Business notebook: A night out for the ladies - ten years in a row

Warwick - In just a few weeks the Warwick Merchants Guild will celebrate its 10th annual “Ladies Night Out.” This year’s event has been scheduled for Thursday evening, Aug. 23, with a rain date set for Friday, Aug. 24. Each year the popular event attracts both visitors and local residents to Warwick’s downtown area for special promotions, music and refreshments offered by participating businesses. “Warwick will be buzzing with activity from four to nine p.m.,” said Tim Mullally, co-owner of Style Counsel, who will chair this year’s event. “Ladies Night Out is a great opportunity to join with friends and family for an evening of summer fun.” Everyone is invited but the ladies will especially enjoy extended shopping hours, special treats, dancing to music provided by DJ Sebastian Monte or simply relaxing at an outdoor café. And the focus of this event is on women’s health, fitness, beauty and fashion. In addition to special promotions offered by shops along Main Street and Railroad Avenue, outside vendors will be offering gifts and services in booths and tables on the sidewalks. One of the most popular events during “Ladies Night Out,” is the crowning of a “Queen for a Day” by Mayor Michael Newhard. “Queen for a Day,” is an opportunity for a special lady to be recognized by her family and friends for her generous spirit, caring heart and selfless nature. The winner, who will be crowned in Railroad Green Park, will receive an assortment of gift certificates and merchandise valued at more than $1000. Nomination forms are available at Style Counsel Men on Railroad Avenue and Style Counsel Women on Main Street. Completed nominations must be returned to Style Counsel by Saturday, Aug. 18. Anyone interested in participating in the 10th annual “Ladies Night Out” as a vendor should contact Mullally at: 986-9588. More to follow. Mama’s Boy - grand opening On Saturday, July 21, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, joined with business partners Michael Salzillo, William Vasquez and their families for an official ribbon cutting ceremony during the Grand Opening of “Mama’s Boy at the Bellvale Country Market.” Until recently, the historic building on Route 17A, midway between the Village of Warwick and Greenwood Lake, had been known as the Bellvale General Store. Almost 100 years ago, the Quackenbush Store, as it was originally known, was a meat market founded by Frank Quackenbush. It eventually became a general store and home, as it still is today, to the Bellvale Post Office. Three generations of the Quackenbush family owned and operated the store until 1988. The newest property owners, Warwick residents Michael and Gina Salzillo, have recently completed numerous improvements to the property including a completely renovated interior, additional seating, Italian specialty racks, new display cases and a brand new kitchen. In 1988 Michael Salzillo’s brother James, a native of the Bronx, opened the first Mama’s Boy Italian restaurant in Hermosa, Colorado. According to Michael Salzillo, the eatery received rave reviews for its authentic, high quality dishes. It soon enjoyed a loyal following and that, in turn, led to the second Mama’s Boy opening in nearby Durango, Colorado. And now there is a third location in Bellvale. Michael and James Salzillo have partnered with William Vasquez of Bellvale who will be responsible for store operations. Vasquez boasts years of experience producing New York style pizza and Italian specialties. “With our talented chefs, extended menu and friendly customer service,” said Michael Salzillo, “we are quickly establishing our own loyal following in the Warwick community.” Icarus lights Silken Wool Fine Rugs & Functional Art, 56 Main St., Warwick, has a well-deserved reputation for its fine collection of authentic Persian rugs. Owners Behrooz Ghorbanian and his wife, Sussan Chakamian often travel to their native Iran to select and import both new and antique rugs in both tribal and city designs. After their initial success in Warwick, the owners opened a second store in Wycoff, N.J., and recently another New Jersey location in Madison. In addition to museum-quality Persian rugs, Silken Wool also carries a unique assortment of contemporary American artifacts and unique gift items including hand blown glass, turned wood, fine pewter, and hand painted pottery. One interesting item in particular is the store’s new collection of white Icarus lights designed by Dutch-born artist Tord Boontje. The Icarus lights, named after a winged character in Greek mythology, were recently featured in both New York and Elle magazines. They are constructed from multiple layers of extruded polyester cut to resemble a bird’s wing. “They’re very different,” said Sussan Chakamian. “They’re whimsical and fun, especially for the summer.” She explained that the Icarus Lights are tear and water-resistant and are perfect for the children’s room or outdoors on a porch or patio. “And today, they’re hip,” she smiled. For more information call 988-1888 or visit www.silkenwool.com.