Category: PostEvents

On Thursday, June 15, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) invites people to attend a Smart Street Design public meeting to discuss existing street and infrastructure conditions, while exploring the benefits of Smart Streets. As the world advances to more “futuristic” forms of transportation modes, our city’s infrastructure must keep up with the swiftly changing times. What might seem like a good idea right now, might not be a good idea ten years from now. Therefore, the best thing to do is to get ahead of the curve, by researching best practices.

Buffalo’s Race for Place is about “advancing the City of Buffalo and the Western New York region by supporting talent attraction and our modern workforce through the creation of innovative and attractive environments—both indoors and out.”

Interested in improving the conditions of infrastructure downtown? Consider attending this event that will help to guide millions of dollars in new infrastructure investment into the core of Buffalo.

“This effort is a big deal for talent attraction and infrastructure development in the City of Buffalo. Buffalo’s Race for Place is an outside-the-box strategy that demonstrates the type of aggressive response that regions must undertake to stay relevant in the global race for talent, while at the same time ensuring economic equity and inclusivity.” – Brandye Merriweather, Vice President, BUDC

The upcoming Smart Street Design public meeting is being “intentionally held in the street – while planning to activate it in different ways to get people to see how their streets might function differently for them. This won’t be your typical public meeting.”

Location: Mohawk Street, between Washington and Ellicott Streets

Time: 5:30pm – 7pm

“Douglas Development will be at the event to share its plans for the future of the Mohawk Ramp and the broader Electric District, which includes hundreds of new apartments, new commercial space, and a mobility hub. They’ll also discuss a plan for a shuttle downtown. In sum, Mayor Brown invites the community to stop by early to support our downtown restaurants during happy hour, then stop by the event to learn what Buffalo is doing to build a smarter and more livable downtown community, and finally end the night at Fountain Plaza enjoying local favorite Strictly Hip.” – Brendan R. Mehaffy, Office of Strategic Planning and Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) Vice-Chairman

The overall focus if the Race for Place initiative includes:

Advancement of the downtown infrastructure plan, streetscape improvements, and placemaking in key investment corridors and nodes

The strengthening of anchors located along the Main Street “Knowledge Corridor”

Progressive land-use policies that prioritize traffic calming, demand and load management, and pedestrian and bicycle friendly activity, as well as promotion of public transit usage, and continuation of Cars Sharing Main Street

Implementation of additional Smart City technology solutions and capabilities within such corridors and beyond

Additive public safety solutions to further community and new resident confidence

Increased urban vibrancy and activation through implementation and feedback inputs from citizens and employees/employers (via City of Buffalo, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, and community outreach)

Integration with existing talent attraction activities, organizations, and region-wide campaigns, such as Be in Buffalo

After the public meeting, attendees are encouraged to stick around downtown, to eat and drink at nearby restaurants (Big Ditch, Tappo, Deep South, Casa Di Pizza, etc.) Also, at Fountain Plaza, Strictly Hip will be playing, as part of Buffalo Place’s Thursday & Main concert series. Additionally, there will be a food truck, as well as e-scooter and e-bike, and other Smart City tech demonstrations.

Anyone that is interested in performing chalk art demonstrations or any other performance art at the public meeting should contact Crystal Middleton, Director of Planning and Zoning at the City of Buffalo.

To learn more about the Race for Place initiative, click here.

The post Save The Date: Smart Street Design Public Meeting appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The world is still reeling from the death of culinary great Anthony Bourdain. In Buffalo, we fondly remember his visit to a number of establishments in 2009. We also still have an even greater connection to the renowned chef, thanks to the on-again, off-again presence of Bourdain’s Russian sidekick, Zamir Gotta.

These days, Gotta travels the world, reaching out to people who have been affected by the ravages of suicide. In September of 2022, Gottar’s own son committed suicide – a bewildering circumstance that compounded his grief from Bourdain’s tragic loss in 2018.

If there’s one thing that we can say about Gotta, who calls Buffalo his second home, it’s that he is a real fighter, through peaceful measures of course. His love for this city and the WNY region is relentless. Despite numerous setbacks, including the loss of his son, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Gotta makes numerous trips back to Buffalo… and to Ellicottville, NY.

Over the last few years, Gotta struck up a business relationship with Steelbound Brewery & Distillery, to produce small batches of his prized Zamir vodka, which he refers to as an “elixir of happiness.”

“Steelbound owners are peacemakers and understand my mission, so we are still producing small batch of my elixir of happiness,” says Gotta. “Zamir vodka is available thus far only at their locations in Springville, Ellicottville, and Dunkirk, as well as Queen City Wine & Liquor in Buffalo. My ideal plan is to promote peace with my Steelbound-like-minded-friends outside NY State – they are preparing distribution paperwork for Louisiana, Ohio, and Florida. Everything is possible, charting to peace!”

On Thursday, June 8, Queen City Popped Culture, Steelbound, and Gotta are co-hosting “A Toast to Anthony,” from 5pm-9pm at Steelbound – 6600 US-219, Ellicottville, NY 14731. This is a non-ticketed event, featuring food by celebrity Chef Om, with music by Primo – broadcasting on energyradiobuffalo.com. Free CBD massages by Jess – powered by iN:FuSD. There will be a live art auction (David Simpson and the artscollaborative.org) to support Mental Health Advocates of WNY.

For anyone who has ever been touched by Gotta’s jovial nature, kindness, and love for Buffalo, or who share his hope for a more peaceful and pain-free world, feel free to pay a visit to Steelbound, and raise a glass to the memory of Anthony Bourdain.

If you are feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide—whether or not you are in crisis—or know someone who is, don’t remain silent. Talk to someone you can trust through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat the lifeline.

The post A Toast to Anthony Bourdain with Zamir Gotta @ Steelbound Brewery & Distillery appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

There are few properties in the WNY region that can compare to 193 Elk Street – a fabulous Gothic revival cathedral and rectory in South Buffalo. When I first paid a visit to this cultural oasis back in 2020, it was known as Elk Tree Gardens & Castle. At the time, the owners were busy transforming the nave, the various rooms, and the grounds, into a cultural mecca for artists and musicians. It is interesting to note that the nave has City-approved plans for an event and entertainment space, if that is the direction that a new owner is interested in taking the compound.

There’s a lot more to this sale than meets the eye. Not only can a new owner play around with 20,000 square feet, situated on 1.8 acres of land… there are numerous spaces to work with including the rectory with 4 1-bedroom apartments, 5 full baths, and 7 additional rooms and offices. A handful of intertwined vacant lots are also part of the deal.

For anyone that has ever dreamed of living in a castle-like setting, this property offers that and more. For anyone that has ever considered running an over-the-top entertainment complex, there’s room for that too. Or… for anyone that has thought about creating a little Gothic-inspired village with cottages surrounding a “castle”… this is your chance.

The current owners have put a lot of thought, and work, into the property, to showcase the former church and grounds in a way that lends to the imagination, there is no doubt. Now, they are looking for someone who can appreciate the vision for the circa 1888 structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

193 Elk Street is a stone’s throw from the Buffalo River and Larkinville. Savarino’s McDermott Lofts is located to the right of the former church. The property is perfectly situated in close proximity to numerous destinations. It also possesses the type of potential that is only limited by one’s imagination – a place to work, play, live… and dream.

“… in-ground pool, hedge mazes, gardens, stages, patios.”

Those were just a few of the ideas that were once on the table. While not everything that the current owners dreamed about came to pass, they did manage to create building blocks upon which everything else can be assembled.

193 Elk Street is on the market for $1,200,000.

Get connected: Gurney Becker & Bourne

Listing agent: Carmelo Parlato

parlato.carmelo@gmail.com

716-335-2227 (Office)

716-335-2227 (Cell)

The post Opportunity Knocks: Gothic Revival Cathedral & Rectory in South Buffalo appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Marrano Homes is constructing the final phase of homes in the 103-lot Colvin Estates subdivision in North Buffalo.  The homes are being built on Rachel Vincent Way between Colvin Boulevard and Starin Avenue with a mid-development connection to St. Lawrence Avenue.

Red = Sold, Blue = Reserved, White = Available

The final phase of homes includes 37 lots.  Twelve are sold, five are reserved and Marrano is building four homes on spec for quick delivery to buyers. Of the four completed homes in this phase, sale prices have ranged from $570,000 to $594,000. 

Marrano has fifteen different floorplans that can be built in Colvin Estates, including a ranch plan, Discovery XIV. It features two bedrooms and approximately 1,300 sq.ft. of living space with the option of adding a loft or third bedroom on a second level.

Get Connected: Marrano Homes, 716.809.8685

The post Construction Watch: Colvin Estates appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Authors: Brian Smith, Executive Director Citizens Campaign for the Environment & Jill Jedlicka, Executive Director Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper

Legislation currently being considered by the New York State legislature, known as the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S.4246/A.5322), would begin to reduce plastic pollution in our Great Lakes and increase recycling, all while saving taxpayers money. 

The bill requires large corporations—not local governments and taxpayers—to cover costs for reducing and recycling the packaging waste they create and generate revenue from. Currently, producers of packaging bear no responsibility for managing the waste they generate. The cost and impact of end-of-life for these products inevitably falls upon taxpayers, municipalities and our environment. A recent analysis by the Product Stewardship Council found that this bill could save taxpayers over $6.5 million annually in the City of Buffalo alone. 

Recycling in general is a broken system. It is not working as planned and any municipalities are struggling with the costs put upon them by producers of this waste. Most plastic packaging is not actually being recycled and ultimately ends up in landfills. Until the technology is developed to adequately protect our air and water, the false solution being promoted as so-called advanced recycling or chemical treatment and burning, is not a safe nor realistic recycling alternative. 

This bill would encourage any packaging that cannot be eliminated to be designed to be and actually be recyclable, resulting in a dramatic increase in New York’s recycling rate. While New York has an abysmal recycling rate of just 17%, countries that have adopted this policy achieve recycling rates upwards of 80%.

Contrary to talking points used by those opposing the bill, the policy would not increase the cost of our groceries or other consumer goods. In reality, this type of policy has been in effect for decades in Europe and Canada. Multiple economic studies of real-world policies show there has not been an increased cost to consumers. 

The proposed bill, that has received diverse support from agencies, community groups and businesses, has been years in development. In that time, the plastic problem has only gotten worse. For example, at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s recent Spring Sweep, over 1,500 volunteers collected 9 tons of trash from 40 sites along our waterways and shorelines in two hours.  Over 80% of the litter was plastic, including over 4,000 plastic food wrappers, over 2,700 plastic bottles, and countless other cups and containers.

We are drowning in plastic pollution, and it is time for corporations to take more responsibility for the pollution they create. A reasonable policy to hold corporations responsible for the excessive plastic packaging they create is a proven, cost-effective solution that must be passed by the legislature. 

Photo by Brian Yurasits

The post Our Waterways and Communities are Drowning in Plastic Pollution appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

There’s a surprising handful of comic book and tabletop gaming shops throughout Western New York. Each of them is worth going to because they all offer something unique. At the same time, there’s something quite special about Kingpin Comics & Gaming.

Located at 3660 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, Kingpin is a bright beacon that calls out to all gamers and comic book readers who are looking for a new go-to spot, to hang out, enjoy their hobbies, and meet new friendly faces.

Upon walking into Kingpin, customers will immediately find a long wall of new comic books, as well as an even wider selection of fan favorites on various nearby shelves. The shop has comics for fans of any genre, from just about any big-name publisher. There’s a fun selection of collectible toys available, as well as Funko Pops, statues, and even lunch boxes and mugs. It’s hard to ignore the Dungeons and Dragons books and miniatures, and the heaps of Magic the Gathering cards and dice. The store is a treasure trove of exciting geek gems.

Kingpin does offer a small selection of board games – there are some great games on their shelves, including the likes of Boss Monster and Disney Villainous, but there’s certainly room for more.

As for a physical space for gaming, this place is perfect. With multiple long tables, general gaming and Magic the Gathering can be played comfortably. Toward the back of the shop are elevated tables for wargaming, like Warhammer 40k, topped with some well-detailed miniatures and terrain. These aren’t uncommon to find in similar stores, but it’s certainly nice to have this gaming space available. What is a nice addition however, is an entire room dedicated to RPG campaigns. People can fully immerse themselves in their campaigns in a closed-off room without being distracted by others – or distracting fellow shop-goers themselves.

What truly makes Kingpin stand out and feel special is the community and atmosphere. It’s a pleasant surprise to see a sign in the store that reads:

“Please respect our store and game space. Clean up after yourself, treat people with respect, win and lose with grace. We are all here to have fun!”

As terrific as the world of nerdom can be, it can unfortunately have its fair share of toxicity. People can be sore losers or in-your-face winners. People gate-keep far too often. Some folks are just bullies. Part of the point of the community around gaming or comic books is that everyone should feel welcome and included. That‘s the case at Kingpin. The shop atmosphere is positive, safe, and fun. Folks talk and game with each other like they’ve known each other for years, even if they just met.

The Kingpin store is also very clean, for what it’s worth. Those who own and operate it clearly take care of it which is quite nice. It further adds to the comfort level while gaming – akin to playing games in one’s own living room.

For more on Kingpin Comics & Gaming, including their weekly events like Commander nights and drafts, any changing store hours, links to their social media pages, and how to contact them, visit their website at kingpincomicsandgaming.com.

The post Nerd Scene: Kingpin Comics & Gaming appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

We continue the series on walking Buffalo, from the intrepid couple who walked every day—no matter the weather—in the first 30 months of Covid. They think (without being systematic) they walked every street in Buffalo, and many in other cities and towns, taking some 20,000 photos, some of which are shared in this series. While not itineraries, we hope to encourage others to “walk the walk,” to see, observe and appreciate Buffalo—and beyond. William Graebner and Dianne Bennett are also 5 Cent Cine’s film critics, here.

Today’s Photo-Essay: Looking Back: Politics

We’ve touched on politics before in this series, in photo-essays on Black Lives Matter, Flying the Flag, Coping with Covid, and Street Humor, among others. Here we take on politics as a subject all its own. Because we weren’t walking the city (and beyond) in 2016 or 2018, our coverage is concentrated on the election of 2020 (though not exclusively), as well as issues that dominated the political scene between 2020 and early 2023. Trigger warning: some of the images and language are quite explicit. 

We’ll begin with a couple of “blasts from the past.” Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard served 17 years, beginning in 2005. The sign we found on the edge of Kaisertown appears to date to that era. The ad for Beverly Gray, on a wall on Jefferson Avenue, probably dates to 1995, when she was elected Councilmember-At-Large for the City of Buffalo.

Andrew Cuomo was a fixture of New York State politics until 2022, when he was forced to resign amid allegations that he had covered up Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes and engaged in sexual misconduct. Some called for his impeachment, others were just glad to see him go (Hertel Avenue).

During our walks, the political sphere was dominated by the 2020 presidential election. Biden’s age was an issue—but so was Trump’s, in a different way. 

The Trumpers were especially active with their signage. A Larkinville home had a standard Trump sign, and another, “Vote Freedom 1791,” referencing the year the Bill of Rights went into effect. One of the Halloween figures sports a patriotic bow. 

A standard claim of the Trump camp was that their candidate “tells it like it is,” a sentiment expressed somewhat primitively on this Middle Ebenezer (West Seneca) property. They were right about how the liberals would feel.

Although not acknowledged by the candidate, Trump’s 2020 defeat did not diminish the ardor of his supporters. The “Take America Back” sign is from the Ashley/Krupp neighborhood on the East Side. North Tonawanda is the source of the anti-Biden, Halloween “horror show.”  

In Lovejoy, we discovered that politics can be vicious and heartwarming at the same time. Next-door neighbors, one of them avidly pro-Trump, the other just as staunchly anti-Trump, posted prominent signs displaying their views. Yet when we asked one of the men whether he got along with his neighbor, he said: “Of course. We’re good friends.” We were reminded of the lyric of a song from the 1943 Broadway musical, “Oklahoma!”: “Oh, the farmer and the cowman should be friends.” Maybe they should be, but usually they aren’t. 

The “culture wars” have been a staple of politics for decades. The best expression we found—a populist version—was posted on the front porch of a house in Black Rock:

Abortion, too, has been central to American politics for decades—indeed, long before Roe v. Wade (1973). As a group, evangelicals have been opposed to abortion, as this photo, taken on Niagara Street, suggests:

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June of 2022, an Elmwood Village homeowner offered this intense, personal response:

There was a time when the mailbox was sacrosanct, defined as separate from politics. No more. We found the pro-choice mailbox in Woodlawn; “Give Me Liberty” (generally a right-wing trope) in Tonawanda; and the flag (appropriated over the last two decades by the Republican Party) in Riverside.

As mass shootings have become commonplace, the issue of guns has intensified. We came across two different takes on the guns, both on Genesee Street, and both on the same August day in 2020. 

A Larkinville resident took issue with Byron Brown for raising taxes during the pandemic. We’re not sure if he did that or not, or whether, if he did, it was wrong to do so.

Several issues, some broader than others, aroused the citizens of the area. On the “broader” side, a mural on Elmwood Avenue found fault with the rather abstract notion of “neo-liberalism” (on the arm)—a term that generally means “too much globalization,” or capitalism run-amok. Neo-liberalism is usually identified with Republican Party policies, but also with Bill and Hillary Clinton. 

Covid wore everyone out and made some of us lonely or in need of affection, producing this West Side stencil:

A crisis in the U.S. Postal Service, the result of changes carried out in 2020 by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Republican appointee, produced this sign, modeled after a postage stamp, in the Babcock/Valley area:

“All politics is local” was on display in two disparate, but intensely local issues, provoking protest signs in a small town and an urban center. The global issue of climate change accelerated—and with it, the need for carbon-neutral ways of generating electricity—and produced an attack on wind farms in Grandview Bay, Angola. On Buffalo’s East Side, tenants threatened with eviction, a growing problem throughout the U.S., posted notice of a rent strike. 

Others, exasperated by a political system that seemed increasingly dysfunctional, turned inward. “Presidents are Temporary,” read one yard sign with a touch of irony, “Wu-Tang is Forever,” a reference to a legendary hip-hop band from Staten Island. The sign suggests that no matter how one votes, Americans are Americans and—especially—Staten Islanders are Staten Islanders. Tribalism, and unity, somehow joined. 

A similar sense of frustration, expressed in a child-like drawing on a wall near Larkinville:

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo, and Beyond: Trucks and Vans

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: “Reading” the Signs of the City

How to Take a Walk-  in Buffalo: Look Up! Roofs and Roofers

How to Take a Walk- in Buffalo: Buffalo’s Mini-Marts

How to Take a Walk-  in Buffalo: Remembering 9/11

How to Take a Walk – in Buffalo: Street Humor

How to take a Walk – in Buffalo: The Yard as Spectacle

How to Take a Walk – in Buffalo: Beware of (the) Dog

How to Take a Walk- in Buffalo: Halloween

How to Take a Walk- in Buffalo: Little-Known Trails and Paths

How to Take a Walk – in Buffalo: Church Board Advice

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Coping with Covid

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Planters

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Christmas Tidings

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Murals… Off-the-Beaten Path

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Scajaquada Creek

How to Take a Walk- in Buffalo: Block Clubs

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Black Lives Matter

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Once a Bar

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Queen City Sculpture

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Flying the Flag – Education 101

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: (Alternative) Places to Hang

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Those Long Buildings, on the Corner

© William Graebner

The post How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo, and Beyond: Looking Back – Politics appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

In 2021, a historic Buffalo Creek flour-carrying rail boxcar (Boxcar BCK 1424) made its auspicious return to Buffalo. The project was spearheaded by Charlie Monte Verde of the Flour by Rail Legacy Project (FBRLP). Charlie, who works in the rail industry, has made it his mission to help reinvigorate our city’s love of the railroad. This is an important and admirable project considering that Buffalo was once the second biggest rail city in the nation.

After successfully trucking the historic boxcar to Silo City (see video), Charlie’s next goal was to create a non-profit 501(c)(3), and embark upon its restoration.

Currently there is a fundraising effort underway that will enable the team to fix the end rooflines of the boxcar, which have suffered from light rusting and rotting. Both pieces need to be torched out, upon which time they will be taken to Rigidized Metals, where two new pieces will be fabricated and reapplied to the car. Then, the boxcar (including the side door, which is also being repaired) will be painted.

Soon, the formerly in-peril – headed for the scrapyard – boxcar will look something like this:

As a way to creatively fundraise, Charlie is launching a beer that has been brewed by West Shore Brewing Co. The brewery, owned by brewer Josh Dziomba – a rail aficionado – was formerly located in Clarence, NY, along the West Shore Railroad. The brewery is in the midst of relocating its operating to a new location at the Rusty Nickel Brewing in West Seneca.

The concept vision: Rendering by Scott Alexander Wood Illustration | The Buffalo Creek boxcar is second from left, attached to the engine

Due to his own family’s history in the rail industry, Josh has brewed a number of RR-themed beers, which is what led Charlie to his doorstep. Together, Charlie and Josh have created a Lake-to-Rail Citrus Lager that is being unveiled this coming Saturday, June 10 (1pm-5pm) at Duende at Silo City – 85 Silo City Row.

“The new beer will be a steady fundraising tool for the project,” Charlie told me. “We’ve been making numerous partnerships since we trucked the boxcar to Silo City. Rigidized Metals is a partner, and so is Explore Buffalo (Buffalo tours). Josh and West Shore Brewing are now helping this project to come to fruition.

Tickets ($25) for the Debut Party & Fundraiser for NEW Flour-by-Rail/Silo City Beer can be purchased at Eventbrite. All proceeds will be directed to the Flour-By-Rail Legacy Project.

The day will include scheduled tours of the grounds and boxcar, unlimited hop-induced merriment, live music, and fast-forging of friendships.

Family friendly – Capri Sun and loganberry for the kids

Prizes and raffles

See Facebook event

Agenda

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Beer Debut Event

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Tour of Buffalo Creek 1424 Boxcar Restoration

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM – Silo City Ground Tour by Explore Buffalo – 1st Group

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM – Silo City Ground Tour by Explore Buffalo – 2nd Group

To support the Flour by Rail Legacy Project visit this GoFundMe page.

The post Boxcar Brew Debut: Lake-to-Rail Citrus Lager, in support of the <a href=”https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/11/flour-by-rail-legacy-project/”>Flour by Rail Legacy Project</a> appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

For many of us, a typical day begins and ends with a digital device in hand. Sandwiched between these hours is the time spent professionally dedicated to a computer screen, which is often followed up with some quality TV time, to unwind from the day’s stresses. 

While digital technology has unlocked countless capabilities and opportunities for connection, too much screen time can lead to burnout. With this in mind, Paula Madrigal (Assistant Director of Prevention & Health Promotion at Buffalo State University’s Weigel Health Center) co-hosted an informational and interactive workshop during which Jessica Chranowski (a California-based Health Practitioner and Founder of Pure Life Therapy) provided students with helpful techniques for relieving stress commonly associated with screen time burnout. One technique that Jessica walked students through was simple massage therapy, which can include rubbing your temples and pressure points to alleviate physical strain caused by prolonged screen usage.

Photo by Studio Republic

Although this particular event occurred during the height of the pandemic – when life was predominantly virtual – the takeaways are timelessly applicable in today’s world. 

Here are some insightful highlights from the workshop:

Q: What is burnout? 
A: Burnout is physical or mental strain caused by overwork or stress. It is from a slow build up of constant stress. 

Q: What are some signs of screentime burnout? 
A: Fatigue, exhaustion, sadness, depression, anxiety, irritability, backache, neck ache, eye strain, stomach aches, wrist pain.

Q: If screentime burnout continues, what impacts could it have on your health (mental, physical, and social)? 
A: -Mental Health Impacts: anxiety, irritability, depression, detachment, anger, avoidance, apathy, disinterest, or even grief (think about missing an important life event due to being stuck to a screen)

Physical Health Impacts: spinal deterioration from poor posture, digestive issues, vision problems, carpal tunnel, lowered immunity

Social Health Impacts: missing important events, avoiding bonding with loved ones, not being present when with others, forgetting social and communication skills

Q: Can you please share some helpful techniques you have for preventing screen time burnout? 
A: When you are so stressed out that you feel frazzled, exhausted, anxious, detached or in physical pain, you need to increase your self care in order to help yourself feel better. 

Self care is as much of a skill as learning a language, sport, hobby. You want to know these skills before you have to need them. When you regularly practice taking mindful breaks throughout your classes and “shutting off” of the work day, your brain will recognize the pattern and easily switch gears. 

Mindful breaks can include stretching, breathing and creating little rituals to signal to your brain that it’s time to switch gears. The more you practice these skills, the more you will have control over how you react when you are truly being tested, in times of high stress.  

This series is sponsored by Project Best Life. Buffalo Rising and Project Best Life have teamed up to produce a series on wellness inspiration and advice to direct readers to the people, places, and experiences in Buffalo and beyond that will help them fulfill their health, nutrition, and wellness goals. For more information on how you can live your best life, subscribe to the Project Best Life newsletter.

Project Best Life

In tough times, our efforts to maintain fitness, healthy nutrition, and personal wellness can fall by the wayside as we direct all our energy into navigating our individual storm. Yet, in the face of what’s happening in the world around us, it is essential to make space for self-care and experiences that fortify our physical and mental wellbeing.

Check out Project Best Life’s personal assessment tool. Get personalized health insights and a cancer screening checklist by completing this health assessment. This questionnaire will only take you around 10-15 minutes to complete.

Listen to the Happy & Health Podcast

Trying to manage a proper work-life balance, saving for your future while paying all your bills, all while keeping strong relationships with friends and family… We know that life can get pretty stressful, and it’s easy to forget what’s best for your health both physically and mentally. Project Best Life is here to help with our podcast: Happy and Healthy. We provide tips from experts and share stories that will inspire you to live your best life, whatever that means to you. Listen now on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google

For more on Project Best Life, Like or Follow Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

The post Project Best Life | Reducing screentime is a healthy way to unwind appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

THE BASICS:  

ICTC remounting of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated comedy, EARNEST (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People) plays weekends through June 25th at the Andrews Theatre downtown.  Kristen Tripp Kelley directs a cast of eight.  The play runs two and a half hours with its single intermission. Tickets.

THUMBNAIL SKETCH:   

Love and (potential) marriage among the upper classes in England, 1895.  Many complications arise from the fact that both of the protagonists, Jack and Algernon, have been living sneaky double lives (country and city) for their own pleasure. The desired women, Gwendolen and Cecily,  seem quite smitten, but will have no suitors  except for ones named Earnest, and this appears to rule both of them out!  Confused identity is the order of the day. Wilde joyfully skewers the bountiful deceit and foibles of his own society, while giving his epigrammatic wit free rein.  Somehow, a happy ending is engineered before the curtain falls! 

Ben Michael Moran & Renee Landrigan

Josh Wilde & Melinda Capeles
Photos by Mark Duggan/Nickel City Headshots

THE PLAY, THE PLAYERS, AND THE PRODUCTION:   

The script, coming to us mainly through the opinings of the roguish Algernon, is still a thing of beauty.   There are so many great “laugh lines”, its an abundance of riches! Cast-wise, Josh Wilde (as straight-arrow Jack) and  Ben Michael Moran (as the puckish Algernon) are  both particularly good, and seem very comfortable with each other.  Melinda Capeles (as Gwendolen) and Renee Landrigan (as Cecily) are likewise enjoyable as the “girls”, but lack the booming voices needed to be easily understood on the problematic Andrews stage.  Chris Kelly does solid work as Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen’s terrifying aunt.  I only wish that he were a little “bigger” and even more terrifying! The role is an absolute scene-stealer!   

(L-R): Melinda Capeles,  Renee Landrigan, Josh Wilde, Ben Michael Moran | Photos by Mark Duggan/Nickel City Headshots

There continue to be major auditory and visual issues at the Andrews.  The EARNEST patio-furniture set was lost on me.  The Tom Makar music is notably odd. Kristen Tripp Kelley keeps things rolling along pretty well, but there are the usual problems with sightlines at the Andrews’ theater-in-the-rectangle.  A parting thought: the energy of the piece does seem to wane a little near the end.  It’s a pretty long two and a half hours!  

IN SUM: 

The production has its issues, surely.  But here is a rare chance to “catch” Mr. Wilde back in 1895, as it were, at the top of his creative game…  

Lead image (Clockwise from Top L): Josh Wilde, Melinda Capeles, Renee Landrigan, Ben Michael Moran

*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!

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