Young Professionals 2015

TAKE ONE FREE

A special section of the SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT April 10, 2015 • Section Y • Callicoon, NY

‘FEATURING 17 UP AND COMERS IN OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY’

ProfessionalsYoung

2Y YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT APRIL, 201521

674

RESTAURANT

ASIAN BISTROPersonalize Your Dish

Asian Cuisine • Sushi

Best Sushi Master In This AreaBest Asian Food

Cocktail BarEat In Or Take Out

Best Taste And Healthy,No MSG Added

TAKE OUT

DINE IN

Mon-Sat 11am - 10 pmSun 12 pm - 9:30 pm

512 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701

845.707.4233

APRIL, 2015 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS 3Y

Linda Cheng

Phone (845) 647-4800 • (800) 4 COOMBE

www.coombebender.com • Email: [email protected]

Investment AdvisorsCreating and Preserving Wealth

Philip Coombe III, CFP®

Catherine Bender, CFP®

Lynn McDonald

Office locations:Main Office:

P.O. Box 333 / 6872 Rte 209, Wawarsing, NY 12489

548 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701

Call for appointment

2407

7

To All Our Young Professionals,

Congratulations on a job well done!You are Sullivan County’s

Future Leaders!

Ed Sykes

To All Our Young Professionals,

Congratulations on a job well done!You are Sullivan County’s

Future Leaders!

Ed Sykes

2756

5

Young Professionals‘Featuring 17 up and comers in our business community’

Published byCatskill-Delaware Publications, Inc.

Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723

April 10, 2015 • Vol. CXXIV, No. 85

Publisher: Fred W. Stabbert III Senior Editor: Dan Hust Editor: Frank Rizzo Sports Editor: Ken Cohen Editorial Assistants: Jeanne Sager, Kaitlin Carney, Kathy Daley, Guy Harriton, Allison Ruef, Alex Rau, Matt Shortall

Advertising Director: Liz Tucker Advertising Coordinator: Sandy Schrader Advertising Representatives: Cecilia Lamy, Barbara Matos Marketing Director: Tera Luty Business Manager: Susan Owens Business Department: Patricia Biedinger, Joanna Blanchard Telemarketing Coordinator: Michelle Reynolds Classified Manager: Janet Will Production Associates: Ruth Huggler, Tracy Swendsen, Rosalie Mycka, Elizabeth Finnegan, Petra Duffy, Nyssa Calkin Distribution: Bill Holmes, Thomas Duffy

BY MATT SHORTALL

L inda Cheng is only 23 and she’salready the manager of her ownrestaurant, Soy Asian Cuisine,

which opened at 512 Broadway inMonticello last July.

The eatery is a melding of differentAsian cultures and cuisines. The dish-es take inspiration from different Chi-nese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines.Cheng created the menu with helpfrom her head chef and Sushi ChefJackie, who was trained in the culi-nary arts at famous sushi spots likeNobu and Masa.

Soy’s signature sushi dishes includethe Tempura Dragon Roll (shrimptempura topped with avocado eelsauce), or the Fashion Roll (lightlyfried spicy tuna, crabmeat, creamcheese, avocado topped with Masago,scallions, spicy aioli and eel sauce).

Cheng is originally from Whitestonein Queens. She went to school at PennState and majored in hospitality.

Cheng could not help fall in lovewith the restaurant business, comingfrom a family involved with food. Herparents are in the distribution busi-ness, and her sister May is the manag-er of her own restaurant in Hunting-ton, Long Island.

“I wanted to take it up as a chal-lenge,” said Cheng, “so I came up hereto give it a shot.”

The building where Soy is situated

sat empty for a year or two, havingbeen a Chinese buffet eatery.

“It’s a nice community to live in,”said Cheng of her adopted village,“but I can see that the people coulduse some help.” Soy employs about 20different people.

“I have a business mindset and I justwant to grow in life in general,” saidCheng.

Cheng’s family originates from

China, specifically Fuzhou, a coastalcity, whose cultural cuisine special-izes in soups and seafoods.

With summertime just around thecorner, Cheng is preparing for theinflux of new customers.

“We’re making changes to the menuand just waiting for the crowds,” shesaid.

For information or reservations,contact Soy at 707-4233.

Manager • Soy Asian Cuisine

Soy AsianCuisine,located at512 Broadway,Monticello,will becelebrating itsfirst-yearanniversary inJuly.

STORY AND PHOTO BY MATT SHORTALL

Jared Kaufman’s office reflects a lifewell-lived, with many friends andhobbies. Besides lots of Yankee

baseball memorabilia and photo-graphs, a pair of caribou antlers hangsmounted on his office wall.

Kaufman is a sales and service repre-sentative at PN Alarm on North Streetin Monticello. He designs and installscamera and security systems for resi-dential and commercial clients.

“You meet a lot of interesting peoplein this line of work,” said Kaufman.“We have a lot of wealthy and well-known clients who I won’t name, butwho do a lot of business with us.”

PN Alarm was founded by Jared’sgrandfather, Norman Kaufman, and iscurrently managed by his father,Steven L. Kaufman.

“Some of my best memories on thejob are of working with my grandfa-ther,” said Kaufman. “He’s a great guy.”

The Monticello native graduatedfrom Monticello HS in 1996 and

earned a degree inbusiness adminis-tration fromSUNY New Paltzbefore enteringthe family busi-ness.

Though beingpart of a three-generation firmremains his primary focus, Kaufmandid admit that, “I want to becomemore involved in the community. Ihave no interest in politics, but I aminvolved in fundraising for differentorganizations throughout the county.”

Kaufman enjoys what SullivanCounty has to offer, especially the out-doors.

“People ask ‘Why do you still live inSullivan County? There is nothing todo.’ I look at them and say ‘Why wouldI move out of Sullivan County?’ I try tospend as much of my time outside. Inthe spring time I can’t wait to go for thefirst run, play my first round of golf orhop on my bike and ride around thecounty. We have some the best golf

courses in the state right here inSullivan County. Even in the fall I lovegoing hiking and look at the fall foliage.So when somebody asks me whySullivan County, I tell them ‘Whynot?’ ”

Jared likes to travel, including toFlorida and Israel, and attend concertsat Bethel Woods Center for the Arts,where his wife Julie (neé Goodman) isthe marketing director. The couplehave two Golden Retrievers, “Javah”and “Sophie.”

This past February the couple were

co-chairs of the annual WVOS/WSULHeart-A-Thon. They represented theentire Kaufman family in making adonation of $15,000 to the CatskillRegional Medical Center’s BirthingUnit in memory of David and ShirleyKaufman. Jared’s great uncle and greataunt were closely associated with theHeart-A-Thon. David was brother toNorman, who founded PN Alarm withwife Phyllis.

Asked about his work, Kaufmananswered: “The most fulfilling aspectof my job is knowing that my grand-parents worked so hard to establishthis business over 55 years ago and Iam blessed to be a part of it.

“I look forward to seeing our fami-ly’s legacy being passed down fromgeneration to generation for manyyears to come. Knowing that we arekeeping other families and businessessafe and secure gives me great satis-faction. Being that it is a third genera-tion business, it makes separatingbusiness and pleasure a bit challeng-ing, but that’s something that goeswith the territory.”

For info about PN Alarm call 794-6133 email [email protected] or visit www.pnalarm.com.

Jared KaufmanSales/Service Representative • PN Alarm

Jared Kaufman is the third generation mem-ber of the Kaufman family involved with PNAlarm.

Jeff Sanitation, Inc.– RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE SERVICE –

Rubish Removal - Dumpsters Available10, 15, 20, 30 & 40 yd. Rolloffs Available

P.O. Box 387Jeffersonville, NY 12748 (845) 482-0926

2694

4

CongratulationsJared

on yourwell-deserved

recognitionas an

up and comingyoung emerging

professional.

We areso proudof you!

Love,Mom & Dad,Cousin Steven

and Your Friends at P.N. Alarm

2779

1

27813




R obbie Green has been workingwith his father Robert S. Greenat Robert Green Chevrolet in

Monticello since he was 14. “I’vegrown up with this business,” saidGreen.

Still three years shy of 30, he’s vicepresident of the firm started by hisgrandfather (also named Robert) in1972 and employing some 80 employ-ees spread across four buildings off ofRoute 17’s Exit 107.

Green paid his dues climbing thecorporate ladder. He started out in theparts department before moving onto servicing vehicles. When he gradu-ated from Monticello HS, he went tocollege at the University at Albany,earning a degree in business andfinance. When he came back, Greenhit the floor as a salesman, soon afterbeing promoted to general manager.

“Work never stops,” he said whiletyping out an email on his phone.

He gave a tour of their four build-ings spread down Bridgeville Road inMonticello.

Robert Green Chevrolet does a lotmore than just sell cars. They servicecommercial vehicles from all over thenortheast. They upfit trucks and sellthem to other dealerships.

When it comes to commercial vehi-cles, it’s all about retainment.

“I have a guy in Maine who I sold atruck three years ago,” said Green. “Isold the same guy another truck sixmonths ago, and then I sold himanother two trucks last week.”

Securing good business relation-ships with commercial businessesmeans return customers.

“This is a high pressure business,”said Green. “I work a lot of hours.Yesterday I started at 4 a.m. and I did-n’t get home until 8:15 p.m.”

“We work really well together,” saidGreen. “I get to see a lot of other fam-ily businesses and see how they inter-act. We have a truck right now we’reoutfitting for Fair Acre Farms, forexample. So I get to meet these otherfamily business people and see howthey interact with each other. My dadand I, we interact very well, and westand by each other.”

Besides managing the empire thatRobert Green Chevrolet has become,Green has been involved with theRock Hill Fire Department since hewas in high school. He’s a Lieutenantin the department now, trying to jug-gle his day job with responding to firecalls.

For now, life is too busy for Robbieto think of anything other than theday ahead of him, but he plans on

staying on at Robert Green and con-tinuing to expand on the business hisfather and grandfather built into oneof the most impressive dealerships inthe region.

The dealership also includes aChrysler, Dodge and Jeep divisionand a commercial truck division. It islocated at 236 Bridgeville Rd.,Monticello. Call 796-4880 or visitwww.robertgreenchevrolet.com.

Robbie Greenwith Chevrolet’ssignature car, the2015 CorvetteStingray convertible.

27215

Congratulations On Everyone’sWell Deserved Recognition!

E. DANIELLE JOSE

17 ST. JOHN STREET, MONTICELLO, NEW YORK 12701(845) 791-7800

FAX (845) 791-5923

www.riccianijose.com

ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS

AT LAW

JACQUELINE RICCIANI

RICCIANI & JOSE, LLP

2654

9

Robbie Green Vice President • Robert Green Chevrolet

STORY AND PHOTO BY MATTSHORTALL

M egan Kitson used to visither grandparents at theRoscoe Regional Rehabil-

itation & Residential Health CareFacility, but she never thought she’dbe working there herself.

Kitson grew up in Callicoon andgraduated from Delaware ValleyCentral School in 1998 and contin-ued her education at Mount SaintMary’s College in Newburgh.

She went back to school andearned a nursing degree at SullivanCounty Community College in 2012.

She’s been working at the Roscoefacility for just over two years.

“When they first hired me here Ithought this would just be a step-ping stone to something better,”said Kitson, “But after a while I justkind of fell into place and realizedwhat a nice facility it is.”

The privately-run facility offerslong-term care with access to skillednursing, as well as “respite services”for family caregivers who need ashort break from intensive caregiv-ing.

“It’s really like a big family here,”said Kitson. “When I take a few daysoff and go away, I find that I’m miss-

For Megan Kitson, Roscoe Regional Rehabilitation and Residential Health Care is a perfectfit for her nursing skills.


It’s nice for other peopleto see

how wonderful you are.

CongratulationsMegan!


Love,Aunt Anna& Aunt Marie

2754

8

There is no elevator to success; you have to take the stairs.

Megan & Regina,We have been fortunate to have you both in our lives

and recognize your hard work and dedication to your professions.

You’re both a true inspiration to young women from Sullivan Countyand will continue to demonstrate these leadership qualities in the future.

Let’s celebrate your many accomplishments soon!

Love, Mary Kate, Tera,Kristen & Laura

2771

4

Megan KitsonRegistered Nurse• Roscoe Regional Rehabilitation & Residential Health Care Facility


Do your children attend a high quality child care program?

Call us today to find out more.

- - - -

CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENCY

2518

3

Call us today and be sure!

5.062"; 2.5"; 1; -; Display Ad; Black; Server Files:Pre 1 DisplayPDFs:25616.pdf; 537; No; No; No; WWW.landscapetrailers.comCorp

LICENSE NOS. 257& 452

BRIAN KITSON MATT KITSON JOHN KITSON

845-482-3384“Unsurpassed Quality”

27221


From Mom and Dad,Brian, Matthew and John

Roscoe RegionalRehabilitation Residential

Health Care Facility

420 Rockland Rd., Roscoe, NY

&Wishes to Thank

Megan Kitson, RNFor Her Service,Commitmentand Professionalism

2731

3

landscapetrailers.comParts • Accessories • Landscape • Car Trailers, Cargo & Dump Trailers.

We stock most brakes, tires and wheel bearings, etc. Embroidery & T-Shirt Screen Printing

We Fill Propane Tanks(845) 292-1467

Open Tues.-Sat. 9am-6pm

601 Harris Rd./Ferndale, New York 12734

25616

TRAILER SALES&Service434-5051

Congratulations Young Professionals

2776

3

Sullivan County’s Own...Locally Raised...

See Our Website For More Information murrayschicken.com

5190 Main StreetS. Fallsburg, N.Y.

845-434-5051800-770-6347

ing the residents.”“It’s a very commu-

nity based atmos-phere,” she added.

For Kitson the bestpart of the job isbeing able to reha-bilitate patients andgive them back theirindependence. “It’sgreat that not all the residents arelong-term,” said Kitson. “A lot of res-idents we get to rehabilitate and seethem walk out the door and backinto their lives.”

The job can come with a lot ofresponsibility since Kitson is a regis-tered nurse. Sometimes on theweekend night shifts she’ll be incharge of the entire building.

“It’s a little strange when you’re justout of college and you’ve neverworked any job before for them to be

like ‘Oh, here’s themaster key to thebuilding, goodluck!’ ” said Kit-son.

“We do almosteverything theydo in a hospital,”said Kitson. “Wedo IV care, wound

care, physical therapy, medicationadministration…”

For Kitson, Roscoe Regional Reha-bilitation and Residential HealthCare is more than just a nursinghome, it’s a community institution.You get to know the people almostas if they were your own family.

“It’s such a great facility here”, saidKitson. “I would feel confidentbringing my own family here know-ing that they would be taken careof.”

“It’s really like abig family here.

When I take a few daysoff and go away, I find

that I’m missing theresidents.”


Gene,we are so proud!

As Dr. Burns you have been the answer tomy prayers several times when dealingwith Uncle Sam’s illness.

God Bless you... Grandma and Grandpa.

Sam & Fran Kurpil

2729

5

Great WorkDr. Gene

Love from Aunts:Cindy, Christina, Jennifer

and Uncles:Stefan, Donnie, Tom and Mike

Gieger, Jones, Diehl and Kurpil Families

2737

0

Gene,Gene,We congratulate you on becoming theYoung Professional you set out to be.Your hard work and dedication to Pharmacyis appreciated by those you serve andCallicoon is lucky to have you.

We are so proud of you !!

Love,Mom, Dad, Kathleen & Meg

2749

0

Dr. Gene Burns shows how the design of Riverside Remedies’ pharmacy counter allows formore interaction between the pharmacist and customer.


39 Lower Main St. Callicoon, NY 12723Ph 845-887-3030 Fax 845-887-3179

Hours M-F 8:30-6 Sat 9-3

Caring for our Community shop local spend local

Prescriptions Compounding Custom Medications Over the Counter Needs Local & Regional Products

Gifts & Toys Housewares Health & Beauty

Thanks Gene! Keep up the good work!Thanks Gene! Keep up the good work!

Thanks Gene! Keep up the good work!

Thanks Gene! Keep up the good work!

Congratulations to Gene!We are so happy to have you here!

from All of Us at

Dr. Maureen WhippleProviding Quality dentistry for the entire family,including cosmetic dentisitry, crowns, bridges,

implants, dentures, and we area preferred provider of INVISALIGN

Office hours by appointmentwww.drwhippledentistry.com

Offices at

One Fairchild Pl.

Monticello, NY 12701

(845) 794-6423

20 Gregory Street,

Callicoon, NY 12723

(845) 887-6423

2732

2

STORY AND PHOTO BY FRED STABBERT III

Dr. Gene Burns is a healthcareprofessional drawn betweentwo worlds. On the one hand

he embraces the technology which ismaking his job more effective andefficient and helping to keep track ofan ever-changing field. On the other,he still loves the personal touch alocal pharmacist can provide and theinteraction with customers who needadvice and help with their personalhealthcare needs.

The 26-year-old doctor is a 2006graduate of Liberty Central Schoolwho first thought that engineeringmight be his calling because of hislove of math and science.

“My dad said what you should real-ly look at is healthcare,” Gene said.

So the Liberty High School seniorasked his mom, Julie Burns, if hecould go to work with her. At thetime, Julie was a pharmacist atCatskill Regional Medical Center.

“Being a pharmacist at a hospital isreally exciting stuff,” Gene said.“From emergency care, to operative,to chemotherapy, to checking charts,

there is a lot going on every day.“It was so cool to see so many appli-

cations,” he said. “It really pointedme in the right direction.”

From there Gene enrolled in AlbanyCollege of Pharmacy, one of the pre-mier pharmaceutical colleges in NewYork State, which has a six-year pro-gram of study.

In 2012 he earned his degree,passed the rigorous boards andreturned to Sullivan County as one of35 registered pharmacists in thecounty.

“I have roots here, my family hasbeen here forever… and I like thesummers,” Burns said of his return to

2739

2

Dr. Gene Burns

Please see BURNS, page 17Y

Supervising Pharmacist • Riverside Remedies

845-794-6639Ask for Les or Gene

Kristt Company featuringKyocera TASKalfa &Ecosys color

1569

6

Give the world the best you have, and the best will come to you!

27561


Richard GlissonDirector of Marketing • Monticello Casino and Raceway, Empire Resorts

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALLISON RUEF

Like many Sullivan County resi-dents, Richard Glisson camehere from somewhere else –

Augusta, Georgia, to be exact. Whichis why he finds it ironic and ratherperfect that as o u t h e r n e rfrom the deepsouth justbought his firsthome on Yan-kee Lake.

Glisson cameto SullivanCounty in 2010to, in his words,“take advantageof an opportu-nity” as theDirector of Mar-keting at Monti-cello Casinoand Raceway,Empire Resorts.Five years later,he says “I foundwhere I want tobe and what Iwant to do –right here inSullivan Coun-ty. I get paid tohelp peoplehave fun and create world class expe-riences. What could be better thanthat?”

Before coming to Sullivan County,Glisson was responsible for establish-ing the marketing department at thethen brand-new Rivers Casino in Pitts-burgh, Pa. That position came aboutfrom his gaming career in the southwhere he worked his way up from amedia buyer at Pearl River Resort to anevent and marketing coordinator on ariver boat casino for Horizons Resorts& Casinos. Glisson holds both a bach-elor’s and master’s degree in SouthernStudies from the University of Missis-sippi and studied Casino Marketing atTulane University.

Glisson, who turned 34 on April 8th,is one of Sullivan County’s biggestcheerleaders. “For too long, SullivanCounty residents have accepted that

we have to be last in things – health,job creation, growth. I don’t thinkthat’s true. The challenges of our pastdon’t have to be the obstacles of ourfuture. This is a place worth fightingfor. If we want to get better, we will getbetter.”

When he’s not promoting the casinoand raceway, Glisson is busy servinghis community. He is a Sullivan Coun-ty Visitors Association Board mem-ber, a member of the Town ofMamakating Planning Board and anactive member in the Yankee LakeHome Owners Association. The onlynegative opinion he has of his newhome is of the cold weather, althoughhe says he’s trying to “embrace” thesnow.

Glisson says moving here was agamble, the perfect analogy for some-one in his line of business. “I took achance and came to Sullivan Countyand in the end I was lucky – I goteverything I hoped for and more,” hesaid. “My journey speaks volumes.You have to be willing to take achance, adapt and be flexible. If I cando it, anyone can.”

Richard Glisson believes that “the challenges of our past don’t have tobe the obstacles of our future.”



Lou Formato has always been aself-professed motorhead. Hegets it from his father, Dominic,

who was a truck driver before heretired and became a Mustang enthu-siast. These days, Formato has found away to turn work into play by becom-ing the head marketing director atM&M Auto Group in Liberty.

Formato diplomatically describeshimself as an “American car guy,” andhe stays loyal to Ford, driving an F150pickup truck.

Formato is originally from FreshMeadows in Queens, but his familymoved to Roscoe, where he graduatedfrom high school in 2002. He receiveda degree in marketing from SUNYOneonta in 2006.

When it comes to marketing, Forma-to likes to take an unconventionalapproach.

“It’s all about a concept called ‘top of

mind’ marketing,” he explained.“When you think about burgers andfries, for example, most people’s mindsautomatically go to McDonalds,because that’s a company that’s syn-onymous with the product. We want tobe the same way. When it comes tocars, trucks, or ATVs, we want all ofthem to be synonymous with M&M.”

Not only is Formato the marketingdirector for M&M’s regular vehicles,he’s also promoting M&M’s sports-man collection of ATVs , as well asRocky Ridge and Polaris vehicles.

M&M does a lot of local event adver-tising and community outreach proj-ects, such at their M&M Mega Ticketpromotion in conjuction with BethelWoods Center for the arts.

Formato was out at the King of theIce fishing tournament this year,handing out hand warmers in negative30 degree weather, courtesy of the Sul-

Please see FORMATO, page 13Y

DRIVE. FORWARD.

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

www.MMAutoGroup.com 845.292.3500 LIBERTY, NY

Congratulations to our ver y own Lou Formato. YOU’RE THE CADILLAC

OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN SULLIVAN COUNTY.

.MMAutoGrwwwTTENTION • FAATPERSONAL

oup.com 845.292.3500 .MMAutoGrYEARS • LARGEST DEALER GROUP IN SULLIVY OWNED FOR 25 AMILLYFFA

oup.com 845.292.3500 YEARS • LARGEST DEALER GROUP IN SULLIV

NY,TYY, LIBERAN COUNTYOUP IN SULLIVVA

2571

9

TTENTION • FTTENTION • FAAATATPERSONAL PERSONAL

.MMAut.MMAut.MMAutwwwwww

YEAYEAYEAY OWNED FOR 25 Y OWNED FOR 25 AMILAMILLYLYFFFAFA

oup.com 8oup.com 8oup.com 8toGrtoGrtoGr

ARS • LARGEST DEALER GROARS • LARGEST DEALER GROARS • LARGEST DEALER GRO

845.292.3500 845.292.3500 845.292.3500 845.292.3500

AAOUOUOUOU VAVVAVA

NY NY,,TYTYY,YY,LIBERLIBER Y,Y,NNVVVV COUCOUNTNTYYP INP INP INP IN SUSUSUSULLILLILLILLIVVVVVAVVVAUP IN SULLIVUP IN SULLIVUP IN SULLIVVAVVAN COUNTY

You’ve provided loyalty, integrity and intelligenceto those who’ve known you, both personally

and professionally,for as long as we can remember.

It’s no wonder you’re being recognizedas the young business professional of Sullivan County.

We couldn’t be more proud!

Lou,

Tanti Auguri!All our love,Mom, Dad, Anne and Dom

2737

3

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

- Winston Churchill

Lou FormatoMarketing Director• M&M Auto Group


Mike Preis, Inc.Insurance Agency

REGINA,Thank you for

serving our countryand for your

daily dedicationand professionalism

as a member ofthe Mike Preis Team!

Auto ~ Home ~ Business

Life ~ Annuities ~ Long Term Care

Group Life & Health

Individual Accident

& Sickness Policies

Callicoon (845) 887-4210Jeffersonville (845) 482-5510

Roscoe (607) 498-4301

www.mikepreis.com

27290

Congratulations Regina!Best Wishes!

Love, Matt, Debbie, Jake & Sean

Best Wishes!

Love, Matt, Debbie, Jake & Sean

2736

9

Congratulations

Regina!Love,

Mom, Mike, Ray, Tara,David, Colleen & Kerry

2763

1

We are allso proud of youand all of your

accomplishments!We wish you nothing

but the bestand are all excited

to see how faryour hardwork and

dedicationwill bring you!

Great Work,Regina!

from all your friends at

SULLIVANOVERHEAD DOORS

10 Creekside Dr., Jeffersonville, NY 12748

845-482-3277

2777

4

Regina Coulter Personal lines account manager• Mike Preis Insurance

Regina Coulterof Mike PreisInsurance is athome with smalltown life. Shereturned to thearea afterserving inKuwait duringthe Iraq conflict.


CONGRATULATIONS REGINAon all your hard work and achievements

Love, PatrickPat MurphyOwner/Operator

Murph’s MowingQuality Affordable Lawn Care

(845) 707-3014

PO Box 343

Jeffersonville, NY 12748

[email protected]

2735

0

5.062"; 2.5"; 1; -; Display Ad; Black; Server Files:Pre 1 DisplayPDFs:27578.pdf; 537; No; No; No; Lee Mall Plumbing & HeatingLee H. Mall

Plumbing & Heating Inc.Family Owned & Operated

Over 30 Years of ExperienceNew Installation • Re-Modeling • Modular Homes • Service Work

• DEC licensed for Well Water Pumps • Radiant Heating • Wood & Coal Boilers• Full Line of Wolverine Brass Faucets in Stock • Underground Repairs

Phone & Fax 845-482-5424

Jeffersonville, NY 12748

27578

Congratulations to Bill Chellis & Regina Coulter and all the honorees!

livan County Conservation Club. “Wetry to support the communitybecause at the end of the day they’rewhat supports us,” said Formato.

When he’s not at the office or atsome local community event,Formato enjoys hiking, riding hisfour-wheelers and ATV, hunting, and

skeet shooting.“If it’s got anything to do with the

outdoors, engines or guns, I’m prob-ably interested,” said Formato.

When it comes to work, Formatolives by the words of legendary UCLACoach John Wooden: “If you don’thave time to do it right, when will youhave time to do it over?”

For info call 292-3500 or visithttp://www.mmautogroup.com.

STORY AND PHOTO BY MATTSHORTALL

Regina Coulter has worked atMike Preis Insurance for fiveyears now and she’s never for-

gotten why she started workingthere in the first place: the people.

She is a personal lines accountmanager and handles lines of insur-ance such as home, auto, boat, ATV,condo, and others. “I do a lot ofmotorcycle insurance,” saidCoulter. “The first day of springwhen it’s nice outside is when I startseeing motorcycles everywhere.”

Working in Jeffersonville, you runinto the same faces a lot. ButCoulter is used to the small towncharm. She grew up in Hankins andwas in the next to last class to grad-uate from Delaware Valley CentralSchool in Callicoon (in 2002; the lastgraduating class was in 2003).

Following graduation, Coulterwent straight into the army. Herdad, Artie, was in the navy for manyyears.

“I kind of wanted to follow in mydad’s footsteps,” said Coulter. “Itwas scary, at first, but it was reallythe best time of my life.”

Coulter was stationed in Kuwaitduring the Iraq conflict as a Patriotmissile specialist. Luckily forCoulter, her deployment wasn’t asperilous as she expected. “We weresupposed to cross over into Iraq, butwe never went. We just stayed inKuwait,” she said.

After getting out of the military in

August, 2005, Coulter returned toSullivan County to work as an assis-tant to an oral surgeon inMonticello. “As it turns out, oral sur-gery is completely different from fir-ing missiles,” chuckled Coulter.

By 2010 she wanted a career thatshe knew she was going to stay inand the local agency, owned byDave Bodenstein and a fixture fordecades in our area, beckoned.

“My favorite part about workinghere is interacting with the clients,”said Coulter.

“I like seeing the same peopleeveryday when you walk down thestreet and they stop and say ‘Hey,how are you?’ ” said Coulter.

She’d like to continue working atMike Preis and expand her level ofknowledge and expertise by takingprofessional classes in her insur-ance field.

Outside of work, Coulter enjoyshiking and movies, and spendingtime with her two nieces, Colleen, 3,and Kerry, 4. She is a member of theAmerican Legion and Veterans ofForeign Wars, and though not a fire-fighter, volunteers at JeffersonvilleFire Department functions.

After traveling halfway around theworld and working in several fields,Coulter believes she’s finally foundher niche. “It will be five years thisJuly that I’ve been working at MikePreis,” said Coulter. “I love it and Iplan on being here for a good longtime.”

For info, call Coulter at 482-5510or email [email protected].

Lou Formato with one ofFord’s signature and classiccars – the Mustang.

FORMATO: CONTINUED FROM 11Y

STORY BY DAN HUST

ou could say hard work is inTravis O’Dell’s blood.

He’s the sixth generation of hisfamily to run what is known as theMilk Homestead, a 100-acre farm sit-ting astride a Catskills ridge just northof Long Eddy.

“My mother was a Milk,” he explains.“The house was built in the 1850s, andthe farm and family have kept me inthe area.”

Now raising his own family withinthat same house, Travis is invested inthe land and local life like few other 30-year-olds.

“There is opportunity here if youwant it,” he affirms.

He’s certainly found it.A graduate of Roscoe Central School

and SUNY Cobleskill (where he earneda bachelor’s of technology in wildlifemanagement), Travis has built animpressive resumé spanning not justthe state but the country.

He’s worked at the Rocky MountainBird Observatory in Colorado as a

waterbird field technician, spendingmuch of the time in South Dakota con-ducting surveys to develop a waterbirdmanagement program there.

He’s studied wetlands and waterfowlin Chantilly, Virginia and Nanuet, NY.He’s even been a park ranger for the NYDept. of Environmental Conservation.

But such surveys and studies tend tobe seasonal, so for four years, he didcarpentry. It was good but physicallypunishing work.

Perhaps his most challenging job,however, was the one he took as theUpper Delaware Council’s ResourceSpecialist.

“It fit more with my college degreethan carpentry did,” he noted drily.

But it required Travis to draw onevery skill he’d acquired, from prepar-ing technical reports to dealing withthe public to maintaining the UDC’swebsite.

Two-and-a-half-years in, he’sbecome a trusted go-to guy on landuse, zoning and planning issues in theUpper Delaware River Valley – not justwith the UDC, but with individuals,businesses, and local, state and federalgovernments (the river corridor, over-seen by the National Park Service,spans New York and Pennsylvania).

The challenge is not only to coordi-nate studies and grants but to get theinvolved groups to collaborate onsometimes very sensitive issues.

“It can be contentious,” Travisadmits of the inherent tensionbetween conservation and develop-ment. “Sometimes it’s a fine line, butthat’s my job to strike that balance.”

Guiding him is the RiverManagement Plan, created when theUpper Delaware Scenic andRecreational River designation cameinto effect three decades ago. TheUDC, comprised of local towns andagencies, administers that plan.

“Through strong partnerships withmember towns, projects can move for-ward in ways that complement eco-nomic development and protect theunique resources in the UpperDelaware,” Travis relates.

Every case is different, he says, andhe approaches each one with a sensi-tivity born of his upbringing.

“I don’t want to be too nitpicky onprojects,” he admits, hoping to protectthe Delaware’s beauty and resourceswhile accommodating much-valuedlocal jurisdiction and development.

“No developer wants to degrade ourresources,” he explains – and you cancount Travis as one of them, as he’sguiding the family farm, high abovethe Delaware, into the 21st century.

“I’m scaling up,” he notes, expandingbeyond Icelandic lamb productioninto grass-fed beef & pastured poultry.

Wife Kayla and daughters Alynn(nine months) and Lilyana (2 years,eight months) share in the healthyfood he’s now marketing direct to con-sumers.

An avid outdoorsman, he also har-vests sustainably managed hardwoodsfor custom orders on his sawmill aspart of the family business.

Utilizing that vast skillset, Travis haslaunched himself into real estate, rep-resenting properties throughout theCatskill Mountains with ColdwellBanker Timberland Properties.

“It’s the perfect fit, from my experi-ence in land and resource manage-ment, planning, zoning and carpen-try – real estate just naturally jives.”

Travis shares his knowledge not justfor profit but also via one that’s purelyvolunteer – as president of the BasketHistorical Society in Long Eddy.

Invited to get involved due to hisfamily’s deep roots, he has become avital part of the nonprofit, including itspopular newsletter, The Echo.

So which is his favorite job?All and none of the above, in fact.“I love being a father,” Travis smiles.

“I think that’s why I’m put on this plan-et. It is amazing watching a persongrow!”

CONGRATULATIONS TRAVISWe are so proudof all youraccomplishments!

Love, Dad and Pat

2736

6

2761


Travis O’Dell Resource Specialist/Sales Associate • Upper Delaware Council/Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties

CONTRIBUTEDPHOTO

TravisO’Dell –farmer, realestatesalesper-son, landuse expert,and more.

Y


Congratulations Karlon returning to Sullivan County and establishinga successful law practice.

We are very proud of you and your inclusion in thisyears’ Young Professionals.

We wish you continued success for many years to come.

Love from your whole family.

2740

3

Karl A. BresslerAttorney & Counselor at Law

62 Main St., P.O. Box 958, Livingston Manor, NY 12758Email: [email protected]

www.KBresslerLaw.com845-439-6049 fax 845-439-6052

“Serving All Your Legal Needs.”

2772

5

STORY AND PHOTO BY KAITLIN CARNEY

K arl Bressler graduated fromLivingston Manor School asSalutatorian of the Class of

1997 and accomplished athlete –especially in the running sports. Theson of Ralph and Cynthia would goon to Hamilton College, near Utica,graduating as part of the class of2001.

Deciding to go into the field of law,Karl attended the University ofRichmond Law School in Virginia,and graduated in 2006. He wasadmitted to the bar shortly thereafter,and began practicing law inRichmond. Karl and his wifeKathleen, also a Manor graduate, gotan offer in 2011 that they could notresist.

Karl and Kathleen were about tobecome parents for the first time.After the passing of his grandmother,Mildred Bressler, Karl received a callfrom his father that would pave theroad back to Manor. Karl andKathleen were offered the familyfarm in Bethel, a place full of fondmemories for Karl and where hisfather grew up. Grandfather HermanBressler had gained renown for hiscommunity involvement and themore than 20,000 bluebird nestingboxes he had given away.

The opportunity to come back toSullivan County and keep Kathleen’shorse on their very own farm, whilehaving both sets of son Bryce’s grand-parents and their friends and familynearby, was too much for the coupleto turn down. Bryce was born inFebruary of 2011, and Bressler

opened his law office in LivingstonManor in November of the same year.

“My practice is general law, with thebulk of my work being real estate. Ialso do family court, estate planning,or anything I can help someone thatcomes to the office with,” he said.

Now a father of three, Karl is enjoy-ing practicing law in the same smalltown where he rode his bike andplayed basketball with his friends.He’s also enjoying watching Bryceand twins Lukas and Lillian play inthe woods and fields where he andhis father grew up.

“My parents and in-laws still livehere. It’s nice to know everybody, andto give back and help out the com-munity I grew up in,” he said.Kathleen also works locally as theassistant director of Student Servicesat Liberty Schools.

The family has been renovatingtheir Bethel farm on Dr. DugganRoad, one project at a time.

“My grandfather built most of thehouse, so structurally, the layout andthe structure itself are sturdy and inawesome shape,” Karl said. “We’vejust been updating it as we go along.”

As for the future of his law practice,Bressler is “committed to being inManor for the long haul. I’d like towork on the practice, keep my busi-ness here, hire young local kids tohelp in the front of the office andencourage them when they go off tocollege to learn new things.”

The Law Office of Karl Bressler canbe found at 62 Main Street inLivingston Manor, and reached bytelephone at 439-6049. You can alsocheck out www.kbresslerlaw.com.

Karl Bressler Attorney at Law • Law Office of Karl Bressler

An opportunity to raise his family on the family farm brought Karl Bressler back to SullivanCounty to practice law.


27660

Love,Rob, Ann & The Girls

We Love You Nicole!We are so proud of you & everything you have accomplished.

Keep up the good work Baby Girl!!

2775

0

YOU WERE BORN TO

DO GREAT THINGS,

AND HERE YOU ARE!

CONTINUE TO FOLLOW YOUR VERY SPECIAL PATH,

AND HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY.

WITH LOVE AND PRIDE,

MOM, GLENN, GRANDMA, GRANDPA,

BRYAN & JANE, CHRIS & ALANNA, ELENA,

ZAC & EMILY, COMPASS AND SKAT.

CONGRATULATIONS

NICOLE,

2775

1

Nicole SlevinPublic Affairs Coordinator • Cornell Cooperative Extension

STORY AND PHOTO BY DAN HUST

Cornell Cooperative Extension’sNicole Slevin packs a lot intoone title.

Marketing, social media outreach,website administration, fundraising,event planning, technology support,graphic design, writing, photography– it’s all within her role as CCE’sPublic Affairs Coordinator.

Being a jack-of-all-trades comeswith the territory, and not just forNicole.

“No one says, ‘No, that’s not myjob,’” she explains. “It’s a team. Therehas to be, because we’re serving awide array of people.”

Make that all of Sullivan County, infact. CCE’s role has evolved over itscentury of existence locally, but itremains a learning and gatheringdestination for no less than 1,000square miles.

Nicole has worked for six years inthe very heart of that effort, the GeraldJ. Skoda Extension Education Centeron Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.

She grew up just down the road inYoungsville, where she still makes herhome with her dog Compass, catSkat, ball python Dread PirateRoberts, and geckos ChinacatSunflower and Sunshine Daydream.

Her love of the natural world hasguided much of her 28 years of life,including four years spent at SUNYPlattsburgh, where she earned abachelor of arts in cultural anthro-pology and spent a semester in CapeTown, South Africa.

“I’ve always been drawn to traveland different cultures,” Nicoleexplains, even dabbling in archaeolo-gy whilst there.

A fluent speaker of Spanish, she hasvisited Mexico, the Caribbean,Senegal, Canada and soon will travelto Costa Rica.

So it’s little surprise that in 2008,after just a year at an upstate insur-ance firm, she decided upon a newadventure.

“I wanted a career change,” sheacknowledges, “and I wanted to

Nicole Slevin, Cornell CooperativeExtension’s Public Affairs Coordinator,stands amidst the beautiful flowers andtrees being carefully cultivated within CCE’snew greenhouse in Liberty.


www.woodbournelandscapesupply.com

TTRREEEESS&SSHHRRUUBBSS

845-434-6690 Fax 845-434-6691PICK UP OR DELIVERY

5858 STATE RT. 42, WOODBOURNE, NY

27834

• Mulch • Beach Sand • Decorative Stone • Bluestone • Field Stone • Cultured Stone• Landscape Fabric • Retaining Walls • Patio Pavers

• Cement Block • Coal • Wood Pellets • Grass Seed • Ballfield Clay • Much More ....

GREAT JOB, TYLER! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. - Dad

Tyler Gold

After a long cold winter, spring isin the air. Soon, WoodbourneLandscape Supply will bustle

with the business of the season. Man-ager Tyler Gold is stocking up oneverything from mulch, pavers, ballfield clay, grass seed and other land-scape items, getting ready for home-owners and professional landscapers.

But even in the off-season Tyler isbusy selling winter items such as rocksalt, calcium chloride, wood pelletsand coal. As the general manager hetakes care of everything from answer-ing the phone, meeting with cus-tomers, giving job estimates, loadingtrucks and making deliveries.

In the summer season, Tyler and hisstaff are run ragged for a few months.It’s a short season, so once the weath-er breaks everyone wants to start proj-ects immediately. “We really try hardto please our customers,” Tyler said.

Pleasing their customers meanscarrying products that customersrequest, which in turn helps theircontractor customers grow their busi-ness.

“We started carrying CambridgePavers because people asked forthem. We added a new product line oftrees and shrubs last year, too. We’regrateful that our customers sharewith us what they want – it helps usserve them better,” Tyler said.

In addition, Woodbourne LandscapeSupply carries a variety of landscapingproducts including decorative stone,mulch, cultured stone, concrete block,cement, filtration and stabilizationfabrics, grass seed, pavers, retaining

wall block, fieldstone, bluestone andmore.

Tyler is a Tri-Valley CS graduate. Heand his wife Trish enjoy the outdoorsin their off time.

“I like to snowmobile, ride motorcy-cles – anything outdoors,” he said. “Wejust built a new house and working onthat takes up a lot of our time, but ourhouse adjoins about 200 acres of land,so we like to explore it with our dogswhen we’re home.”

“I’m looking forward to the hustleand bustle of the new season,” saidTyler. “Our location is a little off thebeaten path, but somehow peoplefind us and our business keeps grow-ing, so I guess we’re doing somethingright.”

ALLISON RUEF | DEMOCRAT

Though spring and summer are the busiestseasons, Tyler Gold is busy year-round man-aging Woodbourne Landscape Supply.

General Manager • Woodbourne Landscape Supply

return home. All of my family is here.”This was no step down, however.

Nicole soon found that the Member-ships and 4-H Youth DevelopmentEvents Assistant for which she’d suc-cessfully applied required her to gaina deep understanding and mastery ofCCE’s complicated, interconnectedsystems.

“As an assistant,” she notes, “youlearn every facet of the organization... and you can do a little bit of every-thing.”

Her coworkers took notice of herambitious, can-do spirit, and withinthree years, she was a full programeducator in the Family and Con-sumer Science division, in addition toduties in marketing, technology sup-port and public relations.

Director of Communications soonfollowed, and with the addition ofleadership responsibilities infundraising, social media and inter-office tech, Nicole became PublicAffairs Coordinator in 2015.

She’s seen CCE through some of itsleanest years, an integral part of theteam that can now proudly say thenonprofit community resource isgaining back its stride, both financial-ly and physically.

Nicole’s activities aren’t restricted toCCE, however. She currently sits onSullivan Renaissance’s Steering andBilingual Advisory committees, theUpper Delaware BioBlitz SteeringCommittee, the Delaware HighlandsConservancy Board, chairs its EagleConservation and Education commit-tee and volunteers for its Eagle Watchprogram, in addition to being a volun-teer with National Park Service, andthe Basha Kill Area Association.

“I really like the outdoors in gener-al,” she affirms, “and I’ve found last-ing friendships here.”

CCE hasn’t missed out on the bene-fits of Nicole’s outdoor adventures,from her integration of compostingto her rehab of the nature trail at theLiberty headquarters.

“I always think of my work as asculpture,” she explains. “It has thisshape ... and I’m working at it to makeit look the way everyone wants it to.”

True to form – and Cornell Universi-ty’s goal in creating the Extensionservice – she’s also eagerly updatingher skills and capabilities.

“Education is our thing, so we fol-low through with that in our lives,”Nicole remarks of herself and her 13coworkers. “I’m still learning.”

BURNS: Continued from 9Y

his birthplace.An avid bicyclist, he enjoys the

rolling hills, natural beauty andfriendly atmosphere Sullivan Countyprovides. A resident of Roscoe, Genesaid he has embraced the communi-ty and its friendly atmosphere.

Gene’s path to Supervising Pharma-cist at Riverside Remedies in Calli-coon is one of fate.

While working for MedicineShoppe in Liberty, Gene was taskedwith helping to open up the compa-ny’s new pharmacy in Roscoe.

“The best part of working in Roscoewas meeting the people,” Generecalled. “It was not as big a team [ashe has in Callicoon] so I got to heareverybody’s stories. It was veryrewarding.”

From there came the idea of open-ing his own pharmacy and soon Cal-licoon was on his radar.

While he was exploring the idea helearned that Jeffrey Weir was alreadyin the process of opening a pharmacyon Main Street – and the rest they sayis history.

“Jeff and I were able to brainstormon how to set up the pharmacy andwe wanted to do something reallyunique,” Gene said. “Our design,where customers are able to walkback and talk with the pharmacist,harkens back to what was.

“The raised floor is also a throw-back,” he said. “Customers can talkwith us and if needed, we have a pri-vate consultation area.”

Gene and the entire RiversideRemedies team has been embracedby the Callicoon community, whichwas without a pharmacy for morethan a decade.

“I’m looking forward to the future,”Gene said. “It’s interesting how phar-macies are changing and the adventof medication therapy management.

“We will eventually be able to builda patient chart based on informationwe have and interact with a physi-cian,” he said. “The ultimate respon-sibility of all the regulations and leg-islative compliance rests on thesupervising pharmacist’s shoulders.

“It’s a lot of responsibility and animportant part of the job,” he said.“It’s nice to provide a service [soneeded in the community].”

• DWI

• Estate Planning

• Real Estate

• General Practice

• Workers Compensation

• Social Security Disability

William H. Chellis, Esq.ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

PO Box 624, 27 Maple Ave., Jeffersonville, New York 12748

(845) 482-3405 [email protected]

13598

CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR CHELLIS!International Tax Advisory Services, LLCSusan Brown Otto, CPA118 Old Taylor RoadJeffersonville, New York 12748845.482.3661www.InternationalTaxAdvisoryServices.comSpecializing in the taxation of Americans abroad, foreigners inthe United States, Report of Foreign Bank & Financial Accounts (FBARs),FATCA and FIRPTA Compliance, ITIN Applications and other international, individual income tax matters. 27

388

CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR CHELLIS!

Congratulations Billfrom

Lori BertschATTORNEY-AT-LAW

4920 State Route 52, Jeffersonville, NY845-482-4288

2739

7

CongratulationsBILL!

We are so proud of all of youraccomplishments.

- Mom & Dad

2733


William H. ChellisAttorney/Minister • Chellis Law Offices, United Methodist Church


Despite the old adage, WilliamH. Chellis proves that you can,in fact, come home again.

Chellis is an attorney and ministerwho lived in Rochester before movingback to Jeffersonville three years agowith his family to open his own prac-tice and pastor local churches.Among other things, Chellis Law spe-cializes in workers compensation,family law, personal injury, wills andtrusts, DWI, real estate and SocialSecurity disability.

Chellis is a seventh generation sonof Jeffersonville, with a long lineage ofbusinessmen, dentists, and farmersgoing back before the turn of the cen-tury.

Chellis earned his Juris Doctoratefrom Villanova University School ofLaw and his Master’s of Divinity fromthe Reformed Presbyterian Theologi-cal Seminary.

He and wife Katrina (neé Hoering,also a local) and three children live in

an historic house on Maple St. in Jef-fersonville that dates back to 1903.The renovations are a testament tothe value of knowing where you camefrom and keeping your history alivefor future generations.

“As a kid, I remember it being thenicest house in town,” said Chellis ofthe structure that once housed theGriffin House Bed & Breakfast. Thedark wood paneling is illuminated bythe glow from the fireplace to give theroom a warm, relaxed feel. The stair-case is decorated with ornate carvedbannisters and there are also vintagestained glass windows.

The Chellises, who love history andantiques, checked into the back-ground of their home and discovereda personal connection. As Williamtold the Democrat in 2012: “We foundthat the land to build the house waspurchased in 1890 from my mother’sgreat-great-grandfather, Pierre Durr,”Chellis said.

William Chellis, with his “Olde English BullDogge,” “Matilda,” sits on the elaborate staircasein his home, which dates back to 1903.

Continued on next page


27707

When Chellis isn’t running the lawpractice with his wife, they’re raisingtheir three children: Elizabeth,William and Mary.

As an ordained minister, Chellisdelivers sermons at his two parishes,the Jeffersonville and Kenoza LakeUnited Methodist churches.

“My favorite sermon, without ques-tion, is the one I am working on anygiven week,” said Chellis. “Workingon sermons is intensely challenging.The challenge is to understand whatmy text is saying: what it was saying toits original audience, what it is sayingto me, and what it will be saying to thepeople I am preaching to that week.The challenge always fills me withexcitement as I think about the text

and play with it in my mind.”In addition to his law practice and

ministry, Chellis is also on the Boardof Directors for JEMS (JeffersonvilleEnhances More of Sullivan), a Sulli-van Renaissance group that for morethan a decade has sought to beautifythe village.

Bill and Katrina, married since 1999,have deep roots in the area and wantto be a part of its future.

“We’re from this soil,” Chellis toldthe Democrat in a 2012 interview.“We are very excited to be home, to bearound family and the graves of thosewho went before us. We want to takeour own place in the community.”

For more information call 482-3405,email [email protected] orvisit www.chellislaw.com.

FROM PAGE 18Y

CHELLIS: ‘We’re from this soil’

Anya NovikovCoordinator of Events and Fundraising • New Hope Community

STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF

When Anya Novikov beganher career at New HopeCommunity (NHC), she was,

in her words, “a broken 19-year-oldgirl with no direction.”

While away at college, right aftergraduating from Livingston ManorHigh School in 1999, her mom wasdiagnosed with breast cancer. Notwanting to disturb her daughter’seducation, her mom never let on howbad it really was until Novikov wascalled home to say goodbye. Devas-tated, she left school and moved backto Livingston Manor. Not knowingwhat to do next, she got a job as aDirect Support Professional at NHC.

The work was challenging, especial-ly since the home she worked in washome to some of New Hope’s moresenior residents. “I spent a lot of timein hospitals during the first year, help-ing the people I supported throughillness and some in their final days,”she said. “As women, we are just natu-rally caregivers, and I took that rolevery seriously. It was about quality oflife.”

For the broken girl, “New Hope wasmy New Hope,” she said. “Workinghere helped me deal with losing my

mother. Working closely, at times in ahospice-type situation was comfort-ing – it allowed me to do for themwhat I wasn’t able to do for my mom –be there at the end and give themcomfort.”

Having worked her way up the lad-der to house manager, Novikov felt asif she were ready to move forwardwith her education. In 2007, throughEmpire State College, Novikov began

working on and eventually earned abachelor’s degree in Business Man-agement and Marketing. She thenreturned to New Hope as a Marketing

and Communications Associate, anda few months ago was promoted toCoordinator of Events and Fundrais-ing. Today, she is studying for herMaster’s Degree in StrategicFundraising and Philanthropythrough Bay Path University.

During her second time around atNew Hope, she hopes through hernew role to bring “new hope” to oth-ers through a culture of philanthropyvia the NHC Foundation. “The Foun-dation plays host to a number ofevents and campaigns, like our Wal-lace Berkowitz Cup and our 40thAnniversary, which raises and distrib-utes money in support of New HopeCommunity’s mission to enhance thelive of people with intellectual andother developmental disabilities,”said Novikov.

“The Foundation’s focus is ensuringquality of life, and I am grateful forthis opportunity and to have thechance to, yet again, be a mission-based steward,” she added.

Anya Novikov found “new hope” at the New Hope Community, which helped her recoverafter the loss of her mother.


320

on such a wonderfulaccomplishment!We are all extremelyproud of you and wish youcontinued success inyour future endeavors.

Love,Dad, Mom, Courtney, Sean,Cindy, Joey, Andrewand the rest of the Scott clan!

Congratulations Gabby,

2777

7


In 2008, Gabrielle Scott Ingber wasliving a young professional’sdream – with a bachelor’s degree

in International Business andMarketing from Fordham Universityand a marketinginternship atBethel WoodsCenter for the Arts,she began hercareer in earnestas the performingarts center’s mar-keting managerjust days aftergraduation.

Then in the fallof 2011, her bestfriend, Allyson Strong, with whomshe graduated from Monticello HighSchool in 2004, lost her battle with arare form of cancer at age 25. The loss

of her longtime friend was traumatic,and according to Ingber, “I needed totake some time. I had been goingnon-stop since college ended andlosing Ally was the most difficultthing I’d ever dealt with.”

During this break, Ingber’s husbandCory, who workedfor his family’sbusiness, ServiceScaffold, oftenasked her to jointhe family busi-ness.

“But I wasalways skeptical,”she admits. “I did-n’t know if work-ing togetherwould be bad, but

it turns out to have been the bestthing that ever happened to our rela-tionship.”

Today, Ingber is the Marketing and

Gabrielle Scott IngberMarketing and Sales Manager • Service Scaffold

“This is where we want toraise our children and be anactive part of our amazingcommunity. This is ourhome.”


Gabrielle Scott Ingber had to work her way through grief after the death of her close friendAllyson Strong. She and husband Cory are expecting a baby next month.

48 Bridgeville Road, Monticello, NY 12701

845-794-2100

2791

6

Shoulder/Arm

13352

No Charge Introductory Visit: Massage

Sales manager for the company. It’s ajob she loves and on any given dayshe can be found doing any numberof things outside the realm of her title.“My duties include IT, being a profes-sional organizer or a private chef – if Ifeel like cooking for the guys,” sheexplains, with a smile.

Preparations for a major construc-tion boom, thanks to Empire ResortsMontreign Resort & Casino, havebegun at Service Scaffold and the newconstruction supply and equipmentshowroom opens in the summer of2015. Ingber hopes to build on that bydeveloping a complimentary greenbuilding construction supply busi-ness in the future.

In addition to work, Ingber is on theBoard of the Brian Ingber Founda-tion, which provides scholarshipsand other opportunities to localyouth and is a member of the Boardof Directors of the Allyson WhitneyFoundation, a not-for-profit estab-lished by her best friend’s family tohonor the short but vibrant life ofAllyson Strong.

“Losing Ally was very difficult, but

hopefully, through this foundation,we can bring light and hope to otheryoung adults battling rare cancers,”she said. “It is our way of honoring theamazing person that she was andalways will be. It gives us a chance tocontinue her legacy.”

Ingber, who is eight months preg-nant, plans on taking time off afterthe baby is born, but expects she’llalso work from home. She’ll also bebusy adding a new section aboutmotherhood to her blog, www.one-hundredmilesnw.com, which shestarted as a way to creatively expressher thoughts about living back in Sul-livan County.

“It’s funny,” she says, wistfully. “Ialways dreamed of living in New YorkCity, but after I met my husband, Icouldn’t imagine living anywhereelse. This is where we want to raiseour children and be an active part ofour amazing community. This is ourhome.”

For info on Service Scaffold prod-ucts and services call 434-8888 or visitwww.servicescaffold.com.

With a tenacious attitude and a caring heart, Dr. Joe D’Abbraccio’s mobile veterinary clinicfills a void and builds trust.


P O B o x 8 8 , M o n t i c e l l o , N Y 1 2 7 0 1 | 8 4 5 - 8 6 6 - 2 2 0 3

Dr. Joe,Thank you for all you do

for C.A.R.E.Congratulations!

Amy & Joanne 2753

1

Dr. Joseph D’AbbraccioVeterinarian • Catskill Veterinary Service, Mobile Vet Service


When Dr. Joseph D’Abbracciofinished his education tobecome a licensed Doctor

of Veterinary Medicine, he knewexactly where he wanted to work –back home in Sullivan County.However the recent college gradmade a start ling and rather disap-pointing discovery – there were nojobs here.

So he set off to Orange County for awhile, and then worked at an emer-gency veterinary hospital in Pough -keepsie and Kingston, but neitherwere the right fit. “I really wanted towork here,” he said. “So I did what Ihad to do to be able to work here.”

A practicing veterinarian for justunder three years, 26-year-old “Dr.Joe,” took matters into his own handsand started Catskill VeterinaryService, a mobile service that catersto animals both big and small, fromfamily pets to livestock and horses.

With over 450 clients, Dr. Joe has areputation for being a concerned,careful physician to well-loved “fami-ly members,” which he attributes tothe mobile service. “When you visit aperson’s home, you are becoming apart of their lives,” he explained, “andthe animal is more comfortablebecause you are in their space, notthe other way around. It’s a differentenvironment completely and I feelprivileged to have the experience of

Will Travel To YOU!Any Size And All Kinds Of Animals.

Hospital Consultations availableat Wurtsboro Veterinary Clinic

845-807-8380Joseph A. D’Abbraccio, D.V.M, Veterinarian

[email protected]

“We Make House Calls”

27850


2770

6Lane

2779

3

COME SEE USFOR ALLYOUR AUTOSERVICE NEEDS!

FOREIGN and DOMESTIC • Full Auto Body Repairs

Locally Owned & Operated– Our Services –Collision •Brakes • Shocks • Exhaust • AC Service

Bake Booth • Computer DiagnosticsComplete Fluid Flushes by BG

Alignments with Car Aligner Measuring System-- NYS Inspections --

188 Lake Street • Liberty, NY 12754CALL US TODAY! 845-292-4808 11

521

THALMANN’SS E R V I C E C E N T E R

Collision RepairAvailable

GOOD FOOD, GOOD SERVICE, GOOD TIMES!

79 Sullivan Ave., Liberty, NY 12754845-292-5500

Hours: Mon-Fri 3-Til ClosingSat-Sun 12-Til Closing

26941

being more than a veterinarian toboth the owner and the animal.”

A 2006 Monticello High Schoolgraduate, D’Abbraccio attendedSUNY Delhi, SUNY New Paltz, St.Matthews University and North Car-olina State Collegeof Veterinary Medi-cine. At the end of2013, he joined theWurtsboro Veteri-nary Clinic, ownedby Drs. Linda andDean Tintle, andcontinues to oper-ate his mobile clin-ic with the help ofhis brotherMichael.

“He assists mewith everythingfrom house calls to pick-ups,” saidD’Abbraccio. “He’s a really importantpart of the business and I’m so grate-ful for his help,”

In his free time, D’Abbracciobelongs to numerous local and pro-fessional organizations including theMonticello Rotary, where he is thepresident-elect, is a Board memberfor Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, is on

the Board of the Hudson Valley Veteri-nary Medical Society, volunteers withthe local 4-H program, Catskill Ani-mal Rescue and Guiding Eyes for theBlind; provides veterinary services forthe local police dogs in Orange and

Sullivan countiesand is a memberof the SullivanCounty Chamberof Commerce.

His biggest chal-lenge? Dealingwith the “hardstuff,” like an ani-mal with a termi-nal illness or thedeath of a client’sbeloved pet. “I tryto help my clientsdeal with their

grief as best I can,” he said.The vast expanse of Sullivan County

is also a challenge. In one year, D’Ab-braccio has put 25,000 miles on thetruck that serves as the mobile clinic.

“The logistics can be tough. It’s hardto be in so many places at once, butI’m always up for the challenge.”

For info call 807-8380 or visithttp://catskillvetservices.com.

With over 450 clients, Dr. Joehas a reputation for being aconcerned, careful physicianto well-loved “family mem-bers,” which he attributes tothe mobile service.

Niko NiforatosOwner/mechanic • Niko’s Auto Repair, LLC

STORY AND PHOTO BY KAITLIN CARNEY

Niko Niforatos’ parents, Georgeand Mary, always knew theirson would become a hard-

working adult with a mechanical job.From infancy he loved to take thingsapart and put them back together,and he never wanted plastic tools,always saving his money for the “real”thing.

His first job was working with hisfather at G&N Lawn Care. While a stu-dent of the Roscoe Central School,Niko took classes at BOCES for auto-motive repair and started to fine tunehis lifelong interest into a career path.Niko also joined the Roscoe RocklandVolunteer Fire Department, where hecurrently is an interior firefighter.After graduating from Roscoe, Nikocontinued his schooling at SUNYDelhi and furthered his studies atSUNY Morrisville, where he focusedon diesel mechanics.

After completing school, Nikoreturned to his hometown of Roscoeand began working at the MonticelloCentral School District bus garage,where his primary role was servicingthe district’s fleet of buses. Eventhough he was doing something heloved, Niko knew he wanted more,noting, “I always wanted to open myown business.”

In a twist of fate, a business whereNiko had worked during the sum-mers came up for tax sale. The now23-year-old saw the opportunity andran with it.

“I had the opportunity when thebusiness came up for sale, and Iinvested my own money into buyingit and renovating the property,” Nikosaid.

After a summer of cleaning up theproperty, removing a building, andcleaning out the two-bay garage andoffice, Niko’s Auto Repair was ready toopen its doors on October 13, 2014. A

before-and-after photo album showsjust how much work had to be donebefore Niko could open the doors ofhis shop. When he did, the youngentrepreneur was touched, and happyby the response to his business.

“I grew up right down the road, andwhen I opened the doorswe had a line of carsdown to the sign. I hadalways done some sidework for people and theywere very supportive incoming to the business,”Niko said.

The mechanic willadmittedly work on any-thing that comes in thedoor, but especiallyloves the intricacy ofelectrical jobs. He hopesin the future to add morestaff and additionalbays.

For now, he’s enjoyingthe hard work and chal-lenges that owning yourown business at 23brings. His fiancée,Emily, works the frontdesk at the shop, helpingNiko to manageappointments, orders,and front of housedetail.

You might catch hisparents checking in orhelping out as well,always beaming withpride at their son’s workethic. Niko and Emily

have set their sights high, and hopeto continue to grow the business theylove right in their hometown.

Niko’s Auto Repair, LLC is located at173 Rockland Road in Roscoe. Call607-290-4048.

Niko Niforatos, owner and operator of Niko's Auto RepairLLC in Roscoe, is pictured with his fiancée Emily. The couplework together at the shop, and plan to marry in August.


19136

www.cooperarias.com

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

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

133 Route 304Bardonia, NY 10954Phone: 845-623-0300Fax: 845-623-0350 27

319

Documents

Young Professionals 2015