Business notebook: Springfest is finally here

Warwick -The much-anticipated celebration of Springfest 2007 in the Village of Warwick is this Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (In case of heavy rain, the event will be postponed until the following day - Sunday, April 29.) Springfest 2007, now described as a “Home and Garden Expo,” promises to be the biggest and best Springfest to date. Billed as an opportunity to meet the professionals, who can answer questions to help beautify your home, it’s being called the “Warwick Valley First Annual Home and Garden Springfest Event.” In addition to local vendors that will offer relevant and appropriate products for the theme of the celebration such as 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 will also be non-profit organizations promoting upcoming events. Entertainment will include live music, dance performances and fun for children throughout the Village. And, you can also 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. Anniversary On Saturday, March 31, Dawson Motors, 45 Oakland Ave., Warwick celebrated its 25th anniversary. One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of a Jasper Engine NASCAR show car, the Alltel race car driven by Ryan Newman. In the 1970s owner Bill Dawson was manager first at Warwick Dodge and then at McSweeney Chevy-Olds in Warwick. In 1982 he decided to open his own shop in a four bay garage on Forester Ave. The business quickly grew and additional bays or repair stations were added until Dawson and his wife, Linda managed to increase the size of their shop to 10 bays. Dawson Motors remained on Forester Avenue for 20 years and then five years ago moved to the vacated Stanley Chrysler dealership building at the intersection of Oakland Avenue and Galloway Road (Routes 17A and 94). Soon afterwards, Dawson added a used car dealership at the same location and in the past five years the sale of used cars has grown. Dawson’s son, Bill Jr., has joined the dealership to aid in its further development. Tenth anniversary This May, Chosun Taekwondo Academy and Hatha Yoga Center, 62 Main St., Warwick, will celebrate its 10th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the academy is offering a fitness sampler. For a special introductory fee, participants can sample a total of four classes of their choice in Traditional Taekwondo, Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi or Fitness Kick boxing. The offer extends throughout May and participants can take four classes in one discipline or mix and match. For additional information call 986-2288 or visit: chosuntkd@yahoo.com. Pilates in Motion Local resident Colleen Ketchum recently opened “Pilates in Motion,” a new exercise studio in the Kid’s Clubhouse building, 628 County Route 1, Pine Island. Ketchum has attained numerous levels of certification through Power Pilates, an organization created to establish certification programs in order to preserve and teach the classical technique of Joseph Pilates. “If you’re looking for a fitness-program that specializes in developing whole-body health while focusing on increasing core-strength, flexibility, improving posture, and energizing the entire body,” said Ketchum, “that program is just minutes away at our studio.” According to Ketchum, the Pilates fitness-regime has an 80-year history of making people stronger and healthier. Pilates, she explained, can also help reduce chronic back-pain, improve in bone-density, and lower emotional stress. And, it can work for just about anyone at any age. Pilates in Motion offers both group mat-classes and private lessons, designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Ketchum’s interest in exercise and fitness can be traced to her early years as competitive gymnast. “Now”, she says, “my greatest professional reward each day is helping clients improve their fitness, health, and overall well-being.” For more information, call 820-9888 or e-mail Pilates@warwick.net. Tea party Victorian Treasures, 21 Main St., Warwick, recently held its fourth annual “Tea Party.” Everyone was welcome and guests enjoyed tea and sweets along with a complimentary hand massage. The shop also offered discounts, drawings for prizes and other specials. “We are happy that we were able to use this opportunity to thank our customers,” said owner Heidi Seeley, “and we look forward to next year’s tea party.” Gown and tuxedo time There is no need to travel 40 miles to purchase a gown or rent a tuxedo this time of year. Besides the latest spring fashions, Jacqueline’s Boutique at 17 main street in Warwick is filled with a large selection of prom gowns, mother of the bride and groom dresses and cocktail dresses. The shop also has a tuxedo rental department for a prom, wedding or any business occasion. Jacqueline’s Boutique is open seven days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call 987-9602.