Business notebook: Welcome to Warwickshire

Warwick - Gordon and Stella Vinci were never innkeepers, but when they vacationed they always stayed at Bed & Breakfast inns and they took note of what they liked and didn’t like. In December 2004, they purchased an historic home at 12 Linden Place in the Village of Warwick. Its builder, designer Clinton Wheeler Wisner, had named the home, built in 1893, the “Warwickshire.” It was also the residence of Doctor Harry Sayer for nearly 70 years before the previous owners, the Smith family, purchased it in 1975. Last year, Gordon and Stella Vinci decided to turn their English Tudor style home into something they had always dreamed of owning: a Bed & Breakfast. Although the home features an inglenook fireplace and boasts original wood trim throughout, the building is almost modern in design with its open floor plan and rooms flowing into each other. The leaded glass windows and panel doors are all original and the outside stone work was installed by the same European stone masons who were working on local churches at the time the house was built. Dr. Sayer had also added a glass-enclosed room above the back yard porch. The Warwickshire Bed & Breakfast offers a choice of four comfortable Victorian-style rooms along with amenities that include satellite TV, air conditioning and Internet access. And the owners promise that the rates, which include a home cooked country style breakfast, are affordable. “We are delighted in having people as our guests for their stay in historic Warwick, “ said Stella Vinci, “And we take great pleasure in assuring everyone that they will receive the very best services and room accommodations.” For weekend reservations or additional information call 988-1946 or visit: warwickshirebb.com Night skiing Although its early in the season for this area, Mount Peter Ski Area is already claiming “tons of snow” and with its increased snowmaking capability complimented by low temperatures, the mountain is enjoying the best snow base it has had in many years. “We had a white Christmas this year,” said owner Don Sampson, “and it was long overdue. This is going to be a great season.” As of Wednesday, Jan. 2, Mount Peter now has night as well as day skiing and snow boarding until the end of the season. All trails are currently open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The popular Warwick ski area was first opened in 1936 by Macy’s Department Store to show off and sell the firm’s ski fashions. Known as “The Friendly One,” Mount Peter, now in its 72nd year, is the oldest operating ski area in New York State, and one of the few remaining family operated ski areas in the country. Mount Peter offers a free beginner ski and snowboard school, a terrain park, racing and development programs and a friendly family atmosphere. The ski lodge also houses a cafeteria, retail shop and Pete’s Place Tavern. There are also special programs for tots and a season schedule of fun weekend family events. Up to the day condition reports are recorded and available by calling 986-4992. For information, call 986-4940 or visit: www.mtpeter.com. High speed WVT Communications, formerly known as the Warwick Valley Telephone Company is now offering high-speed DSL Internet service for a one-year introductory price of $19.95 per month. The promotional code is UDS5MG and anyone interested in this service should call 800-952-7642. Reminder Next Tuesday, Jan. 15, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a “ Power Networking Buffet Dinner” at The Iron Forge Inn in Bellvale, NY from 6-9 p.m. The event will be open to all businesses in the area, providing a unique forum to up-sell individual businesses. To make a reservation call or e-mail executive director Michael Johndrow at the chamber office: 986-2720, e-mail: info@warwickcc.org. Cell phones for soldiers The idea began in Norwell, Mass., when with very little cash, a family started the ball rolling to collect enough cell phones to provide more than 12 million cellular minutes for troops stationed overseas. The “Cell Phones for Soldiers” program is designed to collect old and no longer used cell phones, as well as accessories, which will be converted to prepaid calling cards that United States military personnel can use to contact loved ones at home. Locally, the “Uncle Buck,” show at Warwick Radio Station WTBQ (1110 AM) is spearheading the program. Phones can be dropped off in WTBQ’s new studio at 87 Ronald Reagan Blvd. just off Kings Highway. For information, call 651-1110. They are also being collected in New York State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt’s district office located at 41 High St. in Goshen. Call 291-3631.