Business notebook: Only one more week to Springfest

WARWICK - If all goes as planned, Springfest 2007, scheduled for next Saturday, April 28, (rain date April 29) promises to be the biggest and best Springfest to date. Last week, co-chairs Mary Beth Schlichting, president of the Warwick Merchant Guild, and Treasurer Debbie Iurato, were busy placing posters throughout the surrounding area as well as banners in the village. Merchants were also given signs for their store windows that identify them as a participating sponsor. This year, the Merchant Guild describes Springfest 2007 as a “Home and Garden Expo” that will attract appropriate vendors and businesses. It’s already being called the “Warwick Valley First Annual Home and Garden Springfest Event.” The all-day celebration promises to be an opportunity to meet the professionals who can answer questions to help beautify your home. “Do you need lawn care, a new fence, a Koi pond or a sun room?” asked Schlichting. “We’ve assembled the best professionals at Springfest to answer your questions.” Local vendors that offer relevant and appropriate products for the theme of the celebration 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 present, such as the Warwick Valley Humane Society and other organizations promoting upcoming events, such as St. Stephen’s “Taste of the Town and “Warwick in Bloom.” Entertainment and related family events will be announced next week. It will include live music and dance performances throughout the Village. We know, however, that the characters Dora the Explorer, Elmo and Winnie the Pooh will be appearing at The Toy Chest, 62 Main St. Both adults and youngsters are invited to watch interesting demonstrations by United Martial Arts and the Orange County K-9 Unit as well as professional skate board demonstrations. And, if you get hungry, pick up a copy of the new restaurant guide at the “Dine Out Warwick” booth and check out the menus of over 20 local eateries. For additional information call the Springfest Infoline at 987-7600 or Mary Beth Schlicting at her Main Street shop, Frazzleberies: 988 -5080. More to follow. Grand opening There’s a brand new store in Warwick. On Sunday, April 1, Warwick residents Joe and Susan Raia celebrated the official grand opening of their new business, Garage Boardshop & Apparel. Since the shop offers supplies and services for a warm weather activity, it can conveniently share space with Miller Ski & Sport at 1 Bank St., Warwick. The owners describe Garage Boardshop & Apparel as the area’s premier skateboarder owned and skateboard focused skateshop, offering a wide variety of skateboard decks, shoes and boutique apparel. “Our employees have years of first hand skateboarding experience, which ensures that our customers receive knowledgeable assistance,” said Joe Raia. “Our goal is to provide Warwick area skateboarders with the best quality skateboarding products and apparel and to build and support Orange County’s skateboarding community.” Raia, who also owns “Garage Manufacturing,” is an inventor and manufacturer of skateboards. “We live and breathe skateboarding and are here to support it, to give back what it has given to us, and to pass it on to the next generation,” said Raia. He promises to provide great service and quality products while inspiring kids with events such as pro demos and signings with professional skateboarders, special events, video premieres and instructional lesson programs. Garage Boardshop & apparel offers are large selection of lifestyle brands for the entire family. For additional information call 986-1954. New photography studio Well known photographer Diane Pell has recently opened her new Portrait Photography Studio at 62 Main St., Warwick. The studio is located just above the Toy Chest. Pell will be hosting a Grand Opening of her Studio and Gallery on Saturday, April 28, coinciding with Springfest in downtown Warwick. The studio and gallery, featuring a collection of recent works, will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wine and cheese will be served after 3 p.m. Pell, a longtime Warwick resident, has been a professional photographer for the last 18 years. From 1990 to 2000 she ran a portrait studio in Warwick where she photographed new babies, children of all ages, high school seniors, anniversaries, portraits, communions and other special occasions. During that time Pell earned a reputation as a pre-school and wedding photographer. Some of her current work can be seen on her Web site (www.DianePell.com). For more information call 986-1268 or e-mail: dianepell@warwick.net.