One individual worthy of a rose is a local leader who was recently recognized around New York State for her work in the booming tourism business in the Sullivan Catskills is Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association CEO and President, Roberta Byron-Lockwood. 

Byron-Lockwood is the recipient of the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (NYSHTA) Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year Award.

It fills us with great pride that our area has decisive, dedicated and dutiful people who give it their all day in and day out to generate even more of an increase for our growing economy in Sullivan County. Here’s to more growth and to Byron-Lockwood and her colleagues and staff at the SCVA for making the Sullivan Catskills the best it can be for visitors and residents alike.

Another rose goes out to everyone who assisted in making the Ride2Survive Dinner a successful evening. From donors, to speakers, to everyone in attendance — the push for a better life for those fighting cancer in our area is made more tangible and more realistic through your efforts.

Even though this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the focus of those who align with the efforts of Ride2Survive are painfully aware of that type of cancer, and many others, as the disease does not wait for anyone and can be diagnosed at any time of the year.

A third rose goes to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officer Ricky Wood, who was honored as the Sportsman of the Year from the Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen. 

To your diligence, not only are outdoor hunting sports safer, your consistency in making sure sportsmanship is top priority out in the field is a characteristic defining your receiving the award.

One final rose goes out to Sullivan County Legislators Ira Steingart and Nadia Rajsz, who attempted to keep accountability held to the highest government in the county — despite the outcome, this should be common practice with our elected officials. 

Maybe the call for accountability will come from inside the house the next time, here’s hoping.