Business notebook: Networking in Peru, Wednesdays in Warwick

Warwick - Olivier and Patricia Gillotin, owners of Shalimar Alpacas of Warwick, recently returned from a trip to Peru. Although they managed to visit interesting sites, including Peru’s famous Machu Pikchu Inca ruins, that was not the only purpose of their trip. They were there for the “Alpaca Fiesta,” an international event organized by the International Alpaca Association and held this November at Arequipa. “The objective of this event,” said Patricia Gillotin, “was to promote the alpaca industry in every aspect from raising and breeding to marketing high quality garments along with all the links in the production chain. It was an opportunity for us to meet and network with alpaca breeders from all over the world and others in our industry.” Olivier and Patricia Gillotin have been raising and breeding alpacas on their farm at 164 East Ridge Road in Warwick for about five years. And their alpacas, which look something like llamas and are members of the camel or camelid family, are native to South America, in particular, Peru. Shalimar Alpacas of Warwick sells alpacas and also offers breeding services. The fleece of the alpaca is prized because it is soft like cashmere but lighter and stronger. It can be turned into a wide array of products from teddy bears to garments to felt. Patricia Gillotin, who studied textile design in her native Columbia, is an accomplished weaver and her on premises shop offers her own unique items of clothing crafted from soft alpaca yarn as well as other hand crafted alpaca products. The shop is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All those interested in learning more about alpacas and their products are invited to visit the farm. The alpacas, which are very friendly and easy to transport, have also been welcome guests at local long-term health care facilities including Schervier Pavilion and Mount Alverno Center. For additional information about raising alpacas or purchasing finished goods call 986-3031 or visit www.shalimaralpacas.com Toys for Tots The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The organizers believe that a shiny new toy at Christmas will deliver a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Since 1996, the Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus, Council 4952, has been working with the Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Air Group 49, in Newburgh. And over the years, the Knights have distributed over 10,500 toys to local charity organizations as well as needy families. In addition to churches, schools and other public facilities, local businesses have also offered to serve as drop-off points for anyone wishing to donate a new toy so that a child will receive a gift this Christmas. Some of the participating businesses in the Toys-for-Tots program include: Central Deli, Century 21 Mystic Valley Real Estate, Chester ShopRite, Edward Jones, Galloway Dental, Key Bank, Northern Bear, Provident Bank, Quaker Creek, Roe Brothers, Sports Fitness and Fun, TD Banknorth of Chester, Wadeson’s and Werner’s True Value. Warwick Wednesdays The recent “Warwick Wednesdays” promotion at Pennings Farm Market has been officially declared a success. To encourage mid-week shopping by local residents, Pennings has been offering special discounts every Wednesday. And it looks like it might become a regular weekly feature. “We have decided to continue with the program through the holiday season,” said Operations Manager Michael McDermott. The new “Warwick Wednesdays” offer will be 10 per cent off on Christmas trees, wreaths and roping for people presenting an ID with a Town of Warwick address on Wednesdays through Dec. 19. “Jill and Steve Pennings,” said McDermott, “have long understand that a key cornerstone of their business is the support of local residents. And that understanding is what compels them to be so deeply involved with the community as well as make adjustments to their business in response to people’s feedback.” More Home for the Holidays The annual celebration of “Home for the Holidays” is designed to present downtown Warwick as a fun and convenient place to do all your holiday shopping. In cooperation with the Village of Warwick, there is free parking from now until January 1. And residents and visitors can look forward to visits from Santa, horse and buggy rides, men’s night out, ladies night out and a few surprises. This Sunday, Dec. 9, Santa will again be visiting in his sled at the Railroad Green from noon to 3 p.m. Each year, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and member realtors sponsor this event, which includes photos with Santa, and a Horse & Wagon ride through the downtown area. Call the Chamber office at 986-2720 for more information. Holiday celebration in Sugar Loaf This Saturday, Dec. 8, the Sugar Loaf Community Foundation is sponsoring a Christmas caroling event from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Bertoni Gallery outdoor sculpture garden, 1392 Kings Highway. The free event will feature a special performance by the Warwick Valley Middle School Women’s Ensemble and a visit by Santa. Refreshments will be available. Chamber event On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a “Power Networking Buffet Breakfast” at G’s Restaurant from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. The event, hosted by the Networking Committee, is open to all businesses. Each participant will be invited to speak about his/her business and what products/ services each have to offer. This event is part of a monthly series of structured networking activities inclusive of breakfasts, lunches and after hour mixers. The fee for all current Warwick Chamber members who pre-register is $15.00. Non-members are also welcome at a cost of $25. Advance reservations are requested. For more information about the networking events, to make a reservation or to assist the Networking Committee with future events, contact Michael Johndrow at the Chamber office: 986-2720, e-mail the committee at info@warwickcc.org or e-mail Paul Rafanello at Paul@prcpa.biz.