Business notebook: Menorah lighting scheduled for Friday evening, Dec. 15

WARWICK - It’s been almost a month since Warwick’s downtown merchants invited everyone to the opening festivities for the annual “Home for the Holidays” Christmas shopping season. The all-day celebration was intentionally scheduled early so that visitors could get in the mood for Thanksgiving and Chanukah as well as Christmas. Now, all you have to do is stroll down Main Street and along Railroad Avenue to get into the Christmas spirit since the village and most stores are decorated with spectacular seasonal displays. Merchants have been mailing or handing out attractive “Come Home for the Holidays” invitational post cards. The traditional “Angel Tree,” to benefit the needy, is on Main Street between Akin’s Drug Store and Newhard’s. And the majestic Christmas tree, recently lighted courtesy of the Warwick Fire Department, along with the Nativity Scene and the Menorah are all on display in Lewis Park. Santa also paid an early visit during the lighting ceremony. Thanks to the Warwick Valley Gardners, Railroad Green is tastefully lighted and recently, with help from the Village of Warwick Department of Public Works, members also installed and decorated another Christmas tree in the large urn in the park. Last Sunday, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and participating local Realtors sponsored a visit by Santa along with horse and carriage tours of the Village leaving from Railroad Green. As a courtesy to shoppers, the Village parking meters are free until Christmas. And for the convenience of all shoppers, especially those who commute, stores are remaining open evenings until 8 p.m. Tonight, Friday, Dec. 15, Warwick residents are invited to Lewis Park at sundown for the traditional first lighting of the Menorah. The event celebrates the beginning of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Moshe Schwartzberg, owner of Forever Jewelers, will take time from his especially busy schedule at this time to officiate and to explain the wonderful story of the miracle of the oil. There will be traditional Chanukah refreshments and music. All are welcome. The “Home for the Holidays” committee urges everyone to save gas and spend their Christmas shopping money in their hometown. Warwick merchants offer a great selection of quality merchandise, a pleasant shopping experience and free gift-wrapping. Gift certificates are also available in $5 and $10 denominations at The Inkwell, Newhard’s, Pecks Wines & Spirits, Sweetbriars and Victorian Treasures. Hollywood Holiday party B. Page & Co., 28 Railroad Ave., recently hosted a “Vintage Hollywood Holiday” party. “I wanted to bring a vintage touch to this holiday season to lend an authentic 1950s retro Hollywood flair to our collection of designer apparel and accessories,” said Brooke Martis-Sarmiento, owner of the fashionable boutique. On Dec. 1, to introduce her new addition, Martis-Sarmiento, threw a party, complete with martinis and music by “Rat Pack” buddies Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra along with the popular Bing Crosby songs of the day. Borrowing items from her mother’s vintage clothing and accessories collection, which are sold only through vintage trade shows, Martis-Sarmiento featured 30 pieces for the evening. They included a 1950s opera coat from B. Altman, a platinum colored duchess satin gown from the same period, a 1920s silk velvet dress and a rare silk paisley jacquard suit along with vintage handbags, hats and jewelry. In keeping with her 1950s theme, Brooke chose sparkling white holly and snowflake holiday decorations with a “White Christmas” theme. Holiday hours at B. Page & Co. are Saturday through Wednesday from 11-6 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. For more information call 987-8004. Fifteenth season This holiday season is special for Donna Roberto Martin, owner of Avanti, a ladies clothing shop on Route 94 South, in the hamlet of New Milford. It’s her fifteenth. Last weekend, Martin celebrated all those successful years with an open house at the festively decorated shop. Patrons were invited to enjoy a glass of sparkling water or wine with cheeses and desserts while they shopped for cocktail dresses or selected from a variety of velvet and lace tops to complete that special outfit. At the other end of the spectrum, shoppers were invited to look over the selection of corduroys and jeans, sweaters, lingerie and foundations. Avanti is open daily during December and offers customers plenty of small gift solutions such as velvet scarves and bags, all expertly gift-wrapped at no charge. Call 986-6891 for more information.