Business notebook: The annual ‘Sidewalk Sale' is just a week away

Warwick - Last week we reported that the annual “Sidewalk Sale,” Warwick’s traditional and popular downtown business district event, will take place for three days next week beginning Friday, July 13, and ending Sunday, July 15. This year’s theme is, “Bargains, Books and Barbecue.” The theme refers to sales and special promotions, the Friends of the Library Saturday Book Sale and an upscale barbecue prepared that same day by Frank Costantino, executive chef from the Harvest Grill at Pennings Farm Market. Visitors will also have the option of enjoying zeppoles and hot dogs or picking up a revised edition of the Merchant’s Guild Restaurant Guide and relaxing at one of the downtown area’s outdoor cafes. And, as promised, here are some of the updates to the big event. The Pear Tree European Country on Railroad Avenue, for example, will host its third annual “Paris Flea Market,” featuring home décor, old and new, at a 20 percent discount inside the shop and 50 to 90 per cent for merchandise under the tent. La Petite Cuisine, also on Railroad Avenue, will be open each day for breakfast and lunch with, weather permitting, outdoor dining. All gourmet cheeses and pates will be for sale at 20 percent off. Garage Boardshop and Apparel, featuring “cool” clothes and accessories for the whole family plus great skate stuff, will hold storewide sales and giveaways during the entire weekend. Jean-Claude’s Artisan Bakery and Dessert Café, will offer special “Slices of France.” Track 7 Postal Center, at 5 First St., will offer a 10 per cent discount on its expanded line of greeting cards. The mailbox rental and receiving center is just around the corner from the Railroad Avenue shops. And, best of all, at least as far as the kids are concerned, is that Elmo, Dora and Winnie the Pooh will be back at the Toy Chest, 62 Main St., for all three days. Proceeds of the book sale will benefit the Albert Wisner Public Library and everyone is asked to donate books and plastic shopping bags. Drop off dates at the library are this Monday and Tuesday, July 9 - 10. The “Sidewalk Sale” committee is still working on one or two more attractions. More to follow. Frazzleberries gets a face-lift It’s a family affair. Mary Beth Schlichting, owner of Frazzleberries, recently managed to enlist the members of her family to help out with a renovation project at her popular Main Street gift shop. The shop generally has such a huge inventory on display that only the owner would notice the store needed a face-lift. “We’ve been in business in Warwick for twelve years and ten of those years have been here at 24 Main St.,” said Schlichting. “I knew the wall board needed replacement and we decided to replace it with barn wood. It’s appropriate for the country style merchandise we offer and much more practical since it can support more weight.” Frazzleberries first opened on Railroad Avenue as a showcase for the folk art creations of Schlichting and Gail Tilton, whose rustic inspirations evolved from a hobby into a thriving business. Several years into the business, Tilton and her husband retired to Cape Cod. Since that time, Schlichting has continued to successfully manage the business in Warwick and several years ago, her son Jerry and daughter-in-law Katie opened another Frazzleberries in Newport, RI. Renovations were expected to be completed in just a couple of weeks. For more information call 988-5080 or visit the store’s Web site at: www.frazzleberries.com Graceful Growth Warwick residents Shannah Whitney and Linda Jergensen are directors of “Graceful Growth,” a local community based private organization dedicated to restoring hope and providing help to women and children surviving domestic abuse and sexual assault. “We are dedicated to ending violence against women and children by providing support services, counseling services, community education and workshops, and 24 hour emergency support,” said Jergensen. “Whether you are in the middle of a crisis or just need someone to talk to, we can help.” Jergensen explained that she and Whitney are both mental health counselors. “Whitney focuses on mental health counseling and spiritual direction,” she said. “And I focus mostly on mental health counseling, workshops, working with the horses and working with the Latino community. We started this center to offer an affordable resource that brings together sound therapy practices combined with spiritual growth and community.” Graceful Growth Community Care is located at 29 Oakland Ave. For additional information call 988-6825 or visit: www.gracefulgrowth.com Presidential hot-line WVT Communications, formerly the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, recently introduced the “Presidential Hotline,” (845) 986-2160. Customers with an unresolved issue or concern now have a direct line of communication with company president, Duane Albro. Calls to the Presidential Hotline will be routed to either a live operator or to the hotline voice mail if an operator is not available. All calls to the hotline, said a company spokesperson, will be responded to within 24 hours. The WVT Presidential Hotline is one of many new services the company plans to roll out over the next 12 to 18 months to better serve its customers.