Business Notebook: All the news that's fit to air in the morning

Warwick - Wake up to local news. That’s the message from Warwick/Florida radio station WTBQ (1110 AM) and “Q-11 News.” Since the beginning of this year, “Q-11 News,” aired over WTBQ, has been broadcasting live half-hour segments of local news, weather and traffic at the bottom half of each hour beginning at 6:30 a.m. and ending at 9 a.m. The highlights of the morning local news programs are also recorded and broadcast throughout the day. And the show can be heard live on the Internet. “Local radio is dead everywhere except here,” said WTBQ News Director Rob McLean, who co-hosts the show with veteran broadcaster Dick Wells. McLean explained that “Q-11 News” is actually a new feature of the long standing “Frank Truatt Morning Show.” Truatt, a 30-year radio veteran and the producer of that show, also is the station owner. In addition to McLean and Wells reporting the latest news, the program also features up-to-the-minute local weather with staff meteorologist Frank Lombardo and traffic with Craig Shankman of Metro Traffic as well as an ABC feed of national news. Detailed coverage of local sports, municipal elections, school closings and nearby traffic delays not usually covered by Metropolitan television and radio stations are also good reasons to tune in before you begin your day. Listeners are also encouraged to call the station at 651-1110 to report any newsworthy item. “We’re filling a need,” said Wells. “This is the first local news program since Ed Klein left the station about 25 years ago.” Klein, who founded WTBQ and sold it in the late 1970s, acted as a consultant for the new program and suggested they name the show “Q-11 News.” Everyone on the news team is an experienced broadcaster. In 1995 McLean moved from Michigan, where he had worked as a radio DJ and newsman, to this area. He’s been reading the news for WTBQ ever since. . Wells is well known to his listeners as a professional singer, Cable TV personality and longtime veteran of WTBQ Radio. In addition to “Q 11 News,” he continues to host his popular Saturday morning music and talk show. “Q-11 News has something for everyone,” said Wells. “We want this program to appeal to all groups and we encourage local residents to tune in to 1110 AM.” Healthy solutions Warwick resident Arlene Prince, a certified hypnotherapist, promises to help her clients achieve optimal health and well-being; peak performance in sports, academics, the performing arts and career; life improvement and personal and spiritual growth. In her 10-year Warwick practice, “Healthy Solutions Life Coaching,” Prince has combined nutrition, guided imagery and meditation, hypnosis, mindful movement and music to achieve those goals. After majoring in psychology and religion at college, Prince completed advanced training at the Mind/Body Medical Institute of Harvard Medical School. She also has advanced certification in holistic hypnosis and has spent years training with many of the pioneers of mind/body medicine. Prince is recognized as a national seminar and lecturer in her field. Locally, she has contributed to the community by conducting programs, lecturers and workshops at various Orange County hospitals and by volunteering for three years to produce and host, “The Mind/Body Connection,” a local radio show. Prince has also taught at SUNY Orange. Physicians and other medical professionals refer many of her clients. “My therapies,” said Prince, “are designed to complement, not replace, medical care by maximizing health benefits through positive lifestyle choices and self care.” Prince’s work with mind/body therapies has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers. She works with children, adults and groups. Call 258-2021. Wacky water skiing Mt. Peter Ski Area will celebrate its 70th anniversary this Saturday, March 18, at the annual “Spring Rally.” The popular event features all day entertainment, snow sports and contests followed by a pig roast and anniversary party. Don’t miss the “water skiing” event where snow skiers and snow boarders race downhill towards a long trough filled with ice water. Some make the transition from snow to water skiing, using their speed to carry them to a safe landing on the other side. But many do not. For information call 986-4940. Soprano night It’s an offer you can’t refuse. Since last week’s season premiere of the popular TV show, “The Sopranos,” Graziella’s Italian Café, 40 Jersey Ave., Greenwood Lake, has been offering a special price dinner and a front row seat to watch the Sunday night broadcast on a 64 inch HD television. Call 477-0711 for details and reservations.