Business notebook: St. Valentine's Day wake-up call

WARWICK - Just in case you forgot, next Wednesday, Feb, 14, is St. Valentine’s Day. And that’s the traditional day when people express their love for each other by sending Valentine’s cards, candy, flowers, jewelry and other gifts. Almost every business and restaurant in the Village of Warwick will be geared up for the holiday so what follows is just a sample. Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday, right after Christmas. So your first stop might be to select a Hallmark or other fine card from the large selection at the Card Spot, 51 Main St. If it’s not too busy, you might enjoy chatting about the history of the downtown business district with owners Edward and Charlotte Cummiskey. They have owned the shop, one of the oldest businesses in Warwick, first established in 1926, for 41 years. In another shop, over 50 percent of its inventory is devoted to Valentine’s Day. And procrastinators should visit early. “Woman are more organized than men who usually wait until the last minute,” smiled Stephanie Faerman, owner of Sweetbriar’s Confections at 26 Railroad Avenue. Faerman promises to have a large selection of Valentine gifts and candies up to and including Saint Valentine’s Day. But, she cautioned that special orders will only be taken up to February 12. In addition to custom boxes of chocolates and other candies, one of the most popular items at Sweetbriar’s is a bouquet of a dozen or half-dozen roses packaged in a clear flower gift box. Other favorites include chocolate covered strawberries with assorted toppings and other special creations. Chocolate lovers will appreciate “Anna Shea” hand crafted truffles sold separately or packaged in a chocolate heart. Amy Sliter at Corwin Florist & Greenhouses, 12 Galloway Road, echoes the order early advice to avoid a long wait. Corwin’s will carry a large selection of fresh roses and other cut flowers for your special bouquet. Another popular gift on Valentine’s Day is jewelry. Forever Jewelers, 38 Main Street, carries a large selection of heart shaped charms, bracelets and pendants. One romantic tradition, said owner Moshe Schwartzberg, is to present a diamond engagement ring on this special day. “At Forever Jewelers,” said Schwartzberg, “We want to share with you our knowledge of fine gemstone jewelry and diamonds. And we will provide personalized attention to assist you in finding that perfect jewelry gift for someone you love.” Most of the downtown businesses will begin the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day this weekend. On Friday evening, for example, Peck’s Wines and Spirits, 1 Bank St., will break open the Champagne and serve it with chocolates to all its patrons. From 5 - 9 p.m., Saturday evening, the Garage at the Eclectic Eye antique cooperative, 16 Railroad Ave., will host a Valentine’s Day party complete with music and refreshments. Everyone is invited. This entire weekend and also on Valentine’s Day, Greetings and Salutations, 9 Main St., will serve a special lunch featuring chocolate candies as well as sipping chocolate and chocolate covered strawberries. “Buy your sweetie a lunch for Valentine’s Day,” suggested owner Joanne Graney. Although chocolates, flowers and jewelry are the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts, many of the Village merchants suggest you look at other items. Newhard’s, 39 Main St., for example, offers a fine selection of hand crafted Valentine’s Day cards as well as a unique selection of personal gift items including soaps, fragrances and the like. Victorian Treasures, 21 Main St., has a display of “sweetheart gifts” for everyone from baby to grandmother. “We have treasures of love,” said owner Heidi Seeley. And, don’t forget that gift certificates are also available at participating merchants such as The Inkwell, Newhard’s, Peck’s Wines & Spirits, Sweetbriar’s and Victorian Treasures. Reminder This Saturday, Feb. 10, is the final day for Frazzleberries’ annual clearance of retired Vera Bradley patterns. And this weekend, the gift shop will celebrate its 3rd Annual Cabin Fever Reliever Weekend and Clearance Event. Frazzleberries will also premier the Vera Bradley Spring 2007 Collection. Networking Next Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host direct networking for businesses during a Networking Breakfast from 7:45 - 9:15 a.m. at the Tuscan Cafe, 5 South St. The event is intended to provide guests a unique forum to promote their business directly, while enjoying good food. Networking Sponsor of this event is M & R Energy Resources Corporation. The cost of the breakfast is $10 for chamber members and $15 for non-members. Advance reservations required. Registrations at door are $20. For more information about networking events, contact the chamber office at 986-2720, or e-mail at info@warwickcc.org.