Business notebook: A renaissance at Baby Grand Books on West Street

WARWICK - When George Nitti and his partner Steve Calitri took over the Baby Grand Café at 7 West St. in Warwick, in the summer of 2006, their plan was to offer a large selection of used books including collectable rare and out-of-print editions in a relaxed café atmosphere. And, at that time, they partnered with the Hudson Valley Cultural Society to host a series of weekly events and presentations. When he first opened, Nitti, actor, poet and author turned entrepreneur, said: “I would like Baby Grand to become a community center where we can showcase emerging talent including poets, musicians, writers and artists.” Since then, Baby Grand Books, as it is now known, has delivered on that promise and has, in fact, become a cultural center within the Village of Warwick. With the closing of The Bookstore, a popular Main Street shop, Baby Grand Books has literally become the only game in town and has picked up some of the slack caused by that vacancy by offering new as well as used books that are purchased, donated or consigned. “‘Days Gone By,’ for example, has been one of our best sellers,” said Nitti, who pointed to a section of the store’s large space devoted to local history. “Days Gone By,” published by Keene Publishing of Warwick, is a table top size history in pictures of the Town of Warwick from 1827 through 1945. Baby Grand Books also carries a large selection of books on local history including “People of the Valley and Sugar Loaf, NY” by Warwick Historian Dr. Richard Hull along with others on Orange County, Goshen and the Hudson Valley. Anyone who hasn’t visited Baby Grand Books should stop by to browse and enjoy a cup of coffee. If you like books, you may end up spending an hour or so looking at all the interesting titles, many of which are hard to find or no longer in print. A magnificent hardcover publication of the paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, for example, used but in perfect condition, can be had for a fraction of its original cost. Books, new and used, are arranged by category, very much like a public library, and the atmosphere is pleasant and friendly. Take your time. Baby Grand Books, however, is not standing still. Nitti and Calitri have some exciting new plans. Construction is currently under way to add a 50-seat lecture hall and reception area on the main level to the rear of the bookstore along with an artist cooperative on the lower level. And, on the heels of a recent successful jazz concert featuring local celebrities Richard Kimball and Mike Jackson, Baby Grand Books will soon sponsor another jazz concert series and movie screening for February and March. And, for the pleasure of the musicians and the audience, the store recently replaced its somewhat outdated piano with a brand new Baby Grand manufactured by Steinway. “I can’t believe what we’ve accomplished so far,” said Nitti. “We have many loyal customers and we’re getting great feedback. We want this to be a store that’s in a class by itself.” That may soon come true. When Nitti offered his own first presentation at the store when it first opened, it was fittingly titled, “The Renaissance Man in the 21st Century.” For additional information about Baby Grand Books, call 986-6165. Photography on display Robert Breese always loved the Warwick area and dreamed about living here one day. “It is a beautiful town,” said Breese who recently retired as captain from the Saddle River, N.J., Police Department. During his 27 years of service he had a professional need as well as a recreational one to learn how to use a camera. In 2006, Breese built a new house and moved to Warwick. “Photography has always been one of my favorite hobbies,” he said. “And having more time to myself I decided to make use of my photographic skills. The Warwick Valley has unbelievable landscape scenes just waiting to be captured with a camera.” Breese also loves boating on the Hudson River and he often take pictures while sailing north to Newburgh. “To combine both my photography and boating hobbies together,” he said, “doesn’t get any better for me.” Over the past year Breese has been accumulating photos of various Warwick Valley landscapes and he recently won first place in a Pine Island photo competition. His award-winning photograph was a panoramic shot of the onion fields just off Pulaski Highway. Breese has also been working part time for Jack Hubert, owner of Carriage House Self Storage. And Hubert recently suggested that he display his pictures in the lobby of the company’s reception area. “This seemed like a great opportunity for other people to see the beauty that Warwick has to offer,” said Breese who prices his photography at a reasonable level to barely cover expenses but to encourage buyers who appreciate the art. Many of the local scenic photographs taken by Breese are now displayed and for sale at Carriage House Storage, 25 Hathorn Road, Warwick, just off the intersection of Route 94 South and County 1. Rick and Spencer Cosgriff of Heritage North Development and Deer Crossing Homes also expressed interest in many of the photos and now have them on display at their main office on Oakland Avenue in the Village of Warwick. For additional information, call 544-1710 or 242-5918. Chamber news The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce is planning a Feb. 12 “Sweetheart Mixer” at Warwick Grove from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. More to follow.