The Catskill Chronicle

Members of SCVA and their families enjoy the festivities at Piccolo Paese Restaurante in Liberty

Story by Phyllis Andrews with photos by Leni Santoro

LIBERTY – The Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA) celebrated the holidays with its Annual Meeting held at Piccolo Paese Restaurante in Liberty on December 2nd.  Members and guests were treated to a fabulous array of fantastic food prepared by owner/chef Baco Vulaj, a brief business meeting and networking.

Paul Carlucci, Villa Roma Resort and Chairman of the Visitors Association, welcomed the members and addressed the dignitaries that were in attendance.

Special recognition was given to Senator John Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther as Tourism Advocates for the Sullivan County Catskills. 

Jacob Billig and Pat Brown, representing the Stockbridge Munsee/Trading Cove Gaming Project, addressed the attendees of the progress of the proposed casino development in Bridgeville. 

Bill Liblick, representing the Seneca Nation/Rotate Black Gaming Project, addressed the membership of the progress of their casino development in the Town of Thompson .

The Stockbridge Munsee/Trading Cove and Seneca/ Rotate Black developments were sponsors of the Annual Holiday Meeting.  The Monticello Motor Club, Sullivan County Democrat, Fisher Mears Associates and Kenyon Press were also sponsors of the event.

President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood discussed the vast accomplishments of the SCVA over the past year as well as outlining some of the marketing and goals the association will embark in the coming year. 

The results of the Board of Directors election were announced.  Norman Duttweiler of Forestburgh Playhouse, Elaine Giguere of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Rick Lander of Lander’s River Trips, and Barbara Gref of Jeffersonville Hydroelectric were re-elected to serve another three years on the Board. The slate of officers for 2010 are Paul Carlucci of the Villa Roma as Chairman of the Board, Rick Lander of Landers River Trips as Vice Chairman, Michele Caltabellotta of Dead End Café as Secretary, and Norman Duttweiler of Forestburgh Playhouse as Treasurer.  Richard Delia of Ferndale Antiques Marketplace was also reappointed to the Executive Board. 

The Association also awarded their 7^th Annual TOAST (Tribute to Outstanding Associate Serving Tourism) Award to JoAnn Bowers from the Roscoe Little Store at the Annual Meeting.  Each year the Visitors Association honors an employee involved in the tourism industry who has shown outstanding dedication and hospitality to the industry.

Association members were asked to nominate someone who they felt met the criteria.  Carrol Adolf from the Little Store, nominated Ms. Bowers for her over 28 years of service during which she consistently remained a dedicated, most reliable, and exceptional worker.  Without being asked, she has always treated customers with the utmost respect, a cheery smile and ready to serve their needs.  The Visitors Association joins Carrol Adolph in extending to Ms. Bowers our heartfelt appreciation for her dedication and service.

The Association’s Ambassador Award was presented to Patricia Yelle from Morning Star Creations in Roscoe, recognized her for going above and beyond the call of duty in providing assistance to visitors.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from SCVA Annual Meeting Celebrates Tourism in the County visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.