Category: PostEvents

Public access enhancements will be complete this summer at this Erie County park on the Buffalo River 

In January 2017, New York State announced a $10 million award to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper in an effort to expand and enhance waterfront access. A number of the sites along Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and Buffalo River would go on to see transformational upgrades, including Buffalo RiverWorks, Wilkeson Pointe, Mutual Riverfront Park, the Ohio Street corridor, and Red Jacket Park. Together, these waterfront access points help to form Waterkeeper’s Buffalo Blueway.

Waterkeeper’s latest Buffalo Blueway project is now underway at Erie County’s Thomas F. Higgins Riverfront Park (152 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220) – adjacent to the Bailey Avenue bridge, at the confluence of the Buffalo River and Cazenovia Creek. Aside from creating better fishing access and recreational amenities, the project also includes the implementation of debris deflectors, as well as a stabilized shoreline using pinned ledge rock, an at-grade culvert to connect the Buffalo River to an existing wetland, a graded paddle sport egress point, benches, educational signage and a Blueway marker that’s easy to spot from the water. 

The site enhancements include:

The Buffalo River’s first ADA-accessible paddle launch dock

A massive public art mural

New seating and parking areas

New native planting areas, debris deflectors

New walking paths

New ADA-accessible fishing access

Blueway-specific metal markers and interpretive and safety signage

An interactive Buffalo Blueway website with maps, information and a trip planner

This new Buffalo Blueway Site is being constructed with the help of contractors Anchor QEA (design of the project) and Scott Lawn Yard (construction). Funding for the work came from a grant from Empire State Development (ESD).

“Thanks to our partners at Empire State Development and Erie County, our vision and implementation of the Buffalo Blueway continues to progress. This Higgins Park access project will complement the successful openings of the Ohio Street and Red Jacket Park sites last year,” said Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka. “For the first three decades of our existence, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper worked tirelessly to lead the cleanup partnership efforts that resulted in a once-dead Buffalo River becoming a thriving, vibrant ecosystem that is now being activated with recreational activity from locals and tourists alike. Supporting the growth of the region’s sustainable blue economy continues to be a goal of our ongoing environmental restoration work, and by offering universal access to our waterways through the Blueway system, these kinds of projects will continue to accelerate economic activity for our entire waterfront.”  

“With Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at the helm, and supported by state funding, this new Buffalo Blueway project will increase public access to Western New York’s greatest asset – its waterfront,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Once complete, the Higgins Park Blueway site will be the latest in a fleet of Buffalo Blueway projects that are improving the area’s quality of life, increasing recreation and tourism and, in turn, helping to boost the regional economy.”  

“Increasing public access to our waterfront is always something to be pursued and is something that park goers and nature enthusiasts increasingly desire. We are blessed in Erie County with a rich and diverse natural environment that includes copious freshwater assets to be explored, navigated and appreciated,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “This investment Higgins Park adds another opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy our waterfront. I thank our partners for their work in in this project, so that all Western New Yorkers can benefit from it this summer.” 

“The Parks Department is grateful and appreciative of great community partners like Waterkeeper, ” said Commissioner of Parks Troy P. Schinzel. “Erie County Parks has made huge investments in our parks, particularly our habitat parks like Higgins Parks. These projects bring vitality and restoration to the natural park environments and much-needed natural recreation opportunities to the local community, as well. Our partners, such as Waterkeeper, are a big part of that success.” 

After Higgins Park is complete, Waterkeeper’s next Buffalo Blueway construction projects will be enhancing public access at the NYS DEC Harlem Road Fishing access site, enhancing public access at Seneca Bluffs Park, and installing a Blueway site at the newly reimagined Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.  

The post Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Starts Construction on New Buffalo Blueway Site at Higgins Park appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Last March, my soon-to-be fiancé told me about a bookstore downtown that was buying books from local authors and said I should stop by. She mentioned that it also sold waffles.

Not expecting much — and with visions of glass display cases and uniformed, wanna-be corporate employees in my head — I decided to take the drive and brought three copies of my book, “Nirvana Dreams,” to sell.

I was immediately blown away. It was nothing like I envisioned it at all. 

With an old fashioned waffle-iron, a drip coffee maker and a small board with prices on it with both walls covered in shelves and various type of literature, fiction and non, the shop lived up to my fiance’s claims. Feeling strangely humbled, I remarked to my son that this was exactly the kind of place that I would miss when it went out of business. All good things must fade, but even if it closed up shop tomorrow, I felt would’ve been worth the run. At the very least I’d hold it in my memories.

I guess it’s lucky for me — and for anyone reading this — that I’m a just a pessimistic suburb dweller who doesn’t understand what a really good idea can live up to and the kind of people that make it possible.

Take Aaron Bartley, the owner of Fitz Books. He oversees the operations, often stocking books or manning the counter of  the eclectic third-space in downtown Buffalo that specializes in new and used books, including books on art in the neighboring art gallery, as well as vinyl, coffee, ice cream and waffles.

Celebrating his 48th birthday in the store like a regular day, Bartley talked books, art, politics — specifically his own involvement in the Queen City as one of the founders of the non-profit advocacy group PUSH — and the joy of creating a space where people could meet for the first time after years of adjacent living.

“I’ve always been an avid reader of books,” he said. “My dad would always take me to book sales growing up and I had an appreciation for books from my family.  … As I was looking to transition out of my previous career, I gave some consideration to what my passions were an what I could do and landed on books.”

From policy lobbying in Albany to quietly making stress-free relationships with Buffalo community members, the move from PUSH to retail came as Bartley realized that he was in deathly close territory in to letting his ego get in the way of the work and it was time to go. A life long learner, he’d always been interested in books and their value. He picked up a novel from his counter that a customer sold him.

“This is a $50 book,” he said, knowingly holding up the well-kept volume to the light. 

The store had just finished its bi-annual book sale when I chatted with Bartley late in June. The sale’s highlight was a bag of books for $1. I’d kept in contact, on and off, seeing if my book was selling and what kind of reggae they had in the box of records. I’d missed the sale, but was interested in what made the store tick. I’d already sussed out that for book-worm browsers and collectors, nothing can really outrate the sheer joy of finding the right book on the shelves. Bartley said that his product had a high turn-around rate thanks to online sales.

Also, I found the space at 431 Ellicott Street is nothing new to Bartley. His mother had worked in the building while he was growing up as the provincial “latch-key” kid who would stop by the then-floral shop to check in with his parent, and then go about the neighborhood.

“My dad worked for the county,” Bartley said. “A civil servant, a county worker in the tech department of the county during the mid period of the computerization of the bureaucracy. That was self taught. He learned some computer languages and managed databases for the county as a county worker.

“My mother came up through the floral business, worked as a florist,” he continued. “Then was I was in college she started her own shop.”

Bartley’s path continued from those days, studying political science at college, and eventually leaned into political organizing. PUSH, a local Buffalo organization, was a major player in getting the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act passed in the New York Assembly and Senate. Bartley helped start the organization 22 years ago.

“I co-founded PUSH Buffalo which has become a major force for progressive housing and climate justice in Buffalo,” he said. “We built hundreds of units of housing in West Buffalo. Renovated many homes. Did a lot of job training and did a lot of issue campaigns.”

But even though the work was fulfilling, Bartley had to step away. He talked about it a bit, explaining that he’d seen organizations get “founder syndrome” where the same person stuck around and it became more about control than innovating to help people. It was either stay and watch the organization lose its momentum or get into something else. Bartley said he just knew it was time.

Also, a new stretch of road in this highway of life has gone a long way in keeping Bartley happy.

“When you’re organizing and you’re trying to build a base of members of an organization, it’s a lot of work to keep everybody engaged, while in here the engagement here is more or less voluntary,” Bartley explained. “You come in here because you want to be in here or not. I’m trying to market the place, but I’m not trying to drag people in here and once they get in here? it’s like the interaction you just saw. Friendly, casual, but there is no politics to it. I’m not trying to get them to vote someway or get them to … (it’s) politics with a small ‘p.’ I’m not trying to convince them to go to Albany for a protest.”

However, the shop is still engaging its base. Bartley talked about the events he’d held, including poetry workshops by local poet “10-Thousand,” book launches, an occasional musical event and also community talks.

“We started a series about two months ago featuring speakers who have made significant contributions to the neighborhood of Buffalo, but often aren’t given a platform to show what they’ve done or aren’t being called on the time to make speeches,” he said. “The first one was a woman who taught music in the Buffalo school district for 40 years and had a major impact on a generation of musicians in Buffalo.”

Bartley said the space has grown to become a place where people could get together in a positive manner.

“There’s a lot of intentionality to it, I guess, through the programming, but some of it is just how things develop as a space. That’s where there’s that concept of third space. Thinking about the way spaces create new connection,” he said. “One of the beauties of Buffalo is the size with a million people in the region. If you see someone, you may see them again and solidify the connection and this is a place where that seems to happen a lot.”

As we chatted, various customers came in and out of the doors with Bartley greeting each of them, including a man from Seattle who was told about Fitz Books and made the trip up from East Aurora. Other characters sold Bartley old books and a couple, also from the area, came in and said this was why they loved Buffalo. I even saw a friend I hadn’t seen in 15 years.

“This is just what we were talking about,” Bartley said, smiling. ”The connections made in here.”

Fitz Books & Waffles | 433 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203 | (716) 249-0523

Lead image: Steve Schwartzman, a visitor from Seattle, said he’d heard the buzz about Fitiz Books during his stay in East Aurora. He said that it was everything it was promised to be.

The post Fitz Books: A place connections are made appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo (H4H) is on a roll. The humanitarian organization recently partnered with NOCO to construct a new house at 141 Briscoe Avenue, on the city’s East Side.

On June 22, team members for both organizations met at the site for a wall-raising ceremony.

The project should take approximately one year to complete. As volunteers construct the home, NOCO – a locally owned and operated energy company – will provide heating installation, electrical and lighting (supplied through its Shanor Electric division), and tend compost for the project. NOCO employees will be volunteering on all facets of the build, which is located in the Schiller Park neighborhood.

“NOCO is taking a unique approach to supporting this house,” said Alex Lauer, director of development & communications, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo. “The housing challenges Buffalo faces are daunting and require creative solutions like this partnership, and we are grateful to NOCO for their willingness to partner with Habitat Buffalo to make affordable homeownership an opportunity for more families in our community.”

NOCO has been a strong Habitat partner over the years, through both donation and volunteer support. Last year, more than $35,000 in Shanor Electric lighting and electrical supplies was donated to assist local Habitat homes.

“We are excited as a house sponsor to participate every step of the way in this Habitat build from shovel in the ground and wall raising to move-in,” said Jim Dentinger, president, NOCO Enterprises. “As we mark 90 years of providing the energy needs for our customers and 65 years of lighting homes and buildings through our Shanor Electric division, partnering with Habitat is a great opportunity for NOCO and our employees to give back and serve the community that has supported us.”

The project is anticipated to be completed in spring of 2024.

To learn more about the the H4H program, and other recent developments, click here.

Volunteers embark up the construction of the 1,385 SF, two-story, four bedroom, one and a half bath house

The post H4H and NOCO team up to build a four bedroom home at 141 Briscoe Avenue appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

When it comes to idyllic outdoor concert settings, Knox Farms State Park is top of the list. For anyone who enjoys great live music featuring New York State-based bands, in a charming, historic setting, the Sunset at the Stables concert series is for you.

“This concert series is all about introducing folks to original music. The response to this concert series has been beyond our expectations. We are thrilled with this year’s line-up and can’t wait for everyone to experience some great music down on the farm,” said event producer and 42 North Brewery Founder, John Cimperman.

The music line-up for 2023 Sunset at the Stables is as follows:

Friday, July 7th- Folk Faces

Friday, July 14th- PA Line

Friday, July 21st – A Girl Named Genny

Friday, Juy 28th – Upstate with opening act Fuzzy Thurston

Sunset at the Stables will kick things off on Friday, July 7th with the rowdy jazz and bluesy roots of regional favorites, Folk Faces. Folk Faces will return for its third Sunset at the Stables performance and, this year, debuting a number of new songs from their newly released album, Plums.

On Friday, July 14th, Sunset at the Stables welcomes Buffalo-based, PA Line, to the concert series for the first time. PA Line prides itself on ‘true grit’ Americana, an uptempo blend of grassroots and soul.

Rochester-based, A Girl Named Genny will hit the stage on Friday, July 21st. The Americana sound of A Girl Named Genny has gained a strong following in Western New York, playing for packed houses at 42 North, Jack Rabbit, and, more recently, West Falls Center for the Arts.

Finally, Sunset at the Stables is proud to announce that Upstate, hailing from the Hudson Valley, will wrap up the series. The folk and R&B quartet was a part of the inaugural line-up for the Borderland Festival and has since debuted their third album, You Only Get A Few. As a special quest, singer/songwriter Fuzzy Thurston will open up for Upstate on this final night of the concert series.

Advance tickets will be $20 and, if available, day of event tickets will be $30. This year, Sunset at the Stables is also offering a season pass to all four concerts. The season pass is $75 and also includes a stainless steel 42 North mug.

All tickets include free parking, a complimentary beverage, and three hours of live music.

Proceeds of this concert series benefit The Friends of Knox Farm State Park to support their ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the park’s grounds.

In addition to the music, Sunset at the Stables will feature local food and beverages from 42 North Brewing Company, 1911 Cider, Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream, and some of Buffalo’s most popular food trucks.

Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Gates open at 5:00 pm and the music begins at 6 pm.

For more information, or to reserve tickets to any of the events in the Sunset at the Stables series, log onto www.sunsetatthestablesmusic.com.

Knox Farm State Park | 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052

The post Sunset at the Stables concert series returns to Knox Farms State Park appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

THE BASICS: MEASURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare, edited for brevity and presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park (SDP), directed by Virginia Monte, opened on June 22 and runs through July 16, Tuesdays-Sundays nightly at 7:15 on “Shakespeare Hill” near the Rose Garden and the casino in Delaware Park. (716) 856-4533 www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org  Bring your own chair or blanket, picnics are encouraged. Observe parking rules (tickets will be issued) and bring a light wrap because it can get cool when the sun goes down. All shows are free and open to the public. Goodwill donations are solicited by the actors at intermission. 

Unlike in years past, there is no printed program, so I encourage you to read the playbill before you go although you can scan the QR code once you’re on the hill. There is merch available (I bought a WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A PLAY tee-shirt).

RUNTIME: 2-1/2 hours with one intermission

THUMBNAIL SKETCH: The Duke leaves Angelo in charge of Vienna, where Angelo quickly becomes a religious tyrant, condemning Claudio to death for immoral behavior. However, Angelo then offers to pardon Claudio if Claudio’s sister, Isabella, sleeps with him. Isabella is shocked but later seems to go along. Actually, she has Angelo’s one-time fiancée Mariana switch places with her and do the deed. Complications ensue. At the end, the Duke (Daniel Lendzian) returns to spare Claudio (James Anthony Caposito), punish Angelo (Luke Brewer), and propose to Isabella (Gretchen Didio). It ends with several possible impending nuptials: Juliet (Amelia Scinta) and her baby daddy Claudio, Angelo and Mariana (Solange Gosselin), The Duke and possibly Isabella, and there’s one more (see below).

THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION:  All those characters mentioned in the thumbnail above? Yes, important, and considered the lead roles in this play, and well acted. But what makes this particular summer 2023 show one to remember is the character Lucio as played by an out-of-towner with a long list of national credits, and that’s Omen Thomas Sade. In Sade’s hands Lucio dips and dodges, he sleazes and pleases, he is outrageous and his ego is outsized. At one point in the play Mariana, tells us about Angelo: “They say, best men are moulded out of faults, And, for the most, become much more the better, For being a little bad.”  And that could apply to Lucio in spades. More than a little bad, he’s a bundle of faults, a smooth operator, duplicitous and devious, and the audience loved, loved, loved him. His romantic (love/hate) counterpart is right there with him in over-the-top-ness, the formidable Kerrykate Abel as the bawdy Mistress Overdone who swings a pretty mean rolling pin  and can belt out the songs with the best of ’em. Lucas Colon pays Pompey, Overdone’s goofy minion.

Of course it takes a village to round out such delicious characters and that includes the production staff starting at the top with director Virginia Monte. Anyone who’s ever read (and you can read the Folger Library provided PDF of the play here) and then later has seen a Shakespeare comedy knows that what’s on the page only comes alive with great direction. The costumes by Jenna Damberger really pop (especially Lucio’s red-hot Zoot Suit and Mistress Overdone’s vampy look) assisted by Kambrea Blu Lagrosa and by the wonderful wigs by Mary McMahon (Wardrobe Mistress is Jamie Mattheus). The dancing is smooth (what else could it be when Bobby Cooke choreographs?) and the fights, pratfalls, and stunts are quite physical as choreographed by Steve Vaughan. 

Other cast members include Billy Horn Altamiraon as a Friar, Ben Caldwell as Elbow, Jeremy Kreuzer as the Provost, Kennedy Lee as a “Hathaway Sister” (see below) along with Alexandre Montesano and Ameilia Scinta, and Larry Smith as another Friar, Melina Sweeney as an Ensemble member, and “the boss” herself, SDP Executive Director Lisa Ludwig, as Escalus.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE is one of six Shakespeare plays that have been designated as “problem plays” (including, by the way, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE) either because of morally ambiguous behavior that isn’t completely right or wrong or simply because they are hard to classify as either comedy or tragedy. I was told in college that “if it ends in a marriage, it’s a comedy and if it ends in a death, it’s a tragedy. Period.” Spoiler alert: nobody dies in “Measure for Measure” (except for one sailor who dies offstage of natural causes) and the play ends with not just one but maybe three marriages about to take place. That’s a little murky (Shakespeare’s fault, not SDP). So this is a comedy and SDP plays it that way. Oh yes they do.

I last saw MEASURE FOR MEASURE ten years ago in the summer of 2013, first that year at The Stratford Festival where the great Colm Feore played the snake Angelo and it was decidedly serious. And then I saw it as a comedy later that same summer at Shakespeare in Delaware Park where it was set in the Wild West (in “Vienna Texas”) complete with many, many cowboy songs and additional material including the advice “Don’t squat with your spurs on.” So playing it as a comedy has some SDP history.

This year, in 2023, SDP shifted the scene from Texas to California in the 1940s with an Art Deco stage designed by David Dwyer and with a variety of not cowboy ballads but big band, jazz, and blues standards, each chosen to illustrate what’s happening on stage. Very clever. The evening starts with the “Hathaway Sisters” singing the Andrews Sisters’ hit “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” (To Me You Are Beautiful) with the lyrics “You’re really swell, I have to admit you/ Deserve expressions that really fit you/ And so I’ve racked my brain, hoping to explain/ All the things that you do to me.” And in the play people ARE doing all sorts of things to other people. In fact, at one point, after hearing that her baby daddy Angelo is about to die, to the Provost who is only carrying out Angelo’s orders, Juliet sings a 1920s song that became a hit for Louis Armstrong: 

How come you do me like you do do do?/ How come you do me like you do?/ Why do you try to make me feel so blue?/ I ain’t done nothing to you.

At this point I have to heap huge praise on Phil Farugia for arranging the “Music Composition/Sound Design” coming up with note-perfect orchestrations for each singer. And it was so smoothly and flawlessly executed by Sound Playback artist Brenda Bridges, with Live Sound Reinforcement by Mitchell Sulkowski, and General Stage Management by K Gorny that I kept looking for the live orchestra somewhere on the hill.  For an opening night in an outdoor venue that was impressive.

Lighting Designer was Emma Schimminger, Properties were by Kayla McSorley, Assistant Costume Designer was Kambrea Blu Lagrosa, Assistant Stage Managers was Riley Dungan and Theresa Banks.

I have to say that things may have lost a little momentum in the middle of the play, but then again on opening night they broke for intermission early to allow for a brief passing rain shower, and that alone might have thrown the pacing off a little bit.  In 2013 I gave that year’s production only three Buffalos.  This year I’m giving MEASURE four, which means, as you can read in the legend below: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.”

Lead image: Lucio (Omen Thomas Slade) and Duke (Daniel Lendzian) | Photo courtesy Shakespeare in Delaware Park

*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)

ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.

TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.

THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.

FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.

FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!

The post MEASURE FOR MEASURE’s team delivers at free Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Enjoy! appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

On Saturday, July 1, DTR45 and Slow Roll Buffalo. in partnership with IYKYK, Canna House, Wild Willow Botany, Dancing Turtle, Sunmed CBD, Rooted Lounge, and friends, will be hosting the second annual Joint Venture. The vanguard cannabis-forward bike ride raises awareness of New York’s historic passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

The Joint Venture ride is “an 18-mile SQUAD-led ride with two stops highlighting cannabis-forward organizations in Buffalo, which includes infused refreshments, brunch, a ride-themed goodie bag with goodies galore, and admission to the exclusive post-ride afterparty at Rooted Lounge.”

Following are just a handful of things to get excited about:

Inside Allentown’s Hiraeth House (a women’s collective of businesses) you will find Iykyk Buffalo, a cannabis workers cooperative with a mission to educate and advocate in cannabis. Riders will use all five senses to explore the cannabis plant and learn about the history of cannabis.

Canna House is a lifestyle brand that aims to disrupt the cannabis industry by serving as a community resource within the legalized market: reshaping the narrative of the plant and advancing consumer knowledge while becoming a synonymous name for consumption spaces led by a black male collective.

Wild Willow Botany strives to help you feel pain free, naturally with carefully crafted cannabis salve made using all natural, organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Rooted Lounge is a communal space dedicated to herbs and plants, including cannabis, bringing awareness to safe and conscious consumption practices that promote holistic wellness. This black owned family business aims to curate a safe space for cannabis connoisseurs, to de-stigmatize the plant, expand knowledge of rare genetics all in an aesthetically appealing environment curated by a former educator and cannabis cultivator with over 25 years of experience.

The ride starts at 1pm at Rooted Lounge, 69 Allen Street, Buffalo NY

The event is part of Slow Roll Buffalo’s Ticket To Roll Series

This ride is only appropriate for those 21 years of age and older, but young at heart.

The post Second Annual Joint Venture – Buffalo’s vanguard cannabis-forward bike ride appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

There is a fight going on at the moment, to help save Braymiller Market in Downtown Buffalo.

In coming days, Buffalo’s Common Council will be meeting in Council chambers to decide the fate of downtown Braymiller. The nine councilmembers will be asked to vote yes or no on whether Braymiller (the only grocery store in downtown Buffalo) will be the recipient of $500K in federal funding that was previously earmarked for small businesses in Buffalo (pandemic related). $1.2 million of that funding has already been distributed throughout the city, in all districts. The program stopped allocating the funding when they ran out of qualified applicants.

With $500K remaining in the program, Stuart Green – owner of Braymiller Market – requested financial assistance via a Request for Proposal (RFP) for ARP (American Rescue Plan), which is what led him to applying for the excess funds aforementioned.

According to Green, there are a number of things that the Common Council should consider. There have been inaccurate reports that Braymiller has received millions of dollars in public assistance, when in fact, the market has received Community Investment Fund Loan (NYS), and through the ECIDA inclusion in a property tax pilot program, and sales tax abatement for equipment purchases. Green believes that the confusion stems from the developer of the project – Ciminelli Real Estate Corp – receiving financial assistance for a brownfield cleanup, and the construction of the neighboring affordable housing complex. Previous to the market being built, the site was a surface parking lot.

It was Mayor Brown who fought for the project, including the grocery store component. The timeline was pre-pandemic, when Green began looking at a number of market opportunities in Buffalo. The City had reached out to Ciminelli to put together the puzzle pieces for the 225 Ellicott Street project, and Ciminelli in turn reached out to Green. With no responses to the City’s RFP, Green was willing to entertain the challenge.

The deal was made pre-pandemic, with construction starting in December of 2019. Shortly thereafter, the pandemic set in, which, according to Green, begat increased costs in construction, major delays, and supply chain issues. When Braymiller opened its doors, it was six months later than expected, and the world was upside down. Green says that if these pandemic-related issues had not occurred, his financial projections would have been realized, he is convinced.

The $500K in question will be utilized for operational expenses including payroll and capital expenditures, which Green has no problem justifying. At this point, Downtown Braymiller is employing a diverse 40-person group of employees. 92% of the employees are city residents.

As for Braymiller’s day-to-day business, there is a steady growth, with a third of the business coming from SNAP benefits. There is a wholesale component that services 40+ restaurants, as well as a number of non-profits and other food service industry customers (including The Zoo and Explore and More). In a relatively short period of time, Braymiller has been building a solid business foundation in Buffalo, but it is still dealing with the losses that it suffered early on. Green says that the downtown location is getting close to profitability, but is saddled with the debt that occurred over the last 18 months.

Buffalo, like other cities, is still reeling from a lack of office workers in their downtown core. Braymiller has made drastic changes to compensate for the lack of workforce that would typically be supporting such an amenity.

There is a plan in place that has been presented to Common Council for the continued direction towards sustainability. The funds would be used to initiate some of these plans, including subcontracting delivery services, an efficient direct-to-consumer in-house delivery service to local residences and housing complexes, a liquor license, and working with D’Youville University to initiate an on-site training pharmacy (meal prep programs, along with required prescriptions).

All of these advancements and changes will be for nought, if the City doesn’t step up and award Braymiller the $500K. At this point, there is no no other plan for the funding, which, to me, makes this a no brainer decision. I can’t imagine downtown without a Braymiller market – a market that was born in WNY 82 years ago. Green made a huge investment into this city, and he’s asking for a little support, which will go a long way.

“We’ve gotten through the toughest parts,” says Green. “We’ve learned a lot and made the changes necessary. It’s critical that we get the funding. If the City issues the funding, there will be a domino effect with Ciminelli and their financial commitment to the project. We’re talking 40 employees who count on us. This is a community resource that extends far into the community. To think what we’ve managed to do in almost two years, I can’t imagine what we will be able to achieve in years to come. I’ve already explored talking to other entities for funding – I have made a $9 million investment. That’s how much I am committed to making this work. I have received zero pandemic relief. Now I’m asking that the City step up assist in my commitment to the project. It’s their turn to do something. Otherwise, we will be forced to close.”

Green believes that Common Council could be voting as early as this coming Tuesday. The future of Braymiller Downtown is in their hands.

The post The future of Braymiller Market (downtown) is now in the hands of Buffalo’s Common Council appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Summer in Western New York is best spent outdoors and residents take full advantage of Buffalo’s beautiful summers by going outside, enjoying the weather, and soaking up as much sun as they can. Our region offers a summer explosion of entertainment and experiences for all the families in the area.

One of these great summertime activity hubs is the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village located on a 35-acre campus in Amherst.

The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is a hidden gem in Western New York. “The village is a museum and historic village space where we focus on preserving, exhibiting, and telling the story of the history of agriculture and rural communities in New York State,” said Executive Director Carrie Stiver.

“When people think of New York, not many are going to think about agriculture…but New York is actually an incredibly important part of our agricultural industry in the US and across the world. We are consistently ranked among the top three producers of many important products such as dairy products, wine and grapes, apples, and of course, maple syrup.”

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is able to educate and inspire its visitors through exhibits, costumed interpretations of rural life practices, group tours, classes, artisan workshops, and events. “When you visit us, you will learn about agriculture primarily through walking through the village and farmstead… When you’re out there, you can visit the historic buildings, and talk with our interpreters about all different kinds of subjects,” said Stiver.

A day at the village will allow guests to stroll back in time, and visit some of the historic buildings on the campus, including an old school house, a blacksmith shop, and a woodwright’s shop. This educational experience will allow visitors to see how things were made in Western New York, and consider all of the progress and technological advancements that have been made in recent history.

Museums on the campus are also open and have fantastic exhibitions available for viewing. In the Susan Grelick Amherst Historical Wing, The Amherst Gallery honors the past, present, and future of Amherst, New York and features historic artifacts and archival documents that share the impact of Amherst on regional history. In addition, Crowning Glory: The Dolores Attea Sapienza Hat Gallery, Land of Plenty: Cultivating Community in Buffalo Niagara, Victory on the Menu: Food in the Fight, and Vice & Virtue: The Rise & Fall Of Prohibition are all on display.

In addition to these permanent exhibits, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village has a number of special events and camps that make it a must-visit summertime destination. Below are some of the special events

Event: Advancements in Agricultural Technology and Transportation

June 22 – July 1 
Entrance is included with the General Admission ticket

Come down to experience Erie Canal history and hands-on activities related to the canal. In addition, there will be a farm tool presentation and showcase with a hands-on “how to plant and cultivate a crop” activity.  Participants will witness a gristmill presentation, grain grinding, and hear and experience the life cycle of wheat.  

Event: Pride at the Village 

June 24 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

“Pride in the Village” will be celebrated and the sheep will wear rainbow bandanas on this day in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Event: Fabulous Flowers

June 24 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
$20 BNHV Members $25 Non-Members
Tickets 
Open to both youth and adults, ages 12 & up.

Using local flowers that grow at BNHV, learn about Victorian flower language and how to press flowers.

Event: Milk, Sugar, Science: Engineering Ice Cream!

July 1 | 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
$20 Youth Fee, $10 Adult Fee 
Tickets 

Who doesn’t like some ice cream on a hot summer’s day? Come explore the journey of milk from cow to ice cream, and make your own! Participants will learn how methods of making ice cream have changed over time as food engineers have developed many different processes for making ice cream. A taste test will complete this fun day.  

Event: Chicken Jubilee 

July 6 – 15
Entrance is included with the General Admission ticket

This week is all about chickens!  See a farming presentation, learn the difference between farm fresh and store bought eggs, and participate in a hands-on egg dying.  Learn about different chicken feather types, and play a feather matching game.  Finally, learn the history of the Chicken Wing, and taste test 1900’s style chicken wings, and local favorites.  (Please note: none of the BNHV chickens will be served at this event).  

Event: An Introduction to Natural Dyeing Workshop

July 15 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
$20 BNHV Members $25 Non-Members
Tickets 

In this class, learn about the dyeing process with various natural materials, experiment with different fabrics and dyes, and leave with a piece of dyed fabric!

Summer Camp: Pioneer Day Camp

Dates: July 17-21 and August 7-11
Weekly Tuition: $250 BNHV Member, $300 Non-Member 
Times: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Ages: 5-10

Send your youngsters to the Village to experience firsthand what life was like in the 19th century.  Campers will “travel back in time,” and take part in a historic adventure filled with fun facts, as they have fun exploring history and learning together. 

Summer Camp: Pioneer Day Camp

Dates: July 24-28
Weekly Tuition: $250 BNHV Member, $300 Non-Member 
Times: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Ages: 5-10

Have some summer fun at the village.  Each day campers will participate in a different theme, and will take part in some summer science, become outdoor explorers, let off some STEAM, and take part in creative arts.

The post Summer Adventures at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village: Explore Buffalo’s Agricultural Heritage appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Big cat lovers are in for a sweet surprise, the next time they visit The Buffalo Zoo. In the case of four African lions cubs – two cubs born late evening on June 2nd and one cub born in the early hours of the 3rd – all signs point towards a healthy and happy pride here in Buffalo.

The four cubs, yet-to-be-named but coined The Fab Four, are offsprings a parents Lusaka (mother) and Tiberius (father). This joyous celebratory occasion at The Zoo is thanks to the pairing of Lusaka and Tiberius, who were paired following a breeding recommendation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Species Survival Plan (SSP) for African Lions. This is the pair’s third litter. Two cubs from a previous litter (in 2021) – Zahra and Khari – can currently be found in the Buffalo Zoo’s lion habitat, with the other pride members.

Over the coming weeks, the cubs and mom will continue to bond behind the scenes until they are big and strong enough to be introduced to other pride members and go outside.

“The birth of any animal is exciting, and lion cubs are especially heartwarming because – well -they are adorable! We are honored to care for Lusaka, the cubs, and all the members of their pride, while recognizing that they also represent the future and hope for the conservation of their species, reminding us of the importance of a sustained commitment to work to save lions in the wild,” said Lisa Smith, The Zoo’s Interim President and CEO.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species lists the African lion as a Vulnerable species, with a total population that is likely less than 40,000.

According to IUCN estimates, there are only 23,000 to 39,000 mature individuals in existence, which means that they are listed as a “vulnerable species.” Similar to countless other vulnerable and endangered animals, lion populations suffer from habitat loss, issues that threaten human-wildlife coexistence, poaching, and wildlife trafficking (illegal wildlife trade).

The Buffalo Zoo is doing it part to support lion conservation efforts by collaborative partnerships with other zoos through AZA’s Lion SAFE Program and related conservation organizations. The Zoo also contributes to research, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement programs. All of these measures are in place to help protect the big cats from further eradication.

The Buffalo Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Grounds remain open for one hour after admission gates close.

“Every visit to the Buffalo Zoo helps the Zoo take another step toward achieving its mission of saving wildlife.”

Stay tuned to The Zoo’s social media channels and sign-up for e-mail alerts so you don’t miss updates on their public debut and names.

The post The Buffalo Zoo welcomes ‘The Fab Four’ appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

A week ago, we spotlighted Habitat for Humanity’s (H4H) plan for a five-bedroom home at the southeast corner of Busti Avenue and Maryland Street on the West Side.  

Now, H4H has announced that one of the projects that is set for completion, is, in fact, a modular home.

The new structure at 423 Busti Avenue is H4H’s first “scratch” modular home, entirely built by Habitat Buffalo volunteers and staff. The project is the culmination of “thousands of hours of work.” The process included an exercise where the team stick-built a modular design, before embarking upon the final construction project.

In the past, H4H has purchased “outsourced factory modulars,” while working with local BOCES programs to assemble the units. This latest project differs from previous construction exercises in that H4H has created its own modular home that can be replicated down the road.

“This is an exciting moment for us at Habitat Buffalo,” said Christopher Kennedy, Executive Director. “Modular building allows us to address some of our greatest challenges as an organization that focuses on affordable homeownership—the rising cost of construction materials, building in challenging Buffalo weather conditions, and safely and effectively engaging volunteers on our builds. This is a huge opportunity for growth as we look to the future.”

Homes are purchased by a low-income family through Habitat’s homebuyer program that requires the buyers to complete at least 400 hours of sweat equity working on the house.

The home sits on a formerly vacant lot and is a five-bedroom, 1,512 square foot modular new build that will have accessibility features for the family.

Once the modular home is completed in weeks to come, a Buffalo family will take residence within the dwelling. In order to qualify to own a H4H-built home, a family unit must complete more than 400 hours of sweat-equity, and attend homeownership classes. The new owner must also repay an affordable mortgage through Habitat Buffalo’s Homebuyer program. The mortgage payment ensures that the program is sustainable, with more houses being built in the future.

Ultimately, the H4H program is in place to provide home ownership opportunities for low-income families who might not otherwise have a chance to own a house. Along with a sense of pride, the homeowners are equipped with the proper knowhow that comes along with being an astute occupant.

The post Habitat for Humanity Constructs a “Scratch” Modular Home appeared first on Buffalo Rising.