Business notebook: Guess why it's called ‘The Laundry Shak'

Warwick - This Saturday, April 1, Tom and Joann Andryshak will welcome the public to the grand opening of their new coin operated laundry, The Laundry Shak. The modern and spacious facility is located at 133 North Main St. in the Village of Florida, directly across the road from the Big V parking lot. Radio WRRV will be on hand to provide musical entertainment and visitors will be treated to free popcorn, candy, balloons and other give-aways from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the first retail venture for the Andryshaks who live in Florida with their three children: Thomas Jr., 18; PJ, 16; and Sarah, 14. However, as the current owners of Classic Cleaning and Maintenance Service, Inc., a commercial cleaning service for more than 20 years, they are not new to small business. Tom Andryshak also is the coordinator of cleaning and maintenance service for the Florida Union Free School District. “When Tom was a child,” said Joann Andryshak, “his mother worked at a local Laundromat. He has fond memories of getting to know the customers, being pushed around in the laundry carts and collecting quarters from the machines. He said it always felt like a big extended family and when we decided to start up a new business, a Laundromat seemed like a perfect fit.” The Laundry Shak boasts state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly Maytag equipment. According to the new owners, the 22 washing machines, 22 dryers and large capacity machines were selected for their above average efficient use of water and power as well as reliability. The Laundromat, open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., also features a large air conditioned waiting area furnished with televisions, games and vending machines and a children’s play area equipped with a VCR. An attendant is always on duty and there is also a drop off service. “Customers who call our clothes line,” quipped Tom, “can also reserve a machine if they’re on their way over. Just call 651-SHAK.” Historical partnership Bob Maxwell and Tim Mullally, owners of the Style Counsel fashion shop at 19 Main St., Warwick, have volunteered to participate in an upcoming event sponsored by the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Society and a series of events have been planned for the Centennial Year Celebration. One particular event, “100 Years of Fashion,” will be held on Sunday, May 21, from 3-5 p.m. The event begins with a fashion show, featuring many of the styles of bygone days, at the Old School Baptist MeetingHouse. Maxwell and Mullally will lend their expertise to organizing the show and they are currently looking for models who wear sizes 4-14. Immediately after the fashion show, ticket holders will go across the street to he Baird Tavern for refreshments and a static display of the Society’s extensive collection of clothing from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The cost to attend both the fashion show and the clothing exhibition is $25 and tickets can be obtained from the Historical Society or Style Counsel. “We’re also hoping to attract new members for the Historical Society,” said Mullally. “The annual dues are only $25 and it’s a wonderful way to help preserve the heritage and beauty of this town.” Ice cream lovers The Bellvale Creamery just off Route 17A atop Mt. Peter will reopen for the season this Saturday, April 1. It’s worth a visit just for the view.