Business notebook: Getting ready for Springfest 2008 on April 26

WARWICK - Members of the Village of Warwick’s Merchant Guild are currently busy planning the annual celebration of Springfest. This year, the popular event has been scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The “heavy” rain date is the following day, Sunday, April 29. Based on the success of last year’s event, the 2008 celebration will again be billed as a “Home and Garden Springfest” and an opportunity to meet many professionals, who can answer questions to help beautify your home. According to Merchant Guild President Mary Beth Schlichting, applications have been sent out to businesses that offer relevant and appropriate products for the theme of the celebration. Participants will include the Farmer’s Market, local orchards, garden centers, lawn care professionals, landscape designers, fencing companies, builders, home improvement companies, Koi Pond professionals and pool suppliers among others. There also will be non-profit organizations promoting upcoming events. This year, after a brief hiatus, the popular “Food Court,” a showcase for local restaurants and food vendors, will return to its usual location on 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. Entertainment is also expected to include live music, dance performances and fun for children throughout the village. For additional information or to learn how to participate in Springfest 2008 call Mary Beth Schlichting at 988-5080. A healthy outlook for a country store Once upon a time the Edenville Country Store, 252 Pine Island Turnpike in the hamlet of Edenville, was just a good local deli. But for the past year or so, owner Mary Doolittle has been on a mission to transform her business from an ordinary delicatessen to a healthy eatery. “We’re bringing in lots of healthy alternatives for our patrons,” said Doolittle. “It’s the way I raised my own children.” Last year Doolittle stopped selling cigarettes. And then she began filling her refrigerators, showcases and shelves with organic food products including free range meats, local produce and natural chips among other good snacks. Her meat products, for example, must now be from free range animals that were treated humanely and without hormones. “Our aim is to offer products that are totally natural and produced locally,” said Doolittle. The Edenville Country Store serves breakfast and lunch every day in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere as well as offering deli products, take-out and catering. The restaurant and deli is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For catering or other information call 987-8970. Jubilee Presents celebrates St. Patrick’s Day On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, Judy Battista became Judy O’Battista for the afternoon as she served refreshments, danced with arms held straight down and played Irish Celi music for her senior guests from Mount Alverno Center and the local area. Jubilee Presents Multicultural Arts Center, 87 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, prides itself on introducing dancers, artist, musicians and providing education in both traditional and contemporary multi-cultural and Latino art forms. “At Jubilee,” said Battista, “we believe that one of the many ways we unite is by sharing our culture through the artistic expressions of music and dance.” During the lively party Battista and some friends made a credible attempt at Irish step dancing and handed out a variety of musical instruments which her guests enthusiastically played to the traditional Celi tunes as well as a few Tangos and Cha Chas. The idea of Jubilee Multicultural Arts hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party is not as far removed as one might imagine. The father of …amon de Valera, who was born in America and became a longtime president of the Irish Republic, was Spanish-Cuban. A native of Puerto Rico, Harvard graduate Pedro Albizu Campos, became a consultant in the drafting of the first constitution of the Irish Free State. And invading Celts were known as Gaels, who not only came from France and Germany but also the northeast region of the Iberian Peninsula known today as the province of Galicia, the home of bagpipe music in modern Spain. Today, the fifth largest Irish community in the world, just before Mexico, is in Argentina where they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades and all night parties. “Through music and dance at Jubilee Presents,” said Battista, “we try to foster a greater appreciation of all cultures.” For more information on dance programs and upcoming events call 987-4207 or visit www.jubileepresents.com. Chamber news The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce is taking last minute registrations for the upcoming Warwick Business Expo on Saturday, May 3. The cost for chamber members is $175 and $295 for non-chamber members. The later fee includes a one-year Warwick Valley Chamber membership. Contact Executive Director Michael Johndrow at 845-986-2720 or Expo Chair Diane Massey at 845-325-2247. You can also register on line at www.warwickcc.org.