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Blue Table Chocolates heads to Larkinville

The not so good news is that Blue Table Chocolates has left the Five Points neighborhood. The fantastic news is that it is expanding and heading to Larkinville. I spoke to owner Ben Johnson who told me that when the lease was up in their smallish Five Points location, he had a big decision to make. Although he had fitted out the space, at his own expense, he had also outgrown the space. He needed more storage, and he needed more room for retail.

When Ben began looking at his options, he considered purchasing a building, but didn’t want to deal with other tenants, and it was a lot of money, especially with a kitchen buildout. So that strategy was out. He didn’t want to take over an existing restaurant kitchen space or an abandoned bakery, for lots of reasons. He also didn’t want to pony up to build out another space, unless he owned it.

As he was weighing his options, the Zemsky family (Larkin Development) reached out to tell him that they were building out six additional spaces at Millrace Commons. It turned out to be the ideal situation – one that would afford him the production kitchen that he needed, the storage, as well as a more substantial retail operation. With the busy holiday season swiftly approaching, he signed on the dotted line.

“We needed a radical move, and Larkinville was the answer,” Ben told me. “We thought that the Five Points location was going to be longterm, but as we grew, it just wasn’t big enough. For better or worse, we walked away from the capital improvements that we invested in the space. When the Zemskys told me that they were building out the spaces anyways, and that they could build our space to spec, I knew that we needed to move to Larkinville.”

Blue Table Chocolates is transitioning from a 560 SF footprint to a 980 SF footprint. While that might not seem like a lot, it’s exactly what Ben needed, to keep up with the growing demand for boozy chocolates, candy bars, panned items, dark chocolate sourdough pretzel bites, truffles, flavored malt balls, peanut butter & jelly puffs, butter toffee peanuts, vegan chocolates, tablets, and Halloween chocolate skulls. He also likes the fact that he is neighboring a bunch of businesses that all help to create healthy foot traffic in the neighborhood – Magic Bear Beer Cellar, The Plating Society, Buffalo Distillery, Flying Bison, Hydraulic Hearth, etc. Ben is hoping to partner with some of these outfits, for tasting and pairing collaborations.

Ben is excited about the idea of Larkinville in general. Similar to Five Points, there is a growing community of businesses, as well as residential opportunities. He feels that there is an opportunity to expand upon his retail hours, into the evening, which is something that never quite worked for him in the Five Points neighborhood.

The new Millrace Commons location will be beautiful when it is complete. It will also be very functional, with an aspect of theater.

“There will be a window in the showroom, where people will be able to see the chocolate being made,” Ben told me. “In a perfect world, we would like to host classes and/or demonstrations. We would like to have people making their own chocolates, along with a discourse on the history of chocolate.”

Ben is sad to be leaving Five Points. He’s also sad to be leaving the West Side, which is where it all started for him. At the same time, he’s thrilled to be embarking upon this latest chocolatey chapter in Larkinville – a neighborhood that he believes is his next big step in growth.

Currently, Ben is waiting for construction to wrap up, and City approvals. Pending everything goes smoothly, he anticipates on being open in a couple of weeks, just in time for the holiday season.

To learn more about Blue Table Chocolates, click here.

Blue Table Chocolates
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEB
Millrace Commons – 799 Seneca Street, Suite D1
Buffalo, NY
(716) 866-3725

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Unveiling of fully accessible indoor playground @ Explore & More

Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum has unveiled its new fully accessible indoor playground. This inclusive exhibit ensures that the children’s museum is accessible by youngsters who might not otherwise get a fare shake at interacting with this relatively new downtown play-based destination.

What makes this playground especially important is that it is indoors. As the colder weather sets in, there are fewer outdoor play options for kids, especially those who aren’t able to skate, ski, or even sled. Now, kids of all abilities will be able to count on an excursion to the waterfront, to enjoy themselves in ways that most other kiddos take for granted.

This new inclusive and accessible exhibit will take away the barriers to inclusion, both physical and social, providing a ‘sensory-rich’ experience and offering numerous benefits for all children year-round.

The fully accessible indoor playground is thanks to partnerships with Mason’s Mission, Dunn Tire, the Ferranti family, and the generosity of dozens of Give 716 supporters.

Photo by Addison Schoonmaker

“A foundational principle of Explore & More is being inclusive and accessible for all children and families,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, CEO and President of Explore & More. “We’re so pleased to be able to bring this indoor playground to the Western New York community so that children of all walks of life can play, regardless of ability!”

“Dunn Tire is proud to be ingrained in the communities we have served for over 50 years,” said Robert Clark, Managing Director of Retail Operations, Dunn Tire. “Any time we have an opportunity to be involved with the youth of these communities is an opportunity to help shape our future. Collaborating with great organizations such as Explore & More and Mason’s Mission just makes sense, and we look forward to the happiness this playground brings to all families who experience it!”

When children of all abilities play together it illustrates how we are all more alike than different.

The Ferranti Family

Physical play not only helps a child to become stronger physically, there are numerous other components that are equally important. These components range from social engagement with other children to cognitive enrichment. Children who are able to play in this manner are ultimately more confident and engaging.

In an age where TV and video games tend to keep a lot of children indoors – at home throughout the winter – Explore & More is even more invaluable.

Photo by Addison Schoonmaker

Great thanks is owed to local non-profit Mason’s Mission, an organization that has designed and created the 100% inclusive playground, of which there are only three in Buffalo. To get a better understanding of just how important this organization is in WNY, click here.

The fact that the Explore & More is indoors makes it even that much more important.

“People often talk about their own legacy – what they leave behind, what accomplishments they have made throughout their life to be recognized in years to come,” said Jason Evchich, founder of Mason’s Mission Foundation, and more importantly, father to Mason Jerome, Matthew Jason, and Mckenna Grace. “I look at my legacy and give it to my children. What we have done here and around Western New York to indelibly change the lives of so many kiddos and their families in the name of my children is the legacy. I may be forgotten in years to come, but my child’s name will affect the lives of families long after I am no longer. What better gift can a father have than his children to aspire to!”

Photo by Addison Schoonmaker


Photos by Addison Schoonmaker

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As you journey down the Witches Ball’s Highway to Hell be sure to stop at the Psychic’s Lounge

The Halloween event of the season is nearly here. Saturday, October 29th from 7pm-1am, the Statler will transform into the Highway to Hell as it plays host to the annual Witches Ball. As Buffalo’s best immersive Halloween experience, you can expect an evening of fun and excitement.

In addition to an amazing lineup of local artists, drag queens, musicians, dancers and DJs, a Witches Ball staple will be returning. Supernatural historian and author Mason Winfield will once again be presenting the Psychic Lounge. Whether you’re seeking answers or comfort from the other side, this experience will ensure that your experience is one to remember!

Winfield’s expertise in the supernatural realm, also means an expertise in picking the best of the best when it comes to readers, mediums and psychics. Some include:

Alchemy of Spirits

John Chmielewski is “Alchemy of Spirits” house seer, utilizing his gifts to provide you with advice and guidance to help illuminate your path. John has spent a lifetime exploring an eclectic spiritual path leading him to a home in the metaphysical arts. John has deep experience interpreting the meaning behind the Tarot, finding additional answers with pendulums, and communing with spirit. He uses his experience as a priest of Witchcraft to provide clients with guidance and advice to overcome their problems and create new paths forward. He builds his experience as an Usui Reiki Master/Teacher and a Minister of the Order of Melchizedek into his readings to provide, thoughtful, honest guidance for your highest good. John’s experience with individual readings, private parties, and corporate events throughout the Western New York area help to serve our clients near and far.

Rev. Bunny Dupuis

Rev. Bunny Dupuis has a gentle approach to delivering messages, one filled with kindness, compassion and caring. She believes that her gifts are tools for healing & spiritual guidance. Rest assured that while Bunny is nurturing, she does not hold back when a cathartic nudge is needed. Bunny is a truly multi-sensory psychic medium as she connects with Spirit through Clairvoyance – Clear vision / seeing, Clairaudience – Clear hearing, and Clairsentience – Clear feeling / sensing.

Mindy Jo Rosso

Mindy Jo Rosso is a natural born psychic intuitive and spiritually sensitive empath who has spent the better part of her earthly existence studying metaphysics and using her abilities to guide other people to navigate their own path along the way. She is a violet ray and usui reiki energy healer, ordained minister and spiritual counselor, certified life coach. She practices various forms of divination using modalities that include but are not limited to tea leaf reading(tasiomancy), dousing (pendulum), tarot, crystal ball and palmistry. She also offers dream interpretation, past life regression therapy and auric readings and clearings and cuddle therapy as she is known for her world class hugs. She is a mother of four, a body positive model, photographer, an activist, advocate and defender of Justice, performance/visual artist, author and playwright and can even energetically clear and bless your house and officiate weddings. With her special insight on Healing touch, and mediumship she will be sharing various forms of divination, healing sessions and personally hand made/blessed and gently used metaphysical supplies at this years Witches Ball.

Carin Ludwig

Carin Ludwig is a Reiki Master, Evolutionary Astrologer, and Rune reader. She first heard the call to service after she became ill following the birth of her son in 2008. She then pursued a more formal education in Astrology through the Metastudies Institute as well as the Forest Astrology Apprenticeship Program. Upon completing the apprenticeship, Spirit called her to learn the healing art of Reiki. This path led her to the Ivy League Psychic Academy where she received her Reiki Master training/attunement and obtained certification in psychic mediumship through the Ivy league psychic academy Program. Carin is devoted to being in service of spirit, she is honored and grateful for the opportunity to be a channel for healing in the world.

Mason Winfield

Author-researcher Mason Winfield is the “supernatural historian” of upstate New York. The author of soon-to-be sixteen books on supernatural and paranormal subjects and the founder of Haunted History Ghost Walks, Inc., Mason is going to be on hand on and off throughout the evening in The Psychic Lounge to meet and chat with interested parties. Have a question about a paranormal topic? Come by and see what he says. Have a story to tell? A personal encounter? All the better.

Getting a reading that night will be quite simple and is on a walk-up basis. Simply walk up the second floor level and just approach the desk and there you will find somebody to talk you through the process.

This is an experience you won’t want to miss- who knows, it could change the course of your life forever.

To find out more about the Witches Ball or to buy tickets visit witchesballbuffalo.com

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Alleyway Theatre’s world-premiere of BURST captivates audiences and asks us to think about the cost of corporate innovation

Alleyway’s newest production, BURST is a no-holds-barred tour-de-force that looks deep at corporate ambition and ethics through the lens of its three female characters, a CEO, a scientist, and a young journalist. During the 90 minutes of non-stop action, the audience is witness to an unraveling that could occur in any number of executive suites at Fortune 500 companies around the world:

BURST follows Sarah, an extraordinary human being on the verge of saving the planet from her cushy office in Silicon Valley. At the helm of one of the fastest growing tech companies in history—a company she built herself from scratch—she is about to announce a major breakthrough that will make her richer, famous-er, and prove that she was right all along: biodegradable plastic. Oh, and tonight she also has to prep for tomorrow’s lawsuit, soothe her frustrated business partner, and fend off an eager journalist hungry for a scoop. It’s all in a night’s work on the climb to success.

During a preview of the play that included a post-show conversation with the play’s writer Rachel Bublitz and director, Daniel Lendzian, several audience members raved about how incredible it was to see such strong female character development in each role. Others sang praise for the timely topics and the incredible set design.

The conversation was lively and engaging. When it threatened to go well past the allotted time, the audience, playwright, director, and technical crew kindly continued the conversation in the lobby. Chris Handley, Executive/Artistic Director of Alleyway Theatre explained how unique these opportunities are,

“Our talkbacks are different because we produce plays written by real living playwrights, we are bringing them together with the audience for a conversation. These ‘playwright chats’ are some of our most popular events.”

It was truly a special moment to experience this directly after watching a brand-new work of theatre.

Rachel Bublitz started writing BURST when she lived in the Bay area at a time that was greatly influenced by start-ups and tech companies. After observing an all too familiar commonality in her surroundings, along with seeing an office play that only featured one female role, the idea for this play was conceived.

Director, Daniel Lendzian and Playwright, Rachel Bublitz during an audience talkback

I want to create roles for women who are actors, who want to be on stage, and who want to do roles beyond just maids and moms,” so she asked herself, “What would a play in an office space just with women look like?

In addition, the set design for Alleyway’s production of BURST was a thoughtful collaboration between set designer, Collin Ranney, and director, Daniel Lendzian, who wanted the external threat of plastic to be represented in the design of the set. 

“I didn’t want any reason for anyone to say this isn’t real- I wanted an ever-present reminder that what she (Sarah) is talking about and what she is fighting for is real and does not go away,” shared Lendzian.

The show is unexpectedly funny and incredibly poignant, as well as a lesson in endurance by three of our region’s most formidable actors. So much so, that several audience members audibly gasped and were awed at several points throughout the performance.

With BURST as a 2022 National New Play Network Showcase Finalist, and Alleyway’s excellence in producing world premieres this is an absolute must-see production.

BURST runs from October 26th through November 12th, and tickets are on sale now at Alleyway.com

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Everhaunt Ends Season With Grand Finale

The screams have been loud and plenty around the Southtowns. Everhaunt Haunted House has returned stronger and more unique than ever, and will end with an amazing lineup this Halloween weekend.

Voted as one of the best haunted attractions in the country, Everhaunt has quite an array of Halloween fun. “For us it was never about creating just a bunch of haunted houses,” says founder Kevin Donovan. “It was always about creating a unique, one-of-a-kind Halloween Wonderland.”

Currently Everhaunt has multiple haunted houses, midway games, coffin rides, escape rooms, virtual reality and simulator rides, photo booth attractions, a local horror history show, a horror store, family friendly kid’s days and more.

“This year we were really excited to add The Earthquake: Thrill Experience, and The Chambers, a terrifying 2-minute simulated testing experience gone wrong.” Donovan mentioned. “However we are most excited about having Seth Gilliam, Father Gabriel from AMC’s hit show The Walking Dead on Halloween Weekend!”

Everhaunt’s popular Horror Icon Series has been a hit, where big name horror stars spend weekends at the attraction visiting with fans. This weekend: Sunday the 30th and Halloween night is headlined by Seth Gilliam, Father Gabriel from AMC’s The Walking Dead. He also starred in MTV’s Teen Wolf, HBO’s The Wire, Starship Troopers and many more…

The Walking Dead ends its 12 year run on November 6th with its final episode. Gilliam has been a main character on the hit show since 2014 airing in over 70 episodes. You can pick up exclusive meet and greet tickets to spend time before the haunted house opens hanging out with Gilliam, getting a picture with him, an autograph and then be first in line to go into the haunted house. Just another unique experience for Halloween at Everhaunt. Tickets are available online at www.everhaunt.com

Additionally this Saturday from Noon to 4pm is the last of the popular WNY Fall Festival Kid’s Days at Everhaunt which hosts a Kid’s “Lights-On” Haunted House, Petting Zoo, Food Trucks, Costume Contests, Coloring, Face Painting, and more…

Everhaunt again has partnered with several charities for this season including Kids Escaping Drugs, Sweet Buffalo, ConnectLife and Operation Good Neighbor.

Check out www.everhaunt.com for dates, hours and ticket information.

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Opportunity Knocks: 569 Elmwood Avenue

The main reason behind this “Opportunity Knocks” is the potential that 569 Elmwood Avenue possesses.

Along the way, this mixed use property lost much of its original character, which is unfortunate because back in the day this must have been a striking building. But there are plenty of people out there, armed with the design knowhow that would tremendously benefit this building. After all, Elmwood Avenue is deserving of such a makeover, and it wouldn’t be the first time that an investment of this nature has been made. A purchase such as this in the Elmwood Village is a worthy investment, especially with so many new development projects in the works.

I spoke to one of the property’s neighbors who told me that it would be a dream to see this building purchased and fixed up. It would certainly help to set a precedent for a few more properties on the street.

569 Elmwood Avenue is “primetime” for a proper facelift. The building itself possesses (1) large storefront that is currently occupied, (1) three bedroom apartment, (2) two bedroom apartments, and (2) studio apartments. It is currently being listed at $850,000.

Crossing fingers on this one.

This property is for sale by owner and Zillow, Inc. is displaying it at the owner’s request. It is not subject to a listing agreement with Zillow, Inc. or its affiliates.

View listing

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“Old Baby” Maria Bamford is coming to Kleinhans

How often do you hear someone compare marriage to being submerged in warm bread dough? Or comparing their own mental illness to the newest fashion sandal? Well you can count on Maria Bamford for that.

Immerse yourself into a night of comedy with Maria Bamford at the Mary Seaton Room in Kleinhans Music Hall. Her national tour makes the stop in Buffalo on Friday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m.

As seen on the Comedy Central series “The Comedians of Comedy” and Netflix’s “Comedians of Comedy: The Movie,” Bamford is no newbie to the world of comedy.

Bamford is the first female comic to have a two-hour “Comedy Central Presents” special and as someone who suffers from Bipolar II disorder and talks openly about mental illness through her comedy, she is breaking all kinds of barriers.

She even plays all the characters on her own web series “The Maria Bamford Show.” The variety of voices, noises and faces she can make is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat anticipating what will come from her next. Whether it’s a snort, a raspberry, or a grunt that comes out of her, she’s sure to get a laugh out of everyone.

You may have even already heard her without knowing it as she voiced various characters in shows like “Big Mouth,” “BoJack Horseman,” “Summer Camp Island,” “Adventure Time,” “Talking Tom and Friends,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Legend of Korra,” “Puss in Boots,” “CatDog,” and “Word Girl.”

Her hour-long stand-up TV specials break traditional stand-up comedy setting norms by having varied audiences in different settings throughout. Those specials include “Weakness is the Brand,” “Old Baby” and “Maria Bamford, the special, special, special!”

But Bamford isn’t only known for comedy and voicing hilarious characters, she is also known for acting in many TV shows and voice acting in several cartoons. To name a few, she’s been in “Arrested Development” and “Fresh off the Boat.” Not to mention she’s the lead star in “Lady Dynamite” which is about a comedian who goes through a nervous breakdown and is loosely based on Bamford’s life.

Also known for her mental health advocacy and giving 11 percent of her net profit to charity, going to a Bamfooco, Inc. show is a feel good experience all around.

We all need more laughter in our lives so don’t miss Bamford coming to Buffalo and get your ticket at https://kleinhansbuffalo.org/event/maria-bamford/.

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Something a Little Different @ Motherland

On a mid-October afternoon when the weather seemed to be dashing cold and warm together in an array of wind, sun, and color, I stood in front of Motherland, a business at 17 West Main Street in Lockport.  Motherland’s inviting storefront consists of dusty olive green accenting, a large window, and a dark wooden door.  A slate placard describes the business as a gift shop and apothecary though none of these descriptors are part of the store’s official name. Lettering on the door spells out Apotheca and  holds another key to the business’ ethos. Honoring nature and our individuality encouraging exploration of both. Painted on the storefront window, a white rabbit framed in a circlet of sparsely-leafed branches and moon phases suggests both movement and death.  Its stretched out limbs depict a small leap or the animal lying sideways relaxing into death. The rabbit’s all-white eyes also defy a simple interpretation; they suggest both a lack of sight and a deep insight, eyes that see beyond what the rest of us see.  These signs along with the sun gleaming off the doorway glass leave me unsure of what precisely I will find inside.

I soon learn that this defiance of easy interpretation is a thread that runs through Motherland, a business that is built around a concept rather than a traditional business model.  Inside the streetlevel store, shelves and tables hold an array of teas, herbal supplements, candles, mugs, beard maintenance products, a row of simple syrups, and more. Tucked into corners and next to the products are an array of items you might find in the pockets of a curious child: bird eggs, dried leaves, sticks, nests, and bones.  While this list of products and accent decor suggests  hodgepodge or even clutter, the store arrangement is anything but: It exudes deliberateness. The shelves are neatly stocked. Every arrangement invites noticing.  A dream of neatness married with an abundance of interesting things.  The personal products and candles indicate that this space is a gift shop, but the supplements and teas make me remember the word apothecary on the front chalkboard sign, and finally the decor gathered from nature suggests a natural history museum or a naturalist’s storeroom.  This place pushes against categorization.  

Motherland is a building made up of three things:  Apotheca, the street-level store full of curiosities and personal products; Motherland artists’ studio, a space on the building’s 2nd floor that hosts space for artists, events, and  community classes; and an exquisitely designed apartment for rent.  Motherland is also the homebase of the art and design business operated by building owners Laura Duquette and Matt Duquette (formerly 12 Grain Studios).  Laura and Matt describe Motherland on their website as “a place of internal and personal growth meant to influence personal journeys. A place for artists, thinkers, adventurers and the curious.”  So to sum up,  Motherland is a retail building, an art and design company office, a community gathering place, and perhaps most importantly, Motherland is a conceptual space. In the words of Laura Duquette “a source of inspiration.”  

If you choose to visit Motherland, you’ll most likely start in the store Apotheca.  The name, of course, suggests Apothecary, the historical term for a place of business that dispensed medicine.  And in some ways this matches what you will find in the store. Many of the items are teas and supplements that promote digestion, energy, or sleep. The store also hosts an “herbal hour” one Thursday a month in which a New York State certified herbalist discusses different uses for plants in cooking and health. 

Laura says she likes to think of the store as a ‘storeroom of things that come from nature.’

Laura tells me that Apothecary is not a name she could officially give the store because New York State Law only allows licensed pharmacists to use that term.  Laura though says she likes the name Apotheca because it can suggest an Apothecary, yes, but it technically means a storeroom.  It is a term used often in the wine business.  Laura says she likes to think of the store as a “storeroom of things that come from nature.” 

Another way you might choose to visit Motherland is through their programming.   The Duquettes use their studio space professionally as they are both artists and designers, but they also conceptualized the studio as a resource for the community.  They have run art programming for both children and adults and currently host a monthly figure drawing class.  This past summer they collaborated with Bert Gambini to offer a reader’s theater.  “These events are family friendly or an inexpensive date night that offers up a unique experience,” Lara explains. “Motherland is hosting an upcoming Halloween party titled A night of Risk and Panic.  Like all things connected to Motherland, this event is conceptual.  The night will explore the idea of panic beyond just the blood and gore of horror films. Laura says that the Halloween party concept is about “bringing more of an art form to Halloween.” More details here.

I admitted to the Duquettes that I did not immediately associate Lockport with conceptual projects.  Matt explained that they initially planned to set up shop in Buffalo and focus on their art and design business.  Yet over time they realized that they wanted to diversify what they worked on.  Together they do a bit of illustration, a bit of fine art, a bit of design, and now a bit of retail. This diversification keeps them pliable when business gets spare but it also allows them to dabble in all the things they love.  Laura says that she and Matt are people always “pitching ideas before they are relevant” and admits that Motherland may at first seem out of place in Lockport.  And yet as she continued to explain the tight-knit community of Lockport and Motherland’s desire to promote community engagement, the fit became more apparent.  Laura also notes that Lockport needs businesses that are not “more of the same” and that “people are always looking for something different.”  The Duquettes both note that people often wander into the store just to ask “what is this place?” This curiosity creates a pathway for Laura and Matt to continue to get to know and to connect with the Lockport community.  

The Duquette’s resumes are as intriguing and varied as Motherland.  They are both artists and work together in design, illustration, and animation.  Matt, a native of Tonawanda, is a commercial artist working as an illustrator and graphic designer. He has showcased his work in numerous places in Buffalo along with venues in New York City and Durham, North Carolina.  Laura, a native of Lockport, is a designer, writer, and has a background in metal work.  Laura also works with partner Jamie Duchscherer in a venture called Daughters Art Services that matches artists with small business owners looking to bring art to their commercial spaces. 

Motherland Apotheca | 17 W Main St, Lockport, NY 14094 | (716) 462-0121 | Instagram

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Police Athletic League of Buffalo will host a “Spooktacular Kickball Game”

Since the 1950’s, the Halloween season has been a time when children amass (and eat) as many sugary sweets that they can get their hands on. Of course everything is fine in moderation, but with the growing concern about the poor health of America’s children, there are some groups that are attempting to combat the candy grab by offsetting it with outdoor activities.

According to the CDC, obesity in children can result in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and joint problems.

Partially due to a poor diet, and not enough exercise, kids are getting the short end of the sugary stick. As they age, these bad habits tend to continue, which is why it’s so important to educate young people about the risks of obesity, while offering them plenty of engaging alternatives.

PlayStreets sessions occur at locations throughout Buffalo. They aim to inspire students to stay healthy, active, and fit. 

And that’s exactly what the Police Athletic League (PAL) is doing this Halloween season. The organization is hosting a “Spooktacular Kickball Game” that invites youth ages 6-16 to dress up in their favorite costumes and play outdoors alongside their peers. Following the game, the children will be offered a treat (a reward), as well as free sports equipment.

American consumers have spent 3.1 billion dollars on Halloween candy this season, a number that is slightly higher than pre-pandemic spending (statista.com). According to 2020 research by Coupon Follow, children consume 7,000 calories and 3 cups of sugar on Halloween.

This fun and festive kickball game is part of the PlayStreets program, which takes place throughout the year. These weekly outdoor sports clinics are designed to promote healthier habits, proper nutrition, increased strength and agility, and better cardiovascular health.

Everyone is invited to participate in this wholesome fun.

WHERE: Inside the Delavan-Grider Community Center 877 E. Delavan Ave (corner of Moselle St.) in Buffalo 

WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 4:30pm-6:30. 

To register a child for PlayStreets, visit Buffalopal.com

The PlayStreets program is presented by Independent Health

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Parkside Avenue Business District’s 2022 Fall Festival

On Saturday, October 29, join the Parkside Avenue Business District for its annual Fall Festival. This family friendly event starts at 10am and lasts throughout the day. Visitors to the event will find all sorts of entertainment, including a costume parade (and contest). That means that it’s time to dress up and head on over to the Parkside Business District, where you will find a row of intriguing businesses that are all playing host for the day.

Here’s the event and activity line-up:

Costume Parade/Contest at 12:45 pm – Parade starts at Alice, Ever After Books (295 Parkside Ave in Buffalo). Katie Morse from WKBW, Adam Zyglis, Buffalo News editorial cartoonist, and a Buffalo Beauts hockey player will be the judgesFat Bob’s Food Truck will be on site from 11am-2pmAdam Zyglis, Buffalo News Editorial Cartoonist, will be at JAM Parkside from 1:30-3pm signing his book, “You Know You Are From Buffalo If…”JAM Parkside (301 Parkside) will have apple cider donuts available for sale with their fall special lattesBuffalo Seamery (299 Parkside) will have fall themed drinks and a special saleAlice, Ever After Books (295 Parkside) has Drag Queen Story Time at 12pm – Free with a suggested donationFairy Cakes (289 Parkside) will have fall and Halloween-themed desserts available from 10am-2pmMaking Waves Art Studio (285 Parkside) will have a drop-in art making session for a fee from 1-3pmParkside Meadow Restaurant (2 Russell) will be open for lunch at 1pm with fall themed drink specialsKids!!!! – Trick or Treat after the Costume Parade at the different businesses

The 2022 Parkside Avenue Business District’s Fall Festival has it all – something for everyone!

So be sure to spread the good word about this unique and fanciful fall festival that has got everyone talking.

For more information, visit this Facebook event page.

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