2008 Best Service Awards
By Margaret Inge
In its 11th year, the Catskill Best Service Awards continues to serve as a testament to the value of excellent service. The volume of votes cast substantiates the fact that customers appreciate the difference and are anxious to express their appreciation. Quality of service is a primary factor in the success of every business. Join us in congratulating those businesses and service providers who have distinguished themselves to their customers by the consistent delivery of high quality service.
This year’s award recipients were selected through a balloting process in November and December. Readers of this paper completed the ballots by naming those whose services they deemed excellent. Over 500 ballots were submitted and 1,023 businesses and individuals were nominated in Delaware, Greene, Otsego and Ulster counties.
The ballots continue to illustrate that people will travel for excellent service; a typical ballot included a florist in one village, a physician 30 miles away and other service providers 20 miles in the opposite direction. Few nominated businesses in every single category; but more than ever, people named those whose services are excellent; while the total number of ballots increased by about 10 percent, the total number of votes almost doubled to 6,023.
The leaders in terms of the total number of votes received include familiar names and others new to this level of recognition: Fred Miller of Miller’s Drug Store received over 100 votes, followed closely by Brookside Hardware and Home Goods of Margaretville who each received over 75 votes. Those receiving over 50 votes included The Flower Shop in Fleischmanns, Wildflowers in Margaretville, Quarltere’s Garden and Market Place in Roxbury, Joanne McLaughlin, N.P., of Family Health in Roxbury, John Caronia, DDS, Daniel Sullivan, DVM of Grand Gorge Animal Hospital, Hinkley Electric, Sanford Auto Parts, Z Painting, The Roxbury, Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties, CVS, Margaretville Liquors and E & D Spirit Shop.
Congratulations to these winners of the Catskill Best Service Awards!
BUSINESSES/HOME SERVICES
Cleaning Services
1. Maid My Day, Roxbury
2. Laura O’Connor — Green Cleaning, Margaretville
3. Barbara Ackerly, Andes
Contractors
1. Phil & Nick Finch Land Sculpting — Excavating, Roxbury
2. Jenkins Drywall Plus, Arkville
3. Ashcoff Construction, Margaretville
3. Jim Peters Excavating, Roxbury
Electrical
1. Hinkley Electrical, Roxbury
2. Blizzard Electric, Arkville
3. C & J Electric, Andes
Landscaping & Yard
1. Bill Drew — Tri-Town Services, Andes
2. J & M Lawn Care, Margaretville
2. Jenkins Lawn Service (Harley Jenkins), Margaretville
3. Jim Whitney, Roxbury
3. Zone 4, Andes
Painters
1. Z Painting, Margaretville
2. Marty Finch, Roxbury
3. Tony DeLuca, New Kingston
Plumbing & Heating
1. Kurt Flachs, Roxbury
2. Brian Walsh, Fleischmanns
3. Jerry Hamil, The Water Guy, New Kingston
Utilities & Energy
1. NYSEG
2. Gary’s (Cooper) Fuel Oil, Inc., Roxbury
2. Warren Bender, Margaretville
3. Jeff Bruno, Fleischmanns
Other
1. Country Home Security, Fleischmanns
2. Catskill Rentals, Kelly Corners
3. Dan Jaquish, Fleischmanns
3. Elegant Installations — Tile, Big Indian
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Financial Services
1. Delaware National Bank, Margaretville
2. NBT, Margaretville
3. NBT, Grand Gorge
Insurance Providers
1. Mang Insurance, Fleischmanns
2. Sluiter Agency Inc., Margaretville
3. Morse-Wilson, Roxbury
Real Estate Firms
1. Timberland/Coldwell Banker, Margaretville
2. Frank Lumia, Margaretville
3. Country Pride, Roxbury
3. Ron Guichard Realty, Andes
Veterinarians/Animal Care
1. Dr. Dan Sullivan — Grand Gorge Animal Hospital
2. Delhi Animal Hospital, Dave Evans
3. Come Play with Lexi, Margaretville
Other
1. Call for Help — Ed Kirstein, Roxbury
2. Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville
3. AB Edwards Linen Services
HEALTH CARE
Dentists
1. Dr. John Caronia, Margaretvile
2. Alla Ilinsky, DDS, Margaretville
2. Dr. Thomas Flanders, Delhi
3. Dr. Michael Meehan, Stamford
Medical/Nursing Facilities
1. Margaretville Hospital
2. O’Connor Hospital, Delhi
3. Mountainside Residential Care Center, Margaretville
Nurse/Nurse Practitioners
1. Joanne McLaughlin, Roxbury
2. Diana Briggs, LPN
3. Connie Spielman
3. Holly Gockel Aplin, Roxbury
Personal Counseling
1. Bonnie Mitchell, CSW, Margaretville
2. Pastor Robert Engelhardt, CCMC
3. Illuminata — Deborah Frame & Steven Smith, Denver
Physical Therapy/Massage
1. Barbara Alyn, ND, Hot Stone, Margaretville
2. Sasha Cyrelson, MMH
3. Elaine Grandy, Andes
Physicians
1. Humberto Abrahao, MD, Margaretville
2. Susan Fiore, MD,Margaretville Family Health Center
3. Jai Ravunniarath, MD, Margaretville Family Health Center
3. Marguerite Collins, MD, Shandaken
Primary Health Care Provider
1. Joanne McLaughlin, NP-C, Roxbury
2. Barbara Alyn, ND, Margaretville
3. Chuck Roth, RPA, Margaretville
Other
1. Chuck Roth, RPA, Physician’s Assistant
2. Sonia Lor, Chiropractor
3. Julia Rose, Acupuncturist
RETAIL SERVICES
Antiques
1. Discoveries, Margaretville
2. Rick’s Barn, Roxbury
3. Fisk Antique Barn, Bovina
Art Galleries
1. Longyear Gallery, Margaretville
2. Chace-Randall, Andes
3. Roxbury Arts Group
Auto Parts
1. Sanford Auto Parts, Arkville
2. NAPA, Stamford
3. JS Auto Parts/Lou John’s, Fleischmanns
Auto Sales & Repair
1. Brookside, Margaretville
2. B & D Motors, Margaretville
3. Erickson’s Automotive, Arkville
Clothing & Shoes
1. Foothills Shoe, Margaretville
2. Little Sprouts, Margaretville
3. Just Shop, Margaretville
3. Eva’s Closet, Margaretville
Convenience Stores
1. Hess Express, Margaretville
2. Hogan’s General Store, Andes
3. Arkville Gas & Deli
Florists
1. Wildflowers, Margaretville
2. The Flower Shop, Fleischmanns
3. Stamford Greenhouses
Furniture
1. T & G Furniture - Tom Miner, Stamford
2. Zullin’s — Country Comfort, Fleischmanns
3. Kabinett & Kamer, Andes
Gardening/Nurseries
1. Qualtere’s Garden & Market Place, Roxbury
2. Green Thumb, Delancey
3. Todd’s Nursery Fleischmanns
Gift Stores
1. Lost Art of Living, Margaretville
2. Paisley’s, Andes
3. Discoveries, Margaretville
3. Parker House, Delhi
Grocers
1. Price Chopper, Delhi
2. Market Basket, Arkville
3. Hogan’s General Store, Andes
Hardware & Building Supplies
1. Brookside, Margaretville
2. Wadler Bros., Fleischmanns
3. Stock Building Supply, Roxbury
Housewares
1. Home Goods of Margaretville
2. Brookside, Margaretville
3. Ace Hardware, Stamford
Jewelers
1. Margaretville Jewelers, Margaretville
2. Rocko’s, Margaretville
3. Discoveries, Margaretville
Pharmacies
1. Miller’s Drug Store, Margaretville
2. CVS, Margaretville
3. RiteAid Pharmacy, Stamford
Specialty Stores
1. Sweet Peas, Margaretville
2. Cheese Barrel, Margaretville
2. Catskill Artisans Guild, Margaretville
3. Now & Then Video, Margaretville
3. Peabody’s Pets, Fleischmanns
Tourist Attractions
1. Belleayre Ski Center, Highmount
2. DURR, Arkville
3. Plattekill, Roxbury
Wine & Liquor
1. E & D Spirit Shop, Arkville
2. Margaretville Liquor, Margaretville
3. Ray’s Liquors, Delhi
Other
1. Romo Machine, Andes
2. Kole’s Mechanical, Margaretville
3. Meadows Golf Center, Arkville
FOOD SERVICES
Bar/Saloon
1. T-Bar Saloon, Roxbury
2. Oakley’s Place, Arkville
3. Andes Hotel, Andes
3. Public Lounge, Roxbury
Casual Dining
1. Inn Between, Margaretville
2. Pine Hill Arms, Pine Hill
3. Ayla’s, Arkville
Caterers
1. Mary’s Cookin’, Roxbury
2. Andes Hotel, Andes
3. Craig Westerfeld, Fleischmanns
3. Marilyn Conway, Andes
Diners & Luncheonettes
1. Flour Patch, Margaretville
2. Bun 'n' Cone, Margaretville
3. Cheese Barrel, Margaretville
Fine Restaurants
1. Peekamoose, Big Indian
2. Binnekill Square, Margaretville
3. Pine Hill Arms, Pine Hill
Pizzerias
1. Ayla’s, Arkville
2. Oakley’s, Arkville
3. Portobella’s Pizzeria, Fleischmanns
Other
1. Family Table, Margaretvlle
2. Heaven on Main St., Bovina
3. Casey Joe’s Coffee House, Arkville
LODGING SERVICES
Bed & Breakfasts/Inns
1. River Run, Fleischmanns
2. Scudder Hill House, Roxbury
2. Stone Tavern Farm, Roxbury
3. Breezy Hill, Fleischmanns
Hotels/Motels
1. The Roxbury
2. Andes Hotel
3. Margaretville Motel
New Business
1. Foothills Shoe, Margaretville
2. Ayla’s, Arkville
3. Busy Bees Pre-K, Fleischmanns
CATEGORY/NOMINEE INDIVIDUALS
Accountants/Tax
1. Steve Tanzer, Margaretville
2. Bruce Dolph, Walton
3. Mike Paccione, Arkville
Attorneys
1. Carey Wagner, Margaretville
2. Dennis Metnick, Margaretville
3. Gary Rosa, Margaretville
Auto Mechanic
1. Rob Wayman Jr., Wayman’s Auto Repair, Margaretville
2. Hans Hohn H & H Motors, Arkville
3. Robert Edwards, Erickson’s Automotive, Arkville
Bartender
1. Rachel Barretts, Andes Hotel
2. Marcus Hougan, Northland
3. Jen O’Connor, T-Bar, Roxbury
Business Owner
1. Edmund Millar, Market Basket, Arkville
1. Kathy Johnson, Country Cutting Gallery, Margaretville
2. Bill Drew, Tri-Town, Andes
3. Don Hogan, Hogan’s General Store, Andes
3. Dorothy Maffei, Home Goods of Margaretville
Carpenters
1. Steve Cammer, Cammer Construction, Roxbury
2. Bill Bergman, Country Carpentry, Margaretville
3. Larry Ashman, Ashcoff Construction, Margaretville
Elected Officials
1. Bill Russell, Middletown
2. Tom Hynes, Roxbury
2. Martin Donnelly, Andes
3. Steve Schuman, Roxbury
Electricians
1. James Barrett , C & J Electric, Andes
2. Mike Hinkley, Roxbury
3. Randy von Bernowitz, Blizzard Electric, Margaretville
Entrepreneurs
1. Laszlo Vajtay, Plattekill Mountain, Roxbury
2. Greg Henderson & Joe Massa, The Roxbury
3. Dean Gitter, The Emerson/Crossroads Ventures
Hair Stylists
1. Kathy Johnson, Country Cutting Gallery, Margaretville
2. Jackie Funck, Briggs Beauty Kreations, Grand Gorge
3. Karen Neblung, Roxbury
Highway Employee
1. Mike McAdams, Andes
2. Jeff Haskin, Roxbury
2. Nathaniel Lindner, Roxbury
3. Bill Taylor, Middletown
3. Harley Jenkins, Middletown
Interior Design
1. M. Gerard Murphy, Andes
2. Donald Hill, Margaretville
3.Ted C. C. Odom, Margaretville
3. Faye Storms, Blue Barn, Shandaken
Postal Workers
1. Lori Camillone, Halcottsville
2. Mel Ruff, Andes
2. Paul Gadarigian, Andes
3. Ellen Gray, Margaretville
Realtor
1. Sue Doig, Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties
1. Eric Wedemeyer, Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties
2. Joe Aulino, Country Pride
3. Dwayne Jenkins, Frank Lumia
3. Al Tanzer, Belleayre Realty
Roofer
1. Louis Georgi, New Kingston
2. Miles Gentry, New Kingston
2. Tom Rieder, Margaretville
3. Bill Day, Weathertite, Andes
Seamstress
1. Lewana Bullock, Roxbury
2. Ellen Schneider, Fleischmanns
3. Lisa Scalf, Margaretville
Secretary/Assistant
1. Angela Hunter, Margaretvile
2. Loretta Collocola, Mountainside
3. Edith Gilham, McLaughlin Family Practice
3. Katie Coffin, CMCC
Store Clerk
1. Joann Maggio, CVS
2. Diane Schutz, Wadler Brothers
3. Ann Marie Stern, Market Basket
Teachers
1. Adelia Hunter, MCS
2. Claudia McMurray, MCS
2. Jennifer Finkle, Andes
3. Mr. Lonecke, MCS
3. Michelle Beutel, CMCA
Volunteers
DJ Tobin, Roxbury
Tess Ballard, MFD Auxilliary
Barbra Mellon, Andes
Adele Siegel, MMH Aux.
Ann Carli, MMH
Barb Condon, New Kingston
Carol Tubbs, Andes
Dale Trehaney, Roxbury
Dorothy Andrews, Andes
Doug Reeser, Andes Historical
Society
Grumpy Old Men, Andes
Helen Lewis, Meals on
Wheels
Iris Mead, MARK
Jeff Slauson, Halcottsville Fire
Joe Kiss, Thrift Shop
John Riedl, Chamber of
Commerce
Lola Kurtzer, MMH Aux.
Marilee Asher, Fleischmanns
COC & Library
Michelle Sidrane,
Fleischmanns
Myrna Greenhall,
Cauliflower Festval
Stephanie, Family Table
Sue Ihlo, Margaretville
Waiter/waitress
1. Kathy Carr, East Branch Café, Roxbury
2, Brianne Stoecker, Woody’s Country Kitchen
3. Ellen Montalvo, Inn Between, Margaretville
3. Bridget Martin, Pine Hill Arms
Other
1. Deb Bene, Andes, ZBA & Planning
2. Pat Davis, Code Enforcement Officer, Margaretville
3. Carol O’Beirne, C of C, business consultant