R-C recognizes Best of Carson Valley

R-C Associate Publisher Tara Addeo presents the award for best photographer to JT Humphrey at Friday’s luncheon.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.

By Sarah Drinkwine

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Share this: Email | Facebook | X

For 28 years, the Best of Carson Valley has been partly a popularity contest, but more importantly a celebration of those who go above and beyond to bring exceptional services to the community. This year’s sold-out luncheon featured a variety of veteran and new faces.

“We were thrilled to have the 10th annual Best of Carson Valley luncheon sold out with more than 225 guests,” said Record Courier Associate Publisher Tara Addeo during Friday’s luncheon at the Carson Valley Inn.

The Best of Carson Valley campaign began in 1995 and the luncheon began in 2014.

The contest features large and small businesses, individuals, organizations and services, nominated and voted on by the community, while the luncheon provides the opportunity to come together and celebrate.

“Those of you here today are the face of Carson Valley and you make this community the best in the state,” said Addeo.

“This campaign begins in July with nominations, official voting in August and the luncheon in October, so it is long, but so rewarding with over 140,000 votes online and in print.” Said Addeo. “It’s a huge engagement for our valley.”

This year’s winners included repeats M. Scott Properties, The Chateau at Gardnerville, Coffee on Main, Carson Valley Health, and more, plus sever-al first-time winners.

JT Humphrey Photography took first place as best photographer, who is featured on the front page of the Best of Carson Valley magazine.

“I was very surprised,” he said. “I don’t really promote myself, so I was definitely surprised, but I am honored.”

Humphrey is a wildlife photographer and captures the beauty of his subjects in a unique and informative manner, which is reflected on the cover photo.

Addeo took the picture of Humphrey photographing 5-year-old Emmie and 9-year-old Sage, both mares of Zorro’s band in the Pine Nuts.

“We were on a tour with him, and he just had to find Emmie, one of his favorite horses,” she said. “When he did, it was amazing to see. He’s so knowledgeable of those horses and loves them so much.”

Dr. Nita Schwartz of Minden Med Spa took second place in cosmetic injections and third place in day-med spa.

Minden Med Spa is the original medical spa in the Carson Valley since 2007, specializing in Botox, coolpeel, Aviclear Acne laser, fillers, coolsculpting and more.

“We thrive for a family atmosphere and treat our patients with real care,” said Schwartz. “We deliver natural-looking results to help our clients look and feel their best.”

Aside from providing a variety of medical aesthetic services, Minden Med Spa is active in the community, said Schwartz.

“We helped at the Candy Dance, helping put together the dinner and often other volunteer opportunities,” said Schwartz.

Though around the Valley for over decade, this was the medical spa’s first year participating in the luncheon.

“We recently relocated along 395 by Cook’D, so I think it has given us a lot of visibility, we have been pretty excited about it,” said Schwartz.

CrossFit Ampersand known as the happy gym, was awarded best fitness facility in the Carson Valley and Eli Romero received best personal trainer.

Owners Jeff and Harmony Hilderbrand opened the gym along Highway 395 by Greater Nevada Credit Union nine years ago.

“We thrive to be able to help ‘normal’ people reach their goals alongside like-minded people,” said Harmony.

The gym provides group fitness, one on one training, nutrition plans and guidance, youth programs, sleep coaching and more.

“Our logo is the & symbol,” said Harmony. “We try to make it like family here and allow anyone to come in where they are at, the & represents being able to work out and still live your life no matter where you are in it. From our youngest to oldest client, we’re here with them for it all and help modify each individual goal while making it fun and attainable.”

The Best of Carson Valley, run by The Record-Courier, is an anticipated campaign to promote and highlight community favorites.

“I could not love honoring these businesses and individuals more and I am beyond happy for all of our winners, whether they place first, sec-ond or third,” said Addeo. “Show kindness and respect to other businesses here, buy their goods, visit their shops, support their services, be-cause they are local just like you and it does make a difference.”