Warwick Business Notebook: Home for the Holidays' events continue
WARWICK - Warwick’s downtown merchants continue to invite everyone to the annual “Home for the Holidays” Christmas shopping season. This Sunday, Dec. 10, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, with the financial support of participating local Realtors, will offer free horse and buggy rides and maybe, a surprise visit by Santa, from 12 - 3 p.m. at the Railroad Green Village Park. And on Thursday evening, Dec. 14, from 4 - 9 p.m., it’s “Men’s Night Out.” Merchants will serve refreshments, help the guys make the right gift selection for their wives or girlfriends and reveal items on the “wish lists” already selected by the ladies The Warwick Merchants appreciate all the support they have been receiving from the community and they are returning the favor by sponsoring the “Angel Tree” and the annual warm clothing “Coat Drive,” both established for needy residents served by The Alamo and the Ecumenical Food Pantry. Downtown shoppers can now enjoy free parking during the holiday season while they view the well-decorated shops along with Santa’s sleigh in Railroad Green and the Christmas Tree, Nativity Scene and Menorah in Lewis Park. Chanukah, the Jewish celebration of the miracle of the oil and festival of lights, begins with the lighting of the Menorah next Friday evening, Dec. 15, at Lewis Park. Everyone is invited. Merchants have also been mailing or handing out an attractive “Come Home for the Holidays” invitational post card designed by Judy Pederson. Local residents are urged to save gas and spend their Christmas shopping money in their hometown. We’ve said this before but when you shop in the village, you can meet your neighbors and enjoy personal service face to face from experienced clerks. Warwick merchants offer a great selection of quality merchandise, a pleasant shopping experience and free gift-wrapping. And if your uncle doesn’t like his gift or it’s the wrong size, you don’t have to drive 40 miles to exchange it. The Warwick merchants and sales associates are also not afraid to say, “Merry Christmas or Happy Chanukah.” Think snow Bruce Miller, owner of Miller Ski and Sport, Ltd., is celebrating his eighth anniversary at One Bank Street, Warwick. The shop, which carries a large inventory of winter sports gear, accessories and clothing for the ski and snowboard season, is located on the second floor of the Peck’s Wines & Spirits’ building adjacent to the Village’s South Street parking lot. Miller Ski and Sport also caters to tennis players but at this time of year the customers are thinking snow. If you like to stay warm when you’re on the slopes, Miller Ski offers top quality winter sports clothing with labels including Spyder, Burton and Venture as well as Seirus gloves. Bruce Miller is a professional ski instructor and he can also offer expert advice on selecting new and competitively priced skis with brand names such as Volkl, Blizzard and Elan as well as Burton snow boards, cross-country skis, snow shoes and ski boots. The store offers seasonal rental and a complete ski and snowboard tune-up and service facility. Artist event On Nov. 18, Mima’s of Warwick, 25 Main St., hosted artist Adam Binder’s last stop during his 2006 American tour. After leaving the Harmony Kingdom collectibles firm at the end of 2001, Adam Binder, well-known animal sculptor, set up a new company, where he carves and produces his own limited edition collectibles. Most of his carvings have an animal theme, and come with a certificate of authenticity. The artist was available to sign each special event piece during the day as well as previously purchased items. The festivities at the Warwick gift shop ended with a raffle and later, guests were invited to attend a dinner at the Warwick Winery with Adam Binder and his wife, Lisa. All fund-raising proceeds were donated to Winslow Therapeutic Center Owner Mima Dinetz’s is celebrating 20 years of doing business in Warwick with 12 of those years at the shop’s present location. Christmas caroling this Saturday The Sugar Loaf Community Foundation is sponsoring a Christmas caroling event at the Bertoni Gallery, this Saturday, Dec. 8, from 3 - 5 p.m. Everyone is invited to the Bertoni Gallery outdoor sculpture garden, 1392 Kings Highway in Sugar Loaf, for this free event. Special guest performers include: Tenor Opera Soloist: David James Pietri (who will be performing at the Lycian Centre later this same evening), The Bellvale Bruderhof Chorale, The Acting Out Playhouse featuring children from the school singing contemporary Christmas and gospel pieces; The Warwick Valley Middle School and more. Free Apple Cider will be provided by Roe Orchard. Santa will also make an early appearance. For more information call Bertoni Gallery at 469-0993.