Category: PostEvents

The Buffalo Common Council has adopted resolution to explore the idea of adding At Large members to its governing body. An At Large member would be elected by a city-wide vote, instead of by district. There were once At Large members, but those positions were eliminated via referendum. But now that the city is rebounding, with growing census numbers, the resolution – “Pridgen – Exploring at Large Council Member Positions” – instructs the Common Council members to identify the potential benefits and concerns of reinstating the positions.

According to the 2020 census, the City of Buffalo has seen its first population growth in over 70 years. 

“There have been many people who have come to this Council or called and have at least asked us to look at the benefit, if there is a benefit, if there is not a benefit to the City of Buffalo residents, when talking about At-Large,” said Buffalo Common Council President Darius G. Pridgen, who points to the ongoing resettlement of immigrants and refugees in Buffalo as one of the reasons for the recent population growth. “This is just a conversation. In this resolution it talks about opening up a period of public discussion. I think it’s timely to talk about is it time for the Council to explore at large members who then are not necessarily beholden to one district but to the city.”

As Common Council members explore the potential of adding At Large members, they are also asking for the public to weigh in.

The Common Council is asking residents to go to www.buffalony.gov/AtLarge to fill out the survey and provide their feedback on this matter.

Lead image: Signs of growth on the city’s West Side – Providence Farm Collective’s new farmer’s market on Grant Street

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Now that the live music scene is heading indoors, there could be no better place to catch some of the region’s best (and notable up and comers) musicians all in one place: The Pan Am Room at The Terrace.

Since opening, The Terrace has quickly garnered a reputation as a reliable home for headlining jazz acts, as well as other accomplished entertainers. Whether it’s Joey Donahue on keys (piano and cocktails), or Sunday jazz Brunch with the Lance Tanner Duo and Dozo My Lady, there is an endless array of gifted players that await music lovers this fall season.

Highlights include a free piano bar featuring talented special guest pianists tickling the ivories every Friday and Saturday at the Fireside Lounge & Bar (no cover and no reservations required) presented by JazzBuffalo. And on Sundays, from 11am to 2:30pm, it’s jazz, jazz, jazz, with rotating performers. Not to mention the special entertainers that make showings on select Saturdays

This is your chance to get to know the likes of Carolyn Lansom, Harry Graser, Mark Marinaccio, Sue Kincaid, Nelson Starr, Donny Frauenhofer, Alex McArthur, John Troy, and Matt Michaud. There are a number of rising stars on the scene, as well as some old hats. It’s a great mix of talents and song selections, all found at one of the city’s premier venue locations. Jazz, soul, funk… The Terrace has it all.

To view all of the opportunities to catch live music at The Terrace this fall season, click here.

The Pan Am Room @ The Terrace

Delaware Park | 199 Lincoln Parkway | Buffalo, NY 14222

(716) 886-0089

info@terracebuffalo.com

The post Jazz (and Jazzy) @ The Terrace appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The clock is winding down.  Early voting is coming soon.  How much money do the 2022 candidates have to wrap up the presentation of their cases to the voters?

The Hochul/Democratic team and the Zeldin/Republican team at this stage have pretty much decided their closing strategies. Both have considerable cash available. Zeldin is also benefitting from the millions of dollars in Republican PAC money that is being used to attack Hochul. The Republicans are throwing around comments about “rigged elections” as they challenge state laws intended to expand voting opportunities. Democrats are calling attention to fraud involving minor party petitions that the Republicans submitted for Zeldin.

All state and local candidates and committees involved in 2022 elections were required to file reports by October 7th reflecting receipts and expenditures through October 3.  There will be one more set of financials prior to the election, on October 28th.

Here are the financials for the statewide candidates since July:

Kathy Hochul.  Raised $11,029,907.  Balance of funds still available:  $10,908,885Lee Zeldin.  Raised $6,414,425.  Balance $4,501,296.Attorney General Letitia James, Democrat.  Raised $701,183.  Balance $2,757,956Republican candidate for Attorney General, Michael Henry.  Raised $239,654.  Balance $146,213State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Democrat.  Raised $318,620.  Balance $1,998,367Republican candidate for Comptroller, Paul Rodriguez.  Raised $157.  Balance $3,173

In the race for Erie County Clerk, here are the numbers:

Republican Incumbent Michael Kearns.  Raised $61,315.  Balance $15,239Democrat Melissa Hartman.  Raised $21,473.  Balance $40,182

Here are financials for candidates for the State Legislature:

Senator Tim Kennedy, 63rd District.  Raised $91,350.  Balance $1,990,211Senator Pat Gallivan, 60th District, Republican.  No report posted as of October 10, 2022. Senator Sean Ryan, Democratic candidate in the 61st District, raised $129,799.  Balance $322,308Senator Ed Rath, Republican candidate in the 61st District, raised $40,043.  Balance $173,173Senator Robert Ortt, 62nd District, Republican.    Raised $166,025. Balance $286,253 Assemblyman Bill Conrad, 140th District, Democrat.  Raised $40,043.  Balance $18,047Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, 141st District, Democrat.  No report posted as of October 10, 2022.Assemblyman Pat Burke, 142nd District, Democrat.  Raised $19,965.  Balance $60,735Sandy Magnano, 142nd District, Republican.  Raised $31,530.  Balance $9,850+Assemblywoman Monica Wallace, 143rd District, Democrat.  Raised $46,184.  Balance $136,628Frank Smierciak, Republican, 143rd, District.  Raised $7,167.  Balance $8,317Assemblyman Michael Norris, 144th District, Republican.  No report posted as of October 10, 2022. Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, 145th District, Republican.  Raised $15,605.  Balance $84,803Assemblywoman Karen McMahon, 146th District, Democrat.  Raised $27,803.  Balance $51,786Katrina Zeplowitz, 146th District, Republican.  Raised $9,958.  Balance $3,028+Assemblyman David DiPietro, 147th District, Republican.  Raised $16,427.  Balance $140,486Assemblyman Jon Rivera, 149th District, Democrat.  No report posted as of October 10, 2022. Ralph Hernandez 149th District, Republican.  No Committee record filed as of October 10, 2022

Tim Kennedy’s bankroll

Senator Kennedy’s campaign treasury appears to exceed the total combined treasuries of all 13 other incumbent Western New York state legislators noted above; and is just $8,156 less than the account of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Since July his major expenditures have included checks to Kathy Hochul ($10,000); Equity PAC ($10,000); Brown for Buffalo ($5,000); and the State Senate Democratic Campaign Committee ($6,127).  In total his campaign spent $191,340 since mid-July.

Financials for candidates for State Supreme Court:

Tracey Bannister, endorsed by all parties.  Balance $1,046Craig Hannah, endorsed by all parties.  No Committee record filed as of October 10, 2022Gerald Greenan, endorsed by all parties except Working Families.  Balance $0Kelly Vacco, endorsed by all parties except Working Families.  No Committee record filed as of October 10, 2022Shannon Heneghan, Democrat and Working Families candidate.  Raised $32,546 since July; total for year, $208,971, including a $100,000 loan.  Balance $38,083Joseph Lorigo, Republican and Conservative candidate.  Raised $157,485.  Loans from Joseph Lorigo ($20,000) and Ralph Lorigo ($74,000).  Balance $232,098

Congressional financial reports were due to be filed by September 30.  The Federal Election Commission is often slow in posting that information.  Concerning the three Western New York House races and the election for United States Senator, the only candidate who had his financials posted as of October 10 was Max Della Pia.

Della Pia, Democrat in the 23rd District.  Raised $244,340 since January.  Balance $52,499 ($17,100 owed)

In case you were wondering

Former Erie County Comptroller and Hamburg Supervisor candidate Stefan Mychajliw failed to file his post-election report last November or his January or July 2022 financial reports on the reporting deadlines.  On August 15 he filed reports essentially closing out his campaign accounts.

His reports indicated that he had loaned his campaign $13,918, which was basically converted into a contribution. His January report (filed in August) reported a $30,000 expenditure to Big Dog Strategies. After the election Mychajliw became an associate of Big Dog Strategies.

Lynn Dixon paid Big Dog Strategies $75,039 in her losing campaign for County Comptroller last year.  Erie County Legislator Joseph Lorigo paid the same consulting firm $14,070 in his successful re-election campaign in 2021.

Ken Kruly writes about politics and other stuff at politicsandstuff.com

Follow on Twitter @kenkruly

The post With 4 weeks to go, how much money do the candidates have? appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The team at 43North made some big noise last week when they announced the 15 finalists for the eighth edition (yes, you read that right- 8 years!) of 43North’s annual startup competition. 

The finalists will make their way to Buffalo at the end of October to pitch their ideas in the hopes of securing $1 million and gaining the opportunity to grow their business in Buffalo – one of the nation’s fastest-growing tech hubs.  Although we can expect the same incredible energy as past years’ competitions- this one is sure to be bigger and better on all fronts. In addition to shifting the awards to include five $1 million winners, 43North also shared news of new production elements including live music from Buffalo’s very own local band Farrow that will accompany the Finals program.  

Our tagline this year is, ‘the stakes have never been higher,’ and that’s really true. For the first time ever, five companies will receive $1 million. These companies have been working with us for months- we had over 700 applications and it’s going to come down to five. Five companies will walk away with a $1 million investment and the opportunity to grow their business right here in Buffalo,”

Justine Palkowski, Content Marketing Manager at 43North. 

With the caliber of companies being higher than past years, it was time for the 43North team to ramp up the competition, and numbers show that this can only prove to be a positive investment for our city’s economic growth. 

Over the past seven years, 43North has invested in a diverse, industry agnostic portfolio of 59 companies, 44% of which have founders of color and 28% having female founders. Earlier this year, 43North reported that their portfolio companies had collectively created more than 1,000 jobs in Western New York. Over 60% of 43North’s portfolio maintains a material presence in Buffalo. 

“Startups are crucial for a region’s economic growth, creating the majority of new jobs,” Governor Hochul said. “The success of 43North has sent a message to entrepreneurs around the world – New York State is home to the jobs of the future. We look forward to welcoming the finalists of this year’s 43North competition to the energized startup community that is Buffalo.”  

The competition is part of New York State’s Buffalo Billion initiative ($30 million in Buffalo Billion I and $25 million in Buffalo Billion II), with funding supported by the New York Power Authority. 43North President Colleen E. Heidinger said, 

“We’re excited to reach this milestone in our selection process and eagerly await the opportunity to get to know these 15 companies as they make their way to Buffalo. These next phases in the judging process are pivotal and thrilling steps which give our community an opportunity to get in on the action as we get down to selecting our year eight cohort.” 

Join the 43North team for the semi-finals right at their home in the Seneca One Tower on October 19th  beginning at 9:30am- a free event open to the public.  43North Finals is free to attend, but registration is required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free tickets for 43North Finals taking place on October 20 at 6pm ET at Shea’s Performing Arts Center can be reserved at 43North.org. 

Finalists are coming from all over the globe, including some of the world’s largest city’s in the ultimate battle of the start-ups and it’s happening HERE!

Meet the finalists! 

Agape Wellness – Rochester, NY

Agapé is a relationship wellness company that uses personalized questions to spark meaningful conversations. On the consumer side, its app helps couples have happier, more fulfilling relationships. And in the workplace, Agapé curates meaningful employee connection that increases satisfaction and retains talent.

Aravenda – Vienna, VA

Aravenda leads technology innovation in the fastest growing segment of retail; Resale. Aravenda is B2B SaaS for any type of reseller, anywhere in the world.  

CAHill TECH – Buffalo, NY

CAHill TECH is a SaaS tech firm providing job-readiness for tradespeople and reportable metrics for employers through CAHill’s flagship product, aQuiRe. 

Delee – Laredo, TX

Delee developed a state-of-the-art technology capable of isolating and analyzing circulating tumor cells from blood. What they have built will contribute to detecting cancer at early stages, while providing physicians with the necessary information to personalize each patient’s therapy and monitor its effectiveness throughout the course of their disease.  

MAGPIE – New York, NY

MAGPIE is a venture-backed, fintech platform that uses AI technology to improve asset/price discovery, inventory management and transaction timing & partners for sellers of collectible assets. The simple, user-friendly platform is purpose-built for highly volatile, one-of-a-kind assets to drive greater revenue and reduced operating costs.  

Lilu – New York, NY

Lilu builds tech-enabled products to make early motherhood more comfortable and stress-free for new moms. Its first product, the Lilu Massager, is the first automated breast massage pumping bra that helps moms pump 30-55% more milk in less time, with customers calling it a “breastfeeding savior.”  

M Aerospace – Austin, TX

M Aerospace is an advanced additive manufacturing technology company offering rapid prototyping and production capabilities to a wide range of industries. It specializes in Metal 3D Printing technologies and services, and provides a variety of metal materials, material combination and the ability to print large parts. 

Mod Tech Labs –  Austin, TX

MOD helps enterprise companies create universal 3D content at scale by digitizing the real world using photos. The no-code processing platform cleans, refines and enhances 3D imagery of objects, places, and people with automated AI-powered tools. Companies capture once and optimize for any digital media use.  

Otrafy – Chicago, IL

Otrafy is an AI-powered SaaS supplier management platform with the ability to automate compliance and identify risks.  

Phood – New York, NY

Phood integrates with universities’ card services to create a connection between students’ flex dollar accounts and the gig economy. Phood issues a virtual debit card to students which can be used to purchase goods and services from third party vendors, made possible through partnerships with Discover.  

Seshie – Penn Valley, PA

Seshie makes it easy for teams to book live, virtual modern-day workshops (seshies) based on employee data and insights. Managers sign up, invite team members, send out Seshie surveys and based on data/insight get recommended workshops (seshies) to book.  

Tampon Tribe – Los Angeles, CA

Organic, plastic-free period products that have created a new category of organic period care. Tampon Tribe designs sustainable and functional products for active women. Driven by success and a passion for growth and the environment, Tampon Tribe continues to thrive with a recurring-revenue, impact-driven model, positioned for rapid growth.  

AMPAworks – Santa Monica, CA

AMPAworks is a team of doctors, nurses, and engineers who have built an IoT camera using computer vision A.I. in order to have full inventory visibility in pharmacies, medical device companies, surgery centers, clinics, and hospitals. The system enables shelf-to-shelf granularity of inventory to help with demand planning and re-stocking.  

Twipes – London, United Kingdom

Twipes are a bio-tech materials company that have developed a material that can break down in water in three hours and biodegrade in a landfill in just seven days. Its first product has been awarded as the World’s first truly flushable, truly biodegradable wet wipes.  

TYBR Health – Houston, TX

TYBR Health makes a surgical spray that protects tissues while they heal to improve outcomes after surgery. TYBR Health was formed out of the Texas Medical Center Biodesign fellowship. Over the course of one year, the team identified a clinical problem, created a solution, and started a company. 

Join the 43North team for the semi-finals right at their home in the Seneca One Tower on October 19th  beginning at 9:30am- a free event open to the public.  43North Finals is free to attend, but registration is required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free tickets for 43North Finals taking place on October 20 at 6pm ET at Shea’s Performing Arts Center can be reserved at 43North.org. 

All Photos and videos courtesy of 43North

The post 43North’s 8th annual startup competition has helped secured Buffalo as one of the nation’s fastest-growing tech hubs appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Take a pinch of Octoberfest and a sprinkling of Porchfest, add a farmer’s market, mix in the Elmwood Avenue business community, and you’ve got one heck of a fall shindig.

On Saturday, October 15, Porchtoberfest will be the place to be in the heart of the Elmwood Village.

The event, hosted by the Elmwood Village Association and the Elmwood Strip Group, will kick off at the Bidwell Farmers Market starting at 8am, where there will be live music and special events (including face painting and a pumpkin patch).

Then, throughout the course of the day, Elmwood will come alive with additional live music, artisan pop-ups, a scavenger hunt, beer tastings, drink specials, etc. The festivities will last until the bars and restaurants call it quits that evening/night. Aside from a bevy of shops participating, the following bars, restaurants, markets, and cafés will have live music:

Bands on Elmwood 

Bidwell Farmers Market 

Buffalo Fleece & Outerwear

Caffé Aroma

Coles

Cookies & Cream

Globe Market

Lexington Co-Op

Sato

Spot Coffee

More details to come at www.elmwoodstripbuffalo.com

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Buildings make Buffalo. Aside from our relationship to Lake Erie, it is our building stock that defines us. Everyone has a favorite building, whether it’s the high profile Central Terminal, or a colorful cottage on the city’s West Side. We have a connection to buildings for lots of reasons. They tie us geographically to our region. Maybe we love the shapes of the windows, or the building materials, or the rooflines. Buildings speak to us. They tell their stories, no matter their condition.

In recent years, Buffalo has been drawing attention to its fragile architectural heritage – as a rallying cry for increased preservation efforts. At the same time, we have witnessed some of our favorite buildings being threatened with demolition. We have – shamefully – lost some precious gems along the way. And we are still bombarded with constant threats from opposing forces. That’s why it’s even more important to connect with buildings, in order to share their/our stories, in hopes of preserving their legacies.

On Wednesday, October 12, the Buffalo Architecture Foundation (BAF) will host its annual 6-Minute Building Stories event, which is a “multi-media project documenting and sharing profound individual experiences with architecture, construction, landscape, and planning throughout Western New York.”

The way the event works is that numerous people share their stories over the course of 6 minutes. Multi-media channels are used to convey the messages, including prose, poetry, photography, original artwork, music, and recorded spoken word.

In addition to the live, in-person event, BAF has teamed up with University at Buffalo Libraries to make these sessions available via a digital collection at UBdigit. The Building Stories digital collection includes photographs, print materials, audio recordings, artworks, and artifacts.

Anyone is welcome to submit a Building Story here.

6-Minute Building Stories

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Silos @ Elk Street | 50 Elk Street, Buffalo NY 14210

6pm-9pm

$10 admission | Cash bar | Free drink ticket for first 50 attendees

Moondoggies food truck will be on site

The post 2022 6-Minute Building Stories at Silos @ Elk Street 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: The Yard as Spectacle 

Yards are right there, in your face, every step of your walk. Many are interesting in one way or another, and some—especially if one escapes the toney Delaware District, where standards of decorum can limit one’s creativity (except, perhaps, in plants and flowers)—are spectacular, even bizarre. 

Glenwood Avenue at Humboldt Parkway

There’s no better example of the yard as spectacle than this one (above) at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Humboldt Parkway. Amid the flags (the red, black, and green one is the Pan-African flag, first flown in 1920) and goo-gahs of “Samantha Garden” are memorials to the deceased and photos of prominent African-Americans, including Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith (who raised a black-gloved hand at the 1968 Olympics), and Malcolm X. The Pope is there, too, as are some faces I didn’t recognize. Across a small red Buffalo were the words, “All Lives Matters.” This yard can change dramatically from time to time. 

Glenwood Avenue at Humboldt Parkway (closeup)

More restricted in scope, but no less spectacular, is the doubled cross of flowers (plastic, we assume) that dominates this yard on Beckwith Street at Madison, just off Sycamore. It’s a well-known feature of the neighborhood. A man passing by said he had visited the cross at least 40 times, and that it was especially dramatic when illuminated at night. 

The East Side is also home to two sculpture gardens that occupy yards. One of them, visible from the 190 freeway in the Seneca/Babcock neighborhood, features a standing Buffalo, an eagle, and Michelangelo’s David. 

The other, a work in progress, is centered around a fountain worthy of Florence or Rome, complete with cherubs and fish and—perhaps not from the Renaissance—a young woman at the very top. To the right in the photo, another sculpted young woman, this one demurely covering up. To the east, the Central Terminal suggests the location.

The plastic pink flamingo has been a popular feature of yards since 1957, when an art school graduate working for Union Products, a company specializing in “plastics for the lawn,” created the prototype. The first consumers of the product lived in working-class areas. Sixty-five years later, the pink flamingo remains a popular feature of area yards, usually with one or two birds poking around in the bushes.

This yard, in North Buffalo off Hinman Avenue, is the most elaborate we’ve seen—and one of the most patriotic, combining the flamingo with Uncle Sam, American flags, and a large “FREEDOM” sign. Many of the flamingos sport “flag” hats. Buffalo may have a special relationship to the pink flamingo. In June, the city, celebrating Frederick Law Olmsted’s 200th birthday, earned the Guinness World Record for the “longest line of garden flamingos” (FLOmingos), with 4280. 

A corner yard at Michigan and Riley offers another sort of statement, at once patriotic and somber, honoring veterans of the Vietnam War, POW-MIAs, the Army and the Marines. A pair of combat boots hangs over what appears to be a military shield. The display has changed over the years. 

Sometimes all the spectacle requires is one figure that seems to exist beyond the imagination. We found that figure in a back yard on Red Jacket and Perry Streets, in the Old First Ward. He appeared to be ready to put sausages on the grill. The rest of the property also deserves a look. The owner encouraged us to explore his unique yard. 

We’re not connoisseurs of plants and flowers, yet we couldn’t help but admire this riot of Celosia, flourishing in late October on Best Street (yes, Best Street, near Wohlers, across from the barbed wire of a former youth detention center). This edible plant (I think I’ll stick with lettuce) is also known as Cock’s Comb. In Italy, it is sometimes called “penne [feathers] dei Carabinieri,” referring to the red, feather-like plumes on the ceremonial hats worn by members of the national police force.

We’ve got just one more spectacular yard, and we could have saved it for a separate piece on Christmas displays. It’s so over-the-top that it seemed better here, as the final entry in “the yard as spectacle.” You’ll have to go to Niagara Avenue, Niagara Falls (New York) in December to see this one.

Also see:

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

© William Graebner

The post How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo, and Beyond (5th in the series) appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Buffalo’s world of artists and artisans is growing a great deal, in part thanks to the efforts of collectives like The Guild @ 980. I spoke to Kevin Hayes, who, along with Michael Gainer, runs the operation. And what an operation it has become! There are currently 50 artist and artisan studios in operation at The Guild, which is found on the second and third floors of the 45,000 square foot building. Kevin told me that there are plans to build out an additional 20 studios this winter, as the demand is high for affordable work space, in a communal setting.

The Guild @ 980

There are so many talented artists and artisans at The Guild,” Kevin told me. “Like musical instrument maker Michael Schenkel, and Kendra Stevens (The Swing Gallery), who makes beautiful swings, and freelance photographer Malik Rainey, who is working for The New York Times at 21 years old. Then we have painters, woodworkers, people who do jewelry and silkscreening, small manufacturing, wood, metal, and glass. We also have a couple of people who are doing custom sneaker upgrades and collectible sneakers.

The first floor of the building is home to ReUse Action, which is filled to the gills with all sorts of salvaged, donated, and found goods and materials. This is where you would find everything from old doors to fireplace mantels. Back in the day, there were other warehouses that specialized in these types of coveted building and decor items, such at Horsefeathers and Gothic City, but these days, ReUse Action is where it’s at.

One of the things that make ReUse Action so interesting is that there is a contracting division, with its own carpenters. There are also salvage crews that ensure that as many materials as possible stay out of landfills. These amassed materials (such as insulation) take up so much space that Kevin and Michael are preparing to build a pole building (barn) this spring on their property. This will help to free up valuable space within the building, and at their back lot, which is increasingly mounting to full capacity.

Since 2015, ReUse Action and The Guild @ 980 have grown. Not only is the building a major convenience for people looking to fix up and accessorize their homes, it’s also an inspirational place for artists and artisans to get busy.

The Guild @ 980

On a personal note, I am saddened to hear of the passing of George Thomas (GT) Apfel, who had become an indispensable figurehead (Maintenance Engineer) at the ReUse Action building. From his golden days in radio as a broadcaster, station director, engineer, etc. in Las Vegas, to his heralded return to Buffalo to help spearhead the city’s renaissance, George was respected and loved by so many people. His voyage back to Buffalo is recounted in this self-penned Buffalo Rising article.

While George may no longer be with us, his spirit is alive and well at ReUse Action and The Guild @ 980. Everything that he worked towards, embodied, and wanted for Buffalo continues to come to fruition at this busy hub that is in business to reclaim, restore, and renew. That happened to be in line with his own mantra for building back Buffalo.

As for the creative studios and the endless sea of reclaimed and surplus building materials, the public can see all of this and more, via a series of Open Studios at The Guild @ 980, the second Saturday of each month, starting at 11am. It’s the ideal time to meet the artists and inhabitants that occupy the studios. Of course ReUse Action is also open during these hours, as well as weekly set business hours.

Pay a visit in person at 980 Northampton Street, or visit www.reuseaction.com for further information.

Email: info@reuseaction.com | Phone: 716-894-3366

The post Open Studios = Opens Doors at The Guild @ 980 appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Second Generation Theatre presents a 90-minute retelling of THE SECRET GARDEN at the Shea’s Smith Theatre with shows beginning October 14th. THE SECRET GARDEN was originally slated to be performed in June of 2020. More than two years later, not only have the cast and director changed, but the version of the show has changed as well. This version runs under two hours, keeping the heart and spirit of the original story in a format that better suits young audiences.

This is a heartfelt musical story of love, loss, and regeneration. Michael Oliver-Walline’s ability as a director to create a magical and enchanting world is a perfect match for this classic tale. SGT is poised to continue our legacy of quality, immersive experiences featuring actor debuts from an exciting ‘third generation’ with SGT Academy alum Ella Hinkin and Clark Garvey.”

Kristin Bentley, Executive Director

Both Hinklin and Garvey have been students of SGT’s theatre education program since 2017, but this is their first show with the company. Hinklin’s mother, four-time Artie Award winning actor Jenn Stafford, is also featured in THE SECRET GARDEN. This is the first time the duo has appeared on stage together.

“Doing a show with my mom is so much fun. Since I was really little I’ve heard her practicing and singing- It’s exciting to be a part of that,” says Hinklin. 

Stafford had this to say. “It has been such an amazing experience getting to spend this time with Ella.  I oscillate between these warm teaching/sharing moments where we get to talk about life and tinkering with art and timing, then this giving her space to be and grow and find footing times, interspersed with  tsunami level waves of ugly-cry-blubbering-proud-mama feels watching what she is capable of.”

Michael Oliver-Walline returns with his directing genius 4 years after directing SGT’s incredible production of Big Fish in 2018 for a night of magic storytelling that will transport you straight to the Secret Garden. As Kelly Copps, co-founder and artistic director of SGT playing the role of Lily in this production would say,  “Every performance should be a little piece of magic that you can take away with you.”THE SECRET GARDEN:Spring Version is directed & choreographed by Michael Oliver-Walline with Music Direction by Allan Paglia and features Ella Hinklin (Mary), Clark Garvey (Colin), Louis Colaiacovo (Archibald), Kelly Copps (Lily), John Panepinto (Neville), Amy Jakiel (Martha), Joe Russi (Dickon), Anne DeFazio (Mrs. Medlock), John Kreuzer (Ben), and an ensemble featuring  Leah Berst, Bob Mazierski, Jenn Stafford, Collin McKee, Anthony Lazzaro, Maria Pedro, Jenny Marie McCabe, and Charles McGregor.

Full Schedule:

Friday, October 14, 7:30 pmSaturday,  October 15, 2:00 pm & 8:00 pmSunday, October 16, 2:00 pmThursday, October 20, 7:30 pmFriday, October 21, 7:30 pmSaturday, October 22, 2:00 pm & 8:00 pmSunday, October 23, 2:00 pmThursday, October 27, 7:30 pmFriday, October 28, 7:30 pmSaturday, October 29, 2:00 pm & 8:00 pmSunday, October 30, 2:00 pm

Where: Shea’s Smith Theatre, 658 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14202

Tickets: General Admission $35, Seniors $30, Students $15, Group Discounts Available

Box Office: (716)508-7480 to purchase by phone or  sheas.org/performances/the-secret-garden

For more information and photos, visit secondgenerationtheatre.com.

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On Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 5:30 PM, Larkin Development Group will be hosting an author talk with Margaret Sullivan, former Managing Editor of The Buffalo News, and Sheila Rayam, Executive Editor of The Buffalo News. The discussion will revolve around Ms. Sullivan’s new memoir Newsroom Confidential: Lessons (and Worries) from an Ink-Stained Life.

Few people are aware that Ms. Sullivan joined The Buffalo News as an intern. She would go on to become the first women Managing Editor. In 2012, she left ‘The News‘ to take a position as Public Editor at The New York Times. Then, in 2016, she headed over to The Washington Post, as a columnist covering media and politics.

Sheila Rayam – appointed the Executive Editor of The Buffalo News in August 2022 – will discuss Ms. Sullivan’s high profile political news coverage that is the essence of Newsroom Confidential.

“Margaret Sullivan has tremendous insight into the workings of the most influential newspapers of our time,” said Vice President of Larkin Development Group, Leslie Zemsky. “She is a wonderful speaker as well as writer, we look forward to an engaging conversation with Sheila Rayam who brings her own experience in journalism to the conversation.”

Anyone interested in the changing landscape of journalism over the last four decades will want to attend this free event, which will take place at the Larkin at Exchange Building, First Floor Café, 726 Exchange Street.

The event is free, no tickets needed. Books available for purchase at the event courtesy of Talking Leaves. Signing to follow the talk. There is free parking in the parking lots in front of the building along Exchange Street.

Larkin Square Author events are presented by KeyBank and sponsored by Independent Health. For more information about Larkin Square events, visit LarkinSquare.com.

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