Here & There Column 3-31-09

"World Of Work" Let's Us Know Our Neighbors

The publisher, editor and staff of the Sullivan County Democrat are to be applauded for their dedication to informative journalism and in bringing us not only local news but features like the Business & Professional Women's edition and most recently the Men @ Work 09 edition.
There really isn't too much opportunity available for local residents to get to know who's who in our business world but each year this newspaper receives from its readers candidates to consider for its annual Men at Work issue.
A nomination committee picks the candidates who will be featured and staff members then go out and gather the background information and take pictures so that we all can get professionally and properly introduced to our local "World At Work."
I find it extremely interesting to read and learn about what a local bank accounting specialist does, the type of job the director of facilities does at Crystal Run Healthcare, what a local upscale painter does and how the director of special education at BOCES approaches his job.
Where else could I have learned the fascinating life story about Harold Russell and how he closed the deal to buy the former Max Yasgur farm. A highlight feature on Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff and Undersheriff Eric Chaboty showed the importance of teamwork and the dedicated police work they are providing for the people of Sullivan County.
The story about Sergio Saravia and why he choose to be an immigration attorney touched my heart because he seeks to offer services to people who would otherwise be ignored or trampled upon.
David Seigerman at SCCC and George Sarvis in the Town of Fallsburg showed the importance of having responsible and dedicated professionals doing important work.
Richard Sush has always been an outstanding professional wherever he worked and it was good to read about him again.
The Men at Work issue introduced us to Fil Nieves and his strong belief in community banking and on our next trip to Honesdale I definitely want to stop and eat at the Trackside Gill owned and operated by Jeff Hiller and his wife Sue.
A great story about Joe Marinaro, house/facilities manager at Daytop Village of Swan Lake showed he knows what drug addiction is all about and he knows exactly where drug addicts are coming from which proves that those who have been there can really help others to recovery.
The back cover of the Men at Work edition truly showed the real life story of Jeffersonville chiropractor David Sager, how he became a chiropractor, took a chance in life and bought the former practice of Dr. Barry Bodenstein and how to treats his patients the same way he treats his wife and children and enjoys the time he spends with his patients.
We say thanks to this fine publication for bringing Men @ Work into our lives.