Best of Pine Island winners say thanks to Eagle readers
Gathering at the Sandy Hook restaurant last week, winners of the 2011 Best of Pine Island expressed their gratitude to those who voted them the best of the best. More than 30 of this year’s winners turned out to receive recognition for their win and were provided an opportunity to say thank you to those who cast their ballots.
Winning top honors in the Best Painting Contractor again this year was Rick Alverez from Island Breeze.
“I am very proud and honored that people have supported me and my business,” Alverez said. “I try my best to make sure my customers are happy and this award inspires me to continue to bring quality work to every job I do.”
For six consecutive years, the award for Best Hair Salon/Barber Shop was presented to Angels in Matlacha.
“We have worked very hard and obviously it has paid off,” said Keith Talbott from Angels. “We have always tried to maintain high standards and quality with every customer and we are grateful for the support we are shown. We also look forward to upholding this tradition as well.”
Another multiple winner of the Best of Pine Island is Larry Boyd from Anole Computer Service.
“I am very grateful to the people of Pine Island. I believe the difference I make is that I take time with each customer and try to explain things to them in terms that they can understand,” Boyd said.
Winning for the first time in the category of Best Massage Therapist is Jessica Weiss.
“I feel so special for having won this award and thank everyone who voted for me,” Weiss said. “It is such an honor and my clients are very fabulous people.”
Another first-time winner in his category was Mike Shevlin who was named Best Real Estate Agent.
“This is something I really didn’t expect and I cant be any more proud that the people of Pine Island think that way about me,” Shevlin said. “I can’t thank everyone enough, but it was not just me winning this award. I have to share this with my partner Carlyn Herring because a vote for me is actually a vote for our team.”
Winning for the Best Waterfront Dining this year was the Sandy Hook. Accepting the award was restaurant manager, Nicole Lauber-McQuade.
“We are always honored whenever we are recognized by the people of Pine Island,” Lauber McQuade said. “It is a special honor in that it comes from Pine Island residents.”
Not only thanking her customers, but her employers was Nancy Van Hootegem who took the honor of Best Waitress.
“I was so very surprised and I must thank Larry and Dorothy for giving me this job,” Van Hootegem said. “I love working at the Ragged Ass Saloon. The customers are all wonderful, it has been a great experience and the people are a lot of fun.”
The Pine Island Eagle staff congratulates all of the winners of this year’s Best of Pine Island.