Best of Columbia County 2015

Hillsdale, NY: 518.325.3131· Lakeville, CT: 860.435.2561Millerton, NY: 518.789.3611· Hudson, NY: 518.828.9431

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Columbia-Greene Media Best of Columbia County 2015 ■ 3

INSIDE:Best of Community.......................5

Best of Shopping........................16

Best of Arts & Culture................22

Best of Nightlife.........................23

Best of Food & Drink.................26

Best of Services..........................33

Publisher, General ManagerMark Vinciguerra

Advertising RepresentativesRobert BelbyAshley DrewesMeghan EspelAlexandre PetragliaSusan ReinshagenMarlene McTiegue

Managing EditorsMary DempseyLori Anander

Editorial Art DirectorLeigh Bogle

Director, Creative ServicesPhil Finkle

Ad Design/CompositionErica IzerSteve LaRowe

Business ManagerTammi Ullrich

Distribution/Circulation ManagerCourtney Wrigley

One Hudson CityCentre Suite 202Hudson, NY 12534518-828-1616 www.registerstar.com

On The Cover…The clocktower at 1 Main St. is a landmark featureof Chatham Village. It once housed the town hall and police court andlater Ocean Fire Company #1, which was on the ground floor with amillinery shop upstairs. The upstairs was later an artist studio. The groundfloor today houses Clocktower Toys & Gifts. The pendulum clock datesback to 1872 and is the only one of its kind still in the original condition.

A publication of

Dear reader,They’re not simply good.

They’re more than superior.

They are, in short, the best.

The businesses, artists, events, historical sites,

and services described in this, the second Best

of Columbia County Awards magazine, have

been chosen by residents and customers as

deserving of special recognition.

Once again, Columbia-Greene Media is proud

to partner with the Columbia County Chamber

of Commerce to shine a light on all the places

and people that make this county special.

Amazing food, wonderful scenery, dedicated

volunteers, talented artists, hardworking con-

tractors, electricians and mechanics are all

highlighted in this Best of Columbia County

edition.

We all know that Columbia County is a great

place to live and work. However, sometimes it

takes a quick survey to really grasp how many

resources we really have. Hundreds of online

and paper ballots were sent out to C-GM read-

ers asking them to determine who they thought

deserved these accolades.

You have patronized these restaurants and

shops, attended the events, visited the beautiful

sites or used the vital services provided. If you

haven’t, now is the perfect time to read about

each one of them and find out what makes

them the best.

I am proud to recognize these outstanding,

“best of” award winners!

— Mark VinciguerraPublisher/General Manager

Hundreds of online and paperballots were counted and now we are very excited to present the “Best of ColumbiaCounty Awards”

We are proud to highlight someof the best the county has tooffer. We know we have some ofthe best food, best views, best,well, everything! Now it is time to rec-ognize those people and placeswho help make Columbia County the bestplace to live and work.

There are six categories: Community, Shopping, Food and Drink, Night Life,Arts & Culture and Services. Within these categories are winners for the bestbartender, place to dine with kids, farmers’ market and so much more.

We hope that you will discover a new “best” something in Columbia County.The best part of these awards is that the winners were chosen by you, thepeople! Didn’t vote this year? Be sure to keep an eye out next year for theballot online and in the Register-Star and the Chatham Courier.

Contents ©2015 Columbia-Green Media No portion may be reproduced in whole or partwithout written permission of the publisher

4 ■ Best of Columbia County 2015 Columbia-Greene Media

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Best Community Event SummerHudson-Pride Day

Best Block in the County to ShopChatham Main Street

Once again voted Columbia County “BestCommunity Event for the summer,” Annual HudsonPride Weekend will begin on Friday June 19 andcontinue through Sunday, June 21. Much of theweekend is free and completely suitable for thewhole family.The longest parade ever starts lining up at noonnear Hudson’s 7th Street Park, then steps off at 2p.m. and continues down Warren St. to WaterfrontPark. Local businesses and community groups areputting the finishing touches on some dazzlingnew floats and the most creative entries will beawarded one-of-a-kind trophies hand made by vol-unteers. The 2015 Grand Marshals are Tiq andKim Milan, outspoken representatives of the leastserved members of the LGBTQ community: trans-gender people, young people, and people of color. There will be more than 30 vendors, food, beer,bouncy castles, soft-sided slides, carnival games,face painting, and much more. There will be some-thing for everyone. Along with Maya, GirlgantuaJones and Ophelia Nightly will emcee the festivalas well as perform. Other entertainment willinclude Young Paris, the Drag Queen Court and ahost of other local homegrown talent. This entireevent is free to the public and runs from 3-6pm.For more information about all of these events,please visit www.hudsonpride.com.The Hudson Pride Foundation is a local, non-profit,501(c)3 organization located in Hudson, NY,Columbia County, that started in 2010. Initially, itwas a small group of local Hudson residents thatwanted to have a pride parade in Hudson. It quick-ly evolved into much more than that. The HudsonPride Foundation offers educational seminars,movie screenings, lectures, fun activities, scholasticscholarships, and provides general support to thelocal LGBT community. For more information about the Hudson PrideFoundation, please visit: www.hudsonpridefounda-tion.org

Best ofBest ofCOMMUNITY

Main Street in Chatham has a small town atmosphere with the kind of Main Streetthat everyone remembers. The village began like other settlements that grew up atthe intersections of roads and along streams that could provide water power.What set Chatham apart was its role as a railroad center. After the 1830s, popula-tion, commerce and industry were drawn to this hub. Chatham continues tothrive. Village business owners pride themselves on their sense of community andrailroad history.

Photo by Daniel Region

File photo


Best Community Event FallColumbia County Fair

Best Community Event WinterWinterwalk

Best Community Event SpringSean’s Run

This year marks the 175th anniversary of theColumbia County Fair.According to the fair’s official website,www.columbiafair.com, in 1840 the ColumbiaCounty Agricultural Society met at the County seatin Hudson to further their aim of improving agri-culture and horticulture. The first Columbia Countyfair was held in the city of Hudson on Tuesday,Oct. 12, 1841.Voted one of the best events in Columbia County,the annual fair, now held the first week inSeptember at the grounds in Chatham, draws thou-sands of visitors.

For almost two decades, Hudson’s mile-long main commercial districtbreaks out the holiday finery and transforms itself into a winter won-derland of twinkling lights, Victorian dress, carolers, dancers and whathas been described as “random acts of merriment” during the annualWinter Walk.Voted one of Columbia County’s best community events, Winter Walkfeatures entertainment, food and a festive spirit that’s hard to match. Traffic is blocked on Warren Street to make room for vendors, decora-tions and visitors who stroll up and down that main thoroughfare. Inthe past, Mr. and Mrs. Claus kick off holiday festivities with a parade,organized by the Hudson Department of Youth, from Hudson OperaHouse to City Hall. Inside, Santa and his elves will distribute gifts tochildren.Events have included a children’s book signing, ballroom dancing, hulahoop shows, horse and carriage rides. Last year more than 15,000 guests showed up for the event, whichended with a fireworks show launched at 8 p.m. from Promenade Hill.

Voted best spring community event, the annual Sean’s Rundraws thousands of participants from the Capital Region andHudson Valley. Held in memory of 17-year-old Sean Patrick French, whodied on New Year's Day 2002 while riding as a passenger ina single-car, drunk driving accident, the weekend event hon-ors those who died far too soon, and raises awareness ofthe dangers of drunk driving.As a gifted athlete and talented runner for Chatham HighSchool, French’s memory has lived on through this event.In addition to the 5K Sean’s Run, there’s also the Meghan’sMile run, a mile-and-a-half youth race for children ages 12and under. Meghan’s Mile was named in honor of French’sfriend and Sean’s Run founder, Meghan Kraham. She lost herlife to cancer on Aug. 18, 2007.

Ca’Mea Ristorante, awell-establishedrestaurant of finedining in HudsonNew York, is knownfor its authenticItalian cuisine andconsistent quality.Like Hudson itself,the restaurant isalways evolving andrefining itself.Owner Roy Felcetto,who created Ca’Mea,and his partner,Massimiliano “Max”Cenci, a well knownrestaurateur in his native town of Cortona, Italy (TrattoriaToscana) have brought together just the right balance of flavorand service that has made Ca’Mea a Hudson destination all itsown. They invite you to enjoy the best Italian cuisine ColumbiaCounty has to offer.What distinguishes Ca’Mea from most restaurants today is theowners’ hospitality and the dedicated staff’s willingness to bendover backwards to make sure your special occasion is unforget-table. Ca’mea is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from noon- 3p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m.and Sunday from 5-9 p.m.The restaurant is located at 333 Warren Street in Hudson. Contact them by phone at 518-822-0005 or through email,[email protected]

For more than 22 years Columbia County Habitat for Humanityhas served the people of Columbia County.An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and a 501 c.3nonprofit corporation, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity hashelped build safe, affordable housing for lower income families.Voted best Community Service Project,Columbia County Habitathas aggressively pursued the economic sustainability that energyconservation affords homeowners. They were named the 2014BEST Community Service Project for the Columbia PassiveTownhouses at 244-246 Columbia Street in Hudson. These homeswere the state’s first affordable housing built to Passive Housestandards, which cut overall energy use by 70 percent and heatingconsumption and costs by 90 percent. They just completed thesecond Passive Townhouses, 210-212 Columbia Street, Phase 4 ofour Columbia Street Campaign. These projects are the first two ofthree case studies in high energy performance affordable housing.Using different combinations of technology and materials, the goalis to develop a cost-effective, volunteer-friendly template for sus-tainable homes that can be adapted for use nationwide. They also pride themselves on two things: intentionally investingin local businesses and their ReStore, which attracts more than10,000 shoppers a year. Customers find great values, as well assatisfaction in knowing that they’re supporting affordable housingand keeping re-usable goods out of landfills.

Since its founding in 1993, Habitat volunteers have built 18 newhomes which were sold to lower-income working families with

interest-free mortgages. Partner families contributed 300 hours ofsweat equity. In 2009, they opened the ReStore, which sells donat-ed, gently-used furniture, kitchen cabinets, appliances, buildingmaterials and other household goods at discounted prices. AllReStore proceeds support Habitat’s construction program and haveenabled it to build two homes a year since 2009. In 2014, Habitat volunteers contributed more than 9,000 hours tothe 210-212 Columbia Street build and to the ReStore, which reliescompletely on donations from individuals and businesses.

Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is located at 829 Route66, Hudson. They can be reached by phone at (518)828-0892 orby email at [email protected] or www.columbi-acountyhabitat.orgThe Habitat office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. The ReStore is open Thursday, 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday andSaturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteer opportunities are available


Best Community Service ProjectColumbia County Habitat for Humanity

Photo Courtest of www.camearestaurant.com

Best Place for a First DateCa’ Mea Ristorante

Ellen Thurston retired from a thirty-year career as an arts administratorfor nonprofit and government agen-cies in 1995. She was born andraised in upstate New York and is a20-year resident of Hudson. Sheholds a bachelor’s degree fromBinghamton University and anMaster of Fine Art from ColumbiaUniversity.She has served three terms as aThird Ward Alderman on the City ofHudson Common Council and is in her second term as theThird Ward Supervisor on the Columbia County Board ofSupervisors.She is a long-time board member of the Hudson Opera Houseand has organized and produced the annual “Winter Walk” com-munity festival for twelve years. She is a member of ColumbiaCounty Futures and in 2004 led a series of community meetingson economic development issues called “Hudson is Changing.”She has also served on the Boards of the Friends of the FirstPresbyterian Church, and the Friends of Hudson and is a formerchair of the Columbia County Tourism Development Board.In 2009, she served as Chairman of the City of HudsonQuadricentennial Committee which produced the NamesakeCelebration in Hudson’s newly-named Henry Hudson RiverfrontPark. She also serves on the ad hoc volunteer committee toorganize the Mrs. Greenthumbs Garden Tour in HudsonFor 10 years she has written and distributed via e-mail a freeweekly electronic newsletter listing public meetings and eventsin and around Hudson called “Much To Do About Hudson,”a.k.a. “Ellen’s Picks.”

Best Local VolunteerEllen Thurston

Lake Taghkanic State Park offers a wonderful variety of recre-ational activities. The park is on the town line between the towns of Gallatin andTaghkanic, and is adjacent to the Taconic State Parkway.The park has tent and trailer campsites and cabin and cottagecamping facilities. Large trucks, RVs and campers can enter fromthe Route 82 entrance. It also features two beaches, picnic areas,boat launch sites, rowboat, paddleboat and kayak rentals, play-grounds, sports playing fields, a rentable pavilion, and newly ren-ovated recreation hall and showers. In addition, the park has hik-ing, biking, swimming, fishing, hunting, cross-country ski andsnowmobile trails. Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted whenconditions are appropriate. Visit the lake Taghkanic website:http://parks.ny.gov/parks for more information, or call(518) 851-3631.Today, the spacious beaches — with fully equipped bathingfacilities, secluded picnic areas, informal game areas, and boatrentals for rowing or fishing — round out a day's stay at LakeTaghkanic State Park. Lake Taghkanic is located at 1528 Route82 in Ancram. For more information, call 518.851.3631 or visitthe website http://nysparks.com/parks/38/.


Best Outdoor Recreation - Spring/SummerLake Taghkanic

Best Outdoor Recreation - Fall/WinterCatamount Ski Area

Best Riverboat - Spirit of Hudson

Family-owned and operated, Catamount Ski Area has been cater-ing to families primarily throughout the Hudson Valley.They offer terrain for all ability levels that is covered bysnow-making machines and maintained with nightlygrooming.Tom Gilbert and Rich Edwards, current owners, pride themselveson a family-friendly atmosphere and personal interaction withguests.Catamount is typically open from early December to late March.In addition to snow-making capabilities, the mountain receives 70to 100 inches of snow each season. The snowsports school offersgroup and private lessons, as well as the Mountain Cats children’sprogram.The Adventure Park offers an exciting aerial forest excursionfor patrons ages 7 and up. Enjoy more than 50 zip lines, with twocourses featuring 2,000 feet of zip lines each.Catamount is located at 78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, and isopen from 8:30 to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays; 9 a.m. to 4p.m. midweek and nonholidays; and until 9 or 10 p.m.Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information,call 518.325.3200 or visit www.catamountski.com.

Hudson Cruises Inc. started in 2003 with the Spirit of Hudson, andadded the “Lil’ Spirit in 2005 to provide lighthouse tours. In 2012,owners Guy Falkenheimer and Noor Rahaman restarted the“Hudson-Athens Ferry” to help cross-promote businesses inColumbia and Greene Counties.Hudson Cruises Inc. provides fun on the water from 10 a.m. to 10p.m. seven days a week, May through October 31. In business for11 years, they pride themselves on personal service and friendlycrew. The wide variety of music, artists, ever-increasing restaurantvariety and views of the river and Catskills is what the ownerslove the best about Columbia County. For more information, call518.822.1014, email [email protected] or visit the websitewww.hudsoncruises.com. Hudson Cruises Inc. operates out of theHenry Hudson Waterfront Park.

Coarc has been an advocate and resource in Columbia Countyfor individuals who experience disabilities and their familiessince 1965. They provide comprehensive services to children and adults,both in the community and at more than 20 Coarc locations.Services are as diverse as the people they support. Servicesrange from employment programs, where job coaches assistindividuals to acquire and maintain interesting jobs in the localcommunity, to residential services, where Coarc direct supportprofessionals promote independence and support people withtheir daily in-the-home needs. The comprehensive programs andservices expand the abilities of pre-school students to seniors.Coarc manufactures things, too. They run have two fully ISOcertified Coarc Contract Manufacturing facilities that employworkers who experience disabilities and also workers withoutdisabilities. Overall, Coarc supports more than 500 individualsexperiencing disabilities and employs more than 400 staff mem-bers. Whether looking for a day time activity for a child experi-encing a disability or a great paying job with super benefits atone of Coarc’s many locations, come learn more about Coarcand see how together “we can expand abilities, one person at atime!”Coarc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They are theColumbia County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. which is America'slargest nonprofit organization supporting people with intellectualand other developmental disabilities and their families since1949. NYSARC is the New York State Chapter of The Arc.

Most drivers on the Taconic State Parkway are busy getting toand from work, and may tend to take the scenery for granted. However, those who go by the scenic overlook near the Townof Philmont may be tempted to take an extra moment or two topull over and enjoy the view.Across the Hudson River, the Catskill Mountains rise up, castingshadows on the valley below. Voted the best scenic view inColumbia County, this overlook is certainly worth more thanjust a quick stop.


Clermont State Historic Site The Hudson River home of an American Aristocracy

Friends of ClermontOpen for tours now through December * Wednesday-Sunday, 11 to 4 * Historic Germantown

(518) 537-4240 friendsofclermont.org

Best Non-Profit/Community Organization COARC

Best Scenic ViewTaconic Parkway Overlook- Philmont

Bodhi Holistic Spa and Yoga prides itself on finding the most natural,yet effective, products for all of its services. Located at 543 WarrenStreet, Bodhi is a full service spa, salon and yoga studio owned byMelinda and TJ Macchiardi. All services are based on principles ofholistic wellness and the belief that beauty is from the inside out.Melinda Macchiardi started the business as a small massage practice12 years ago. She listened carefully to the needs of the communityand the guests visiting Hudson, which inspired Bodhi as it is today.“It’s pretty great to get a massage after yoga,” the owners said. TJtransformed the old building through blood, sweat and tears into anincredible yoga space.The owners say the best thing about Columbia County is “everything!”“The beauty is overwhelming. The people are amazing. It has alwaysfelt like ‘home’ in the sweetest sense of the word,” they said.Bodhi is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Tuesday through Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For information, call518.828.2233, visit www.bodhiholisticspa.com or email [email protected].


Best Managed TownChatham

Best Yoga/Pilates/ZumbaBodhi Holistic Spa, Yoga & Salon

Best Place to See a CelebrityWarren Street in HudsonHudson’s main thoroughfare, Warren Street, is lined withbeautiful architecture and a wide range of art galleries, antiqueshops, bookstores, restaurants and everything in between.This mix attracts all sorts of people — including celebrities.Over the years countless celebrities have made Columbia Countyhome and others have made it a place to visit. Over the years starsof music, television and movies, along with the arts and literaryworld have been spotted at some point along the milelong stretch ofWarren Street. They have taken part in Hudson events like WinterWalk, purchased antiques for their homes or grabbed a bite to eat ora cold beer. And in true ColumbiaCounty fashion, we don’t need tobrag by naming them all but we do make them feel at home in thispaparazzi-free zone.

The town of Chatham includes many hamlets and avillage, creating pockets of activity, all well-managedby the town and village governments, as well as his-torical societies, associations and alliances.The Chatham Central School District boosts a talentedand high achieving student body. The recreationdepartment maintains Crellin Park and offers an activesummer program.The Columbia Land Conservancy maintains two pub-lic conservation areas in the town and the AlanDevoe Bird Club maintains a wildlife sanctuary.The village holds a summer and winter festival and inthe fall, the annual FilmColumbia film festival.The Mac-Haydn Theatre provides an enjoyable sum-mer stock theater experience, while PS21 Chathamoffers music, dance, workshops and more.The Columbia County Fair at the ChathamFairgrounds closes out the summer. The Fairgroundsare also used year-round for various events and activi-ties.There are two high profile horse sanctuaries: LittleBrook Farm and Equine Advocates, as well as smallerhorse farms where you can board and/or ride.Spruce Ridge Farm has alpacas, Old ChathamSheepherding Company has sheep (and sells award-winning products). Both are in Old Chatham, where afew good places to eat are tucked away.North Chatham and Chatham Village each boost anactive library and historical society. Malden Bridge hasan active community center.The fire departments, village police department andrescue squad are always at the ready. There are manydifferent religions represented throughout the town aswell.The town of Chatham with its pocket communitiesmakes it the Best Managed Town.


Your enthusiasm inspires us to keep making the Columbia County Fair a more exciting, more educational and more enjoyable event for our community and to make the Fairgrounds a top choice for year-round recreation and special activities.

Thanks for your vote and see you at the 175th Columbia County Fair, September 2-7.

What a honor it is to be chosen as your Favorite Community Event

and Best Wedding Venue!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––COLUMBIA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETYCHATHAM,NY�� 518.392.2121WWW.COLUMBIAFAIR.COM

Alex and Arica Rosenstrach, owners of ClubLife health club facil-ity in Valatie, said at the club’s opening that they were building somuch more than just a health club — they were building a brand.

And in order to help make that a reality, the Rosenstrachs addeda 32,000-square-foot indoor trampoline park which helped securethe title of “Best Place for a Birthday Party for Kids” title in thisyear’s Best of Columbia County contest.

Best Place for kids Birthday PartyClublife Sports Zone & Trampoline Park

Best Park/PlaygroundLake TaghkanicLake Taghkanic State Park offers a wonderful variety of recreationalactivities. The park is on the town line between the towns of Gallatin andTaghkanic, and is adjacent to the Taconic State Parkway.The park has tent and trailer campsites and cabin and cottage campingfacilities. Large trucks, RVs and campers can enter from the Route 82entrance. It also features two beaches, picnic areas, boat launch sites,rowboat, paddleboat and kayak rentals, playgrounds, sports playingfields, a rentable pavilion, and newly renovated recreation hall andshowers. In addition, the park has hiking, biking, swimming, fishing,hunting, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Ice skating and ice fish-ing are permitted when conditions are appropriate. Visit the lakeTaghkanic website: http://parks.ny.gov/parks for more information, orcall(518) 851-3631.


Best CampgroundCopake KOA

Best Golf CourseColumbia Golf & Country Club

The Copake KOA campground has 244 campsites with everythingfrom tent sites, big rig 50 amp RV sites to deluxe cabins, CableTV and Wi-Fi throughout. There are daily activities, themedweekends, an arcade, a well-stocked camp store, pool, tennis,mini golf and more.

Even though they are part of a franchise, they are a familyowned campground with great staff. They constantly get feed-back from campers that the staff is very friendly and helpful.

The Reinard Family — Gary, Cathy, Chrissy and Tom — hasowned Copake KOA for the past five years. They are very proudof a very clean, fun, safe and up-to-date facility with awesomeentertainment. They strive to give you the best camping experi-ence you’ve ever had.

The Reinard family loves Columbia County for its diversity—from Hudson with its antiquing and night life, to the rolling hillsand farms, with all their scenic beauty. “We are two hours fromNew York City, and yet you can still lay on your back and seeevery star in the night sky,” said the family.

Copake KOA is located at 2236 County Route 7 in Copake and isopen 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Mother’s Day to Columbus Dayweekend. For more information, call 518.329.2811 or visit thewebsite www.copakekoa.com.

Columbia Golf & Country Club was established as a private clubin 1919. The Club prides itself in offering a topnotch well-mani-cured golf course tee to green. Many holes provide exceptionalviews of the Catskills, lakes, and natural areas. The course is des-ignated a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by AudubonInternational.The Club proudly offers a welcoming and family-friendly informalenvironment. Ten years ago CG&CC undertook a major renovation which,among other things, restored the gracious mid-1800’s GreekRevival Club House, expanded the Pro Shop, and refurbished thelocker rooms. Additionally, the Bar/Grillroom, with its handsomemahogany bar and cabinetry, was renovated and is the primarygathering place for members and their guests to enjoy fine fare.CG&CC offers many amenities. Of particular note is the state-of-the-art practice facility where golfers, after hitting off grass, canthen also sharpen their short games! With the hiring of a Tennis Director and refurbishing of the club’s2 courts, the sport is enjoying renewed popularity. Private lessonsand clinics, as well as, a week long tennis camp are now offered.Various memberships are available. The attractively priced OneYear Introductory Membership Plan is a wonderful way tobecome acquainted with all that CG&CC has to offer.

The Columbia Land Conservancy is a nonprofit organization and relieson the financial support of individuals to conserve the farmland, forests,wildlife habitat, and rural character of Columbia County, strengtheningconnections between people and the land. CLC has established 5,750acres of public land, including the 10 public conservation areas ownedand managed by CLC. It has helped some 200 local families protect anadditional 24,500 acres of land through voluntary conservation agree-ments. CLC provides outdoor and educational activities to more than4,000 participants per year. CLC also works to support and strengthenagriculture by matching landowners looking to have their land farmedwith farmers seeking land; and through a corps of experienced farmerswho mentor landowners and new farmers. CLC also assists the countyand its towns in a variety of land use planning efforts.

Best Hiking/Biking TrailsColumbia Land Conservancy - Greenport

Voters in the Best of Columbia County 2015 pollinghave selected Germantown Central School District'sKaryn Schassler as this year's Best Educator. Schasslersaid she is honored and humbled by this recognitionas much as she is honored to be a part of the GCSD."I absolutely love my career as a school counselor,"she said. "I am currently teamed up with some amaz-ing learners and staff. I have also been a schoolcounselor in 4 of the 6 Columbia County school dis-tricts with each environment providing me withunique and valuable experience."Schassler said GCSD has provided her the opportuni-

ty to support students, collaborating with dedicatedadministrators and teachers, academically and socially

in preparing students to be college and career thinkers, even at the elementary and middle school levels. This year the school enabled herto organize an after-school film club. As a result, eleven 6th grade students wrote, filmed and edited an original production that debuted atthe Crandell Theatre in Chatham along with two other county public schools ( https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PBTzet82Z5I ).In the summer months Schassler splits her time between GCSD and her position as the Recreation Director for two Columbia County towncamps interacting with dedicated high school and college summer counselors and energetic campers."My life in Columbia County began 17 years ago and coincided with becoming the lucky mom of (ultimately) two beautiful daughters," sheshared of her personal life. "Prior to Columbia County, my entire life had been in the Washington, DC area where I was a successful seniorpharmaceutical sales consultant, an interior designer and a professional organizer."Schassler's diverse career and life experiences have brought her to the GCSD where she continues to tap into that background to help guidegreat students towards rewarding futures - rewarding for them and to her for having set them on a successful path.


Best EducatorKaryn Schassler

Pondside Nursery is the latest enterprise of Claveracknative Jake Watts. After returning from SUNY Cobleskill,where he completed a degree in Horticulture, Jake estab-lished his first successful business, A+ Gardens, in 2002.Building on his prior experience as a foreman with alocal landscaping firm, he pushed his start-up into thetop rank of Columbia County landscaping professionalswithin a few short years. After purchasing a house and adjacent property on Route9G just south of Hudson, Jake’s vision for the next phaseof his business began to take shape. In 2011 he dug thepond that became the namesake of the nursery, and inthe winter of 2012-13 constructed the building to housethe retail division, Pondside Nursery. Jake then brought on board key employees of the for-mer Loomis Creek Nursery in Claverack to help realizehis vision of a top-notch garden center in centralColumbia County, and he stocked the nursery with handselected specimen trees and shrubs, the best of the bestperennials, annuals and tropicals, and the highest quality tools, pottery and garden accessories. Pondside’s landscaping, stone masonryand maintenance crews are second to none in efficiency, professionalism and reliability, constantly striving to deliver superior workman-ship that turns garden dreams into reality. Now in its third season, Pondside has garnered rave reviews and developed a loyal customer base among both longtime residents andweekenders, with a reputation for offering healthy, well cared for plants in hard-to-find varieties and great gift ideas for gardeners. Thenursery’s website, pondsidenursery.com, has links to portfolios of previous projects, plus valuable cultural information for several cate-gories of plants, informative articles, directions and more.Pondside Nursery is conveniently located just south of Hudson at 5918 Route 9G, open daily from 9 am until 6 pm. For additionalinformation, telephone 518-828-1179 or visit the nursery’s website at www.pondsidenursery.com. Jake and his staff look forward to a great 2015 season, providing our customers with the highest quality merchandise, expert gardenadvice, and excellent customer service at Hudson’s new home for the avid gardener, Pondside Nursery.

BestNursery/Lawncare & Garden CenterPondside Nursery


Best Picnic Lunch SpotHudson Waterfront Park

Best Wedding Venue Columbia County Fairgrounds

Best Place to ProposeClermont Historic SiteRomance is in the air at Clermont State Historic Site among themeandering gardens and picturesque views of the Hudson River.The 50-year-old historic site boasts a magnificent 270-year-oldmansion, the country seat of the wealthy Livingston family. Eachof the seven generations that called the mansion home worked tosculpt the home and the land into the perfect Hudson Riverescape. The grounds are “full of hidden nooks and cozy benchesthat can make your special moment a private one together,” sitestaff said.Clermont prides itself on its peaceful, natural beauty and friendlyhospitality. Owned by the New York State Office of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preservation, the site is open seven daysa week from 8:30 a.m. to sunset.Site staff say Columbia County offers the best blend of metropoli-tan and country living. Rich with history and natural beauty, thecounty has so much to offer visitors and residents alike.The mansion is located at 1 Clermont Avenue in Germantown,and is open for tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday throughSunday during the summer and fall. For more information online,visit www.friendsofclermont.org, www.NYSParks.com orsearch for Clermont State Historic Site on Facebook.The site can also be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 518.537.4240.Send a fax to 518.537.6240.Without the Hudson River, there would be no Hudson, New

York. The city’s founders, Nantucket whalers, were drawn to the localebecause of its port. For 200 years the city grew and prospered asthe direct result of its access to the river, which provided 11/2miles of shoreline on the city’s western border. The Proprietors’designed a grid plan that allowed the city to expand away fromthe river and remain connected to the waterway. The HudsonRiver still serves as a major shipping lane for large ships travelingbetween Albany and New York City.The current Waterfront Park, located at the water’s edge, is awell-used venue for festivals and celebrations of all kinds, anannual concert series and a popular locale for weddings.Planned future improvements to the Hudson waterfront include anew playground for Promenade Hill, completion of a new trailfrom the North Bay to the neighboring Greenport Conservancyarea and the improvement and expansion of the city-owneddock in Waterfront Park.

Photo By Daniel Region

Photo By Daniel Region

Planning a party, wedding, reunion? The people of ColumbiaCounty have voted, and the Columbia County Fairgrounds tookthe award for Best Wedding Venue.Located in Chatham, the Fairgrounds have a long and colorfulhistory, boasting a selection of historic buildings from which tochoose, offering a rich variety for all occasions. The Fairhouse is considered the signature building. Built in1884, it features an open floor plan, three-story loft ceiling,wrap-around porch, wooden floor, and old-fashioned glasswindows. It includes nearby caterer’s prep site. The Pavilion, while covered, is still open and is a great spot fora class reunion or family graduation party. It features a waisthigh counter, picnic tables and cooler. Columbia Hall has a a lovely porch, two restrooms and a kitch-enette. The open beamed ceiling lends a charming touch toany event.


Mirror Mirror Clothing Shop was established in November 2014.Lynne Chmurzynski owner/manager, along with her husband,Bill Sullivan worked many long hours to create a distinctive per-sonality for this unique consignment shop.Weekenders provided them with a vision to start this newendeavor. After extensive renovations on the historic Althouse-Higgins House, lasting 2 years, this has become a reality.Lynne's interest in consignment shopping began in her teenyears She says "each piece of clothing has a past, and at best, ahopeful future. Statistics show the amount of clothing that even-tually ends up in our landfills today that doesn't need to." Intoday's economy, consignment shopping is a fun and responsi-ble way to save money and save the environment at the sametime while adding quality clothing and accessories to yourwardrobe.Mirror Mirror, besides being eco-friendly also has promoted localartisans displaying their hand made jewelry and headwear forsale in a special designated area. Bill and Lynne have alsodevoted their time and energy to promote their communitythrough events, participating last year's hamlet annual PumpkinFestival by hosting a family friendly Pumpkin Decorating on thebuilding's front porch as well as sponsoring An AfternoonTea and Fashion Show, benefiting the Taconic Hills BackpackProgram and C.A.N. Program.Featuring women's and men's clothing and accessories, Mirror

Mirror Clothing Shop offers a charming environment for fun andrelaxed shopping. It showcases a carefully selected elegant andeclectic mix of everything from gently worn-brand name anddesigner labels and accessories to everyday wear, primarily forwomen sizes 0 to 3X, but includes a selection of men's clothingalso. They specialize in women's and men's quality clothing, costumejewelry, unique belts, shoes, handbags and accessories.Handbags for the spring/summer collection include VeraBradley, Coach, Fendisime, and Kate Spade.They are pleased to be a part of the growing Hillsdale businesscommunity which has a reputation for unique shopping experi-ences and local restaurants.Parking is conveniently located behind the newly renovatedAlthouse-Higgins house with an additional entrance in he back.Mirror Mirror Clothing shop is located at 2666 State Route 23 inHillsdale, NY, 1/2 mile west of the Route 22/Route 23 intersec-tion. 518.325.4000

Best ConsignmentMirror Mirror

Best Home Furnishing/DecoratingFurniture Plus

Best ofBest ofSHOPPING

Steve and Bonnie Caro opened Furniture Plus in 1995.Ten years later, they expanded to a new showroom. Theypride themselves on the large selection of affordably pricedbrand name furniture right in Hudson. Locally owned andoperated, Furniture Plus is set apart by not being a bigchain. The 10-member staff offers personal attention andexcellent customer service. They are a noncommissionedsales staff who go the extra mile for their customers.Furniture Plus is located at 329 Fairview Avenue in Hudson.The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday throughThursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and isclosed Sundays. For more information, call 518.828.3683,email [email protected] or visit the websitewww.furnitureplus.com.

Meissner's AuctionService is located onRoute 20 & 22 in NewLebanon.A family-owned busi-ness for more than 18years, Meissner’s spe-cializes in the followingtypes of merchandise:quality oil paintings,quality antique andperiod furniture,antique toys, antiqueand collectible dolls,automobilia andpetrolania, Shaker,antique firearms,antique and vintageadvertising, stoneware,and Victorian col-lectibles:To contact Meissner’sAuction Service, writeto P.O. Box 115, New Lebanon, NY 12125, or call (518) 766-5002. or fax: (518) 794-8073Email [email protected]. Find them online at www.meissnersauction.com


Best Antique DealerMeissner’s Auction Service LLC

Best Building Supply StoreEd Herrington’s Inc.

Best Jewelry StoreR.H. Van Alstyne Fine Jewelry

Ed Herrington, Inc. is a fourth-generation family-owned and oper-ated lumber and building supply company offering quality hard-ware, lumber, engineered wood products, windows and doors,kitchens and baths, paint and architecturalstone. The company offers a wide variety of home improvementand home building services to homeowners and professionalbuilders, tradespeople and architects. The company is owned byRichard Herrington and Allison Neumann. They say thatHerrington’s is set apart from other companies because of theirpeople and the depth of knowledge they bring to the construc-tion industry. They also pride themselves on providing qualitybuilding materials and solutions for building, remodeling and ren-ovation projects. Herrington and Neumann love Columbia Countyfor its people, country living, access to the arts, state parks, localhistory and greatrestaurants.There are three loca-tions in ColumbiaCounty: Hillsdale,Hudson and Chatham.They are open 7 a.m.to 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and 7a.m. to 3 p.m. onSaturdays.For more information,call 518.325.3131 or visit the website atwww.herringtons.com.

R. H. Van Alstyne Inc. isa traditional Main Streetjewelry store, somethingyou would expect tofind in a bygone era.Providing all the basics— diamond engagementrings to sterling babycups, watch and jewelryrepair, handengravingand appraisals — VanAlstyne’s is also a storethat is overflowing withjewelry and gifts that arestartlingly diverse, up-to-date, and always highquality, a perfect blend of the old and the new. In business for 24 years, a solidreputation for customer service and integrity is why generations of locals andweekenders alike make R. H. Van Alstyne “their” jeweler.Born and raised in Columbia County, owner RitaVan Alstyne is the mother ofthree, grandmother of two, a Graduate Gemologist, and one of the lucky oneswho has managed to find a career dong something she loves. “Columbia Countyis like a slice of heaven, the perfect place to grow up, raise a family, open a busi-ness and make life long friends!”R.H. Van Alstyne, Inc. is located at 42 Main Street in Chatham and is open10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; open till 6 p.m. on Fridaysand 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 518.392.7718,email [email protected] or visit the website www.vanalstynejewelry.com.

The Chatham Bookstore, located at 27 Main Streetin Chatham, was established in 1977. Its presentowners, Nicole Furnee and Thomas Chulak,acquired the store in 2012 and are dedicated tobuilding community through books. They love thenatural beauty of Columbia County and the resi-dents’ commitment to shop locally. The ChathamBookstore is the setting for many communityevents and author events. The owners pride them-selves on an excellent selection and knowledgeablestaff. The bookstore is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Thursday; 9:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays;9:30 to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 3 p.m. onSundays. Call 518.392.3005 or visit the website atwww.chathambookstore.com for more information.

Best Local BookstoreChatham Bookstore

Browns Emporium Inc.has been a fixture onMain Street Chatham foralmost a century. Thecurrent owners, Judithand James Rundell,pride themselves onoffering their customersquality apparel andfootwear. Their knowl-edge and friendly salesstaff provide a level ofcustomer service thatsets Browns apart fromother stores. TheRundells have ownedBrowns for almost 25years and cite the caringand supportive commu-nity that shop small asone of the reasons why they love Columbia County.Browns, located at 37 Main Street in Chatham, is open 9 a.m. to5 p.m Monday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Sundays. For more information, call 518.392-2541, [email protected] or visit the we


Best Clothing, Shoesand/or AccessoriesBrowns Emporium. Inc.

Best Lodging The BarlowThe Barlow provides the perfect blend of historic architecture andmodern amenities that today’s discerning traveler expects. The per-sonal service and friendly staff combined with the central locationmakes a stay at the Barlow truly memorable.“The Barlow welcomed its first guests in June, 2013 after the build-ing underwent an extensive renovation. The hotel offers guests 16well-appointed rooms that include complimentary Wi-Fi, in-roomKeurig coffee makers, fireplaces and spa-inspired bathrooms. Allrooms also offer flat-screen TVs with complimentary DirecTV.Beginning May, 2015 we are also pleased to offer a state-of-the-artfitness center for our guests’ use located directly on premises.”Owners Duncan Calhoun and Russ Gibson are proud of theirPrivileges Partner Program that offers guests discounts at mostHudson shops, restaurants and galleries and encourages them toshop locally. Calhoun and Gibson said there is always somethingnew to discover in Columbia County and the diverse nature of thearea’s attractions make it the perfect destination for everyone.The Barlow is located at 542 Warren Street in Hudson. For moreinformation, call 518.828.2100, [email protected] or visit the website www.thebar-lowhotel.com.

Bimi's Cheese Shop, located onMain Street in Chatham, opened onAug. 30, 2014, to a warm welcomefrom locals and visitors alike. Withno similar business within 20 miles,Bimi's filled a much-needed nichein the specialty food realm. By thoughtfully sourcing all of theproducts locally and/or sustainably,their shelves are filled with prod-ucts our customers can trust. Theygo out of their way to provide afun, friendly, informative, and delicious shopping experience foreveryone who comes into the shop.Owners Laura Shea, Ellen Waggett, David Shea, and Chris Landypride themselves on sustainable sourcing of excellent-qualityproducts. All of the charcuterie is made from humanely-raised, antibiotic-and hormone-free animals. All of the cheeses are carefully storedand well-handled to ensure the best possible product. The staff isenthusiastic, well-informed, and always friendly and ready toanswer questions. Their grilled cheese bar always has somethingnew on the menu so you never get tired of what's for lunch!Products available include cheese, crackers, grilled cheese, andspecialty food itemsBimi’s is open Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact [email protected]


Your enthusiasm inspires us to keep making the Columbia County Fair a more exciting, more educational and more enjoyable event for our community and to make the Fairgrounds a top choice for year-round recreation and special activities.

Thanks for your vote and see you at the 175th Columbia County Fair, September 2-7.

What a honor it is to be chosen as your Favorite Community Event

and Best Wedding Venue!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––COLUMBIA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETYCHATHAM,NY�� 518.392.2121WWW.COLUMBIAFAIR.COM

American Pie is a unique, contemporary general store offeringpractical, affordable and quirky kitchen and tableware and per-sonal care, cards, candles, jewelry, edibles, wearables — andso much more than you can imagine. American Pie prides itselfon great customer service. Owners Lynne Michael and ThomasHope came to Chatham seeking a wholesome environment toraise their son, and a beautiful place to live and work. Theyopened American Pie to provide the community with afford-able and unusual items needed on a day-to-day basis as well asspecial occasions. They say they love Columbia Countybecause it is blessed with open space and surrounded byworking farms, yet close to New York City, providing the bestof two worlds.There is a wonder-ful and diversecommunity here.American Pie islocated at 41 MainStreet in Chatham. Itis open 9:30 a.m. to5 p.m. Mondaythrough Saturdayand 11 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Sundays. Formore information,call 518.392.6632 [email protected].

Best Specialty StoreAmerican Pie

Best Speciality Food StoreBimi’s Cheese Shop


295 ROUTE 217, CLAVERACK, NEW YORK 12513 518-851-9195 W W W. C O L U M B I A G O L F. O R G www.facebook.com/ColumbiaGolf

established 1919

www.camearestaurant.com333 Warren Street Hudson New York

518-822-0005www.camearestaurant.com

333 Warren Street Hudson New York

518-822-0005

Open for Lunch & Dinner Tues. - SunOpen for Lunch & Dinner Tues. - Sun

Thank you for voting us

for the second year in a row!

Best Fine Dining‘

Hawthorne Valley Farm StoreGrand Reopening

From Our Hands to Your TableHelp us celebrate the completion of our expansion!

Tastings, giveaways, kids’ activities and more!

Fresh Organic Local Delicious

FARM STORE |www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org

327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 | 518-672-7500

Open 7 Days7:30 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday, June 28 9 am to noon


For those of you who haven’t been to Chatham Flower &Gifts, it is a local, family-owned floral and gift store, just amile and half west of the light in Chatham.They specialize in innovative designs, fresh flowersand unique decor. In addition to the large assortmentof fresh-cut flowers, they also provide a beautifulselection of florist quality plants, distinctive homeaccessories, Willow Tree collectibles, recycled aluminumjewelry by The Artist Jay, handmade pottery,Haitian wall art, specialty candles, baskets, uniquedecorations, memorable greeting cards and more.Kathleen and Frank Rohlfs will celebrate 28 years ofownership this year. Their business is set apart by theirgreat team of creative and experienced floral desigers.They truly enjoy helping people select the perfectflowers for all types of events: holidays, births, funerals,weddings, a gift for someone special, an arrangement forthe dining room table, or “just because”. They love creat-ing beautiful arrangements for all the important mile-stones in people’s lives.Chatham Flowers & Gifts is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.They are located at 2117 Route 203 in Chatham. Formore information, call 518.392.6414, email chathamflow-ers@ aol.com or visit the website at www.chathamflower-sandgifts.com.Don’t forget to check out the Chatham FlowersFacebook page for special deals and pictures of theirlatest work. All important information and updates willbe shared there, so please ‘like’ them and spread theword to friends and family.

Best FloristChatham Flowers & Gifts

Best Gift ShopThe Cross Eyed Owl

Valley Energy is third-gen-eration family ownedsince 1952 and is current-ly owned by Russ BeckSr. and Russ Beck Jr.They serve local business-es and families inColumbia, Greene andDutchess counties fromtheir office in Claverack.Valley Energy pridesthemselves on being a

24/7 full service company that with their team of experts provide superbservice and quality fuel at low prices.They love Columbia County because of their commitment to their cus-tomers and neighbors.Valley Energy is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call518.851.3921, email info@valleyenergy.

In the fall of 1993, Patti Varga openedher first shop as a means of selling herown crafts and creations. Over the years,the shop grew and moved to its currentlarger location, becoming The CrossEyed Owl Gift Shop that we knowtoday. The shop now features uniqueand quality products from more than 400companies including Yankee Candle, JimShore and Willow Tree. You will findhome decor as well as cards and gifts formen, women and children of all ages.With their large and unique assortmentof gifts and personalized service, you are sure to find that special present,for even the most challenging people in your life.Varga grew up in Columbia County and says the best part of owning hershop is the interaction and relationships she has with her customers.The Cross Eyed Owl is located at 3143 Route 9 in Valatie. They areopen 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. onWednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m.Sundays. For more information, call 518-758-6755 or visit the website:www.crosseyedowl.com. In addition, you can find them on Facebook,Twitter and Pinterest.

Best Fuel Oil/Propane ProviderValley Energy

Voted best Library in Columbia County, the Hudson Area Library iscurrently housed in the imposing stone structure located on StateStreet. It was built in 1818 and was originally used as the almshousefor the city of Hudson, caring for the area’s poor.Its roots may date back to the 19th century, but its programs andtechnology and certainly looking toward the future.Offing a vast array of books, magazines and other media, thelibrary also offers a large selection of free programs for children andadults. In 1999 the Friends of the Hudson Library was established to assistin the goal of enhancing library services for Hudson and the sur-

rounding communities. Dedicated and energetic volunteers havebeen raising funds for the library and in support of communityevents. Recently their efforts have been focused on growing thelibrary’s collection in all media to help support the core mission ofliteracy.With the goal of a new home just a short distance away from itscurrent location, the library staff and supporters have been busyraising money to make that dream a reality. According to thelibrary’s website, more than 40 percent of the necessary funds havebeen raised and has been earmarked for furniture, fixtures andequipment. The goal is to create a library that is conducive to col-laborative work, creativity and comfort.For more information, visit the library’s website www.hudsonareali-brary.orgEditor’s Note: Hudson Library’s award for Best Library is part of the Best of Arts & Culture category.

Best LibraryHudson Area Association Library


Olana is more than just the house;it is a work of art designed byHudson River School artist FredericChurch and the site integrates thelandscape, views, farm, house andcollections. Since OlaOlana is more than just the house; it is a work of artdesigned by Hudson River School artist Frederic Church and the site inte-grates the landscape, views, farm, house and collections.Since Olana was saved from the auction block in the 1960s, there has beengreater recognition of the importance of its viewshed — and threats to thatviewshed, such as a proposed nuclear power plant, St. Lawrence Cement andAthens Generating. It has been the mission of those who love and supportOlana to protect that viewshed. “So many people and organizations thatvalue the importance of preserving farmland and open spaces” makesColumbia County a great home for the historic homestead. “To date, morethan 1,300 acres have been protected within the Olana viewshed,” site staffsaid.Owned by New York State, and open to the public for 47 years, the groundsat Olana are accessible from 8 a.m. to sunset every day for walking, picnick-ing, painting and bird watching, among other activities, and five miles ofcarriage roads make for a scenic foray through the landscape. Tours of thehistoric house are also available. For more information, visit www.olana.orgor call 518.828.0135. Olana is located at 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson.

Best State Historic SiteOlana

Best Art GalleryThompsonGiroux Gallery

BestArtistRogerMason

Best ofBest ofARTS & CULTURE

Thompson Giroux Galleryis located at 57 Main Streetin Chatham. Voted thisyear’s Best Art Gallery inColumbia County, it is isowned by Marie-ClaudeGiroux and WilliamThompson.The gallery features careful-ly-curated contemporary art in a community-oriented setting, offering groupshows that give collectors an understanding of how an eclectic mix of art cancreate a cohesive collection.The gallery showcases talented artists working in a wide range of style andmedia, supporting artists who make compelling and inspiring art.The Thompson Giroux Art Gallery is open Thursday through Monday 11a.m.to 5 p.m., and Friday from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.Call 518-392-3336 for more information, or visit the website [email protected]

The Crandell Theatre is Columbia County's oldestand largest movie theatre with 534 seats. It wasbuilt in 1926 by Walter S. Crandell as a vaudevillehouse. Today the Crandell Theatre has state-of-the-art digital projection and sound and is ownedand operated by The Chatham Film Club, a com-munity supported nonprofit organization dedicat-ed to bringing quality film to Columbia Countyand to maintaining and preserving the historictheatre as an anchor on Main Street in the Villageof Chatham. The theatre screens first-run main-stream and independent films daily, seven days aweek, and hosts FilmColumbia, a 5-day film festi-val each year in October at the Crandell inChatham and at Hudson Lodge in Hudson. Formore information, call 518-392-3331, [email protected] delltheatre.org.

Best Local Movie TheaterThe Crandell Theater


The Mac-Haydn Theatre was foundedin 1969 by Lynne Haydn and Linda MacNish; Haydn stillserves as artistic director/producer. For the first few years the theater performed in rented space atthe Chatham Fairgrounds; in 1978 they opened in their own building just outside of the village.Hundreds of performers, directors, musicians, designers and technicians have honed skills toward asuccessful career in a highly competitive business at the theatre — fulfilling one of the original aimsof MacNish and Haydn. Their other aim, to provide top quality musical theater entertainment topeople in an area that (at the time) had nothing of that sort, has also been reached, as thousands ofpatrons enjoy each year’s productions. Mac-Haydn takes pride in being the cornerstone of some 20plus performing arts groups in the county.Mac-Haydn’s unique theatre-in-the-round setting focuses on the story and the music, while giving afresh, new perspective to the show. The people have exceptional talents, bringing the highest possi-ble quality to all aspects of the productions. They are also very proud to have brought high qualityentertainment to thousands of people for more than 45 years.Haydn loves the the diversity of Columbia County, “Where else can you go fishing, hiking,antiquing and then see a Broadway quality professional musical all in one day? The location: beingso near to major highways is a positive factor for our business. The people: we could not existwithout our so helpful and so loyal volunteers, and the other businesses and people who supportus.”Mac-Haydn is seasonal, open late-May to mid-September; performance days and times vary, seewebsite for information: www.machaydntheatre.com.Mac-Haydn is located at 1925 State Route 203 in Chatham. For more information call 518.392.9292.Mac-Haydn is seasonal, opens late-May to mid-September; performance days and times vary, see website for information: www.machayd-ntheatre.com.Mac-Haydn is located at 1925 State Route 203 in Chatham. For more information call 518.392.9292.

Born and raised in Hudson, NY, Justinhas been performing since age 5. A fix-ture on the local community theaterscene for over 20 years, Justin graduatedfrom Hudson High School in 1994 andwent on to Siena College, ColumbiaGreene Community College and SUNY New Paltz where he majored intheater and received many awards and acknowledgements for his per-formances. After giving birth to Girlgantua Jones 6 years ago, he/she hasperformed regularly at Club Helsinki and The Half Moon with MustyChiffon's Kook, Trixie's Whorehouse, Charmed and Dangerous (DiamondStreet Dames), Hudson Pride and has created Girlgantua's Drag Racewhich will be taking place once again in October. Justin took his act onthe road in 2014 and performed in Provincetown, MA at the worldrenowned SHOWGIRLS drag competition and placed 2nd out of 15. InJanuary 2015, Justin expanded upon his internal cast of characters and cre-ated Weather With Weaver in which he combs the streets of Hudson comi-cally delivering the weather and all the pertinent gossip. His online videoshave become a Facebook sensation and can be found at#Weatherwithweaver.Justin would like to thank his family and friends for all their support andencouragement, Girlgantua for making him laugh and keeping his creativejuices flowing, and all of you for voting him Best Entertainer of ColumbiaCounty for the second time in a row. Thank you.

Local Live Theater Mac-Haydn Theatre

Best EntertainerJustin Weaver

Best ofBest ofNIGHTLIFE

Peint O Gwrw is an eclectic Welsh-themed pub — one ofonly four in the United States. It has a warm, old-timeatmosphere with tin ceilings, wood paneling, swords andarmor, Welsh flags and taxidermy. It’s a quirky corner ofthe universe where you can enjoy a kimchi burger.Establishedin 2001, the owners, Thomas Hope and Lynne Michael,wanted to provide a comfortable local pub atmospherewith affordable prices. They pride themselves on the 16local and micro brews on tap including local cider and anice selection of scotches and bourbons, exciting QuizNotes and Wednesday Curry Nig–hts. Peint O Gwrw islocated at 36 Main Street in Chatham and is open Tuesday,Thursday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight and 4 p.m.to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call518.392.2337 or email [email protected].

Best Bar Peint O Gwrw


fingarinsurance.com

BESTOF

COLUMBIACOUNTY

2015

Columb

iaCounty Ch

amber of Com

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Reg i s t e r-S t a r • Cha

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ourier

PH: (518) 672-7068 | FAX: (518) 672-70661317 Route 217, Ghent, NY 12075 | www.dellsplumbing.com

Plumbing Installation & ServiceHVAC Installation & Service

Thank You for voting us Best Plumber in Columbia County!

Proudly Owned and Operatedby the Chatham Film Club

T H E A T R E

SMALL TOWN

M O V I E SB I G

Columbia County's community-supported, nonprofit, independent movie theater thanks

our patrons for voting us

Best Local Movie

Theateragain!

160 FAIRVIEW AVE. • ROUTE 9 • HUDSON, NY • 518-828-0934

Celebrating Our 25th Birthday!

Thank You for Voting UsBest Wine and Liquor Storeof Columbia County 2015!

Call, Stop By or Visit

Once again voted

Best Floristin Columbia County

2117 RTE. 203 • Chatham, NY

518-392-6414 • www.chathamflowers.com

It began in 1995 with the creation of theHelsinki Tea Company and Club Helsinki,the inspiration of Deborah McDowell. Taking her love of community, tea, goodfood and music, and blending it with thetalents of Columbia County native MarcSchafler Club Helsinki was born.It's not possible to capture the impactHelsinki productions have had artisticallyand socially by merely running down alist of artists presented through the years. Just 45 minutes from the former club and2 hours from New York City straight upthe Hudson River, the new HelsinkiHudson houses 2 performance spaces, afull service restaurant, a gallery space,outdoor dining, artist green rooms withshowers and lounge space, recordingfacilities, offices, and more. HelsinkiHudson continues its commitment to contributing to the quality of the communityby cultivating connections between all ethnicities, ages and experience and toreflect the culture and human spirit through innovative programming.Club Helsinki is located at 405 Columbia Street, Hudson. Call (518)828-4800 or goonline to www.helsinkihudson.com.


Best Music VenueHelsinki HudsonBest Happy Hour Spot

Destino’sOffering fresh, locally inspired Mexican food,Destino opened its doors in Chatham in 2007.Hailing from the famous Mexican food regionsof Oaxaca and Puebla, Destin’s chefs adaptedauthentic recipes and preparations for localtastes. The restaurant is vegetarian and glutenfree friendly, with a moderate heat level and amenu featuring traditional, modern, and Tex-Mex Mexican favorites. Chefs use seasonal pro-duce, foraged ingredients and local meat fromthe great growers and farmers in our region. Call in for reservations, especially on the week-ends. Accommodating large parties, and host-ing for private events and pick up catering canbe arranged. [email protected] or call (518) 392-6663 for more information.Destino’s is located at 1 Church St, Chathamand is open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday andWednesday from 5-9 p.m., Thursday from 5-9:30p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

The Carolina House has been serving ColumbiaCounty for the past 32 years. Owned by Tammyand Keith Crawford, the restaurant features freshand local ingredients wherever possible, specializ-ing in southern American and multi-ethnic cui-sine.The restaurant is set a apart by the large numberof regular customers who make the CarolinaHouse feel like home.Owners and staff all pride themselves on theirexceptional customer service.Lunch is served Monday through Friday 11:30a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dinner Sunday throughThursday 5 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to10 p.m. Happy hour 3 to 6 p.m. Monday throughThursday.Carolina House is located at 59 Broad Street,Kinderhook. Contact them by phone: 518-758-1669 or online: [email protected],olinahouserestaurant.com

Best Happy Hour SpotCarolina House

American Glory specializes in legendary woodsmoked barbecue and classic American comfortfoods. The menu includes many vegetarian andgluten free options. American Glory is warm andinviting, filled with the aroma of wood smokedbarbecue, hometown comfort foods, enjoyablemusic, good times, and roaring laughter. Visit usin either our Hudson or Tannersville locations.Located at 342 Warren Street in Hudson, American Glory is open seven days aweek.Proprietor Joe Fierro has traveled most of the United States and has eaten in someof the country’s best smokehouses, steake houses, rib joints, biker bars, diners,luncheonettes, and mom& pop restaurants. Over the years he has enjoyed regionalfoods, traditions, seasonings and flavors and has reproduced those dishes and rein-troduced them to the people of Columbia County. American Glory is open Monday-Thursday noon-10 p.m.,Friday-Saturday noon-10:30 p.m. and Sunday noon-10 p.m.

Best Happy Hour SpotAmerican Glory Restaurant

Cassandra Cumming grew up here, left for 15 years, andcame back 11 years ago. She works at the Red DotRestaurant,where she thoroughly enjoys her job and the customers.“This is a beautiful area, and I'm happy to call this city myhome,”Cumming said.The Red Dot Restaurant and Bar is locatedat 321 Warren Street in Hudson. The bar is open 5 p.m. to4 a.m. and weekday nights are subject to patronage.For more information about the Red Dot, call 518.828.3657or visit the website www.reddotrestaurant.com.

Best Bartender Cassandra Cummings - Red Dot Restaurant


Best Breakfast SpotBagel Tyme

Best ofBest ofFOOD AND DRINK

In 1977 Zvi Cohen startedOur Daily Bread, making tra-ditional, artisan loaves in theEuropean style. They sold hearth baked breads and handmadepastries at their cafe and at markets throughout the region and inNYC. Over the years, they began to hear from customers whowere unable to eat gluten, and were seeking baked goods like theones they had enjoyed for years at our market stands.In the fall of 2011, Our Daily Bread made a long overdue move toa new, larger space just down the street. That left Cohen with anempty bakery, and a great opportunity to meet the demands of agrowing number of people looking for a healthy alternative and afresh gluten free option. After weeks of cleaning (they practicallyre-built the bakery), and months of development and testing, theyopened The Gluten Free Bakery, delivering the first loaves andcookies to market in February 2012.Many stories from gluten free bakeries start the same way.Someone in the family is found to be gluten intolerant. Someonestarts baking. Someone says, "That stuff is great! You should start abakery."Sure enough, that is the story in our family — a favorite nephewcan't get near the stuff, and it was breaking the families heart. Thething is, they were bakers. With decades of experience. Theirapproach to gluten free baking is the approach of bakers. Theybrought all of our experience and knowledge to the task of devel-oping a line of gluten free products. They also brought our highstandards and traditional techniques.Our Daily Bread is located at 54 Main Street in Chatham. For moreinformation, visit www.odbefee.com.

Founded in 1989, Bagel Tyme began as a family owned andoperated business, and still remains that way today. With threelocations across Columbia County in Hudson, Greenport andValatie, owners Karen Scherer, Jason Scherer and Kara Tiernan,were all born and raised in Columbia County. Offering 18 different kinds of bagels, all of which are homemadeusing the original recipe from when the shop first opened, BagelTyme also offers a variety of flavored cream cheeses, all of whichare mixed in store. Not just a bagel shop, Bagel Tyme is a one-stop breakfast and lunch spot with a variety of baked goods,sandwiches, salads, soups and of course, coffee and tea. KarenScherer, Jason Scherer and Kara Tiernan pride themselves on hav-ing a steady following of regular customers that they know well.In fact, they often have their order ready for them as soon asthey walk in the door. They also offer cateringBagel Tyme is located at 389 Fairview Avenue, Hudson. 518-822-1510, [email protected] Shop hours are Monday throughSunday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Best Baked GoodsOur Daily Bread

Grazin’ is the first andonly restaurant in thecountry to be AnimalWelfare Approved, so allof the animal proteins arefrom animals raised to thehighest animal welfarestandards. The grassfedand finished beef anddairy, as well as the pas-ture raised pork and eggstravel just 7 miles fromtheir farm to their restaurant and the rest of the produce comesfrom local, organic, bio-dynamic, and/or sustainable farms within10-12 miles of the restaurant.Owners Dan and Susan Gibson and Andrew and ChristineChiappinelli pride themselves on their uncompromising values.If it’s not local and in season, they won’t have it! Grazin’ It’simportant to really know where your food comes from.In business for the past three years, Grazin’ is located at 717Warren Street in Hudson. Grazin’ is open noon to 8 p.m.Thursday; noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday;9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and noon to 8 p.m. Monday.

Best BurgerGrazin’ Farm to Table Direct

Ca’Mea Ristorante, a well-established restaurant of finedining in Hudson New York,is known for its authenticItalian cuisine and consistentquality. Like Hudson itself,the restaurant is alwaysevolving and refining itself.Owner Roy Felcetto, whocreated Ca’Mea, and hispartner, Massimiliano “Max”Cenci, a well known restaurateur in his native town of Cortona,Italy (Trattoria Toscana) have brought together just the right bal-ance of flavor and service that has made Ca’Mea a Hudson des-tination all its own. What distinguishes Ca’Mea from most restaurants today is theowners’ hospitality and the dedicated staff’s willingness to makesure your special occasion is unforgettable. Ca’mea is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from noon-3 p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10p.m. and Sunday from 5-9 p.m.The restaurant is located at 333 Warren Street in Hudson. Contact them by phone at 518-822-0005 or through email,[email protected]

Best Fine Dining Ca’ Mea


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We have the Best Meat.We Grow the Best Greens,

Berries and Summer Produce.

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We are NO Spray and Pesticide Free

Columbia County’sEVERYDAY Farmers Market

8am - 6pm • EverydayOpen Year Round

(518) 392-4609Route 203 between Chatham & Valatie

We’re more than just berries

The Best in Columbia County

American Pie

It’s Something to BeholdCome Share The Spirit!

A Contemporary General Store41 Main Street • Chatham, NY • 518-392-6632

A Quirky Little Corner Of The Universe.welsh english style pub

OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY AT 4:0036 MAIN STREET | CHATHAM, NY • USA | 518.392.2337

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Thank You.Every Saturday 9am-1pm | May -November


Derek Grout is a third generation farmer who founded HarvestSpirits Farm Distillery with his wife Ashley Hartka in 2008.They live in Hudson with their young sons Theodore andOliver.Harvest Spirits, LLC is New York state’s first farm distillery.Located in Valatie on the family farm, Harvest Spirits createsmore than nine hand-crafted spirits, distilled from the farm’ssurplus fruit. One-hundred percent family owned and operatedand independently distributed – Harvest Spirits Farm Distilleryis open for tours and tastings every weekend, noon to 5 p.m.The distillery is located at Golden Harvest Farms, 3074 Route 9in Valatie. For more information, call 518-253-591, email [email protected] or visit www.harvestspirits.com.

According to its website, Hudson Farmers’ Market was startedin 1997 by Milt Meisner and Norman Posner. The vendors con-tinue to strive to support their founding vision and provideHudson with fresh local product from family farms, being soldby farmers directly to their ever loyal customers. When Milt“retired” they continued to grow and offer a wider variety ofproducts and more vendors each year. Milt has passed awayand he is missed terribly, but his spirit lives on in the markethe co-founded. Hudson’s market is one of the longest runningfarmers’ markets in the region. All vendors comprise theVendor Collective and have a say inhow the market is run.Come be a part of what makes Columbia County great — agri-culture at its best! The Hudson Farmers’ Market is located inthe parking lot at Sixth and Columbia streets. It is open 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. Saturdays from May through November. For moreinformation, visit www.hudsonfarmersmarketny.com.

Best Farmers’ Maket Hudson Farmers’ Market

Best Place to Network and RelaxIron Horse Cigar Shop

Best Distilled SpiritsCore Vodka - Harvets Spirits

Voted best place to network and relax Iron Horse Cigar Depot, inbusiness only 6 months, offers both an indoor and outdoor loungefor your comfort and convienence. Located at 22 South 7th StreetHudson offers Locker Club Memberships and events to keep youcoming back.Products include cigars, lighters, cutters, ashtrays, lighter fluid, humi-dors and other accessories. Customer service and hand rolled cigarsare high on our list of priorities.Upcoming events include a Cigar & Local Distillery Night at ClubHelsinki, June 27 and a Hudson River Cruise August 14. 5:30 p.m. to10:30 p.m.Hours are noon - 8 p.m. Monday - Thursday, Friday and Saturday11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday noon - 6 p.m.For information call 518-828-1505, [email protected] or visit the website at ironhorseciga-rdepot.com


Best ChefJosephine ProulLocal 111

Best Coffee Tierra Farm

Dynamic and passionate about herprofession, chef Josephine Proul wonthe confidence of Local 111’s owners,Max Dannis and Linda Gatter, sixmonths into her job as sous chef atthe restaurant.Seven years ago, at age 22, the owners made Josephine the chef/manager of theplace and, no one has looked back. Proul has worked the back and front of thisservice station turned into a coolly comfortable dining spot as if were she to stopcreating, the place would disappear in a puff of graham cracker beignets .Local 111 has enough menu choices for every eater, from carnivores to vegans, tofind something to please their palates. Same goes for Proul’s genial Friday andSaturday local lunchbox with its abbreviated menu. With only Proul and an assis-tant cook on the premises, diners are asked to ring a bell when they arrive to alertthe kitchen. See sample menus and other bits of information at www.local111.com.Now, if a fresh, creative and delicious brunch at Local 111, and the opportunity toshop at a good little farmers’ market isn’t incentive enough to get you over toPhilmont on Sunday morning, during very civilized hours — then you’re hard toplease.

All of Tierra Farm’s products are certifiedorganic, gluten-free and kosher. The coffeeand chocolate are certified Fair Trade. Theymanufacture the products they sell: they dryroast and flavor nuts and seeds, roast coffee,blend granola and trail mixes, grind nutbuttersand coast nuts and fruits with chocolate.In business for 15 years, Tierra Farm wasstarted in the late 1990s as a diversified organ-ic vegetable farm in the Finger Lakes Region.The company is owned by Gunther Fishgold.The company prides itself on customer service,employee benefits and education and its com-mitment to the local community. Between the people, natural beauty, tremen-dous support from the community and thestrong agricultural roots, they couldn’t ask formore!Tierra Farm is located at 2424 State Route 203in Valatie and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundaythrough Saturday. For more information, call518.392.8300, email [email protected] visit the website at www.tierrafarm.com

Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar ownerKim Bach brought her mother’s teashop to Hudson after 18 years in ParkCity, Utah. Verdigris carries an extensiveselection of tea by the cup, pot orounce as well as an in-house bakery,local and regional artisinal chocolatesand espresso drinks.The shop has been at its Hudson loca-tion for the past eight years with ChefRegina Simmons baking the goodiesand Kim Bach presiding over the teacounter.Verdigris Tea and Chocolate Bar, locat-ed at 135 Warren St., Hudson, is closed Wednesdays, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. dailyand until 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.For more information, call 518.828.3139, email verdigristea@gmailcom or visit thewebsite www.verdigristea.com.

Best DessertVerdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar

Baba Louie’s Sourdough Pizza Company owners Paul and Eileen Masiero pride themselves inusing the freshest ingredients, they work hard at providing specials and seasonal dishes usinglocally grown products and they have a menu that treats gluten free and vegan guests as just oneof the gang. What sets Baba Louie’s apart is their use of both classic and creative combinations.There is something for everyone on the menu whether you have a discriminating palette and arecraving a new flavor or need to feed the kids something familiar.Now in its ninth year of business, Baba Louie’s is located at 517 Warren Street in Hudson. Theyare open 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner Monday throughThursday; 11:30 a.m. to 3 for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner on Fridays; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday; closed on Wednesdays. For more information, call518.751.2155 or visit the website www.babalouiespizza.com.

Best Place to Dine with Kids & get a Slice of Pizza Baba Louie’s Sourdough


Best CatererSimons CateringMara Simons-Jones tookover Carlucci Cateringin 2010, establishingSimons Catering.They are the house catererfor the summer residencyprogram at Art Omi, aswell as for the students inthe hot lunch program atHawthorne Valley School.They cater weddings, cock-tail parties, dinner parties,and barbecues of all sizes.The innovative team of cre-ative young chefs sets thiscatering company apartfrom all the others whetherthey’re whipping up a batch of bacon jam, or baking their ownbialys, they are all passionate about producing delicious andbeautiful food for every event. Simons Catering service staff rou-tinely receives rave reviews from clients lauding their friendlyand professional manner.Simons-Jones said that she loves the farms of Columbia Countyand is so grateful to have access to the best quality produce,eggs, meats and cheeses in the Northeast.For more information about Simons Catering, call 518.392.FOOD(3663), email [email protected] or visit the websitewww.392food.com.

Chatham Brewing is the brainchild of two beer lovers: Jake Cunningham and TomCrowell. They were tired of the generic taste of mass-market beers, so they decidedto brew their own. At least once a week, every week — except when they were ona fishing trip. Chatham Brewing beers are all natural — no additives, no fillers. Justhops, barley, malt, yeast and that magic elixir called Chatham water.At Chatham Brewing, they know that the ingredients going into the kettle willdetermine the taste of the beer going into the glass. So with that in mind, theirbrewer, Matt Perry, carefully selects the finest available malt and hops to createbeers that are world-class. Chatham Brewing has been designated a “farm brewery”which means they have pledged to produce beer using New York state grain andhops, which they source from right here in Columbia County.Cunningham and Crowell said it is the people that they love the best about Columbia County. And lastly, as a brewery, being located in an agricultural community is huge. They purchase local hops, grain and maple syrup and sup-port local farms and farmers markets whenever they can.In business for the past eight years, Chatham Brewing is located at 59 Main Street in Chatham and is open Monday, Wednesday &Thursday 4 to 10 p.m., Friday, noon to 12 a.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call518.697.0202, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.chathambrewing.com.

The Cascades has been a successful restaurant and catering business for 20 years. The Cascadesoffers high quality, excellent value and professional and friendly service. Their soups are out ofthis world. Wine and beer are available. Delivery and catering are also offered.Bob Lucke studied hotel/restaurant management at Washington State University, then spent sev-eral years in management working for a Seattle restaurant chain.Bob and his wife, Martha Lane, moved to Hudson in 1988. Five years later, Bob opened TheCascades on Warren Street. The Cascades staff prides themselves on prompt, friendly service. The restaurant, located at 407Warren Street in Hudson, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more infor-mation, call 518.822.9146, email [email protected] or visit www.thecascadeshud-son.com.

Best Lunch Spot The Cascades

Best Local Beer Chatham Brewing LLC

The Hudson-Chatham Winery is the dream of Carlo andDominique DeVito, both publishing professionals who havelong shared a love of wine. This exciting winery, which specializes in small hand-madebatches of wine, is dedicated to the richness of the HudsonRiver Valley, particularly its wine, agriculture, literature, art, his-tory, and many other attractions that make it a rich and specialregion. The Hudson-Chatham Winery, located between the historictowns of Hudson and Chatham, is the first winery in ColumbiaCounty. As well as creating fine artisanal wines, the DeVitofamily (including two dogs), and many valued friends, haveworked hard restoring the winery’s grounds and its prestigiouscirca 1780 farmhouse. The winery features hand-crafted wines,cheeses and desserts, and includes vineyard tours and a gazebowith scenic views. A visit to the Hudson-Chatham Winery willinspire all your senses.Visit www.hudsonchathamwinery.comfor more information.

Best Local Wine The Hudson-Chatham Winery


The Berry Farm is a family-owned and operated farm and farmstore. Founded in 1982 by Joseph Gilbert, the Berry Farm hasbeen providing Columbia County and the surrounding areas withlocal, healthy and wholesome food for 33 years. Starting out asa tractor-pulled fruit stand, the Berry Farm has evolved over theyears into a fully-functional, year-round vegetable and fruit farm(including greenhouses) and store. All of the vegetables and fruitgrown at the Berry Farm are pesticide-free. Specializing in local,all-natural and organic products, the store carries produce andproducts from over 100 local vendors. Open all year round, theBerry Farm is “Your Everyday Farmers Market!”

Best Farm Stand & Food MarketThe Berry Farm

Best Healthy SnackEarth Foods

Best Liqour StoreFairview Wines ans SpiritsBest Local Farm

Golden Harvest

Earth Foods opened its doors as a family owned business in1997. Since then, Earth Foods has been committed to serv-ing fresh, healthful foods in a caring, friendly environment.Everything is made on the premises such as the bread, pizzadough, soups, salads, hummus, salsa and much more. Thefresh juices are a favorite. Earth Foods is open Monday,Wednesday and Thursday, 9-3; and Friday through Sunday9-4. The breakfast menu is available until noon. 523Warren Street, Hudson, NY. (518)822-1396

Fairview Wines & Spirits, owners Lewis and Risa Dimm,pride themselves on their outstanding customer service,selections, positive attitude and their exceptional knowledgeand service in their 25 years of business. Upcoming plansfor 2015 including weekend tastings. Fairview Wines &Spirits, 160 Fairview Ave., Fairview Plaza, Hudson. 518-828-0934; [email protected]; www.fairview-wines.com.

Born and raised in Waterbury,VT, Alan Grout, 74, studiedveterinary medicine at Cornell,becoming a large animal vet in1964. Alan moved to GoldenHarvest Farms with his familyin 1974 and soon started toexpand and modernize thefarm: a new cold storage facili-ty with state-of-the-art controlatmosphere rooms, more land,more trees planted & irrigated,additional tractors and equip-ment, and so it went, yearafter year, even as more farmswere going out of business. Today, Golden Harvest Farmsis well known for it's well-worn charm, outstanding ciderdonuts, fresh apples, sweet cider and now vodka. Alan has cultivat-ed a dedicated team of employees to serve the daily flow of cus-tomers year round.Alan is the proud father of 5 sons and owner of two belovedGerman Shephards.There is probably a lot more I could say but I think it's best to leaveit at that.


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745 WARREN ST

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On-location WeddingsWaxing · Facials

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6/18-28: Rent

7/2-19: Hairspray

7/23-8/9: West Side Story8/13-23: The Producers

8/27-9/6: Thoroughly Modern Millie9/11-20: Xanadu

-- don’t miss our children’s theatre shows and monday night specials!

Music! Action! Excitement! Fun!

Thanks to our Wonderful Customers& Our AwesomeEmployees!!

R.H. Van AlstyneFine Jewelry & Gifts42 Main St., Chatham(518) 392-7718 | Mon & Weds-Sat 10-5

Voted Best Jewelry Store

Thank you for voting us“Best of Columbia County!”

GROWLER FILLS, TOURS & MORE.

B &REWERYTASTING ROOM

www.chathambrewing.com59 main Street • Chatham, NY • 518-697-0202

2015 TAPNY, WINNERBEST MICRO BREWERY IN THE HUDSON VALLEY.

111 Main Street Philmont, NY 12565518-672-7801 www.local111.com

Dinner/ Wed & Thu 5:30pm-9pm | Fri & Sat 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Sun 5:00pm - 9pmBrunch/ Sunday 10am-2pm

VOTED ONE OF AMERICA’S “25 BEST FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANTS”

BEST LIFE MAGAZINE 2009


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At Fingar Insurance, we pride ourselves on conducting insurancethe old fashioned way.

Owners Greg and Mark will go out on "calls" to visit with clientsor clients can come in to our offices and meet face-to-face withus. Also, we use cutting edge technology to make our operationsas efficient as possible. This increases the level of customer serv-ice we are able to offer our clients. Our computer system rivalssome of the largest insurance companies...and that is a fact.

At Fingar Insurance we live in, work in & support our communi-ty. According to President Gregory Fingar, "We evaluate a per-son's insurance needs and propose coverage that will protecttheir financial interests. Our primary focus is on protecting ourclients through seasoned insurance companies. Because we livein the community we serve, we have to be extra diligent indoing right by our clients. They're not just our customers, they

are our neighbors and friends and we treat them as such". VPMark Fingar adds, "Good news travels fast...bad news travelsfaster...we have to do a good job. And we must be doing agood job, because most of our clients come from referrals".Fingar Insurance has entered it's 84th year of offering financialprotection through insurance to the area. From Grandfather toGreat Grandchildren, Fingar Insurance is now in it's fourth gen-eration. This is a milestone fewer and fewer businesses are ableto tout. Larger companies are gobbling up smaller companiesdaily. Business decisions are being relocated to corporateheadquarters. The "suits" at Corporate Headquarters could careless if your insurance is not adequate...but we do.At Fingar Insurance, the Fingar family name goes on every theysell.

Best ofBest ofSERVICES

Best Insurance AgencyFingar Insurance


2666 State Route 23 • Hillsdale, New York 12529 • Phone: 518-325-4000mirrormirrorclothingshop.com

Thank you forvoting us Best of

Columbia County!

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Hudson/Athens Ferry(June thru Labor Day) Friday and Saturday between 5-10:30pm

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COPAKE COUNTRY CLUBOPEN TO THE PUBLIC SINCE 1921

Situated on 160 unspoiled acres with breathtaking viewsof the Berkshire and Catskill Mountains,

Copake Country Club is a golfer’s paradise.

Come play an amazing 18-holes on the most majesticpublic course in Columbia County.

44 Golf Course Road, Copake Lake, NYPro Shop: (518) 325-4338 The Greens Restaurant: (518) 325-0019

www.CopakeCountryClub.com“One of the best value courses in the country” ~Morning Drive, The Golf Channel

BESTOFCOLUMBIACOUNTY2014

Col

umbia C

ounty Chamber ofC

ommerce

Reg

i s t e r-S tar • ChathamCour

ier

MirrorMirror

Best ofColumbia CountyCommunity Event — Spring

thank YOU!To our participants and spectators

for voting us as:

And to our sponsors for making this event possible each year!


Best PhotographerMolinski PhotographyAfter ten years working under thename Photographics Solution, awardwinning photographers Michael andNicole Molinski decided to transitionto the family name as the title of thebusiness. "Nothing is changing withour service, just our name," Michaelsaid. "I came up with the previousname when I was only 20 years oldand still enlisted in the Marinesworking as a Combat Photographerand Graphic Illustrator. I had thisvision of owning a company with acouple dozen employees. It neverquite got there and I'm glad. We'reproud to be a small family businessand that's why we're going withMolinski Photography."

Michael and Nicole know this could-n't have been possible without thesupport of the community. "'People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it' Simon Sinek said, the people of ColumbiaCounty can tell we love what we do and they want to support that," Michael praised.

Molinski Photography received its second Best of Columbia County award this year and is located at 2 Park Place, Hudson.Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and for more information, call 518-929-7378, visit onlinewww.MolinskiPhotography.com or email [email protected]

From a simple building lot, to multi-million dol-lar estates and businesses, the experts atColdwell Banker Bartolotta Realty bring the bestreal estate know-how to all their customers andclients.Owner L. Paul DeCrosta is a Columbia Countynative who began his real estate carrer in 1978with Century 21. In addition to his real estatelicense, he is a certified RE appraiser.Coldwell Banker Bartolotta Realty prides itselfon caring for the customer. “It’s important to allof us that our customers know we care aboutthem and their transaction,” the owner said. “Webring respect, fairness, a smile and a work ethicto every sale.”The staff at Coldwell Banker Bartolotta Realty, inbusiness for more than 30 years, is made up ofa mix of real estate professionals — associatebrokers who once owned their own firms; sales-people who are lifelong county residents and

New York City natives who have made Columbia County home. The company now has 18 licensees and represents properties allover Columbia County, branching into Rensselaer, Dutchess and Greene counties.What’s the best thing about Columbia County? “Everyone loves Columbia County’s rural beauty, but we also love the character ofour residents,” the owner said. “Their decency and respect for nature, our history and for others’ rights and privacy. We love thegenuine concern shown by multi-generation natives and new residents alike for preservation of the land and the enhancement ofour cultural opportunities and education.”For more information, visit BRealEstate.com or email [email protected]. The office at 5 Fabiano Boulevard,Hudson, is open seven days a week and can also be reached by phone at 518.828.7111 or fax at 518.828.4888.

Best RealtorColdwell Banker Bartolotta Realty


Best Alternative EnergySundog Solar

Best Alternative Medicine PractitionerAndrea Elliott - Elliott Acupuncture

Sundog Solar embodies its solar products in every way — fromits 100 percent solar powered and carbon neutral factory, to itsSundog Smarthouse, a house that creates its own electricity,stores power, heats water and doesn’t need to be hooked up toa utility company.

Owned by Jody Rael, an entrepreneur, inventor and environmen-talist, Sundog opened 10 years ago and now installs more thanjust solar electric. The company also specializes in solar hotwater systems, closed cell spray foam and blown cellulose insu-lation, electric heat pump water heaters and its staff performhome energy assessments. After purchasing the Columbia BoxMill in 1997, Rael set out to transform the former energy-wastingproperty into a model of renewable energy.

Solaqua was born. Meaning “Sun + Water,” the Solaqua projecthas housed a number of demonstration projects (some fundedby NYSERDA and the USDA) and has been an incubator for newbusiness.

Taking solar seriously, the Sundog factory has a truly uniqueenergy system. “We heat our factory in the winter with our veg-etable oil boiler and cool our offices with upstate New York’sonly solar thermal powered air conditioner,” Rael said. The veg-etable oil comes from area restaurants, he added.

When asked what is the draw to Columbia County, Sundog’sowner states: “The micro location advantages of fresh air, abun-dant water, open land; the macro location advantages of beingtwo to three hours from Boston and New York City. ColumbiaCounty also has a population and governance that understandsthat we need to reduce the carbon we emit into the air to pre-serve not just our county but our planet as well.”

For more information on Sundog, located at 343 Route 295,Chatham, visit www.sundogsolar.com or email [email protected]. You can also call 518.392.4000 or fax 518.392.8191.

Following a stint in the Peruvian Amazon and armed with aninterest in ecology and ethnobotany, Andrea Elliott returned toher undergraduate roots inChinese language anddecided to study Chineseherbal medicine.Acupuncture was also a partof her training, and herpractice is now about equalparts acupuncture andherbal medicine plus theoccsional opportunity totranslate.Elliott Acupuncture servesas a full time Chinese medi-cine clinic where you canschedule for acupunctureand herbs when you needthem. Elliott’s practice ofacupuncture goes beyondneedles to incorporate othertraditional techniquessuch as moxibustion, cup-ping and gua sha. Add to that theavailability of custom Chinese formulas and there are manyoptions for the treatment of a wide variety of complaints.Her office is in a beautifully renovated carriage house.Elliott prides herself on having spent three years in China from2005 to 2008 where she refined her knowledge of Chinese herbalmedicine as well as improved her medical Chinese by observingwith two Chinese doctors who continue to serve as her teachers.She also learned a lot about Sichuanese cuisine and culture.Elliott said that she loves the diversity of the area and theabundance of organic agriculture and farm to table food.Elliott Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine is located at 876Columbia Street in Hudson. For more information, call 518-828-8588, email [email protected] or visit the websitewww.elliottacupuncture.net. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday;8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Thursday; 8 a.m.to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Tuesdays.

Harry B. Halacoestablished his elec-trical business inColumbia countymore than 20 yearsago. A life long res-ident of the countyhe has built his com-pany from a smallside business to asuccessful full-timeventure. His compa-ny, Halaco Electric,Inc., focuses on elec-trical installations fornew and existingconstruction as wellas repair and trou-bleshooting of electri-cal systems for resi-dential and lightcommercial cus-tomers. Harry is amember of theColumbia CountyElectrical Contractors'Association and theColumbia CountyChamber of Commerce. He has also donated his services to localHabitat for Humanity home building projects. Harry lives in Claverackwith his wife, Karen, and a menagerie of pets.


Best AccountantPattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci CPS’s PC

Best Financial AdvisorDave O’Connor for Edward Jones

Best Builder/Contractor Christopher Tiano Carpentry

Best Excavator/Contractor McCagg Excavating, Inc.

Best ElectricianHalaco Electric. Inc.

Pattison, Koskey, Howe and Bucci, CPAs, founded in1946, is one of the Hudson Valley's oldest and mostrespected public accounting firms. With headquarters inHudson and offices in Catskill, Valatie and Saugerties,the firm serves organizations and individuals from manyindustries and many walks of life.The firm has experienced staff members in most indus-tries including small business corporations, manufactur-ers, service corporations, municipalities (counties andtowns), real estate development, non-profit organiza-tions, financial institutions, insurance and telecommuni-cations. For more information, contact the following offices:

Catskill Office: 45 Five Mile Wood Road Catskill, Phone: 518-943-4502, Fax: 518-943-6532Hudson Office: 502 Union Street Hudson, Phone: 518-828-1565, Fax: 518-828-2672Saugerties Office: 340 Main Street Saugerties, Phone: 845-246-3803, Fax: 845-246-1035Valatie Office: 2880 US Route 9, Valatie, Phone: 518-758-6776, Fax: 518-758-6779Or go online to www.pkhbcpa.com

Dave O'Connor, AAMS, has been a Financial Advisorwith Edward Jones since November 2002. From April2003 he was the advisor in the Saratoga Springs branch.In December 2013, he established the first EdwardJones branch in Columbia County when the Chathamoffice opened. Prior to joining Edward Jones, Davewas a U.S. Naval officer for 20 years retiring with therank of Commander. He is a Chatham High Schoolgraduate; Graduate of Union College (Schenectady, NY)with a B.A. in English; And while in the Navy graduatedfrom Troy State University with a Masters in PublicAdministration. He also serves as a member of theChatham Central School District school board. Daveand his wife, Leslie, own a home in the Village ofChatham.

Christopher Tiano Carpentry, Builders and Contractors,was voted the Best Builder/Contractor in this year’s Bestof Columbia County survey.Owned and operated by Christopher Tiano, the compa-ny has been specializing in repairs, additions and cus-tom built homes for more than 25 years. To find our more about the service available. contactthem at PO Box 519, Claverack, NY, 12513or call (518)828-9614.

The foundation of McCagg Excavating, Inc. originated in the early1970s under the ownership of Alfred McCagg Jr, DBA Alfred McCaggJr. Construction. The primary services that he specialized in were small excavation jobsand septic system install and repair. With a small fleet of machinesand a handful of employees, he worked wholeheartedly on building atrusted reputation and demonstrated dedication to satisfaction to thecustomers he served throughout the area over the next 30 years.In January 2000, Jamie joined his father in the business and theybecame McCagg Excavating, Inc. Along with a growing work team,they continued to provide quality work to those who had been loyalcustomers in the past, as well as to many new clients. Through theircombined efforts, the business grew steadily and successfully. Theircustomer base expanded beyond Columbia County in every direction,and some as far away as Binghamton, NY.For the past 15 years, McCagg excavating, Inc. has continued to servethe residents of Columbia County (and beyond) with the same dedica-tion to providing top quality services and commitment. Despite theloss of the family business patriarch in 2009, Alfred or “Sonny" as hewas best known, Jamie and the company continued to push forwardin honor of his father's drive and ambition to succeed. Today, McCagg Excavating, Inc. is proud to be one of the longest run-ning and most trusted excavation businesses in the area.


“Being active members of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is a keyelement of our business strategy. The Business After Hours events are an idealenvironment for building relationships with other business owners, and they haveallowed us to make valuable networking connections that have led directly tonew business. The Chamber has been instrumental to our ongoing success.”

- Suzanne and Robert Trevellyan owners of Trevellyan.biz

L e t t h e C h a m b e r W O R K f o r Y o u !L e t t h e C h a m b e r W O R K f o r Y o u !

Congratulations to all our winners!

1 North Front Street, Hudson, NY 12534 Phone 518.828.4417 Fax 518.822.9539www.columbiachamber-ny.com

Best DentistPhilmont Family Denstry

David DellGrottaglia hasbeen in the "mechanical"business for most of his adultlife! He began this careerwith my Dad's company(Fred Engel), and then start-ed his own business in 1998,that has grown with ourFamily to create the pluralname of DELLS', and expand-ed to the present 16 employ-ees.Dell’s takes pride in being apart of the community, andworking in our neighbors’homes. They strive to treatyour home, like it was their home! They are located right in the center of ColumbiaCounty, and live and work from the town of Ghent.Their company will design, estimate, install, and service any of your plumbing, heating, orair conditioning needs. Working side by side with our suppliers, who in turn work withmanufacturers that help us to stay trained, and up to date, with the most current technolo-gies available in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning industry!Look for the polar bear logo on the white vans as they travel through the county each day,sometimes even on Sundays, or the middle of a snow storm!

Philmont Family Dentistry hasbeen serving individuals and fami-lies in New York’s Upper HudsonValley for 30 years. Offering a full spectrum of care forpatients from age 1 to 101, includ-ing, crowns, bridges, veneers, andimplants; cosmetic dentistry suchas whitening, bonding; root canal;extractions; and, emergency inter-ventions.Philmont Family Dentistry is locat-ed at 1078 Route 217, P. O. BOX817, Philmont. Phone (518) 672-4077 or more information. After-hours emergency number: 845-797-9037Philmont Family Dentistry is openMonday, Tuesday, Thursday,Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. andWednesdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Best PlumberDell’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Inc.


John Isaacs is Presidentof John Isaacs Design(JID), originally aManhattan-based studiospecializing in graphicdesign and publishing,located since 2001 inClaverack NY. JID devel-ops corporate identity,branding, communica-tions, and publicationprograms, incorporated inprint and digital media,for a wide range of cor-porate and institutionalclients, including, locally,Bard College, TheHudson Standard,BerkShares (Graphis Gold Award), FilmColumbia 2015,Friends of Hudson (“Stop the Plant”), and Stone Bridge Cider.JID is responsible for the design of imby.com, OURTOWNmagazine, and LAPIS magazine, and is known for its abilitiesin the field of art book design, including numerous cata-logues and books by and about renowned artists, for muse-ums, galleries, and leading publishers in the field, includingAbrams, Charta, Hatje Cantz, The MIT Press, and Steidl. JIDalso publishes books under the imprint John Isaacs Books,which are distributed by DAP, the world’s foremost art bookdistributor.

Best Graphic Designer John Isaacs

Best Optician/Eye Doctor Dr. Nicolette Sacco-BrownFamily Eyecare Center

The staff at FamilyEyecare Center iscommitted to pro-viding you andyour family with thehighest quality com-prehensive eyehealth care andeyewear. Theystrive to treat all oftheir patients likefamily with kind-ness, respect andappreciation.

The modern facilityand state-of-the artequipment allowthe staff to meetyour eye healthneeds as well asprovide you withquality eyeglasses,contact lenses, lowvision devices andfashionable sun-glasses at a greatvalue.

In business for 26years, Family Eyecare Center has been at its present location forthe past seven.

The optical staff handpicks unique and beautiful eyewear tooffer in the optical dispensary. The right pair of glasses not onlyprovides crisp, clear vision, but also allows the wearer to expresstheir personality. If you are in need of something original, artis-tic, handcrafted and beautifully made, look no further.

Dr. Nicolette Sacco-Brown is a graduate of the University of

California at Berkeley School of Optometry, where, she wasawarded a Doctor of Optometry degree as well as a BS inPhysiological Optics. She also holds a BS in Biology fromStonehill College. Dr. Sacco-Brown has been practicing optome-try in Columbia County since 1988 and enjoys serving the com-munity she grew up in. She is a member of the AmericanOptometric Association, the New York State OptometricAssociation, the Germantown Lions Club, theColumbia-Greene Community Foundation Board and The Bankof Greene County Community Advisory Board. She resides inGermantown with her husband, Roy.

The staff at Family Eyecare Center includes Dr. Sacco-Brown,Lisa Wood (licensed optician), Caitlin Stickles (office manager),Nadia Repucci (optometric assistant), Donna Mullins (reception-ist) and Victoria Jensen (lab assistant).

Feel free to stop in any time at 183 Healy Boulevard and take alook at the special collection of frames and sunglasses.

Visit the website at www.drnsb.com or call 518-828- USEE for anappointment with Dr. Sacco-Brown or Lisa Wood. The office isopen 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9

Melinda Macchiardi started the business as a small massagepractice 12 years ago. She listened carefully to the needs ofthe community and the guests visiting Hudson, whichinspired Bodhi as it is today. “It’s pretty great to get a mas-sage after yoga,” the owners said. TJ transformed the oldbuilding through blood, sweat and tears into an incredibleyoga space.Bodhi Holistic Spa and Yoga prides itself on finding the mostnatural, yet effective, products for all of its services. Located at543 Warren Street, Bodhi is a full service spa, salon and yogastudio owned by Melinda and TJ Macchiardi. All services arebased on principles of holistic wellness and the belief thatbeauty is from the inside out.

Best Beauty/Spa Services Bodhi Holistic Spa Yoga & Salon


Best ArchitectKate Johns AIA

Best VeterinarianDr. Merrill K. Johnson Animal Care Clinic

Specializing in new traditional architec-ture and historic preservation, the archi-tectural firm of Kate Johns AIA wasestablished in 1986.The firm concentrates on formal andinformal classic country house architec-ture. Circulation, the experience of mov-ing through interior spaces and from inte-rior to exterior spaces, as well as lightand the framing of views are primarydesign concerns. Attention to the rules ofproportion and classical detailing are alsoimportant as is the building’s relationshipto the site and to its architectural context.The term “historic preservation” encom-passes many levels of intervention withan existing building. From strict “preserva-tion” of an historic structure according tothe Secretary of the Interior’s standards, torenovation, adaptive reuse, and additions,the firm has many years of experiencewith them all.Behind every Kate Johns, AIA project is atalented team of professionals who bringa unique viewpoint to everything we do.They work with trusted structural, civil

and mechanical engineers as well as land-scape architects and interior designers.They provide specifications on all aspectsof a construction project including plumb-ing fixtures, appliances and lighting fix-tures.Company founder Kate Johns establishedthe firm in Columbia County. For morethan 20 years she has upheld her highstandards, working in the historic preser-vation division of the architectural firm,The Ehrenkrantz Group in New York City.She also worked in New Orleans for thepreservation architecture firm of Koch andWilson, after working for the NationalPark Service as an architectural intern ona Historic American Buildings Survey(HABS) team in Baton Rouge, LA. Kate iscurrently registered in the states of NewYork, Massachusetts, Connecticut,Maryland, Virginia, Texas and New Jersey.For more information contact Kate JohnAIA at8 Park Row, Chatham. Call(518)392-7909 or [email protected]

For more than 30 years, the Animal Care Clinic has been provid-ing care for pets in Columbia County “It is our concern for thepet’s owner as well as the pet that makes our practice unique,”says owner Merrill K. Johnson D.V.M. “My staff, Linda, Rose,Noreen and Robin, have been with me many years making up ateam that serves up a mixture of smiling voices and friendlyfaces as well as offering compassion and understanding whenmost needed. As a client once put it ‘an awesome team of verycaring professioals.’”Animal Care Clinic is open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday throughFriday and 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday at its 1959 Route 9Hlocation in Ghent.A life-long resident of Columbia County there are many that still

remember his dad, Morris M. Johnson, D.M.V. Merrill is a gradu-ate of Hudson High School and the NYS College of VeterinaryMedicine at Cornell, Class of ‘60. He started his own practice, atits current location, in 1976. The hospital is a full service smallanimal care center, welcoming new and current clients with thebest attention at the most affordable prices. Currently the hospi-tal is expanding its approach to conventional veterinary needsby adding alternative and complementary medicine one ofwhich is Laser Therapy. Dr. Johnson has found many uses forLaser Therapy. the most dramatic being for spinal disc problemsand arthritis.Animal Care Clinic, 1959 Route 9H, Hudson. 518-828-9912; [email protected]; www.animalcareclinic.com.Facebook: animalcareclinic.


Best Healthcare Service PractitionerDr. William Myrphy, Chatham Family Care

Jonathan’s Computers is the most trusted com-puter repair shop in Columbia County. Wehave been in the same location for 13 yearsand specialize in PC and Mac Computer Repair.There is never a charge for computer diagnos-tics so customers can stop in, without anappointment, and find out what is wrong withtheir computer right away. Most repairs aredone in 24-48 hours. Our prices are competi-tive and there are never any hidden charges.All the work is done by the owner who has 25years of computer experience, not by an inex-perienced hobbyist. Most computer shopswon’t spend the time to fix viruses and spy-ware, they will simply wipe out the computerand reload the operating system, resulting inthe customer losing all of their data and pro-grams. Jonathan’s Computer Store fixes theproblems whenever possible for a flat fee nomatter how long it takes.

Best Computer Service Jonathan’s Computer Store

With a strong belief in family values, maintaining a cleanreputation and hiring dedicated employees, ToddFarrell’s Car Care Center Inc. on Worth Avenue inHudson prides itself on quality service.Owner Todd Farrell said the family operated businessoffers a quality of service that chain stores can’t provide.“Our customers are our extended family,” he said.Together with his father, Dan, and best friend, Kevin,they have been running a friendly andefficient autorepair shop since 1995.Farrell said the best part of Columbia County is its char-acter and its people. “The picturesque beauty and friend-ly residents make Columbia County the best county inNew York to run a business and raise a family,” he said.Todd Farrell’s Car Care Center Inc. is open from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. tonoon Saturday. For more information, visit the Bridgestone/Firestonewebsite, email [email protected], call518.828.1573 or fax 518.822.1842.

Best Auto ServiceTodd Farrell’s Car Care Service

William P. Murphy, M.D. has been named Columbia County’s Best

Healthcare Service Provider.

Welcoming patients to his practice at Chatham Family Care, Dr.

Murphy is board certified in family medicine, and practices obstet-

rics.

A graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, DC, he com-

pleted his residency at Williamsport Hospital in Williamsport, PA.

The Chatham Family Care facility is located at 31 Dardess Drive in

Chatham. Call (518) 392-6650 for more information.

Nicolette Sacco-Brown, OD

183 Healy Blvd | Hudson, NY 12534518-828-USEE | www.drnsb.com

Family Eyecare Center

Hope to see you soon!

Dr. Sacco-Brown, Lisa Wood (licensed optician),Caitlin Stickles (office manager), Nadia Repucci (optometric assistant),

Donna Mullins (receptionist) and Victoria Jensen (lab assistant)

Our Staff:

Thank You ForVoting Us The

“Best inColumbiaCounty”!

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Best of Columbia County 2015

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