Fall 2008 Established 1989 CHAMBERNEWS A Publication of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce • 211 TOWN GREEN, WILTON, CT 06897 Volume 10, Number 3 Dog Olympics, carnival highlight Celebrate Wilton As part of the Chamber’s mission to “bring business to Wilton”, it planned a new event this fall called “Celebrate Wilton” which was held Sept. 12 to Sept. 14. The purpose of the event was to encourage both town residents and people from surrounding communities to discover and patronize many of the Wilton cultural, recreational, retail and dining opportunities. Over 25 different events took place throughout the weekend including the Rotary Carnival, Kiwanis Doggie Olympics, Library book sale and Discovery Day, and several merchants and businesses offered 20.08% discounts or merchandise for $20.08! “Wilton has a lot to offer and we thought it would be fun to have everyone spend a weekend getting to know just what you can do in Wilton,” noted Chamber Executive Director Stephanie Barksdale. If you participated in Celebrate Wilton 2008, let us know what we can change or add for next year to make it even better for Celebrate Wilton 2009 by e-mailing wiltoncoc@snet.net. Left, Susan Garland hands a balloon to six-year-old Anna Clark in front of the Village Market on Sept. 12. Above, Judy Beardsley paints her own face at her gallery. —Scott Mullin photos 2 Wilton Chamber Newsletter M e m b e r N e w s { { WILTON CHAMBER NEWS From the Executive Director Bringing out the gold Olympic gold medal winner Marie Mortell recently attended the Chamber of Commerce summer picnic held at Greens at Cannondale. The theme of the event revolved around the Olympics. The picnic was on Aug. 21. Another summer seems ule. Call the office for more to have flown by but I information on volunteer and am pleased to say that sponsorship opportunities. the Wilton Chamber of As always, I invite you to Commerce has been busy feel free to use the Wilton planning a bountiful fall Chamber of Commerce to season for you! market your business; an The Chamber of insert in one of our mailers Commerce is preparing costs only $75 (you provide for many upcoming fall 350 folded pieces), a listing activities including the on our Web site (including a annual Halloween Walk link to yours) is free and after and Trick or Treating, hours events are a great way the Halloween Hustle to connect with new and old 5K Road Race, and the clients! The Chamber is here STEPHANIE BARKSDALE to 19th annual installation help make your business dinner. This newsletter grow and succeed. is chock full of information about these Remember, if I can be of assistance happenings. to you, please do not hesitate to stop Now is a great time to get involved in by, call 762-0567, or e-mail me at the Chamber and plan to attend as many wiltoncoc@snet.net. Have a great fall of the upcoming events as fit your sched- and I hope to see you soon! THE WILTON CHAMBER NEWS Wilton’s Business Advocate — Fall 2008 A publication of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce 211 Town Green, P.O. Box 7094, Wilton, Conn. 06897 203-762-0567; WiltonCOC@snet.net wiltonchamber.com Barbara Newland, President Stephanie Barksdale, Executive Director Brian Shea, Editor Mary Hayes Phelps, Advertising Sales { WILTON CHAMBER NEWS M e m b e r N e w s 3 { Wilton Chamber Newsletter A message from Chamber president I hope you all had a lovely summer as we The annual Chamber summer picnic this year now head into our next season, fall. took place at The Greens at Cannondale, 435 This summer the Wilton Chamber has Danbury Road on Aug. 21. It was a beautiful night implemented a new event in South Wilton to network outside and we were treated to a great called the “Taste of Wilton.” This event summer barbecue. took place in June at Mohawk Kitchens Our 19th Annual Wilton Chamber of Commerce at 23 Danbury Road. It featured tastes dinner will be on Oct. 16 at Cobb’s Mill Inn. We from the following participating restaurants; hope you will join us for this is a very special night Outback Steak House, Dina! A Restaurant, for a lot of reasons. We like to recognize the many Tom E Toes Pizza Restaurant and Marianne businesses that have supported us through the years Wilson’s Complete Catering! Also paras well as welcoming in our new executive board of ticipating was Elmer’s Fine Wines. It was director’s, as well as our new board members. a smashing success and if you missed it, I This will be my last president’s message to you hope you will mark it in your calendars for and I would like to say that it has been my pleasure next year! to work as president of this Chamber and with such On July 21, Lucci Electric of Wilton celwonderful and dedicated people. I would like to ebrated their 50th anniversary in business give a special thank you to Stephanie Barksdale, BARBARA NEWLAND hosted by the Wilton Family Y. This was a executive director, who has given me much support wonderful event and I offer my congratulain this position as well as my employer, The Greens tions to Chris Reeb, owner, on this milestone in his business. at Cannondale. I would like to wish the best of luck to our Thanks also to the Wilton Family Y for hosting this event. next president for 2008-2009, attorney Ralph Slater. Chris and his staff at Lucci Electric were surrounded by not Stay well, shop local, and if you haven’t already, please only the many business professionals that attended but his consider joining the Wilton Chamber of Commerce! many loyal customers! Best regards, Barbara L. Newland WILTON CHAMBER IS ONLINE Wilton Chamber news and a blog can be found on the Web: www.WiltonChamber.com 4 Wilton Chamber Newsletter N o t e s krik-it celebrates one year anniversary Rosanna Coughlin and Melissa Thompson, owners of krik-it at 5 River Road, are celebrating their one-year anniversary. “We are overjoyed to be a part of the Wilton community and to serve its residents. We have wonderful and loyal customers that we are so thankful for and wouldn’t have survived without them. We look forward to serving Wilton for many, many years to come,” said Ms. Coughlin. Information: krikitkids.com, 210-7222 Quinlan leads renovation of historic home Kevin Quinlan, owner of Kevin Quinlan Architecture LLC at 237 Thunder Lake Road, was the project architect who led a team of interior designers, builder and tradesmen toward the successful renovation and addition project for Sunset Valley Farm, a historical antique home in North Salem, N.Y. The project was selected for publication in the July/August 2008 issue of This Old House Magazine. Information: kevin-quinlan-architect.com. Ladd financial opens new office Ladd Financial, a member of the Chamber, has expanded and opened a new office in New Jersey. Loan applications for New Jersey properties can be accepted at all of Ladd Financial’s locations, and it is now licensed in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. { { WILTON CHAMBER NEWS Several new members have also joined the Ladd Financial team in the past new months. Steve Crouse, Sean Bowler, Michael Filgate, John Connelly, Hector Perez, Mike DeRosa, Ryan Katkocin, Nicole Liammari, Greg Davis, Wendy Codner, Barbara Davis, Robert Putnam and Patti Stuebe all join the firm. Information: 454-5233 or laddfinancial.com Wilton Villager to produce directory Stephanie Barksdale, executive director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, announced recently the Wilton Villager will once again produce the annual business directory and community guide for the Chamber. “We have had a good working relationship with the Villager on the production of this annual guide for several years and we’re pleased to continue working with them on this project,” said Ms. Barksdale. Information on advertising in the Directory will be in the Chamber monthly mailing soon and David Gillaugh of the Villager will be contacting members to get them to buy ad space and support this important community and Chamber project. Information: 762-0567. “It’s proven by going to a chiropractor that one reduces the chance of back surgery,” noted Dr. Rosen while celebrating his anniversary. He first came to Wilton because Connecticut had the fewest chiropractors in the country. Now, Dr. Rosen estimates there are 60,000 to 70,000 in the United States. Dr. Rosen’s treatment focuses upon trigger point therapy which helps dissipate lactic acid that contributes to the back pain. Stress and lactic acid are related; when a person is stressed, the muscles tighten up and produce the acid, which then makes the muscles more tense. In addition to trigger point massage, Dr. Rosen uses a variety of techniques called physiotherapy, such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, and occasionally laser. The most common cause of back pain are neglect and stress. Information: thechiropracticdoctor.com HSBC offers remote deposit capture Deborah Hadden, branch manager at the new HSBC branch at 30 Danbury Road in Wilton recently announced that for a limited time they are waiving the $500 installation fee on their Remote Deposit Capture program. Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) is a scanner that connects to your PC, along with PC software that allows you to deposit checks into your checking account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the internet - without ever having to leave Dr. Rosen celebrates 26 years in business your office! Dr. Elihu Rosen is celebrating his 26th anniversary as a Features of RDC include your ability to deposit checks chiropractor and 23 years of practicing in Wilton. 5 Wilton Chamber Newsletter N o t e s from any location without going to the bank; 24/7 deposits; same day credit for deposits until 9 p.m.; automatic reconciliation of deposits; and instant report creation. Information: 834-6825. Random Acts of Kindess Day Sept. 29 The eighth annual Random Acts of Kindness Day sponsored by the Wilton Chamber of Commerce will be held September 29 at the River Road intersection in Wilton Center. Once again, the Chamber will be teaming up with the Wilton Police Department to hand unsuspecting motorists a yellow rose and a “have a nice day” greeting. The roses were provided by Stewart’s Flowers. Motorists will be urged to pass along the good cheer throughout the day! New members join chamber’s board The Wilton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to welcome the following new members to the Board: Tierney O’Hearn, Esq., Dave Schmitt, Servco Oil, and Melissa Thompson, Krik-it. Returning to the Board are Paul Hafter, Commercial kindness Prosperous Printing and Debra Hanson, the Wilton Villager. The new Board takes office on Oct. 1. As always, your feedback is important in assisting Board members in making decisions which benefit the members of the Chamber. Information: 762-0567. Gift certificate makes great gift The Wilton Chamber of Commerce gift certificate is still a popular gift idea. For that in-law that has everything and doesn’t need anything - how about a Wilton Gift Certificate. Or that teacher who has worked so hard with your child - a Wilton Gift Certificate makes a great thank you. There are over 40 stores that participate in the program. To date, over 7,500 gift certificates have been sold for a dollar value of over $311,000 - that’s money that stays right here in Wilton helping Wilton’s merchants and restaurants! Remember to Shop Wilton first but use a Wilton Gift Certificate to do it! Past presidents of the Chamber of Commerce Debra Hanson, Barbara Newland and Syd Gordon get ready to hand out roses during the Chambersponsored Random Acts of Kindness Day. 6 Wilton Chamber Newsletter M e m b e r N e w s { { WILTON CHAMBER NEWS Henry Rost sells realty firm to Koellmer Realty Seven, Inc. at 250 Danbury Road is proud to announce the recent purchase of the firm by Peg Koellmer from Henry Rost, president and owner since 1978. Ms. Koellmer has been with Realty Seven for 17 years, achieving top producer designation, becoming a real estate educator and in 2005 was named as vice president in charge of all day to day operations. Ms. Koellmer is well-known in the Wilton community for her dedicated participation in local charities & service organizations. She is currently a member of the advisory board at Wilton Bank, Wilton Kiwanis, Wilton Historical Society and Wilton Chamber of Commerce. “Realty Seven's team of dedicated professionals recently achieved Wilton's # 1 position in Buyer Transactions & Agent/ Production. We also are among the top in all comparison categories “said Ms. Koellmer. “Mr. Rost has laid the foundation of success with a commitment to professional service for our clients. We will continue that legacy and we wish him 'Happy Sails' as he now has more time to spend with his wife, Lynne and family on the water,” she added. PEG KOELLMER Children’s Bank looks for donations for gift drive Throughout the year and especially during the holidays, the Children’s Bank, a program of Children’s Connection - itself a program of the Human Services Council of Norwalk - reaches out to those children in our community who have been identified as most in need. The Children’s Bank matches approximately 3,000 wishes of children living in foster or group homes with individuals and groups who are willing to help. The Children’s Bank coordinates the complex process of ensuring that each child’s holiday wish is granted, which is a sizable undertaking requiring months to accomplish. It invites everyone in the community to participate. This project is made possible by the generosity of organizations, companies, and individuals in our region. Gifts are requested in the range of $35 The Children’s Bank matches approximately 3,000 wishes of children living in foster or group homes with individuals and groups who are willing to help. for children up to 18 years of age. Cash donations are used to purchase gifts for the children. The Children’s Bank looks forward to making this holiday season the best and brightest yet. Information: 849-1111 or aaugustin@hscct.org 7 Wilton Chamber Newsletter M e m b e r N e w s { { WILTON CHAMBER NEWS Sally Maraventano, at right, cooks at Cucina Casalinga. The school has a variety of activities for children and adults this fall and spring 2009. Cucina Casalinga releases fall and spring schedule Sally Maraventano of Cucina Casalinga Cooking School at 171 Drum Hill Road has announced her fall schedule of cooking classes and events. The school’s web site, cucinacasalinga. com, has listings for day and evening adult classes with luncheon or dinner along with details on the fall adult tour to the markets of Arthur Avenue on Oct. 1. On Columbus Day, which is Monday Oct. 13, the school will light up the Tuscan wood-burning pizza oven for a class for kids ages 11 - 16. Details of the event are on the kids page of the web site. The school will have a demonstration of holiday recipes and a tasting on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by the school’s annual open house where one can find gift certificates for classes and many special Italian food items for holiday gift giving. Looking ahead to spring 2009 in Italy, Ms. Maraventano will take a group to tour Lucca for a special week-long cooking program with “The Tuscan Chef,” Valter Roman. Information: 762-0768 or info@cucinacasalinga.com Visit www.cucinacasalinga.com WILTON CHAMBER ONLINE Wilton Chamber news and a blog can be found on the Web: www.WiltonChamber.com Name: WILTON MARTIAL ARTS; Width: 29p10.5; Depth: 11 in; Color: Black; Ad Number: 0000001431409020 8 Wilton Chamber Newsletter Trick-or-treaters come to Center for Halloween Hustle The Halloween Hustle has become a town tradition that parents and children in Wilton look forward to each year. Since the parade and trick-or-treating are held downtown in Wilton Center, the Chamber is bringing business right to the door of its members with hundreds of families congregating in the gazebo area for the Halloween Parade, trick or treating, games and refreshments. The parade starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning with entertainment around the gazebo while the children line up, followed by a walk through town that will go past several Wilton Center businesses, and finally trick-or-treating at participating merchants until 5. The Chamber hopes business owners will see this as an opportunity to show off their business and that they will decide to participate in one or more of the following ways: • Be a sponsor - A business can sponsor the entertainment around the gazebo for $300, which includes signage at the activity and a logo on the trickor-treating map as a major sponsor, plus a Halloween Hustle Road Race T-shirt. A $250 sponsorship will get a business’s logo on the map as a sponsor, and $100 includes a special listing on the map as an event supporter. • Be a trick-or-treat stop - A business provides the candy treats for the children’s Halloween bags when they stop at the business, and the Chamber will provide a special sign for the window and a listing on the map designating it as an official Chamber of Commerce Trick-or-Treat location. • Be a volunteer - Help the Chamber to direct children and their parents safely across the road at key intersections that the Halloween parade crosses on its route. Volunteers receive a Halloween Hustle Tshirt. The Chamber’s goal is to bring business into Wilton Center with this popular holiday activity while minimizing disruption to regular customer traffic flow. Please participate in one of the above ways to support the Chamber of Commerce and to make this event a success. Thank you for your consideration. Information: 762-0567. The parade starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 12 years for Titus Titus Built, LLC is an award-winning residential design and remodeling group that has been serving residents of the Wilton area since 1995. It delivers fully integrated design, construction and custom cabinetry services for all of your home remodeling needs. Titus Built is a proud recipient of Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 award. Information: TitusBuilt.com or 834-0275. SERVCO offers discounts In these times of rising and erratic heating oil prices SERVCO at 387 Danbury Road is now offering discounts for prompt payment and even greater discounts for payment via electronic funds transfer. Customers may choose a floating price, which varies with the market, a fixed price for the rest of the season, or prepay for a season of oil in advance. They may also pay on budget or as they receive the oil. Payment within 10 days will receive a 7-cent discount and electronic funds transfer payment will receive a 15-cent discount. All of SERVCO’s customers, not just new customers, may choose to lock in a fixed price at anytime of the year. This is not just a one time offer. At SERVCO there is “no fixed fee.” For more information, please call 762-7994. Tasting the town Paul Flynn, manager of Elmer’s All the Best Wines and Liquors, gets ready for the first annual Taste of Wilton held at Mohawk Kitchens in South Wilton. Participating restaurants and caterers included Dina! A Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, Tom e Toes Restaurant, and Marianne Wilson’s Complete Catering. The event was June 24. 9 Wilton Chamber Newsletter Halloween Hustle, Santa on tap for this fall The Chamber of Commerce will be as busy as ever this coming fall, and Chamber members and residents alike are invited to keep the following dates on their calendar open: • Sept. 25 — Fairfield County Bank/ Gregory & Adams host Business After Hours from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The member fee for the event is $15, non-member fee is $25. Reservations are appreciated by calling the Chamber office at 762-0567 or e-mailing wiltoncoc@snet.net. • Oct. 16 — The Chamber’s 19th Annual Dinner is at Cobb’s Mill Inn. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be a cash bar; at 7 p.m., dinner. The cost is $85 per person. Joe Connolly, small business reporter for WCBS 880 Radio will be the featured guest speaker. Award presentation for Businessperson of the Year. Reservations are a must. • Oct. 21 — State Representative’s Election Forum sponsored by Wilton Chamber of Commerce, Wilton League of Women Voters and Wilton Library Association, at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilton Library. Event is free of charge. • Oct. 25 — The Chamber hosts its 6th annual Halloween walk through Wilton center. Parade line up starts at 3 p.m. with trick or treating to follow. • Oct. 26 — 5th annual Halloween Hustle 5K Road Race sponsored by the Wilton Bank. Registration for the race starts at 9 a.m., race starts at 10 a.m., and Kids K starts at 11 a.m. To register for the race go to active.com or call the Chamber office for an application at 762-0567. To volunteer call the Chamber office. • Dec. 5 — Annual Holiday Walk sponsored by Patriot National Bank at 5 p.m. at the Wilton Center gazebo. Come greet Santa Claus as he makes his way through Wilton back to the North Pole! Tree lighting, candy canes, Wilton High School band, and more! Chamber scholarship In May, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors presented its eighth annual scholarship to Andrew Brown, son of Claire Brown. Ms. Brown works for Triloma Spa and Hair Design in Wilton. The scholarship is funded through various events of the Chamber including the golf outing and the 5K road race. From left, Ms. Brown, Andrew, and Barbara Newland, president of the Chamber, marketing coordinator for the Greens at Cannondale. 10 Wilton Chamber Newsletter McCabe with Patriot for five years Wonderful wine Ralph Slater, president-elect of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, explains to Valerie Sinnew and Pat McManus all about the second annual Wilton Wine Tour held on Sept. 8. Elmer’s All the Best Wines and Liquors, Marly’s, Wilton Pizza and Pasta, Portofino’s, Luca’s Italiano Ristorante and Sky Bar and Grill all participated on the wine tour. Chamber looks for nominees for new award The Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for the First Annual Business Achievement Awards, which will recognize outstanding accomplishments made during this past year by several local businesses, organizations and business people. Criteria for nominations are as follows: • Nominees must be a Wilton-based business or organization (may be Chamber members or non members) • Nominees may be self-nominated or submitted by another party • Nomination form received by Oct. 1 for review by Awards Committee • Nominees must have made an accomplishment or contribution leading to a positive outcome that benefits the Wilton community, the business environment, or a specific enterprise. Some examples are: accomplishing a “green” initiative, providing new employment opportunities for youth, “turning around” a floundering business and providing special services for the needs of senior citizens. Nomination forms may be obtained at the Wilton Chamber of Commerce at 211 Town Green. Forms may be returned by fax at 762-9096. Information: 762-0567. Angela McCabe, an assistant vice president and assistant branch manager at Patriot National Bank’s Wilton office at 1 Danbury Road, is celebrating five years of working for the bank. She began her banking career as a teller, then customer service representative. She was promoted to assistant manager before coming to Patriot National Bank. A graduate of Norwalk State Technical College, Ms. McCabe has a degree in accounting/data processing. She has also earned certificates in computerized accounting and tax preparation. Ms. McCabe served as a board member and is still active with the Exchange Club of Norwalk Inc. She is also a volunteer in the city of Norwalk school system and for the Norwalk Athletic Association. She has coached girls’ softball, basketball and cheerleading. She has also participated in AmeriCares Christmas, Walk America, Relay for Life and Junior Achievement. Angela was a Girl Scout troop leader for seven years. “One of the nicest aspects of working at Patriot National Bank is the fact that we truly know our neighbors,” said Ms. McCabe. “That’s especially important as the city grows; our customers are happy to come into a bank where they have a longstanding and welcoming relation- ANGELA MCCABE ship. Employees here are encouraged to make a difference in the communities in which they work.” Ms. McCabe may be reached at 2102340. 6th annual Halloween Hustle 5k run is Sunday, October 26th Register online at www.WiltonChamber.com 11 Wilton Chamber Newsletter Renewing members of the Wilton Chamber Alice Snyder Real Estate New Members American Cancer Society Ancona's Wines & Liquors Arista Industries Inc. Bayer & Black, PC Blue Tulip Boxwood Landscape Design Bruce Bennett Nissan Canine Fence Company CGSM Inc. Norwalk Hospital Campus Jewelers Sonya Taheri 5 River Road 210-7493 Conservatory of Dance LLC Christine Titus 19 Main Street, Georgetown 210-5725 Luzern Associates, LLC Salvatore Campofranco 372 Danbury Road, Suite 195 834-1199 Marly’s of Wilton Brian LeBlanc 205 Town Green 834-2000 Phone Directories Company, LP Richard Mellert P.O. Box 2277 800-443-0801 Quality Dry Basements, Inc. Charles Pellaton 5 Rive Road, Suite 108 505-5568 Wilton Learning Center LLC Diane Byrne 5 River Road 210-7493 Davis Companies Deloitte & Touche Dempsey Myers & Co. Dina's Douglas Cutler Architects Realty Seven Remedy Intelligent Staffing Selective Benefits LLC ShillerMath Sparrow Management Splash Tooher Ferraris Insurance Grp. Country Living Associates Creeth Richman & Assoc. Overbrook Associates Timberlake Associates Christina Colbert, Esq. Countrywide Home Loans Mid Fairfield Child Guidance Faesy & Sanders Falcon Capital Management Family & Children's Agency Fashion Floor Covering Frank C. Spencer CPA Georgetown Martial Arts Georgetown Saloon Gregory Saw Mill Groups Plus, Inc. Haase Electrical Services Hastings Real Estate Hunan Cafe Inc. L.M. Reid Group Marianne Wilson's Catering Town Green Media Toy Chest William Meehan, Esq. Wilson Commercial RE Wilton Bank Wilton Cleaners Wilton Medical Walk In Wilton Pizza 12 Name: WILTON BANK; Width: 61p0; Depth: 11 in; Color: Black; Ad Number: 0000000280709333 Wilton Chamber Newsletter