Children’s Cottage gets high rating in Weekly’s poll
Maura Sullivan’s Children’s Cottage at the Carriage House at 23 Catoonah Street was voted Second-Best Consignment Shop in the 2013 Fairfield County Weekly’s Best of Readers Poll.
The Children’s Cottage features children’s clothing, but also carries women’s designer clothing as well as an equestrian line for children and teens.
Ms. Sullivan is firm about her policy of accepting goods on consignment: “They have to be in excellent condition and up-to-date in fashion,” she said. “As a result, people enjoy shopping here, and they get great values on like-new clothing.”
A browser in the girl’s clothing section recently found Burberry jackets, sweaters from Crew Cuts and Mini Boden, dresses (including a Sarah Louise of England), shoes and fanciful rubber boots. Browsing the boy’s section uncovered sweaters, shirts, pants, coats and shoes by such brands as Sperry, Brooks Brothers and Vineyard Vines.
Equestrian consignments include riding boots, show coats, shirts, jodhpurs and breeches, along with accessories like chaps and riding vests. It carries brands such as Ariat, The Tailored Sportsman, Grand Prix, Irideon and more. “With the increased demand for equestrian items brought on by riding camps, I am looking to bring in a retail line as well,” Ms. Sullivan said.
Recently received women’s consignment items have included a dress by MIssoni, a Gucci bag and a Diane Von Furstenberg dress. Among other women’s fashion labels seen at the store are Burberry, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Stuart Weitzman.
Ms. Sullivan said her business is not just about the brands and merchandise she carries. “Through our donations and assistance I have had the opportunity to help families in need during tough economic times,” she said.
For more information, visit childrenscottageonline.com,
CL&P will help with electric cars
As the use of electric vehicles continues to grow across the country, Connecticut Light & Power has opened a new information center at its call center in Windsor to help customers understand electric vehicle technology and ask questions.
Penni Conner, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Northeast Utilities, CL&P’s parent company, said customers will be able to access information and advice about vehicles and related equipment, payment options, optimal placement of charging equipment, and best industry practices.
The information center will also provide cost estimates for operating and charging electric vehicles and offer referrals to other companies for additional information.
CL&P’s electric vehicle information center hotline, 855-INFO4EV (463-6438), is staffed by a team of specialists Monday through Friday from 8 to 5 p.m.
The company also created a website where customers can access a variety of information, tools and resources: cl-p.plugmyride.org.
Top July agents at William Raveis
Isabelle Valentin was recognized as the Top Listing Associate and The Morris Group was Top Listing Team in the Ridgefield/Redding office of William Raveis Real Estate Mortgage & Insurance for July.
Ms. Valentin was Top Selling Associate and The Morris Group was Top Selling Team.
Deb McCarty was Top Producing Associate and The Morris Group was Top Producing Team.
David Everson was honored for Excellence in Customer Service.
Chamber at unveiling of charging station
The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce helped unveil the Nissan LEAF charging station with Bruce Bennett Nissan and The Ridgefield Playhouse at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 1. Members of the business community were able to test drive the Nissan LEAF and received a demonstration of how to use the charging station.
Among those at the ceremony were Joe and Dee Strilowich, Personal Touch Welcome; Christine O’Leary, The Ridgefield Playhouse; Steve Carlson, The Ridgefield Playhouse; Bruce Bennett, Bruce Bennett Nissan; Marion Roth, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce; Allison Stockel, The Ridgefield Playhouse; Matt Wilson, Bruce Bennett Nissan and Priscilla Urena, Bruce Bennett Nissan.
John Priola joins accounting firm
John D. Priola has been appointed chief financial officer of Reynolds & Rowella, LLP, an accounting firm here, on July 15.
Mr. Priola began his career in the construction and real estate industries at several New York accounting firms, where he was responsible for all aspects of client management and service, from both the audit and tax perspective. In 2001, Mr. Priola joined Northwestern Mutual Network/The Blumberg Group as chief financial officer, responsible for all financial aspects of the insurance agency, comprised of 110 financial representatives. In 2009, in transitioning from Northwestern Mutual/The Blumberg Group to Mass Mutual/True North Financial Solutions, Mr. Priola developed and implemented an administrative and operations plan to make a seamless transition to the Mass Mutual systems.
While at Mass Mutual, he was responsible for all financial aspects of this insurance agency with 85 financial representatives.
Mr. Priola is treasurer of the Richter Park Authority in Danbury, and has been a volunteer board member of Danbury Youth Baseball. He holds an economics degree, with a concentration in accounting from Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. and lives in Danbury.