Competitive Prices & Professional Service.

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Jennifer Mall Flad

Ed Sykes

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all her a true hometown success story.

Jennifer Mall Flad grew up in Callicoon Center, then headed south to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after graduating in 1994 from Jeffersonville-Youngsville Central School (now Sullivan West).

Armed with a Bachelor’s in Peace, War and Defense, she worked for an historical research firm in Washington, DC, focused on environmental cleanup litigation, which inspired her to go west, serving with the National Park Service at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado, Redwood in California, and back east, MarshBillings-Rockefeller in Vermont.

While in California, she earned a Master’s in Environment and Community via Humboldt State University.

Thrilling as all this travel was, “I wanted to come back to Sullivan County,” she admitted. “My family is very important – but also, I’ve lived in several other places, and I care the most about this place.

“I care about seeing this place thrive.”

So when she learned that the Sullivan County Division of Planning was looking for a research assistant, she happily headed home.

That was in 2008, and Flad rose through the ranks to become a junior planner and then the county’s agricultural planner, a significant and influ-

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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Emily Casey markets Bethel Woods

BY SANDY SCHRADER

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Emily Casey went to college for marketing and advertising, two skills which she uses every day at Bethel Woods.

for the Museum, Education and Outreach Department, Volunteer Services, and Development and Membership. She also helps with the shows.

Casey’s job changes from day to day, everything from writing press releases, to website edits, sending e-blasts, placing ads, producing collateral materials, coordinating radio visits, setting up interviews, dealing with press requests, and posting to social media. “I am never bored!� she says.

Casey loves that she has the opportunity to learn something new every day and to be part of an incredibly hard working team. “We are a close knit team that truly believes in the Bethel Woods mission, ‘Bethel Woods Center for the Arts inspires, educates, and empowers individuals through the arts and humanities.’�

Casey believes that their mission statement is more than words, because “it brings so much to this county.�

We sing your praises!

Congratulations to our very own Young Professional, Emily Casey!

Your friends and colleagues at

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t the tender age of 24, Emily Casey is employed at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts as the Institutional Marketing Coordinator.

Casey is part of a huge family from Livingston Manor. She is the oldest of four and just became an aunt, which she says carries “all of the fun and none of the responsibility.� She was born, raised and currently resides in Livingston Manor.

Graduating from Livingston Manor Central School in 2010, Casey attended the University of Delaware where she graduated in May of 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing.

She minored in advertising.

Casey traveled abroad on a Semester at Sea, through the University of Virginia, and she taught English in Peru. She considers herself many “things,� with outdoor adventurer, wannabe bookworm, food enthusiast among them. “I think long runs solve problems and bad jokes are the best ones. I dislike cats and selfish people. I like puns, handwritten notes, peanut butter, my big loud family.�

Casey’s fondest memories include the Callicoon Center family house. “I think I lived the dream – from swimming, boating, biking, playing volleyball, slip n slides – everything under the sun. We kind of do the same things as “adults ‌ but with more competition and more eating.â€?

As the Institutional Marketing Coordinator at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Casey handles the marketing

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

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CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS EMILY, FOREST TO ALL THE & JEN MEN HARD WORKING AND ALL THE HONORED HONOREES! IN THIS ISSUE From all of us at

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Shannon “Birdie” Feeney is the Director of Marketing at Roscoe Beer Company, as well as an avid golfer.

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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This ‘Birdie’ watches over Roscoe Beer Co. with keen eyes STORY AND PHOTO BY SANDY SCHRADER

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hannon “Birdie” Feeney, Director of Marketing and advertising at Roscoe Beer Co. in Roscoe, always knew she was a Roscoe girl at heart. It was no surprise that she chose to return to her hometown to start her profession and family life.

Feeney, daughter of Jim and Cheryl Bowers, attended Roscoe Central School and graduated in 2004.

She and her parents always enjoyed the game of golf, and the three were instrumental in establishing the first ladies’ golf league in Sullivan County back in 2003. Both her parents were golf coaches for the Roscoe Central School. They led the school to several

winning seasons and have since retired.

“We have been a golfing family our whole lives,” said Feeney, “that’s how I got my nickname ‘Birdie.’”

After finishing high school Feeney went to college and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing at the State University of New York at Oneonta in 2008.

After college, Feeney moved back to Roscoe, where she and her husband soon purchased their first home and started their family. They now have two energetic boys Carter, 7, and Hunter, 5.

Feeney signed on as Golf & Events

Congratulations Shannon from All of Us at Roscoe Diner!

Coordinator/Pro Shop Manager at Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club.

And then, in the summer of 2013, at the age of 27, she found her calling at Roscoe Beer Co. As the Director of Marketing she wears many hats, coordinates social media marketing, marketing communication and strategy, advertising, and event management to name a few of her duties.

Feeney also serves on the board of directors for the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.

She enjoys working with the local community in her chosen field and loves that she gets to meet new peo-

ple each and every day because, “there is always an opportunity for a unique experience.”

Feeney’s favorite memory of growing up in Roscoe is that “we all know each other. As community members we all stick together and support our town.”

Her love for Trout Town is the reason she returned, hoping to grow with the business and with her community.

Feeney offers this advice to young adults who are beginning their academic or professional life, “Aim high, any goal is attainable.”

CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON FROM ALL OF US AT COURTYARD BAR

R E N I D E ROSCO

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1908 Old Route 17, Roscoe, NY 12776 (607) 498-4405 www.theroscoediner.com

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Welcome to the

From the Roscoe Beer Co.:

A deserving member of the hardest working team in the Brewing business!

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Congratulations to our Gal Shannon “Birdie” Feeney.

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Congratulations Forest

APRIL, 2016

Great Job, Forest!

We’re so proud of you!

Thanks for the opportunity to learn from one of the best!

Mom, Dad & Family

Kim Darder

J. N. Mason Agency, Inc.

Andrew Stabbert

38995

PO Box 489, Hancock, NY 13783 Phone: 845-887-4339 • Email: kimdarder@gmail.com

Celebrating 24 Years of Insurance Experience!

(845) 887-4400 WWW.CALLICOON.COM INFO@CALLICOON.COM

“A Lifetime of Enjoyment” Congratulati ons Forest

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: Note to Forest “An Artist of beautiful, ned naturally-desig stonework!”

CONGRATULATIONS, FOREST DARDER! and all Honorees!

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APRIL, 2016

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Owner and designer of Darder Stone Works, Forest Darder

Forest Darder – you’ve seen his work STORY BY NYSSA CALKIN

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t’s hard to say exactly when Forest Darder created his company. He had plied his stonecraft talents to help pay his way through college, but the official “kick off” of Darder Stone Works happened in the spring of 2005.

The 35-year-old Delaware Valley Central School alumnus is also a 2004 graduate of Syracuse University’s Civil Engineering program.

This educational background gave him a vast amount of knowledge on structural design and many of the environmental conditions that affect

projects during construction and well after.

Following college, Darder worked in Westchester County as a construction consultant. That was when he realized that he didn’t want to continue sitting in an office all day, and he decided to build up his own company. That’s also when he returned to Sullivan County, where much of his workday is spent outside.

Eleven years later, he has created a comfortable life for his family, consisting of wife Courtney and their two children. Courtney helps manage

certain aspects of the business, including social media networking.

Most of their business inquiries are referrals from past clients, proving that a job well done can pay off time and time again.

Indeed, Darder Stone Works has a steady stream of clientele. While the season usually lasts from March until November, this winter’s weather means Darder has been able to start working earlier than normal.

A lot of their work consist of stone walls, bluestone patios, steps and waterfalls. Their most common

clients are the ever-increasing second homeowners who find solitude in the peace and quiet of the area.

As Darder had dreamed years before, he now spends a large portion of his day outside working directly with his employees and stresses that he couldn’t produce the amount of work he does without “a great crew.”

Darder’s work can be found on residential and commercial properties throughout Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster counties, and the company is located at 1099 Old Route 17 in Ferndale (845-747-4136).

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

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Director of Golf and Superintendent of the Tennanah Lake Golf Course, Joe Meyer

A lifetime love pays off STORY AND PHOTO BY NYSSA CALKIN

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Kohler Lumber & Building Materials, Inc.

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hose who know him can say it’s no surprise Joe Meyer has found himself the Director of Golf and the Superintendent of the golf course at the Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club in Roscoe.

“I’ve been golfing since I was old enough to hold a club,” said the 29year-old.

His long relationship with the game was sparked by playing golf with his father.

“I enjoyed spending time with my dad and being outside”.

That love for nature influences this outdoorsman’s other hobbies, which include hunting, fishing, basketball, football, and softball. But it seems it’s the fairways that keep calling his name.

To this day, Meyer still regularly plays golf with his father on the Villa Roma Golf League. One of the highlights of the game occurred at the Villa’s golf course during a league tournament two years ago where Meyer hit a hole-in-one on Hole 17.

Their first year participating in the Sullivan County Democrat tournament, the two won their flight (a division of golfers of a similar handicap, or skill level) and again three times since.

Meyer grew up in the Jeffersonville area with his three sisters. As a child, he participated as a youth golfer on the Catskill Junior Tour, a league that included golfers from ages 6-17.

He eventually worked at the Villa

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Roma Golf Course as a teenager.

Upon graduating from Sullivan West High School in 2005, Meyer went on to study Physical Education and Kinesiology at SUNY Cortland, yet he would continue to come home and work every summer, totalling 11 years on the Villa’s staff, before landing a position at Tennanah Lake as the assistant to the former Superintendent, Bret Reimer.

Over the three years he has been at Tennanah, Meyer has become responsible for the day-to-day operations, managing a staff of 24 in the clubhouse and on the course.

“I book events. I order merchandise, manage the maintenance of the course,” he explained. “We organize eight to nine tournaments each year.”

His favorite part of the job is “interacting with the golfers, especially the new ones,” making him ideal to also provide lessons to beginners and children – who just might become lifetime lovers of golf, too.

“Success in this game depends less on strength of body, than strength of mind and character”.

- Arnold Palmer

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THE RESORT THAT GIVES YOU MORE...

WAY MORE

Congratulations to Joe Meyer on his new promotion to Golf Course Superintendent.

MORE AMENITIES: 18-Hole Championship Golf Course & Range 75 New Golf Carts New Beautiful Pond & Fountain on Hole 12 4 Lighted Tennis Courts

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Congratulations Joe on being recognized as a Young Professional.

You have always shown loyalty, integrity and intelligence to those who have known you, both personally and professionally. We are so proud of you, and wish you nothing but the best and are excited to see how far your hard work and dedication will bring you!!

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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APRIL, 2016

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

Ryan Kelly carries on a proud tradition STORY AND PHOTO BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

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t’s no surprise that Ryan Kelly, at just 25, is the IT Director/Network Specialist of Kristt Co., also known as Kristt Kelly Office Systems Corp., located in Monticello.

A management and information systems graduate of Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, Kelly began working at Kristt Co. at a young age alongside his father, Gene Kelly, who is partial owner of the company.

The younger Kelly would often help with deliveries or putting together desks and other office furniture.

“I always had an interest in computers, networks, and figuring electronics out,” said Kelly. “When I was 13 or 14, I started working in the computer department here, helping build brand new computers, and that’s what really sparked my interest.

That’s why I went to school for what I did.”

Following college, Kelly immediately took up office at Kristt Co., creating the brand new website you can visit and shop online, while also managing their network.

Congrats to Ryan Kelly at Kristt Company!

Thank You

Ryan Kelly for your dedication to our Business.

Congratulations to you and all the Honorees!

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THOMPSON SANITATION 845-796-1032

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APRIL, 2016

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

“I really enjoy working on other people’s networks and figuring out what problems they may have. It could be anything from putting a new copy machine in that can scan, fax and do everything all-in-one or setting digital servers and storage systems,” said Kelly. “It’s nice to help people with things that they themselves may not have the talent to do. It feels good to be able to help them with their everyday activities and make them easier.”

With a digital world that is constantly changing, Kelly’s career path seems to be on the upward track, and he hopes to continue in the family business far into the future.

When Kelly isn’t working on networks and computers, he tries to find time for his own hobbies and passions of golfing and bowling.

Kelly is on several bowling teams, actively bowling three nights a week.

So what would he do with a week off?

Laughing, Kelly said, “I would defiRyan Kelly, working in the family business at Kristt Co., covers all aspects and necessities of the home office. nitely go somewhere tropical.”

from Mom, Dad & The Gang at Kristt Company

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CONGRATULATIONS RYAN!

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

Meet the unstoppable Sara LaFleur STORY AND PHOTO BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

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rom captain of her Rugby team at college to energetic Zumba instructor, tour guide of her college to current Registered Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, Sara LaFleur is finding her niche in life and helping people along the way.

LaFleur attended Sullivan West Central School in Lake Huntington until her junior year, when her parents decided to move to Massachusetts for her father’s position with Job Corps.

Just before graduating high school, LaFleur applied to several different colleges, both in and out of Massachusetts, finally deciding to attend UMass Dartmouth for Nursing.

“It’s ironic, but I actually never wanted to be a nurse when I went to college,” LaFleur laughed. “But when my grandmother got sick, I ended up taking care of her, and I saw a differSara LaFleur is a Registered Nurse with ambitions to teach and help people in any way she can, and would love to spend some time as a traveling nurse throughout the United States.

Congratulations

Sara!!!

ent side of nursing.

“Not that it was a good situation or anything, but that was kind of the turning point that made me decide that nursing was what I loved and what I needed to do.”

Now working in the PACU, LaFleur is fulfilling her love of teaching and

We are very proud of you!!!

caring for individuals who come through the unit.

PACU is a vital part of any hospital, ambulatory care center, or other medical facility. It is the place where patients are aided in recovering from anesthesia, whether general, local, or regional.

LaFleur’s job entails the airway management and oxygen administration of patients, monitoring a patient’s vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate, managing post-operative pain, treating symptoms such as nausea or vomiting – the list goes on and on.

“As a nurse, I want to fix people, and in Nursing School they teach you that you can’t fix everyone – and I had a hard time with that,” said LaFleur.

“So the part I love most in PACU is being able to prepare the patients for release and educating them on what’s to come, educating them on what they can or can’t do, and how to take care of themselves. For me, at the end of the day, I feel so fulfilled.”

LaFleur hopes in the future to obtain her Master’s Degree in order to teach future nursing students.

“I love when we have nursing students in the hospital. They are so eager to learn, and I enjoy teaching them what I know,” she nodded. “I don’t want to see them fail. I want them to feel good about themselves.

“I was very lucky to have really great instructors who made me feel confident in my skills and took the time to teach me. I’d like to give back in the same way.”

Congratulations to Sara LaFleur and the Young Professionals!

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1043 COUNTY RTE 164 CALLICOON, NY 12723

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Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring.

We wish you all the best for your future.

Your Friends at

Love, Mom, Dad, Niki and Gram

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Atop his vintage 1955 tractor or planting the fields, Justin Sutherland lives out a dream on his Somewhere in Time Farm in Parksville.

Musician-grandson awakens life on sleeping family farm

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STORY AND PHOTO BY KATHY DALEY

ven as a child, Justin Sutherland wanted to drive a tractor. Sure, he lived on a piece of property that had been farmed by his grandfather and great-grandfather, but that was long ago. The Parksville family property hadn’t seen a plow since the 1950s.

“There are these pictures of me when I was young, sitting inside big old tractor tires,” said Justin with a grin.

Now, the spread off Breezy Hill Road is witness once again to the tractor – Justin’s own purchase, a bright red 1955 Farmall – and to the 28-year-old Sutherland’s ingrained love of the earth and growing things.

“It’s like dirt is in my blood,” he said.

“I love how the fields look, and I love knowing that my grandfather and great-grandfather grew potatoes here.”

But it was a long road to the reality of Somewhere in Time Farm, the name given by his mother, Justine, to the enterprise.

His grandfather, William Sutherland, couldn’t afford to keep the 400acre property some 40 years ago, and the land changed hands nine times.

But Justin’s father, Liberty dentist Jon Sutherland, dreamed of owning the land once again and, in 1988, barely out of dental school, purchased 122 acres of the original plot.

Before long, Jon and Justine and their two kids were living at the top of the hill.

Justin graduated from Liberty High School in 2006 and went on to major in music at Northeastern University in Boston. He’s a songwriter and composer and is known locally for performances at the North Branch Inn, Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor, Eureka Cafe in Grahamsville and Bethel Woods Harvest Festival.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

But he was always more than music.

“I wanted to be outside,” Sutherland said, “helping farmers, working on friends’ farms.”

After one grueling day in a recording studio, Justin found himself thinking “wait a second ... I’m going to be inside this little studio for the rest of my life?’”

The next question was, “How can I make a living being outside?”

He had worked in music therapy at the Center for Discovery in Harris, and Sutherland began landscaping work there. He asked to volunteer at the on-site organic farm. That resulted in a three-year job as manager of the Center’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which allows individuals to purchase a “share” of the produce grown.

“I saw how happy the people were ... when they came to pick up their vegetables,” recounted Sutherland, noting of his plan this year to start his own CSA. “I thought, ‘I want to do this.’”

He plied friend Adam Diehl of Diehl’s Farm in Callicoon with questions, and the pro has become an invaluable mentor. “He’s happy to teach me and he’s patient,” Justin said.

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Last year, with friends and family helping out, Sutherland began growing and selling vegetables and handcut zinnias, cosmos, snapdragons, amaranthus, sweet pea and sunflowers. He worked Farmers’ Markets in Liberty and Rock Hill and provided flowers for Livingston Manor florist Ann Manby at her business Sugar Blossom Flowers.

His mother operates Justine’s Just Breathe Yoga from the family home, and Justin and Justine have handled the cooking for retreats she holds using homegrown produce.

This year, family and friends will help build a seedling greenhouse with a second one planned for tomatoes, peppers and trellised cucumbers.

Sutherland will plant 40 different vegetables. French fingerling potatoes were big last year as was garlic, and both of those will be part of this year’s tasty fare, “fresh, local and herbicide free.”

His farming forebears would likely be proud.

“Last year I was working the soil, and I turned up an old horseshoe,” Justin said. “It felt like my grandfather had left it there for me to one day find it. I showed it to my dad, and he had tears in his eyes.”

Congratulations from Mom, Dad & Jaime

Philip E. Olsen, D.D.S. Jon K. Sutherland, D.D.S. Office Hourss By Appointment

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APRIL, 2016

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

Giovanni Lentini: A connoisseur of taste and more STORY AND PHOTO BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

G

iovanni Lentini, born in Sicily, Italy, has always had his hands in the family restaurant business, making delicious Italian fare.

Lentini’s parents moved to the United States in 1987, living in Brooklyn for quite a few years before eventually making the move to Sullivan County. Monticello more specifically.

In 1991 Brother Bruno Pizza Restaurant in Monticello was born, when Lentini was around eight years old.

At the age of 15, Lentini, began taking more initiative in the family business and his role exponentially grew from that point on. In essence, Lentini is now running the show.

“I’ve always been into cooking,” said Lentini, “homestyle and in the restaurant.”

But his work doesn’t stop there.

Lentini has now started bottling marinara sauce, called Lentini’s Marinara, with brother Giuseppe “Joe” Lentini of Peppino’s Restaurant in Callicoon.

The Lentini brothers began bottling about a year and a half ago in response to customers frequently asking to buy a jar, a liter, or a gallon of the famous sauce. The same famous sauce recipe that is used on

pizzas and pastas at both Brother Bruno’s and Peppino’s.

“We are now selling our marinara sauce in all the local ShopRites as well as Peck’s Markets,” explained Giovanni, “and all production and work is kept within Sullivan County.

We want to keep it local.”

And again, his work hasn’t stopped there.

Lentini also runs Green Express Recycling Corp. with the help of his brother Giuseppe and a few others.

Now in their third year of business, they are working hard to bring better recycling to Monticello and beyond, utilizing lifetime friendships with local truckers and fellow business owners.

“We all like to work hard. We came from working hard,” said Lentini, of his friends and co-workers, “We all try to work together and work as a family.”

And Lentini is now starting up his own insulation company.

So when does Lentini have time to breathe in between all of his work endeavors?

“I have my Sundays off usually, but I really like to learn. I never stop. I do a little bit of everything,” laughed Lentini, “I was always that type that took everything apart and put it back together.

Young Professionals ‘Featuring 14 up and comers in our business community’ Published by

Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 April 15, 2016 • Vol. CXXV, No. 87

Giovanni Lentini, is a master of many skills and talents, with a community-minded goal set.

“The biggest thing for me is that we support the local community and Publisher: Senior Editor: Editor: Sports Editor: Editorial Assistants: Advertising Director: Advertising Coordinator: Advertising Representatives: Special Sections Coordinator: Business Manager: Business Department: Telemarketing Coordinator: Classified Manager: Production Associates: Distribution:

the local people. We’re all in this together.”

Fred W. Stabbert III Dan Hust Carol Montana Ken Cohen Willow Baum, Kaitlin Carney, Kathy Daley, Alex Rau, Richard Ross, Jeanne Sager, Autumn Schanil 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 Billy Smith, Richard Stagl

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

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APRIL, 2016

Matt Lare – manager at Lazy Pond B & B STORY AND PHOTO BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

A

jack-of-all-trades, Matt Lare, at 32, is the manager of his parent’s family business, Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast, located on Old Loomis Road in Liberty.

The baby of seven children, born and raised in Liberty, Lare attended high school in the state of Florida but returned during the summers to spend time with friends and family. After graduation, and without any doubts, he moved back to the area permanently.

“It’s home,” said Lare, “and I love the winter, the change of seasons. Nothing compares.”

Lare has always helped out where help was needed when it came to the

family business, and about six years ago that evolved into a full-time job, and then manager.

“I love what I do and hope to eventually take over the business completely.

I want my Mom to be able to let go of the reins and just relax, while still baking her amazing oatmeal cookies,” Lare laughed.

Although he has his hands in a little bit of everything at Lazy Pond, Lare’s main job is taking care of the property, making sure guests are happy, and keeping up with the details and standards that make Lazy Pond Bed and Breakfast so special.

“One of the perks of my job is meeting new people – people that come

Matt Lare, manager of Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast, stands in one of the front rooms of the B & B where autographed photos of celebrity guests cover the walls.

38561

Congratulations Matt! Love Mom & Don! from all over the world and choose to stay here,” explained Lare. “Especially the celebrity guests that have come through.”

Open all year-round, the B & B has hosted a variety of guests, from Justin Timberlake to the Zac Brown Band, and even the Wailers (of Bob Marley and the Wailers.)

“We always joke, ‘You never know who you are going to wake up and meet here,’” said Lare.

There are 28 rooms available, with plenty of privacy, relaxation and freedom to do what you please.

Breakfast is the only meal served and if the guests aren’t gorging on the elaborate breakfast buffet, they are specialordering omelets from Lare, who has loved cooking from a young age.

The B & B isn’t his only passion. Lare has hopes in the future to open a Youth Center in Liberty, and possibly work out a scholarship program to help kids participate.

“When I was younger I was part of the Big Brother/Big Sister program, and it did a lot for me. It kept me inter-

ested in a lot of different things,” said Lare. “There used to be a recreational center here in Liberty, but it’s gone now.

“I want to open something so kids in the area have more options than just hanging in the streets. Things like sports and art projects – anything to push them and help guide them.”

According to Lare, it’s a lengthy process to pursue the idea, and difficult to find volunteers willing to donate their time to help. Even more difficult is finding other people who want to collaborate and invest the money to make it happen. For now, Lare said he’ll continue doing what he can and perhaps utilize the space at the B & B to host events and projects to benefit kids in the future.

Lare’s mother, Jean Tulp, said of her son, “He has such a great sense of humor and a way of charming people that it doesn’t matter the age, everyone loves him.”

For more information visit www.lazypond.com or call 845-9887061.

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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Jesse Towey inspires joy through music

BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

J

esse Towey, the current Music Coordinator at New Hope Community in Loch Sheldrake, has a love for music and a passion for sharing it with others.

Originally born and raised in Washington Heights and a high school graduate of Beacon High School, Towey was inspired from a young age by his family, all of whom have worked closely with individuals in education and occupational therapy.

Towey’s enthusiasm for music brought him upstate to SUNY New Paltz, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies.

Now implementing his degree at New Hope, Towey is normally busy planning and facilitating musical activities for day programs, while also creating monthly leisure activities and events for the individuals supported by New Hope. He also works closely with the supportive team of the Leisure Department to create innovative programs and encourage interdisciplinary activities in a community setting.

“I enjoy the freedom and flexibility I have here at New Hope,” said Towey, “Above all, I enjoy the satisfaction of witnessing how music can inspire such joy and excitement in the individuals we support, putting smiles on their faces and encouraging them to dance.”

Towey also feels that New Hope has been a great opportunity to connect with the local community. New Hope hosts music programs in their stateof-the-art theater and hosts a monthly open mic at Nardi’s (a.k.a. Frankie and Johnny’s) in Hurleyville.

New Hope even has an original band named “Bright Woods.” It is a unique multi-media rock band made up of people supported and/or employed at New Hope that creates music inspired by nature.

“Performing with New Hope’s original band, Bright Woods, at the 40th anniversary party was one of my best memories,” said Towey, “and being able to take part in their genuine feeling of pride and accomplishment.

“I’m in awe of the transformative and therapeutic aspects of music.”

Come shop at the

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jesse Towey, with guitar in hand, performs with David Steingart, an individual who lives and works at New Hope Community and is also the drummer of the New Hope band “Bright Woods.”

Congratulations

Jesse Towey Thank you for bringing beautiful music to life in the hearts of so many.

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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Caleb Brown brews a fine one STORY AND PHOTO BY AUTUMN SCHANIL

C

aleb Brown is a brewer of beer, fulfilling his “nerdy” love of science and the complexities that come with creating new formulas and flavors.

Originally from the outskirts of Kansas City, Kansas, Brown met his wife near her hometown of Akron, Ohio, and moved to the Catskills just last year to take an opportunity at the Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor, where he is now Head Brewer.

“We were wanting to move somewhere else in the country, especially somewhere more mountainous, and it all kind of fell together,” Brown said.

But Brown didn’t always know he would be a brewer. After graduating from high school, Brown wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do or if he wanted to attend college. He started out doing internships and random jobs, moving around a lot, until he began learning how to brew in Akron, Ohio.

“My interests in brewing just slowly grew, and I realized that it was a perfect fit for me,” said Brown with a smile. “It’s long days and hard work,

but I really enjoy it. And it’s not a glamorous job like most people think – it’s a lot of cleaning and getting wet.

“But I haven’t ever looked back and thought, ‘I need to change careers’ or anything. This is what I want to do, and I hope to do it for a long, long time.”

Brewing good beer involves a few key factors that, if slightly off, can ruin a batch of beer to the point it tastes like “garbage.”

“If someone forgets to set something right and you have the fermentation go up to 90 degrees or if there is a malfunction with the chilling system during fermentation making the temperature go up too high, it will Caleb Brown has a passion for brewing beer, which makes his job at the Catskill Brewery a affect the taste of the beer,” he perfect fit. explained. “Fortunately, those cases are pretty rare.” and fresh, making it the highlight of ready to be put in bottles.

Sanitation, yeast, hops, and malts our beer.”

Of course, brewing isn’t his only all impact the flavor of a beer in their One of Brown’s passions is sour love. He has two daughters with his own way. And quality of water is prob- beer, focusing on fermentation in the wife, and his oldest, aged 2, already ably one of the most important, said barrels to make a beer that will be knows what her father does, oftenBrown, as brewing is about 90 percent newly released this year at Catskill times excitedly asking him, “Dad, water.

Brewery. One of his favorites, it was are you going to clean the tanks “The water in the Catskills is so pure brewed in October and is just now today?”

Bill Morris truly is ‘overboard’ about aquatics STORY AND PHOTO BY SHARON MacGREGOR

H

ow do we measure success? In financial terms? In the case of 22-year-old Bill Morris, the standard should be based on one’s possession of undeniable passion and knowledge. It has allowed him to grow from a curious hobbyist to a professional in the world of retail marine aquarium fish and coral.

“It all started about three years ago,” Morris said, “When I first walked into a chain pet store and saw tanks on sale. From day one, I knew I

wanted to grow my business in the saltwater fish space. Over the last 18 months or so I have expanded to have multiple fish tanks in half of my parent’s basement as I look for a better location.”

In addition to learning the basic set up needed, including dry goods such as heaters and pumps, Morris immersed himself in the subject to acquire as much information as possible. Along the way, he connected with a Facebook hobbyist group,

“Hudson Valley Salt Water Keepers.”

“It has been quite a journey,” Morris says, “I have really had to figure out and learn many of the details about this business on my own.

Some businesses can be modeled after an existing one, but in the world of sustainable and aqua-cultured coral and farmed fish, I have really had to research different opinions and methods to determine what actually works.”

A visit to Overboard Aquatics is not

just about the visual impact of the beautiful varied species of marine fish and coral. It is in the listening to the volumes of information Morris has about not only where an individual fish originates, or its diet, or mating pattern, expected adult size, and typical tank habits or behaviors, but he can also access the most minute details the next owner will need to establish a successful home environCONTINUED ON PAGE 22Y

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ment. The labyrinth of tanks are stacked (with space in-between) in what may be considered the showroom, while a sophisticated quarantine area operates in a remote section.

“Whenever anyone is caring for a living creature, you have to make plans for the worst case scenario, and in this case, that involves treating a sick fish which could make others ill,” Morris explains.

Morris has a strong support network which includes his parents as well as business partner Tyler Hoke.

He has also formed bonds with others who share his passion, have a variety of experiences in the field, and have freely shared their knowledge with him.

“We are very close to providing our customers with 24- hour service and prefer to give our customers the time they need by offering one-on-one consultations. Our loyal customers

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will travel up to 2 hours to come here.”

Although Morris had originally started out with a different career path, he explained, “This became the plan, so I’m now dedicated to making it work.”

Perfectly at ease hand feeding a cat shark, Morris is able to share facts about the species while pointing out common mistakes a first-time owner of marine fish may be prone to making. “We can take the time to make sure our customers are well aware of the amount of care a fish will need, and we are realistic about the size it will grow to. We want both the fish and the owner to be successful, not just make a sale.”

Overboard Aquatics is located at 190 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro and open by appointment only. They can be reached by calling (716) 427-FISH or email goingoverboard845@gmail .com. Currently, the website www. overboardaquatics.com is under construction.

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Bill Morris makes sure his customers know everything they need to before purchasing a fish at Overboard Aquatics.

APRIL, 2016

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

China City of America Meets with Sullivan County Local Government Officers, Organization Leaders and Business Owners and its Planning and Development Partners Welcoming its Chinese Business Partner to Discuss Details on Moving Forward on The Thompson Education Center Project Last month, China City of America’s management met with its planning and development team to discuss the details to move forward on the Thompson Education Center, located in Sullivan County, NY. The meeting was successful and productive and that the project is ready to move forward sooner than expected. The partial panel who attended consisted of the following specialists: Mark Baez, President/CEO and Christopher Lockwood, Marketing Outreach Coordinator of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development were in attendance to support the project. The Sullivan County Partnership is an organization dedicated to economic growth in Sullivan County.

John J. Privitera of Privitera, McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams, P.C. – Mr. Privitera is the land use attorney on the project. He is active in all areas of environmental law including land use, environmental litigation, regulatory affairs, compliance matters, hazardous waste and natural resource damages.

Stephen L. Bills, VP of Lechase Construction – Lechase Construction is the General Contractor on the project. Lechase offers extensive experience in a wide range of industries. Lechase is an expert on education/campus projects. They strive to build facilities for students that are conducive to learning. Experience ranges from dormitories to medical research buildings to student centers.

They have completed over 400 higher education projects. Their client list consists of the top universities such as Colgate, Duke, Syracuse and Binghamton.

Mary Beth Bianconi, Senior Project Manager and John K. Brust, Principal of Delaware Engineering – Ms. Bianconi and Mr. Brust is the engineer team specializing in wastewater engineering and water treatment. They are skilled in meeting the infrastructure and environmental challenges faced by communities and private businesses by working closely with clients from project inception through long-term operations.

Tom Cusack, Principal of Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc – Mr. Cusack is the project manager overseeing ground-water supply/water well excavation. He is an expert in aquifer protection, regional and management, environmental assessments, and environmental contamination investigations. He has managed geologic and hydrogeologic evaluations of several of the largest water-supply developments for commercial and residential developments in Southeastern New York State and Connecticut.

Vincent A. Pietrzak, Engineer of Pietrzak & Pfau – Mr. Pietrzak is an experienced professional land surveyor and engineer specializing in the New York and New Jersey areas. He brings to this project extensive experience with agency permit applications, design/build applications along with all other aspects instrumental in surveying, engineering, wetlands, design and construction.

Jose Lara, Chief Construction Officer – Mr. Lara is the construction manager and handles all communication with the joint construction management teams. He supervises general contractors and subcontractors while overseeing the project’s construction activities. He is responsible for the project site management.

Tom Decker, Construction Manager – Mr. Decker works together with Mr. Lara as construction manager. He is an experienced local contractor located in Sullivan County. He handles all of the daily communication and activities with the teams.

At the end of March, China City of America hosted another luncheon with its professional teams, government officers and local business and organization leaders, to welcome its visiting Chinese business partner. They all came to show their support to China City and its education center program.

Dan Meske, DeLuxe Building System - Mr. Meske is responsible for overseeing the production of the modular buildings at the Thompson Education site. DeLuxe has more than 50 years of systems-built construction experience and a proven record in the region of Sullivan County.

Dan Ionescu, Principal of Dan Ionescu Architects – Mr. Ionescu has extensive architectural and design experience in the leisure industry including hotels and casinos. He was the principal in charge for the submission of the design proposal for the redevelopment of the New York City Coliseum at Columbus Circle. His work has published in various international architectural publications and the national press.

Kenneth Wersted, Project Manager of Creighton Manning Engineering – Mr. Wersted is responsible for planning and surveying traffic impact and overseeing the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. Previous projects completed were the development of several charter schools and the expansion of education and residence halls at several colleges across the state. These colleges include Cornell University, University at Albany, and SUNY Oswego.

Herb Clark, Vice President of Sullivan County Visitors Association – Mr. Clark and the Sullivan County Visitors Association work closely with the China City Team on local events for the residents of Sullivan County.

Barbi Neumann-Marty – Ms. Marty is the Unit Director at the Boys & Girls Club for traditional programs in Sullivan County. Previously, she was the Program Leader of the Monticello Boys & Girls Club from 2009- 2012. Barbi’s focus is providing youth with activities and experiences to promote their social and emotional growth by offering a safe and supportive alternative after school program. China City supports the Boys & Girls Club, making fresh vegetable and meat deliveries throughout the year.

Dawn Ciorciari, NY Region Director of Sales of Thunder 102 – Ms. Ciorciari and Thunder 102 work with China City of America on several charity events throughout the year. Both Thunder 102 and China City support many programs and resources for the residents of Sullivan County.

Gary & Judy Siegel, CD Trips, LLC – Mr. and Mrs. Siegel are third generation residents in Sullivan County. CD Trips is the biggest travel agent in Sullivan County, it offers personal guides, safe and reliable transportation and on board entertainment, including visiting historic sites, casinos, outlets, New York City tours, etc. CD Trips welcomes and supports the education center program and feels it can benefit the local community. China City of America would like to work with CD trips to take its students to NYC and show them around.

John Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of Woodstock Aircraft Services – Specializing in Piper Fuel Tank Repair and Leading Edge Skylight® Landing Light Kits. Its main repair shop and staging facility for overseas shipping are located at the Sullivan County International Airport (MSV). China City of America would like to build a business relationship with Woodstock in the future.

Sherry Li, CEO, China City of America stated, “The team showed such enthusiasm and excitement for our project to begin, not only have we secured jobs for the construction of the facility but the future increase in employment and the potential for surrounding businesses to thrive is tremendous.”

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Franklin Trapp, Producer of Forestburgh Playhouse – the Forestburgh Playhouse is the oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre in New York State. The Forestburgh Playhouse operates during the summers and offers 3 different types of performance experiences including Broadway musicals, a youth theatre production, and musical cabaret performances. China City of America would love to invite this group of great professional artists to the education center to share their stage performance experiences with their students.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

APRIL, 2016

Award-Winning Advertising Award-Winning Journalism The Sullivan County Democrat is proud to announce ITS FIVE New York Press Association Awards for Excellence

Best Special Section Advertising

First Place Muti-Advertiser pages

Third Place Best Real Estate Section Honorable Mention News Story Dan Hust

Celebrating 125 years of Community Journalism

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

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