SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
APRIL, 2014
5Y
Amanda Ward-Almonte brings revolutionary spirit back home
Nolan Levine CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4Y
Association and the Mid-Hudson Builders Association, Levine believes there’s much to be learned from others in the business. Asked where he sees himself in 10 years, Levine responded, “Hopefully I’ll still be running our business and we’ll have continued to grow and succeed. We really want to see Sullivan County flourish and I think if we do get a casino or two for the area … it will go a long ways toward that end.” But ultimately, for this young professional, it’s all about family. Fallsburg Lumber was founded by great-great-grandfather Sam Levine. Third-generation owner Monroe Levine – Nolan’s grandfather – was actively involved until shortly before his recent passing. Family members still actively involved in the business are his father, and former Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Levine, uncle Richard Levine and mom Ellen Levine, who keeps the businesses books. “My family has operated this business for a very long time and the things I learned from my grandfather and then my father about this business have been invaluable to me,” Nolan reflected. “We’ve always focused on quality product and quality customer service and I truly love having the opportunity now to provide the people of Sullivan County with a quality product from a quality company… it’s just how we do business here.”
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
STORY AND PHOTO BY ANYA TIKKA
A
manda Ward-Almonte works as the Senior Director of Training and Workforce Development at the Center for Discovery, where’s she’s been already for seven years. She’s also an Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Sullivan, where she teaches several courses in law. Wearing many hats comes naturally to Amanda. Her duties at the Center for Discovery include recruiter, trainer, and workforce developer, and previously she worked as a journalist for Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazine. She’s also worked as a sports agent, plus a substitute teacher at Fallsburg Central School District. “That’s where I fell in love with teaching and training,” she recollects with a smile. Thirty-three years old Amanda grew up in Fallsburg and loves reaching out to people. “I wanted to wake up happy going to work,” she says, “I wanted to love my career. I want to not just make a difference, but to be a part of something revolutionary.” Her whole career is communitycentered, and the favorite part of her job is, “The people! Every day I’m afforded the wonderful opportunity to work alongside the greatest talents in the field and serve individuals who have limitless abilities. Being a part of an organization that is revolutionary has given me a great sense of content-
Amanda Ward-Almonte
ment.” But there are other sides to Amanda’s personality, too. She’s quietly writing a self-help book, and used to be a competitive figure-skater. She says her five-year-old daughter Gabriella is her life’s treasure, and that she’s blessed to have a family that believes in her, giving her their unwavering support. She states she’s an advocate, and modestly, “I have been told I’ve got the ability to make genuine connections with people across all walks of life with varying cultural back-
grounds.” The community-oriented Amanda is a member of numerous civic organizations, among them the Sullivan County NAACP, Girl Scout Heart of the Hudson Board of Directors, and Sullivan County Economic Development Steering Committee. Her favorite quote summarizes her spirit: “The unforeseen crossroads are not failures, they are merely alternate routes toward your success. ... Success is not measured by your accolades, it is measured by how those accolades are achieved.”
We are all very proud of you on your well deserved recognition in this year’s Young Professionals.
Love from Mom, Dad, and All Your Family, Friends and Co-workers at Fallsburg Lumber 16468
Nolan!
We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.