Business notebook: Competitions, networking and farewells

WARWICK - Ultimate Sambo does it again. Sambo, as taught at the Ultimate Sambo Academy, 13 No. Main Street, Florida, originated in Russia as a hand-to-hand combat method for soldiers. The word, Sambo, is an acronym for the Russian phrase; “Self defense without weapons.” Combat Sambo involves throws, take downs, striking techniques, weapons and removal. But over the years it has also developed into a world sport. Recently, the Ultimate Sambo Competition team competed in back to back grappling tournaments. Combatants first traveled to Connecticut to compete against some of the most skilled submission grapplers in the United States. The U.S. Open was an all-day event with more than 1,000 competitors. The Russian submission-wrestling contest was the largest Sambo tournament ever to be held on American soil. And the 12 Ultimate Sambo Academy contestants brought home 11 Gold medals, six Silver medals and five Bronze medals. The next day some of the same athletes competed in a grappling tournament at the Ultimate Sambo Academy. The USA participants traveled from as far as Louisiana and the Republic of Columbia sent 11 members from their National Sambo Team. There were men, women and children’s divisions. “These were very exciting events with the Ultimate Sambo team once again bringing home the gold,” smiled Yvonne Koulikov, co-founder of the Ultimate Sambo Academy. Village of Florida Mayor Jim Pawliezek opened the local tournament by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. He also earned an honorary “Black Belt” that day for successfully performing a rear leg trip on training instructor Stephanie Simon. “The focus, dedication and love of the sport that I see in our students never ceases to amaze me”, stated Koulikov. “I am so truly proud of each and every one of our students. They give it all they’ve got in representing us and it shows.” Her husband, chief instructor Vlad Koulikov added: “Their enthusiasm is infectious. They make everyone around them want to train harder.” Ultimate Sambo offers instruction in Sport & Combat Sambo, Brazilian jujitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for adults and children. For information, call 651-5155. Networking Next Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a power-networking luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Charlotte’s Tea Room, 9 Main St., Warwick. This networking lunch is part of a monthly series of structured networking activities on the second Tuesday of each month. “The purpose of the networking events,” said Linda Glohs, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber, “is to provide a business venue where professionals - be they consultants, realtors, mortgage bankers, photographers - can reach all attendees directly with their information.” The cost of the lunch event is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-Chamber members. Advance reservations are required by Jan. 7. For more information about the networking events, contact the chamber at 986-2720, or e-mail at info@warwickcc.org. Farewell Anyone who has ever visited the Kennedy Birthing Center at St. Anthony Community Hospital undoubtedly remembers the collection of baby photos that adorned the walls of the facility. You may also have noticed the “Real Clothes, Real People” photographs used in a Style Council advertising campaign that appeared many times in the Warwick Advertiser. All of these photographs and much more were the works of professional photographer and Warwick resident Lara Blair. In 2004, following what they called their “moment of reckless abandon,” Blair and her husband Dave decided to move the family from the State of Washington to Warwick. Up until that time, Blair had owned and operated a successful portrait studio for several years in the Clark county area of Washington. But then her husband was offered a job opportunity in this area and they decided to take advantage of all that the “East” had to offer with their preschool-aged children. In the two and half year span that Blair operated her studio in Warwick, she accomplished more than she ever thought possible. “It’s been a wonderful and priceless experience,” said Blair. “I studied with well-known photographers in New York City and learned new exciting trends in the portrait photography world.” Blair created the “Lara Blair Images Experience” prototype adopted by other local studios. This process allows a photography studio to tell the story of the client beginning with the consultation and ending with a wall portrait. While she was in Warwick, she developed newspaper and magazine print ad campaigns for four commercial businesses. Blair also had an opportunity to photograph several celebrities and she began production of a coffee table book, “Girls in White Dresses.” Although they loved Warwick, the Blairs realized their Northwest roots ran deep. They recently decided to return home to their family and friends, and, Blair added, “The mountains and the ocean.” Blair is now excited that she can bring home portrait ideas she learned while living in Warwick and enhance them with the warmth and down-to-earth nature of the West. She will also be offering destination portrait sessions throughout the year in Seattle, the Oregon Coast, and New York City. Blair is thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of the Lara Blair Images portrait Studio in the Clark County and Portland area. She has referred her clients in New York to Warwick photographer Diane Pell. “I have loved being here and would like to thank all of the wonderful clients and friends that I have made,” said Blair. “Warwick has been a dream place for us to be. We will miss it.” To view an online gallery of Blair’s work, visit www.larablairimages.com