Making A Dash For The Border

Stony Hill Commercial District Capitalizing On Neighborly Relations

By John Voket

The Stony Hill Business District and its Stony Hill Four Corners Association is gearing up for fall, and setting its sights on the upcoming holiday season to shine. After its high profile debut earlier this year with a live radio broadcast, Amber Alert registrations, a wine tasting and dog show, members of the newly formed district are kicking off a fall celebration this weekend with a benefit pancake breakfast.

Then, on November 22, the district will host its first Holiday Tree Lighting and food drive.

“It’s all about erasing the borders between Newtown and Bethel and working together to benefit all our businesses and both communities,” said District organizer and Newtown resident Madeline Bunt, who is a Union Savings assistant vice president working out of the bank’s Stony Hill branch.

On the Newtown side of the Stony Hill District, Lisa and Nigel Whitmore are happy to be a part of an organized association looking to mutually support a niche market that is positioned to serve hundreds of different consumer needs.

“As many people start shopping locally to save time and gas, they are realizing the abundance of stores and services that are available in their own back yard,” Ms Whitmore told The Newtown Bee recently. “Value and convenience are important to today’s shoppers, and the business owners know that.”

The district is receiving support from both the Newtown and Bethel Chambers of Commerce.

Ms Whitmore said Peter Giarratano, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, is looking forward in seeing how the chambers and the Stony Hill District can help each other. And Pat Smithwick, president of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, said she has wanted to do something in the Stony Hill area for years.

“We can make a bigger impact as a group,” Ms Whitmore said. “I know that we can make a difference together in getting the word out and putting together great events like our upcoming pancake breakfast and holiday lighting ceremony.”

Ms Bunt said with recent additions to the retail strip, including western anchor Target, Big Y at the four corners, and Starbucks, Route 6 has really grown and continues to grow.

Toni Ribeiro who owns Klickers Hair Studio in Newtown believes the Stony Hill District is a place people can go to fulfill all of their needs, thanks to the many banks, stores, and restaurants.

“We have it all from pub grub to Peruvian fare,” he observed.

Businesses Giving Back

This weekend’s pancake breakfast proceeds will go to the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Fund. The holiday lighting ceremony will double as a food drive.

“We hope people donate and donate generously,” Ms Whitmore said.

The October 26 Pancake Breakfast at the Stony Hill fire station will feature silent auctions, a 50/50 raffle, and goodie bags for children that come dressed in costume.

“Paul Rinaldi, the manager of the Big Y, was more than generous.” Ms Bunt said. “Also Blue Jay Orchards will donate their apple cider and their famous apple cider donuts. The Stony Hill Inn is supplying the firehouse with all the pots and pans needed to make our breakfast happen. It is a real community effort.”

The event will run 9 am to noon, and is an all-you-can-eat affair.

On November 22, the Stony Hill Four Corners Association will be lighting its first Christmas tree on the grounds of Next Step at the Four Corners. The holiday food drive will benefit the Newtown and Bethel Food Banks.

Newtown resident Don Leonard of Masterpiece Video Services said thanks to the efforts of Ms Bunt, his company was offered a place at the table among other storefront members of the local business community. As a member of the Four Corners Association, he is giving back with a ten percent discount to other members on any video services.

“The Four Corners Association is an important addition to the local business community in the way it strives to develop opportunities for members through its promotions and sponsored events,” he said. “It can also provide a way of contributing to the community, as was recently accomplished with a volunteer video project we produced for the 90th anniversary celebration of the Visiting Nurses Association of Newtown.”

Nick Santarelli, founder of WHIZard Academy for Mathematics & English observed that it is just a six-minute drive from the intersection of Stony Hill Road and Old Hawleyville Road to the flag pole in Newtown.

“What has been most refreshing for me is the camaraderie of the businesses working together and wanting to give back to the communities that we serve. We are very fortunate to be living in this area and helping to support our community and neighbors is a great thing.”

At Quality Gem, Dennis Janofsky and his daughter Julie appreciate the association’s efforts to focus attention to what is available in the four corners neighborhood, and to drive more customer traffic their way.

“It’s easily accessible, between Exits 8 and 9, and is in a convenient location for people living in Bethel, Newtown, and Brookfield,” Ms Janofsky said.

“This is one of the booming areas in the region and it’s still being developed further,” Mr Janofsky added.

Quality Gem launched its participation by co-hosting an Amber Alert sign-up, and is supporting the pancake breakfast.

Ms Bunt said the association brings together entrepreneurs and established companies with no individual agendas.

“Everyone is welcome,” she said. “Everyone’s ideas and suggestions are received respectfully and given equal consideration. Everyone is focused on what is best for all. And every Four Corners event sponsors a community charity because, as a group and as individuals, we understand the importance in giving back.”

To purchase tickets, visit the group’s website for information www.StonyHillFourCorners.Com or stop by any of the stores in the Redwood Plaza or Union Savings Bank at the Stony Hill Four Corners on the Bethel side or in Newtown at Klickers Hair Studio or UK Gourmet, both in the Taunton Plaza.