Sale of Rust Belt Books continues

            Kristianne Meal, the president and owner of Rust Belt Books, is continuing her effort to sell the bookstore, 415 Grant St., in order to focus on other ambitions.

            Meal is looking for eligible applicants to purchase the business and continue opening the doors for everyone. The business and building are listed at $379,900. It has been for sale for most of the past year.

            “Well, that comes down to somebody who has the finances to buy the business and wants to negotiate and come up with something,” Meal said.

            With Rust Belt being a “niche business,” responsibilities associated with bookstore ownership may be difficult for some applicants. Meal said what the future of Rust Belt would look like if a sale does not come through.

            “If it doesn’t happen then I will sell the inventory myself and we’ll pack Rust Belt Books up into our hearts, which is OK, too,” Meal said.

            Since taking ownership of the bookstore in October 2004 from previous owner, Brian Lampkin, Meal has expanded the bookstore’s business to include services such as book selling through Amazon, while offering a variety of titles and hosting events in the store's backroom.

             “From music poetry, theater, performance art, gatherings, this has provided a kind of a place for the subculture that doesn’t have access to bigger venues, to take risks, and do their art,” Meal said. By Carly Lawson

Olmsted Parks getting ready for warmer weather

 Mariann Caprino and her dog Greta take a walk through Delaware Park on a recent mild afternoon. Though the weather has been changeable, it hasn't stopped the Olmsted Parks Conservancy from getting the parks ready for warmer seasons.  Jim Coyle, conservancy director of operations said crews have been working to clear storm damage caused by the December blizzard, though they had to contend with equipment getting stuck in mud at times. “Our forestry team, working closely with our operations team, worked extremely hard to get all the debris carefully and safely cleared,” Coyle said. Some plants, including the cherry trees at the Buffalo History Museum, have begun responding to unseasonable warm temperatures and are "waking up early, thinking it is already spring," Coyle said. By Andrew DiMartino

Remedy House owner, workers discuss union

Workers at local coffee shop Remedy House, 429 Rhode Island St., are working to form a union in an attempt to improve working conditions at their place of work. Employees have complained about things such as missing paychecks, an undesirable working environment, and an overall lack of communication from the owners of the shop. Bailey Arena, a shift lead and one of the union leaders at Remedy House, believes this move is important for all workers involved at the coffee shop. “It’s about what is right for the collective and how can we make sure everyone has a fair and safe workplace,” Arena said. Both sides seem to be understanding of the other and will work together towards a compromise. By Justin Siejak

Liquidation sale at Gothic City continues

 Charlie Leone, the previous owner of Gothic City Architectural Antiques, is presiding over the liquidation sale of the inventory at the shop, 1940 Niagara St., before the property is redeveloped into an arts and wellness campus by the new owners. With 52 years of experience in the business, Leone has worked at the location on Niagara Street for 31 years. The unique store specializes in architectural antiques making it possible to furnish any home with a touch of history. Most of the items were bought from old buildings that were being taken down or renovated. The inventory includes architectural items such as stained glass, vintage plumbing, wrought iron, mantels and pots, lighting and hardware, yard and garden items, and furniture. By Amnah Mohsin and Otisha James

'Friends' to mark homelss persons memorial day

Volunteers from D'Youville University's lacrosse team joined Friends of Night People's Chef Chauncey to serve a meal recently at the organization's location at 394 Hudson St. Friends of Night People will be joining other organizations to mark national Homeless Persons Memorial Day on Dec. 21. Developed by the National Coalition for the Homeless, the day is held annually on the winter solstice, the longest day of the year, to remember those who died homeless the past year. Patty Krehbiel, relationship manager, said it is a special event for Friends of Night People and its volunteers, who spend the year providing food and necessities to address the impact of poverty. The organization serves meals on a daily basis including Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. By Alessia Gervasi

Get your car ready for winter driving

Some snowfall has already made an appearance this season however, winter will be making its full effect on your vehicle soon enough. Carm & Sal’s Automobile Services, 1460 Niagara St. has the skills and knowledge to keep you driving safe. Making sure your tires are equipped for the snow is just the start of the list. Before the snow becomes severe, it is important to keep in mind that there are steps to take to avoid troublesome circumstances. Co-Owner of Carm & Sal’s, Joe Bonfante stresses the importance of preparing for safe driving this winter. It would be smart to keep a snow shovel and items to keep you warm in case of an emergency, Bonfante said. By Alessia Gervasi

Support pours in for West Side Bazaar

 

 

By Danielle Graham

            Crowds gathered around, filled with laughter, support, love and gratitude at the Taste of West Side Bazaar fundraiser on Nov. 3 at the Lexus Club at KeyBank Center.

            Then located at 25 Grant St., a fire forced the Bazaar to close on Sept. 20. The West Side Bazaar plans to open a new location next fall at 1432 Niagara St., and is now working diligently to help business owners affected by the fire receive temporary spaces to work and provide for their families before the move.

            “First, we are helping everyone sort through all their insurance documents. We are helping everyone get through the insurance process. We are also helping everyone figure out what they need to do moving forward in terms of insurance and where to have the business,” Erin Kelly, director of external relations at WEDI, said.

            The West Side Bazaar has received multiple donations from other businesses, charities, organizations and individuals since the fire. The fundraiser, which was hosted by Delaware North and the Buffalo Sabres, was held to help bring the Bazaar back to normal operations. It was also to thank those who supported the organization during a time of need.

            Kelly said that some of the donations received were from different cities and states that from people who heard about the organization and wanted to offer support. Some donations received by the West Side Bazaar were from West Side organizations that wanted to show their support too. The fundraiser included food from some Bazaar chefs,live painting with Bianca L. McGraw, and guests were able to do a coloring of Patti Thomas’s “Choose Love” mural.

            Kelly was not allowed to say the number of donations they received from the West Side Bazaar fundraiser, however, WEDI is highly grateful to receive subsidies to help the organization.

            The new Bazaar will be five times larger than the old space – from 3,200 square feet to 16,000 square feet– including a second floor that would be an available rental space for customers who want to host special events.

            “We are going to have special event space that is affordable, which is a problem to get in the city,” Kelly said.

            Chef Akec Aguer said that he is excited to open his business in the new space with more amenities, which would bring him more opportunities. He and his family are very grateful to the West Side Bazaar for giving him an opportunity after being on the waitlist for five years.