Business notebook: Art exhibit, shovels aplenty and a bear gets a job

WARWICK - Art exhibit . . . Next Saturday, March 10, Baby Grand Books, 7 West St., will host a local artists’ exhibition and reception from 3 to 6 p.m. Watercolorist Susan Baresel, for example, will display a number of her landscapes. The artist is known for her use of light. Flavia Bacarella will present 10 of her woodblock prints. The prints were part of the illustrations in the organic farming book. “It’s a Long Road to a Tomato.” The exhibit also will feature abstractions by Ken Van Rennselaer, the works of abstract artist Helen Librett Pleveretes, age 87, Egyptian watercolors by Janet Hamill and the story paintings of Barbara Bressi. A collection of photographs by Mark Insetta, who traveled to Africa last year to photograph the people of Mozambique and Uganda, also will be on display. “His photos,” said Baby Grand Books owner George Nitti, “capture the heart and soul of these people and their joyous spirit despite living in poverty.” Baby Grand Books specializes in selling new, used and rare books. “We pride ourselves on our extensive collection,” said Nitti, “and we are always looking to expand it. We buy books and welcome all book donations. And if you would like to be a part of our workshops, are an artist or simply have good ideas, please contact us.” For additional information, call 986-6165. We finally have snow ... now what? Wadeson’s Home Center, 60 Forester Ave., Warwick, a Do It Best dealer, boasts more than 70,000 items in stock. But in an unusually mild and snow-free winter, what happened to all those seasonal items designed to fight snow and ice? The answer, according to Craig Wadeson, vice president of the Home Center, is that inventory sold as usual and, thanks to the store’s computerized inventory system, those items will automatically be available in sufficient quantities throughout the winter. “Most people prepared for winter the same way they always have,” said Wadeson. “We sold about the same amount of winter items as usual. And with our inventory system and our convenient warehouses, we keep restocking so that we always have enough equipment and supplies on hand for any upcoming snowstorm. Visit Wadeson’s Home Center at www.wadeson.com or call 986-2215. Bear collection Although the stuffed bear holding a tray outside The Inkwell, 46 Main St., Warwick, was mugged, it still managed to collect $619 for the bear’s “furry friends” during downtown Warwick’s celebration of “Home for the Holidays.” And recently, Carol Bartnowski, owner of The Inkwell, turned the funds over, as promised, to the Warwick Valley Humane Society. “We are thrilled by the innovative ways in which the Warwick merchants help support our Animal Shelter,” said Lee Peterson, the Humane Society’s corresponding secretary. “With overcrowding and a large number of older dogs to feed, the money is very much appreciated.” Bartnowski recalled that the bear originally was for sale and simply stood on display outside the store when people began leaving money in its tray. “They did it just for fun like throwing coins in a fountain,” she said. Then two women who were passing by suggested that the bear could be used to collect funds for a worthy cause. “I thought that was a wonderful idea,” said Bartnowski. “And the first thought that came to my mind was that the bear should help his furry friends at the animal shelter.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the bear was robbed by vandals who stole the tray and all the money collected that day. But he was soon back in business and managed to do a great job for the shelter. The bear is now in demand as a fundraiser and currently working for the Education Fund of the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick. “He found a steady job,” laughed Bartnowski. Upcoming chamber events A networking lunch at Dautaj has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 13. And the date of the Educational Web Seminar (with wine & cheese) is now scheduled for Thursday evening, March 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. Call the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce office at 986-2720 for details. Chamber news After 13 years of service, Linda Glohs, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, has informed the board of directors that after finding a suitable replacement and an orderly transition period, she would like to explore new career opportunities. They wish her well.