Business digest

Somorin earns 'Top Doc’ award Monroe — Dr. Olanrewaju Somorin of Exodus Health has received a 2011 Hudson Valley “Top Doctor Award,” as chosen by Castle Connolly, a health care research and information company. Somorin was one of 127 local doctors in more than 40 specialties to win the title of “Top Doctor” for his practice in addiction and substance abuse psychiatry. Somorin is currently the medical director at Exodus Health, where he and his staff work with patients to overcome behavioral health issues and substance abuse or addiction. Through individual or group counseling, medical techniques, outpatient therapy, and even optional, Christian faith-based counseling, officials said Exodus Health helps patients discover hope, find purpose, and take the first steps toward rebuilding healthy lives. The award-winners were chosen by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a health care research and information company who determines America’s best hospitals and doctors. In order to find the top leaders in various medical fields, Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a screening process using surveys and electronic ballots, gathering physicians’ opinions on the most highly skilled doctors in the area. Potential winners are then narrowed down by the level of the educational and professional experience before the final winners are chosen. Visit www.exodushealth.com to learn more. Hayworth to visit Pine Island Black Dirt Farmers Market tomorrow Pine Island — U.S. Rep. Nan Hayworth will visit the Pine Island Black Dirt Farmers Market to tour the new locale and meet area residents tomorrow, June 18, at 12 p.m. “We are so happy that Congresswoman Nan Hayworth will be on hand to share our excitement over bringing local farmers and vendors together in one shopping place highlighting the bounty of the Black Dirt Region,” said Pine Island Chamber President, Marlene Caraballo. The market features a variety of local products including fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables; grass-fed meats; plants; hanging baskets; herbs and herb-infused olive oils; cheeses, organic tea, coffee and ground cacao; pies; cheesecake; baked goods and artisan soaps. All are welcome. Self-defense workshop for women Slate Hill — Han Ho Martial Art will hold a free, interactive workshop designed for women on practical self defense techniques on Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m. This 90 minute class will help a person stop an attack, break free from an assault and escape a dangerous or life threatening situation. Led by Master Mike Barnard, the free workshop is open to women ages 15 and older. Han Ho Martial Arts is located at School Side Plaza, 2376 Route 6, next to the Minisink School Campus in Slate Hill. For more information visit www.hanhomartialarts.com or call 355-4462. Hudson Valley Regional Coalition to develop unified agenda for the region Goshen — In order to ensure that the interests of the Hudson Valley are not lost among those of New York City and other areas in New York State, the Hudson Valley Regional Coalition was launched in 2009 by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress and the Orange County Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Hudson Valley chambers and economic development organizations. At a recent meeting, the coalition outlined a program for the year. Issues that will receive attention include: continuing opposition to the MTA payroll tax; redistricting, which may lead to the loss of up to two Congressional representatives in the Hudson Valley; development of a comprehensive energy plan for the Hudson Valley and infrastructure to support regional economic development. The coalition will meet again in July, but sub-committees of the organization will work on these issues during the interim. Meetings are held on a regular basis to deal with issues that affect the entire region. The coalition also brings in speakers who provide information on issues of concern to the Hudson Valley and bring the region’s concerns back to Albany. More information is available from the chamber 457-9700 or 220-2244. Pie-eating contests to commemorate Noble Pies’ first anniversary Warwick — Noble Pies of Warwick is holding a pie eating contest on Sunday, June 26, in conjunction wit its first anniversary. The company has been in business at its retail location on Route 94 in Warwick since June 2010. The celebration will also include pie games for children and adults, drawings for prizes, and product samples. Noble Pies specializes in homemade baked goods made from scratch using local fruits and vegetables, and no preservatives. Noble Pies also makes muffins, cookies, quiches and cakes. Gluten-free and sugar-free products are available They participate in several farmers markets and fund-raising activities locally. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enter the pie eating contest by e-mailing to: pielady@noblepies.com or calling 986-7436. Entries will be accepted on the day of the contest until 11:30 a.m. Pie contests start at noon. More details are available at www.noblepies.com Warwick publisher to hold eBook seminar for self-publishing authors WARWICK - Unlike print media, an author who self publishes an eBook, not only saves time and money, but his work is immediately accessible to a worldwide market on any day and at any time. That’s the message to be discussed next Tuesday evening, June 21, at 7 p.m. when Gavin Caruthers, publisher of Hudson Valley Authors, will conduct a free seminar for authors interested in discovering how to publish their books in an eBook edition. The event will be held at the Tuscan Café, 5 South St., in the Village of Warwick. “The Hudson Valley is rich with many authors who have explored publishing their own works,” said Caruthers. “But most of these books aren’t available as an eBook. I want to help local writers publish in this new and exciting format.” Based on his experience as a former vice president of marketing and publicity for a major publishing house and as the current owner of 1500 Books, an award-winning publishing firm, Caruthers argues that as eBooks continue to soar in popularity this format becomes more critical to anyone interested in publishing their own books. “I have spent the last few years working with writers in the area who have chosen to self-publish,” he said. “And the most common remark about the experience is 'Writing the book was the easy part.’” Caruthers points out that sales of eBooks continue to rise dramatically and that Amazon and Barnes and Noble, for example, have both reported selling over a million eBooks in a single day. “There are over 12 million eReaders like Amazon Kindle in the market, plus tens of millions of other devices that can be used to read eBooks such as iPads and even cell phones,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for authors who choose to publish their own books.” The free seminar next Tuesday evening will cover topics on the process ranging from mechanics to marketing. For more information contact gavincaruthers@hudsonvalleyauthors.com or call 845-987-7233. Craft vendors sought for Applefest Warwick — Warwick Applefest, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, is now accepting craft vendor applications for the 23rd year of this large festival. Craft applications and guidelines (juried) may be downloaded at www.warwickapplefest.com (Vendor Information), or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Applefest, P.O. Box 22, Warwick, NY 10990. For more information visit www.warwickapplefest.com, send an e-mail to applefest@optonline.net or call 987-8300 (voice mail). Lions Club Craft Fair vendors wanted Washingtonville — The Greater Washingtonville Lions Club Second Annual Craft Fair is seeking vendors of crafts, goods, children’s activities and food for Saturday, July 9. The event will take place at the Washingtonville High School parking lot. Contact gtrwashlions@gmail.com for information and forms. Orange Regional Medical Center - Insulin Pump Support Group class change Middletown — Orange Regional Medical Center’s Insulin Pump Support Group has changed the location and dates of its regularly scheduled meetings. The updated information is: From Wednesday, Sept. 7, to Monday, Sept. 12. Wednesday, Oct. 5, to Monday, Oct. 3. Wednesday, Nov. 2, to Monday, Nov. 7. Wednesday, Dec. 7, to Monday, Dec. 5. These sessions will take place 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Community Health Education Center, 110 Crystal Run Road, Middletown; Room C.