Business notebook: Springfest arrives this weekend

Warwick - The much-anticipated celebration of Springfest 2008 in the Village of Warwick is this Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In case of heavy rain, the event will be postponed until the following day, Sunday, April 27. Springfest 2008 is again described as a “Home and Garden Expo” and promises to be the biggest and best Springfest to date. With an opportunity to meet the professionals who can answer questions to help beautify your home, what originated years ago as “April in Paris,” and then became “Springfest” is now known as the “Warwick Valley’s Annual Home and Garden Springfest Event.” But most people still simply call it, “Springfest.” Local vendors offering relevant and appropriate products for the theme of the celebration include the Farmer’s Market, orchards, garden centers, lawn care professionals, landscape designers, fencing companies, builders, home improvement companies, solar heating specialists, Koi pond professionals and pool suppliers among others. There will also be non-profit organizations promoting upcoming events. Some of the commercial participants are Heaven Hill, Pennings, General’s Garden and Warwick Gardens along with Warwick Village Pools, Garden State Koi Pond, Dunn-Rite Powerwashing and Wright Brothers Landscaping. Entertainment this year will include live music, dance performances and fun for children throughout the village. “Rebel Red, “ for example, a local folk singer, will be performing on Bank Street in the Food Court from 1-3 p.m. “Full Circle,” playing classic rock and blues, will give two performances on Railroad Green starting at 1:45 p.m. There will also be free tango and ballroom dancing lessons at Railroad Green at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take the kids to the Toy Chest, 62 Main St., for the Webkinz Extravaganza and also Dora the Explorer. Railroad Green will be the site of the Warwick Fire U13 Soccer Team shot kick contest and United Martial Arts Centers demonstrations at 12:30 and 2:45 p.m. And local boutiques will sponsor a fashion show at 1 p.m. on Railroad Avenue. This year, after a brief hiatus, the popular “Food Court,” a showcase for local restaurants and food vendors, will return to Bank Street. And restaurants that are located nearby such as those on Main Street or Railroad Avenue will be invited to set up their own individual food courts on the sidewalks just outside each facility. Bank Street participants include The Iron Forge Inn, Charlotte’s Tea Room, Backyard Grill, Bellvale Creamery and Harvest Moon Cafe. You can also pick up a copy of the Restaurant guide and check out the menus of more than 20 local eateries. Non-profit organizations that will be on hand include the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, Community 2000 & Sustainable Warwick, Master Gardeners: Cornell Cooperative Extension and Warwick Valley Gardeners (bring a question), Warwick Valley Humane Society, Sugar Loaf Historical Society, Warwick Lions and Warwick in Bloom. Girl Scout Troop No. 195 will host a bake sale to benefit the Humane Society and members will also be selling Girl Scout cookies. For additional information call Mary Beth Schlichting at 988-5080. Contractor and inventor As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of all inventions.” General contractor James Onembo, owner of Interior Definitions Complete Construction Co., (986-8011) learned from experience that shoveling dirt, debris, snow or whatever could cause back strain. “While shoveling snow,” he recalled, “I realized I was putting too much strain on my back and discovered that when I could shovel in a standing position, the back strain was relieved. It was then that I designed the leverage enhanced shovel. It eliminates the dangerous physical movements associated with using a shovel and users will decrease the chance of injuring the back, neck and shoulder areas. This shovel will benefit all individuals who suffer some degree of back pain.” Onembo believes that farmers, handymen, landscapers, construction personnel and homeowners who work around their yard and garden will appreciate his ergonomically designed leverage enhanced shovel with its two handle design featuring a pistol grip and a forearm rest allowing one to perform the task with virtually no bending or stooping. Although the shovel has yet to be manufactured and distributed, Onembo holds the United States Design Patent. The local inventor, who depends on Mike Sandor of MJS Engineering for his artwork, is currently working on six patents. He explained that a patent usually refers to a right granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or useful improvement. Patents are classified as utility, design or method and the process may begin with a provisional patent for a new idea, which offers the inventor protection for one year. For example, Onembo has a provisional patent on an idea that could lead to a method patent. His new idea is to sell advertising space, where it would not be a hazard or distraction, on the blank rear of some types of traffic signs. The hurdle is that there are federal and state regulations that now prohibit this but Onembo has been contacting legislators to see if the rules can be changed, at least to a limited degree. “What harm would there be,” he asked, “if a stop sign at a quiet intersection had a commercial message on the other side?” Chamber news The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its first Business Expo next Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Warwick Valley Middle School. The event is open to the public. Admission is $1 and children are admitted free. In an effort to showcase area businesses, both store front and home-based, the Expo promises to be a vibrant celebration of local products and services. In addition to the nearly 80 exhibitors, educational breakout sessions will be conducted for the public. The public is also encouraged to visit the job opportunities bulletin board where exhibitors will post jobs available at their places of business. Refreshments, raffles and prizes round out the day along with WTBQ Radio (1110 AM/99.1 FM) broadcasting live. This event is made possible with support from WVT Communications, WTBQ, Provident Bank, St. Anthony Community Hospital, and The RE/MAX Benchmark Realty Group-Warwick Office. For more information contact Chamber Executive Director Michael Johndrow 986-2720 or Expo Chair Diane Massey at 325-2247.