Biz buzz:
Canon Bank happy with remodel

       After a remodeling project this past year, Canon National Bank, 3204 W. Colorado Ave., will hold an open house during business hours Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, May 8 at 10 am.
       “We're happy it's done, and we'd like the public to come out and see how it looks,” said David Alley, Canon's vice president of business development.
       The work included shoring up the foundation on the 35-year-old, 2,500-square-foot building, moving the entrance from the rear to the east (32nd Street) side, adding an ATM and changing the façade to a red rock color.
       “All in all took, we took an ugly duckling and made it into a beautiful swan,” Alley said.
       The entrance move improved security, he added, and creates a “better flow into the bank.”
       No addition was involved. The parking and drive-through configurations remain the same on the 8,300-square foot lot.
       Canon moved into the Colorado Avenue building in 1996. The location is one of nine Canon Banks in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Florence and Canon City.
      
       The El Dorado Fine Art Gallery's 28th annual Miniatures Show will continue through May 17. El Dorado is located at 2627 W. Colorado Ave. The business is open daily.
       For more information, call 634-4075 or visit www.eldoradogallery.net.
      
       Old Colorado City's galleries will sponsor a First Friday Art Walk Friday, May 1, from 5 to 8 p.m.
       As in April, the monthly event will again go under the title “ArtWalk CARES,” because those attending are asked to bring a can of food to donate to the emergency- food pantry of Westside CARES.
       Here are this month's Art Walk activities (those that are known to the Pioneer):
       - Hunter-Wolff Gallery, 2510 W. Colorado Ave. - artist Katherine McNeill signing copies of her newly released book, “Art by Faith-A Lifeline to an Artist's Life” - a chronological blend of poetry, scripture, images and personal accounts; also, a debut of Cézanne-style landscape oils by Colorado Artist Gene Sanchez, and pianist Liz Kochis from 5 to 7 p.m.
       - Arati Artists Gallery - opening of an all-artist exhibit entitled “Springs in Bloom.”
       - Old Town Guest-House - Musician Joe Uveges performing on the outdoor veranda from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $12 (including selected refreshments). Reservations are suggested at 632-9194.
      
       The Old Colorado City Associates (OCCA) merchants group has announced the total amount raised during its March 23-29 charity drive was $14,000. More than 50 Old Colorado City businesses donated portions of their proceeds during that week to help 53 local charities in the Pikes Peak region.
       “This was a great way for the merchants to give back to local charities that are looking for much needed funds during these difficult economic times,” said OCCA President Charles Irwin. “We thank everyone who came to Old Colorado City and shopped as your contributions went directly to your favorite charities.”
      
       If you're wondering who that group of people is that's walking around Old Colorado City every Tuesday morning, it's people from Desert Sage Life Essentials, 2501 W. Colorado Ave.
       The health store staff is leading a two-mile hike between 21st and 31st streets for anyone who wants to come along, starting from the store at 8 a.m. Tuesdays.

Do you have any news about your business? Call the Westside Pioneer at 471-6776.