Biz buzz:
Avenue to close briefly Sept. 22 for footrace

       Colorado Avenue between 28th and 18th streets will be closed from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, for a one-mile race down the avenue.
       Organized by the Grand Prix of Running, the event is expected to attract up to 700 runners. Co-coordinators are Carol and John O'Donnell, who also do the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old Colorado City.
      
       Margaret Coel, author of “Eye of the Wolf,” will sign copies of her book from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Book Sleuth, 2501 W. Colorado Ave., Suite 105. For more information, call 632-2727.
      
       Studio 101, which offers fine-arts classes for ages 3 and up, opened this week at 2616 W. Colorado Ave. #9.
       The owner is Rhonda Conn-Parent, who has a BFA in art education and has taught art for 13 years. She is looking for students to enroll in weekly classes through the school year. The theme for 2005-06 is “Van Gogh For It!”
       The phone is 227-9278.
      
       Melanie More recently became owner of the Old Town Pet Salon and Barkery, 501 N. 30th St., which has been on the Westside for more than 20 years. A grand opening is planned Saturday, Sept. 17. The phone is 578-1149.
      
       Bella Studios - Exceptional Floral Design recently opened at 2409 B West Cucharras St. The business will offer fresh-cut flowers and floral design on the floor, so customers can watch it being done. There will also be a gift shop/showroom (under construction and due to open in October) featuring Colorado artists.
       The owners are Stephanie Murdock, Allyson Dumont, Jennifer Young and Laura Vigil. The phone is 577-4644.
      
       Peak Cigars & Pipes is a new business at 410 E South Eighth Street. The owner is Larry Rice. The store features cigars, pipes and accessories, as well as a smoking lounge with big-screen TV and lap-top computer access. The phone is 477- 1010.

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