SHANDELEE – The Arnold House had a 10-year birthday party on Thursday night and the owners – Sims and Kirsten Foster – were the most surprised of all.

As 120 guests huddled in the barn behind the Arnold House, Sims and Kirsten rounded the corner from the greenhouse – and almost fell over.

There to greet them were family, friends and many Foster Supply Hospitality employees, who decided the Fosters needed to be recognized.

The couple was totally shocked – and surprised – as they entered the room and it took several minutes for them to gather the strength to walk in to a rousing applause, hugs, kisses and well wishes.

VP of Sales and Marketing Sarah Banks greeted the well wishers to Thursday night’s event.

“There was no way we could celebrate 10 years of The Arnold House without first thanking Sims and Kirsten,” Sahah said. “We felt that they had to come first.”

Sarah said, “We are doing a full ten-year bash for the public on Memorial Day, stay tuned.”

Terry Wolcott, who was on the original staff at the Arnold, got a chance to thank the Fosters for all they had done, especially during the recent loss of her husband, Terry.

“You resurrected an old broad – The Arnold House,” she said. “Thank you both for sparking this return of tourism, especially on Shandelee.”

CFO Dan Duttinger has been on the Foster Supply Hospitality team for 9 years.

“I first applied to be the innkeeper of the North Branch Inn,” he said. “Let’s just say that interview did not go well.” 

But Sims and Kirsten found a spot for Dan in the accounting office and the rest is history.

“I do love my job, I love where I work and I love whom I work with,” he said. “And Foster Supply always promotes the three pillars – people, guests, community.”

Sims’ brother, Ryan, flew up from Florida to join in the celebration.

He recalled starting out with his brother in the hospitality industry decades ago.

While Ryan took a break from the company and went into a different career, Sims and Kirsten began Foster Supply Hospitality.

“Great things are built by a community,” Ryan said. “The Foster Supply team – look what they’ve done in ten years providing modern Catskill Hospitality.”

Speaking about his brother and sister-in-law, Ryan said, “This train doesn’t stop at the station very long, you better get on.

“It all starts with a little spark and add Kirsten…,” he said.