Business notebook: Thrift shop serves the community for 40 years

Warwick - Now is the time of year when many people clean out their closets and garages to make room for new items. So if you’re looking for someone to take clean clothing, serviceable house wares, books, children’s toys and the like, that are in good condition, consider donating them to the Thrift Shop at Christ Episcopal Church, 50 South St., Warwick. In 1967, Christ Church parishioners Bill and Mae Buchanan came up with the idea to establish a Thrift Shop ministry. Although in the beginning it was scoffed at, the project soon became a success. And thanks to the time and energy of numerous volunteers throughout the decades, the Thrift Shop will mark its 40th year of continuous operation this summer. The majority of the proceeds from cash donations and the sale of donated items are used to help needy families. A smaller portion is sometimes used to make necessary improvements to the facility. Expenses, however, are low. Since its opening, the Thrift Shop has been maintained, managed and operated by volunteer parishioners. And the space is provided free of charge by Christ Episcopal Church whose current rector is Father Scott Barker. “Unlike many other worthy charities, 100 percent of our income goes to the beneficiary,” said Barbara Burke, who co-chairs the Thrift Shop with fellow parishioner Sally Mitchell. Burke explained that an outreach committee selects the most needy recipients in the area. Some of those beneficiaries include children’s camps, soup kitchens, poor churches and migrant workers. A Middletown organization, Christian Partners, picks up any surplus items and distributes them to families and individuals free of charge. The Thrift Shop also offers an opportunity for any resident to pick up a bargain or search for a hard-to-find item. The well-organized shop is open to the public on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For those who wish to donate items, it is recommended that articles of clothing and other small items be dropped off on Saturday morning or on Wednesday from 10 a.m. - noon. Hot weather solutions Believe it or not, it will not be long before the weatherman starts predicting heat waves. Joe Rossitto, general manager of Alpine Air, 22 Meadow Road, in the Village of Florida, suggests now is the time to inspect, repair or replace your air conditioning system. Besides staying cool this summer, better efficiency translates into lower energy costs and may also merit tax incentives. Alpine Air Heating and Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning contractor specializing in service, sales, installation and maintenance for homes, commercial buildings and new construction. The company, for example, offers packaged rooftop units for commercial buildings that are used for both air conditioning and heat. “All our installations are owner supervised,” said Rossitto who explained that he or Robert Bogert, president of the firm, will act as the on-site supervisor to make certain all installations comply with the company’s high standards. Rossitto, who designs heating, ventilation and air condition systems, has a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. His partner, Robert Bogert, is an HVAC technician and a graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute. He also holds an Environmental Protection Agency license and a certification from North American Technician Excellence, which requires continuing education. “We’re on call for your comfort,” said Rossitto echoing his firm’s motto. For information call Alpine Air at 508-6271. Pioneer Restaurant features new artist For more than two years the Pioneer Restaurant at 49 Oakland Ave., Warwick, has been featuring the works of local artists. Right now, for example, you can enjoy the works of well known local artist Linda Matheson while you dine. The artist’s works are not only displayed for your enjoyment but they can also be purchased. “We’re thrilled,” said owner and chef Paul Karas, “to display these beautiful works of art by Linda Matheson and we hope everyone comes by to enjoy them.” Sunday, May 13, is Mother’s Day, and Karas encourages patrons to make their reservations early. The brunch style menu for Mother’s Day will include dinner specialties and seating will begin at 11 a.m. For information or to make a reservation call 986-6500. First anniversary B. Page & Co., The Best of Everything, 28 Railroad Ave., will celebrate its first anniversary on Friday and Saturday, May 11 - 12. “We will have special store promotions, cake and champagne,” said owner Brooke Sarmiento. For information, call 987 8004 or visit: www.bpageandco.com. Networking On Tuesday, May 8, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host direct networking for businesses during a Networking Luncheon at the Copper Bottom Restaurant, 162 North Main Street in Florida. The event is designed to provide guests a unique forum to promote their business directly, while enjoying great cuisine. The cost of the event is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for ‘not-yet’ members. Advance reservations are required. Held monthly, the next networking event will be a breakfast at La Petite Cuisine on June 12. For more information about networking events contact the chamber office at 986-2720, or e-mail at info@warwickcc.org.