Business notebook: Rally at Mt. Peter this Saturday

WARWICK - It’s that time of year again. The traditional annual Spring Rally will take place at Mt. Peter Ski Area this Saturday, March 29. And there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy all day long. Major attractions include barbecue, both live and DJ music, magic show, prizes, the big air contest and for the bravest of the brave, the wacky water-ski contest. For newcomers or anyone not familiar with this last event, it’s well worth the visit. Skiers and snow boarders, some in costume or wearing bathing suits, ski or snowboard as fast as they can to the bottom of the hill where a trough has been filled with cold water. The object is to transition from the snow and successfully “water ski” to the opposite end of the trough, coming to a stop back on snow. Some make it. And some do not. And therein lies the fun. With a good base, abundant snow-making capacity and piles of snow held in reserve, Mt. Peter was recently the only ski resort in the area to remain open when weather conditions caused others to close. “Mount Peter will be open until the snow is gone,” said Manager Amy Sampson-Richardson. “We are skiing and riding on a 12- to 35-inch base so, weather permitting, we’ll keep it going into April.” Photography exhibit at the Pioneer There’s been a slight change at the Pioneer Restaurant, 49 Oakland Ave., Warwick. The restaurant has traditionally featured the works of local artists on its walls for the enjoyment of its patrons and as a way to support the artist community. For the current exhibit, however, owners Paul and Cheryl Karas decided to invite the photographers from Acova Photography, 17 Main St., Warwick, to display their photographs. Acova is an acronym for “A collection of visual artists.” With Acova are Eric Ferrar, his father, Richard Ferrar, and Yvonne Muller. Their studio is now showing works by internationally acclaimed photographer Jim Lord who will teach a level 1 and level 2 photo photography course there on April 7. Acova specializes in portrait photography as well as special event photography and weddings. Call 610-3444 for information. Every Thursday evening, by the way, it’s “ladies night,” at the Pioneer. While they enjoy their dinners, the ladies will be offered a complimentary glass of wine. “We also serve the best Black Angus beef burger in the area,” said Karas. Another Pioneer specialty is prime rib served Fridays and Saturdays and occasionally on Sunday. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday and Tuesday. There is also a Sunday brunch served until 2 p.m. Call 986-6500 for information or reservations. Seely & Durland employee celebrates 40 years of service When an employee works for the same company for 40 years, there are two conclusions. Both the employee and the company are doing something right. On March 3, Linda Decker celebrated her 40th anniversary with Seely and Durland, Inc., 13 Oakland Ave., Warwick. The firm, an independent insurance agency representing dozens of insurance companies, has been a trusted part of the Warwick community for more than 70 years. Decker started her career at Seely & Durland back in January 1968 when she was a senior in high school. At that time she worked for Ken Durland whose father-in-law, Harry Seely, started the agency in 1934. “I really love working here,” Decker said. “It’s like being part of a family.” In the 40 years since she first started, Decker has held many jobs. She started off as a secretary and then worked her way up to office manager, underwriter, claims representative and customer service representative. In her 40 years she has seen the insurance industry change quite a bit. When she started out, everything was rated by hand and it all came from one manual. Every insurance carrier used the same numbers to rate policies, so it didn’t matter which company you used, the rates were the same. With the advent of competition and technology, differentiation cropped up and the consumer began to have choices. “We are very fortunate to have a professional of Linda’s caliber at Seely & Durland, Inc.,” said Garrett Durland, president of the firm. “You don’t find many individuals who stay with an organization for 40 years. It is a testament to Linda’s dedication and loyalty that she is here this long.” Decker also happens to be a huge Elvis fan. So instead of a watch or other award, Seely & Durland presented her and her husband with an all expense paid trip to Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. The trip includes a stay at the Elvis Presley Heartbreak Hotel and free tickets to the Rock ‘n Soul Museum as well as Graceland. Her fellow employees even threw in some extra spending money. “My husband and I are so excited I just can’t tell you,” said Decker. “This gift was thoughtful and personal.” Chamber news The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its first premier Business Expo on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Warwick Valley Middle School. Local businesses are encouraged to showcase their product or services. The event is open to the public. The chamber is now taking registrations on line at www.warwickcc.org. Exhibitors can share their booth with a complimentary business. Exhibitors will be invited to a pre-networking event one week prior to the Expo. The cost for chamber members is $175 and $295 for non-chamber members. The later fee includes a one-year Warwick Valley Chamber membership. For more information contact Michael Johndrow, chamber executive director at 845-986-2720 or Expo Chair Diane Massey at 845-325-2247. Correction In last week’s article about First Communion dresses being available at Victorian Treasures, 21 Main St., we inadvertently listed the shop’s fax number instead of the phone number which is 986-7616. We apologize for the error and regret any inconvenience this may have caused.