One Incredible Dog' books honor things dogs do for people every day

One Incredible Dog! Lady . . . Warwick publisher Moo Press recently announced that "One Incredible Dog! Lady," the first in its new early reader series for ages four to eight, will be published May 15. The "One Incredible Dog" books honor the incredible things dogs do for people every day. The first in this series, written by Chris Williams and illustrated by Judith Friedman, is about Lady, a therapy dog who works a full 40-hour week in hospitals and nursing homes. The author was inspired by the therapy dogs that helped some survivors of the September 11 attacks. He based his book on the true story of Lady, a certified therapy dog, owned by Kathy Miller of Hanover, Pennsylvania. Miller is a nursing assistant who became interested in animal assisted therapy. The story and illustrations in One Incredible Dog! Lady take the young reader through a typical day in the life of a therapy dog. Moo Press, Inc. is an independent Warwick book publishing firm founded in 2002 by Diane Tinney, publisher and president. The name comes from the fact that Warwick happens to be home to lots of cows. "Our goal," stated Tinney, "is to publish quality fiction and non-fiction that takes the reader on a journey to a new plateau. At Moo Press, we provide authors and readers with the ability to make dreams come true. And we have fun doing it." You can contact Moo Press at 987-7750 or visit its Website: www.MooPress.com Lady and other Moo Press books are available in Warwick at The Bookstore on Main St. New Head Pro at Hickory Hill Golf Course . . . Craig Toth is one of the most experienced golf pros to ever work in this area. Before moving to Orange County with his wife, Jeanine, and their two children: Chandler, 3, and Chase, 2, Toth was the owner of The American Golf Academy in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He ran the Academy for nine years before deciding that the retirement golf communities were great for the sport but not ideal for raising a young family. Toth was originally from this area and so he seized the opportunity to sell his business and accept an offer to be the Head Pro at Hickory Hill Golf Course just off Route 17A in Warwick. "This is where I grew up," he said. "And I'm glad to be back." This season, Hickory Hill Golf Course will again offer a complete instructional program ranging from private to group lessons and also including a Junior Camp as well as Ladies" Clinics. When he's not on the course. Toth can be found behind the counter at Hickory Hill's fully equipped Pro Shop. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and carries a large selection of golf items with major brand names such as Titleist, Taylor Made and Callaway. For additional information call Hickory Hill Golf Course at 988-9501. Putting on a new face . . . What's going on? That's the question customers have been putting to the owners of The Bellvale General Store on Route 17A near Mt. Peter. They're not used to seeing much commotion in the quiet hamlet and lately the historic store, established in 1910, has been covered with ladders and "wet paint" signs. "It's just a face lifting," said Annie Pierro. She and her husband Bob purchased the store in 1997. They renovated it back then and thought it was about time to do it all over. The painting contractor for the project is "Bill Otens Painting." Otens, who lives in Warwick with his wife Julie and their two sons: William, 15 and Conner, 13, has been in the painting business for 26 years. "He has the best reputation in town," said Annie. "That's why we're using him." Bill Otens Painting can be reached at 986-2023. Reminder . . . Think snow. May 31 is the deadline for purchasing the $99 unlimited next season pass for Mt. Peter Ski Area. Call 986-4940 or visit the Website at: www.mtpeter.com