Business Notebook

WARWICK-The annual "Sidewalk Sale, " a popular downtown business district event is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's the time of year when many of the merchants take this opportunity to reduce inventories in preparation for the Fall season. Others are offering special promotions inside as well as outside their shops. And everyone is invited to stroll through the Village and take advantage of the special sales and promotions while enjoying zeppoles and hot dogs or relaxing at one of Warwick's outdoor cafes. The children can also have their faces painted. The Sidewalk Sale will feature merchandise offered by local businesses but many non-profit organizations have also been invited to participate. This year they include Union A.M.E. Church, the St. Anthony Community Hospital Women's Imaging Center, the Catholic Daughters of America, the Warwick Valley Humane Society, the Warwick Conservancy, the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, Girl Scout Troop 261, Doc Fry Community Center and Winslow Therapeutic Center. Who's on First? A new antique shop and art gallery opened June 17 at 9 1/2 First St. in space formerly home to Apple Valley Photo. And, in a play on words that calls to mind a famous Bud Abbot and Lou Costello comedy routine as well as the store's location, owners George Laurence and John Fish have named their business, "Who's on First." Unlike the Eclectic Eye on Railroad Ave., another antique shop owned by Laurence, the goal of the new gallery will be to introduce the public to the artwork, craftsmanship and designs of the modern period from the early 1900s to the present. The store features a large selection of paintings, sculpture and mid-twentieth century pottery. Laurence specializes in Glidden and Puerto Rican pottery. Both Fish and Laurence are also qualified to provide appraisals. The 1,100-square-foot gallery which stretches from its entrance on First Street to a picture window view of the Village Green on Railroad Avenue is well worth a visit. "Serious collectors from New York City," reported Laurence, "have told us that our gallery is the equal of any in Manhattan and the best of all they have seen in the Hudson Valley." "Who's on First" will host a formal grand opening and celebration on Saturday evening, July 30. The current business hours are 12-5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday or by appointment. "I live nearby and I'm always around," said Laurence. Call Who's on First at 986-9010 or the Eclectic Eye at 986-5520. Moonlight Magic Pond Tour In case anyone wondered why a dozen or so employees of Garden State Koi Aquatic Center were all decked out in tuxedos on Friday evening, June 24, the answer is simple. The staff of the Koi and Aquatic Center at 657, Route 94 in Warwick, were making preparations for an event sponsored by Garden State Koi and titled, "Moonlight Magic Pond Tour." The self-guided tour featured visits to eight local gardens, ponds, waterfalls and cascading streams, all highlighted for nighttime viewing. Staff members, in formal evening wear, were on hand to install the oil lamps and to answer questions. Approximately 300 tickets for the tour were sold and all proceeds went to local charities. For information on other events or Koi ponds in general call 651-4100. Grand opening reminder Everyone is invited to celebrate the opening on Saturday, July 9, of Tinkers Path at 1392A Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf. The shop carries CD's produced by local musicians who will be performing live from 1-8 p.m.