Construction begins on Warwick Wellness Center

Groundbreaking news . . . WARWICK - On Friday, April 29, Father Thomas Byrnes, parochial vicar of the Parish of St. Stephen, the First Martyr, had been invited to bless the site of the future Warwick Wellness Center, now under construction at the corner of West St. Extension and County 1. Stone Bridge Building Corp., owned by local resident Dominick Treschitta, is in charge of the project. "We asked Father Tom to be here," said Dr. Dennis Scharfenberger, "because it's not only important for us but it's important for our patients." Dr. Scharfenberger lives in Warwick with his wife, Anna, and their four children: Jonathan, 15; Kimberly, 12; Amy, 7, and Tommy, 3. He and his wife, Anna, his associate, Dr. Kristin Lupoli, and other members of the staff of Warwick Family Practice, currently located at 3 St. Stephen Lane, were all on hand for the brief dedication ceremony. "After two and a half years of planning," said Dr. Scharfenberger, "construction of the Warwick Wellness Center has started. This will be the first truly integrated medical and educational facility in Orange County." Warwick Family Practice has been serving the community for over 10 years and Dr. Scharfenberger, owner and founder, is not only known for his personal touch in patient care but also for his interest in acupuncture and complementary therapies. "I've always wanted to develop a full integrative practice in Warwick," he said. The Warwick Wellness Center, expected to open this November, will offer family medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine, message and nutritional counseling among other complimentary therapies. "Many conditions such as cardiovascular disease, women's health issues, chronic fatigue, depression, asthma and abdominal concerns," said Dr. Scharfenberger, "can be managed through an interdisciplinary approach." The Center, he added, will also offer classes focusing on exercise, health education and, in general, helping people achieve goals to maximize their wellbeing by making positive and lasting changes in their health lives. For further information call Warwick Family Practice at 986-5587. Grand Opening . . . Eight months ago, Lou Iorio purchased a well established Warwick bar and restaurant near the corner of Spring and West Streets. The first thing he did was raise the partition between the bar and the restaurant section. And when an adjacent store, facing West Street, recently became available, Iorio seized the opportunity to take the space and use it to double his restaurant area. "I always wanted to have more of a restaurant than a bar," said Iorio who has had plenty of experience in the restaurant business. He's been cooking professionally for over 40 years and he's owned nine pizzerias including the popular "Tirrenos" in Mahwah, NJ. Iorio, his wife Catherine and their two sons, Paul and Stephen, will move to Warwick this July. On Saturday, May 1, Lou's Restaurant and Lounge, now with a second entrance at 22 West St. as well as on Spring St., held its Grand Opening. "We specialize in home style Italian cooking," said Iorio, "And we make fried calzones. No other place around here does it like us." Lou's Restaurant and Lounge also serves what Iorio describes as "Bronx style" pizza. And there are lunch and dinner specials as well as a take-out menu. The restaurant and lounge is open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday until midnight and Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m. "I have a great staff," said Iorio. His son tends bar at night and he doesn't have to worry about loosing his chef. "My son Paul is our chef. Since I taught him to cook my way, the food will always be consistent." Win a new car . . . A short time from now, some lucky high school graduate will win a brand new 2004 Chevy Aveo compliments of Country Chevy Olds in Warwick, NY. High school seniors graduating this year are encouraged to come in to Country Chevy Olds between May 1 and June 15 and register. You must have a valid driver's license to enter or assign your registration to a parent or guardian. The winner will be announced on Saturday, June 19th between noon - 1pm. All entrants are invited to come to Country Chevy to share in the excitement. Refreshments and other activities will be ongoing throughout the day. "Dare to Dream" is a new program developed by Country Chevy to recognize the young youth of our Country and reward one of them with a new car. If enough interest is generated with this program, Country Chevy hopes to make this an annual event that every high school senior can look forward to entering. "It's an exciting time for young people - beginning their journey into adulthood and taking their first steps toward achieving their dreams and goals", said Frank Petrucci, president of Country Chevy Olds. "Our goal is to start off one young person with a smile on his or her face as well as a positive message - Dare to Dream because dreams can come true!" Country Chevy is located on Route 94 in Warwick, NY and is open seven days a week. Showroom hours are Monday through Friday 9-9; Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 10-4. For more information about the "Dare to Dream" program, you can call 845-986-7277 or visit Country's Website at www.countrychevy.com.