The Alternative Press

NEWTON, NJ – Signs, literally, that Valentine’s Day is coming, are on doors up and down Spring Street.

The glittery hearts on the front of shops represent the second “Night Out in Newton," held on Feb. 7.

The first, held in November for Christmas shoppers, was very successful, several shop owners said.

For Valentine’s Day, 18 shops participated as opposed to 23 in the fall, Sara Megletti of PB&J Stores said as she ran off more “passports” to distribute to customers.

Customers got their passports stamped at each store. A completed passport would be entered in a drawing for $250 worth of prizes described by Megletti as “dinign, entertainment, shopping and gifts.” Several of the stores had their own drawings as well and WSUS had a giveaway of tickets to “Wicked” on Broadway.

In addition, each shop offered its own specials for the night.

PB&J offered 10 to 50 percent off on winter closeouts and 10 percent off spring selections. In addition, Megletti had special gifts for her customers.

Maxwell & Molly’s Closet is offering 20 percent off all items marked with a heart through Valentine’s Day. During Night Out, owner Bonnie Bitondo offered chocolate covered marshmallows and hot cocoa with an optional slug of Kahlua. Bitondo said she did “wonderfully at Christmas’ night out.” Bitondo has a booming business among dog lovers, because “dogs are family.”

At TraillWorks, four artists who will be displaying their work in the Evolution gallery in the shop, were working on pieces and chatting with customers. Jane Koeck called the in-gallery work unique, but said, “it will catch on.”

Customers could stop in to Yarn Boutique by Sarah to knit and socialize.

Robin Lennon Inner Designs offered a 30 percent discount on all red items. Lennon also served chocolate martinis and other chocolate goodies in her Tribeca-themed shop. She was telling customers about a new group, The Inner Artist Society which will offer social gatherings, classes in a variety of “artistic self-expression,” field trips and retreats.

“We’re offering to adults a chance children often get,” Lennon said.

Andre’s Restaurant participated. They offer a lunchtime soup bar on Wednesdays through Friday. Chef Andre de Waal also offers cooking classes.

Feels Like Home also offered sale items marked with red hearts. They attracted visitors who watched their 3-rail O-gauge Lionel train zipping around the track.

Bill Longcor, owner and train repairman noted “Most train fans are very young or guys who wear tri-focals like me, but now there are a lot of women in the hobby.”

Stacy Loncor, the store's co-owner, noted trains allow for women to use their decorating skills when set up a track.

In the Seven Acre Baker, Elisa Schaffer was creating a Lorax cake, attaching Truffula Trees to the sides of the bottom layer. The people who ordered the cake are not local, but decided if they had to drive to get a cake they would rather patronize a mom and pop shop than go into New York City.

"They came in to do a cupcake tasting,” she said. “And chose their flavor.”

Her next big project is a three-layer cake topped with a crane (“mechanical, not a bird,” she said), made out of fondant holding a happy birthday sign.

WSUS was broadcasting live from Trinity Lounge.

Diva Designs offered sweets and refreshments to shoppers looking for a single rose or bouquet for Valentine’s Day.

Sweet treats were also available at Scissor Joint and offered 10 percent off any item from the boutique jewelry collection to those who booked appointments.

Cathy Rosselli was shooting free Sweetheart photos at Extension of You.

Several of the Springboard Shoppes merchants also participated. JoSa Naturally featured a Germany theme, and held a door prize drawing every hour. Images Everything Photography also held a drawing for notecards. Also participating were Sensible Addictions and Carte Blanche.

Plaza Restaurant offered a $34.95 dinner for two with one appetizer.

Charmed’s Cabin Fever Party was packed and featured sandwiches, wine and live music.

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