Category: PostEvents

“Turning Dreams Into Businesses” is the tagline of EforAll, a business accelerator that opened its Buffalo branch in May of 2021, naming Juweria Dahir as their Executive Director. Dahir is originally from East Africa, later moving to Switzerland and the United Kingdom before relocating to Buffalo in 2013 with her husband, a Buffalonian. EforAll, founded in 2010, is based locally in The Innovation Center on Ellicott Street on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and provides entrepreneurs with free business classes. EforAll participants attend classes, receive mentoring, and have full access to a vital network of business and non-profit contacts. “EforAll works primarily with under-represented entrepreneurs, that’s our target audience.,” says Dahir. “They learn the nuts and bolts of what it means to launch and start a business. We take them from the ideation stage to marketing the business and we look for people who are going to launch a business in their own backyard, adding vitality to the community. Whether they’re on Sycamore Street or Grant Street they will hire people who look like them and help form a healthy tax base. My team also helps them learn that they do not have to do this on their own. I like to say that our pitch competition is not a shark tank, but a dolphin tank. Everyone at EforAll is in the game, participating as a specialist, or as a mentor. We cannot work in silos; we need to create a fertile environment for everyone to see their dream’s possibilities here in Buffalo and that they don’t have to pack up and go to another city to do that.”

716 Tips

“There are two small businesses that locals and visitors should visit: Nick’s Place on Amherst Street, and Global Villages on Grant Street. Nick’s is a mom-and-pop restaurant and it’s great for breakfast and is the closest to an English breakfast that I’ve seen in Buffalo. Global Villages is owned by a woman from Uganda and has African clothing, gift items, and more.”

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talented married couple – create artwork in a number of media: paintings, sculpture, public art murals, jewelry, and T-shirts and hoodies with Black-positive messages. She is also a chef and culinary educator. He is also a hip-hop artist and music producer. They opened an online shop, Eat Off Art, in 2019 with a name meant to disperse the cliché of the starving artist as they support their family (they have two equally creative sons) via art-making. Edreys and Alexa also produce a monthly Eat Off Art podcast that showcases local artists of color. Edreys’s work is featured in the prominent public art project that launched in 2017 and remains on view indefinitely: The Freedom Wall at the corner of Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street at the northern gateway into Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. Both are committed to making art that makes a difference and being change agents. “We are community-made,” Alexa says. “We have been able to step on the shoulders of those who came before us whether it’s in the arts, food, community service, or social justice.” “They did their best work to inspire the next generation,” Edreys adds, “and we were watching. We pick up pieces and say, ‘What we gonna do with this?’ and that’s where we are right now. We’re at the point where we are trying to lead with advocacy for artists, for justice, for all parties. And we leave evidence throughout of our experiences. And we transform through our art. We want people to walk in and leave different than how they entered. The public art that’s out there, that’s transformative. That’s place-making. We want to inspire those who are afraid to take risks.”

716 Tips

Edreys: “Visit the Freedom Wall. It’s a great place to take someone from out of town and not because I’m a part of it. It features dignitaries like Eva Doyle who calls it, ‘an outdoor gallery,’ and I subscribe to that. You don’t need a ticket, or pass a receptionist, or have to worry about how you’re dressed to see it. It’s tangible, and accessible all times of the day. That 300-foot, 28-paneled wall does wonders.”

Alexa: “What’s integral to us is food, and that’s part of why we are Eat Off Art. You’ve got to go to Ethiopian at West Side Bazaar, and there are so many good Thai restaurants that we have in Buffalo — we go to Rin Thai Bistro in Williamsville, one of our favorites.”

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This is the final piece of the “Off Broadway” article that was posted during the pandemic. These are the memories of Alex Ramsey, who grew up on the city’s East Side. It is interesting to note that he has been living in Texas since 1977, but that his fondest memories are from his youth. Alex was born in 1956.

“The cohesiveness of the neighborhood itself made it a truly special time and place to grow up in.”

My final installment on growing up and finally leaving Buffalo.

It was mid January 1977, and was totally clueless as to what I was flying into. I left Dallas/Ft.Worth Airport with a small bag, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, (it was 65 degrees in DFW). A simple 2-1/2 hour flight into Chicago, then a quick 50 minute flight into Buffalo e.t.a.11:00 am, having left my apartment @ 7:00 am.

While en route, the pilot came on several times broadcasting cautionary updates regarding the weather in Chicago. Around 2 hours in, he announced Chicago’s midway and O’Hare were closed due to ongoing snow squalls there, so we were diverting to Dulles in Washington D.C. I thought, hmmm…I arranged with Phil Cupples at Southwire (the man that hired me – last episode), to begin working in 7 or 8 days.

I thought, maybe stay a couple days in D.C.to see the sights there since I’d never been, then fly into Buffalo. Then the pilot comes on – scratch Dulles, it’s also closed. He’d mentioned turning around and flying back to DFW, but scratched that due to being low on fuel. The cities just south of our flight path were closed due to ice conditions, so the pilot forged onward announcing the option was to land in a snow squall rather than ice conditions.

Consequently around 11:00 A.M. we landed in a white-out squall in Syracuse, NY. We had to exit the plane while on the tarmac, since the drifts adjoining the building terminals were 10 ‘-12’ high. People were staring at me in my canvas Converse sneakers, in shorts, wearing my I Love Buffalo t-shirt. No jacket, nor sweater. The airport was closed indefinitely, as was the I90, so car rental or a greyhound was out.

Fortunately I grabbed a cab that took me to the Syracuse train station! No force other than Jesse James can stop a train, I thought. There was an outgoing train leaving for Chicago via Buffalo at 6:00 pm., with the eta to Buffalo arriving at 10:00 pm. The 6 hours in an old-creaky Syracuse train station was beating. There were about 10 or 12 of us crashed out on the benches that resembled Catholic Church pews. At least the coffee vending machine was working, as were the sandwich machines, and the heating system in the terminal.

Finally after 7 arduous hours, we boarded @ 7:00 pm. I felt so nasty and grubby, craving a hot shower. At least the train seats were comfortable, We were furnished with small blankets and a pillow – a major upgrade from wooden pew sleeping.

The conductor gave us frequent updates as to the grudgingly slow train ride heading west, into the eye of the storm (thank you Lake Erie!). After a torturous 12 hours, we crawl into Central Terminal at 6:00 am. The conductor announces that for the FIRST time since 1832, the trains will stop rolling in Buffalo (in or out), for they railroads had no way of clearing the tracks to allow passage. He wished us all luck – those that live in Buffalo. He warned us to be careful out there – essentially Martial Law was enacted, threatening anyone even trying to drive a car that was unauthorized. Only FIRST responder-related vehicles – Police, Fire, EMT’s, etc. – violators were subject to arrest, with vehicle impoundment and a $500 (1977 dollars) fine!

The old Central Terminal building is essentially nestled in a triangle of three streets. Paderewski Drive, running east to west, dead-ended into the building’s parking lot to the east. Memorial Drive and Curtiss Street form a V. Curtiss ran south into the building, and north into Broadway. Memorial Drive ran northeast from William Street and Fillmore Avenue, also into Broadway. Neither of those streets were plowed until you got to Broadway, which was a designated “Snow Emergency Street.” It was continuously plowed for emergency vehicle access.

The snow on Curtiss (the more direct path to Broadway), was – depending on the drifts – literally 4′-6′ high. The snow was still falling from the sky, blowing in west to east (I later learned, right off the lake). Temperature was around 10 degrees, gale force winds (I later heard from 40-60 mph). I had to trudge home on Broadway carrying my suitcase and wearing shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers. I could stay in the Central Terminal, but again on pews, and to what end?

So off I went, literally throwing the suitcase as far as I could. Then had to crawl on top of the drifts that were up to my armpits at the lowest point, and over my head (I’m 6’1″). On soft topped drifts, I’d literally sink into the snow. I had to burrow upwards. My body was literally parallel to the ground most of that arduous journey to Broadway. Even though I was shivering, I was perspiring heavily, soaking my shorts and t-shirt, which made it feel exponentially colder.

The distance from the Central Terminal building where I exited onto Curtiss to Broadway is between 1/4-1/2 mile or so… on a dry sidewalk, an 8-10 minute stroll. I exited the building at 6:00 am, and on my final toss of the suitcase, I heard it hit the ground… Mazel tov! I was burrowing onward with 2-3 feet of snow above me. Freezing and shivering as I was, it actually felt warmer while burrowing because there’s no wind down there. Final burrow and my head popped out – I could see the pavement of Broadway, with snow, still falling, downward and sideways, wind howling. The time was 7:15 am. 1 hour and 15 minutes of trudging and burrowing. As miserable, cold, and exhausted as I was, it felt good to be upright, with my feet actually touching the ground.

18 years later, I’d be running in the Dallas White Rock Marathon. Blue skies, icy streets, and 16 degrees when I started the run. 4 hours later when I finished, it was 26 degrees. I was cold and tired that day when I finished, but it was a cakewalk compared to the ordeal on Curtiss Street!

I was hoping that my landlord Pete had come through the day, as he always did in past snowstorms – and he did. The one type of establishment that never closes in Buffalo – at least then – are the bars! I think the old “Blue Laws” in effect back then in Buffalo, blocked bars from opening till noon on Sundays, but otherwise, most of Buffalo’s “Gin Mills” were open everyday 7:00 am to 4:00 am. Sure enough, Pete who owned a snowplow, kept a 2 foot wide path plowed down from Broadway, up to his front door of the bar. The bar was open for business already at 7:20 am, with 4 or 5 of “The regulars” at the bar drinking beer and downing shots.

Pete was astonished at the sight of me, asking where I was and why? I was a freezing, shivering, ragged mess, but the gas heated old building felt so good. Pete unlocked the back interior door that led to the stairs to both of our flats, (the drifts adjacent to the building were 6′-8′ high). The door that I would normally access to get to the staircase off of Rommel is at least 7′ high (the top half all glass) was totally covered by drifted snow. I couldn’t see out!

The airport, if I recall, remained shut down for 8 or 9 days. I contacted Phil Cupples, explaining my being “trapped” in Buffalo. Being the swell guy he was, told me Buffalo was in the headlines in Texas, and that he’d hold the job open for me till I could make it out of there.

My parents couldn’t believe my 24-hour ordeal. Never has a hot bath ever felt so damned good as it did that day. It was 8 or 9 days till the airport opened back. The driving ban was still on, so with my converse sneakers, long pants/dungarees (I’m glad I didn’t take all my clothes to Texas with me!), gloves, a borrowed coat from my Dad, and a beanie, carrying my suitcase… I again parted company with my beloved parents to start walking to Buffalo’s airport. The 8 or 10 miles.

Fortunately I walked maybe 2 or 3 of those miles, before – graciously – a volunteer firemen (one on a snowmobile) saw me with the suitcase. He would drive me as far as he could, as they were delivering medicines, insulin, and hot food mainly to the elderly, etc.

I got on the plane, and we took off. We flew over downtown and Lake Erie. Only rooftops were visible from high up – a sea of white below me, virtually no movement. The skies were that purplish tone of blue. That day, the winds had died down, with temperature in the teens.

I waved goodbye to the city of my birth – the Queen City, Buffalo, New York – forever (other than numerous visits over the years). I settled in Arlington – living in the same house that I bought the next year, for 36 years. I worked that forklift job at Southwire for a couple months, hooked up with GM, also for a couple months, and after submitting applications to several Police Departments, was recruited by 3 in 1 week! DFW Airport Police, Grand Prairie PD, and Arlington PD.

For several reasons I opted for Arlington. I told the recruiting Sgt. “Booger Red” Martin (never did ask him how he got that name – didn’t want to know) of my experiences with law enforcement agencies in Buffalo. He said to me, “You’re in Texas now boy, we don’t play them Yankee games here – we hire qualified officers.” Hmm I thought, what a novel idea.

I spent 28-1/2 years with Arlington PD, retired to start up a new law enforcement career with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s office in downtown Ft. Worth for 8 more years, and retired with 2 pensions at the age of 57 – having been an officer and deputy for 36 years, 7 months, and 22 days.

I sold my home in Arlington and moved to Austin, TX., retiring to a whole new career – full-time grandpa for my beloved twin grandsons, 4 days a week, 9-10 hours a day, beginning when they were 7 months old,

These days – part-time with my little guys, soon to turn 9 years old – I still make the short drive to my daughter and son-in-law’s home, make my ’em grandpa breakfasts from scratch – no cold cereal or microwave stuff, take ’em to school, pick ’em when needed, sleepovers at G’pa’s every few weeks.

I’ve never mentally adopted Austin as I did Arlington, but to this day, whenever – especially Texans – hear me say youse guys instead of y’all, or peeecan instead of pikaann, I automatically explain, Buffalo, New York……Go Bills!

“Off Broadway” Part VII

Off Broadway” Part VI

“Off Broadway” Part V

“Off Broadway” Part IV

“Off Broadway” Part III

“Off Broadway” Part II

“Off Broadway” Part I

Lead image: Wikipedia

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Last evening, I stopped over to the Hyatt Regency Buffalo to see Howard Goldman (Lounge Academy) tickling the ivories (5-8 pm every Friday). Not only did I want to listen to Howard play and croon, I also wanted to see the work that was underway at the Atrium Bar & Bistro, which adjoins Starbucks. What I found was very pleasing.

While some construction work is still being performed, the crux of the barroom area is complete. Douglas Jemal (Douglas Development) has, once again, done an outstanding job, taking what was once a ho-hum afterthought of a bar, and turning it into something that is much more luxuriant.

One of the design elements that I love are the historic electric switches that have been mounted as an art installation on one of the walls. The bar foot rails are actual historic railroad rails. It’s these types of touches that add an authenticity to the bar, which was never present previously.

As I sat at the bar, ordering a drink, a guy sitting next to me stated that he had been coming to the bar for over 40 years. He was a log home builder who had been attending building and construction expos and conventions at the hotel and conference center. As we spoke, he gushed about Jemal’s investment into the atrium bar, hinting that the old bar was a bit of an embarrassment. He told me that the atrium bar is now one of his favorite places to hang out when he visits Buffalo from Chautauqua. He also mentioned that he stays at the hotel after having a couple of drinks, and that “… the build your own omelette for breakfast is incredible!”

I asked the bartender about the Atrium Bar & Bistro, which is currently not fully operational. He told me that customers could order breakfast and dinner, but that lunch might be hit or miss due to construction (so call ahead). I understand that when the restaurant is fully underway, Jemal will be the sole operator. This will be his way of ensuring that the bar and the restaurant are big draws for people visiting Buffalo, which will translate into additional hotel stays. Already, people are gravitating to the hotel for the restaurant and bar experience, whether they plan to stay at the hotel or not.

Jemal is certainly the magic maker in Buffalo these days. My friend at the bar said that it was only a matter of time before someone from out of town would take the bull by the horns… “because Buffalo is a great city – I’ve lived all over the world, and I always come back. Finally there is someone that not only believes in Buffalo, he actually has the resources to make the big investments. There’s a lot going on now, and we owe it to people like Jemal who are making things happen.”

Hyatt Regency Buffalo / Hotel and Conference Center | Two Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, New York

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It’s time to Build Back Bailey. On Saturday, September 17 (10am) and Wednesday, September 21 (6pm), community members are invited to give feedback pertaining to planning improvements scheduled to take place along Bailey Avenue (between Winspear and Kensington). These workshops are excellent opportunities to learn about what the future of the streetscape project beholds. There are numerous ways to unlock Bailey’s full potential – Bailey is a street that has a lot going for it, but needs a number of urbanist updates.

Responses from the 2nd survey will be used to finish preliminary design and proceed into detailed design. 

For years, there have been discussions (and actions) underway, with plenty of community members and organizations rallying together towards a common cause – for a better Bailey. Back in 2018, Darren Cotton wrote, “… as a regional connector, Bailey Avenue suffers from heavy through traffic where motorists’ destinations are oftentimes not the local businesses along the corridor. This, in addition to speeding cars, unmanaged turning, unmarked parking and travel lanes, aging light standards, barren sidewalks, and the dangerous experience of walking across Bailey without designated crosswalks, has helped to reiterate the need for a major streetscape overhaul.”

At the time, there were surveys conducted that were intended to explore the community’s wants and needs. Now, the time has come to learn about the on-going design phase, before work commences. Input is also welcome.

Get connected: Build Back Bailey | The workshops will be held at the Westminster Community Charter School, 24 Westminster Avenue

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New York State Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblymember Jon Rivera are two of 385 elected officials that are calling for President Joe Biden to beef up the number of refugees allowed into the US, thus honoring his initial commitment. In 2022, the US is on pace to settle fewer than 25,000 refugees – a far cry from the 125,000 cap that was originally announced by the Biden administration. Ryan and Rivera are hoping that the country, and NYS, can get back on track, by boosting the numbers in 2023.

Thanks to the creation of the New York State Enhanced Services to Refugees Program in 2017, cities in Upstate New York have been able to maintain much of the service infrastructure for refugees, which means that there is room to accommodate more people who are fleeing their war torn home countries. This year’s state budget delivered a record $6 million in funding for the program.

Ryan and Rivera feel that the refugee resettlement programs offer a win-win for the fleeing refugees as well as their host cities. Relatively large refugee communities have settled in neighborhoods such as Buffalo’s West Side, which have greatly enhanced the diversity of the city, helped to increase census numbers, and brought about a wide range of cultural amenities that have contributed to the revitalization of the city as a whole.

“Welcoming people displaced from their homes is a moral imperative for a nation whose strength stems from its diversity,” said Senator Sean Ryan, who, along with Rivera, sent a letter urging President Joe Biden to provide the resources needed to restore the United States’ refugee resettlement infrastructure and allow the nation to resettle more refugees in 2023. “But not only that – here in Buffalo and throughout New York, the economic contributions of immigrants and refugees provide enormous economic benefits. President Biden’s commitment to restoring refugee admissions was an important first step after the restrictive policies put in place by the previous administration, but the incremental progress of 2022 has left more work to do. There are still millions of people in need of resettlement services, and it is vital that we follow through with the support required to reach the goals the President put in place.”

Both Ryan and Rivera feel that Biden should be doing more to address the situation at hand, by restoring the refugee resettlement infrastructure and allowing the nation to resettle more refugees in 2023.

“The previous federal administration eviscerated refugee resettlement structures and caused long-term damage to refugee populations across the nation by enacting enormous cuts to refugee admissions,” said Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera. “While New York has been proactive in ensuring that refugee agencies are sufficiently funded, more must be done at the federal level to restore our nation’s resettlement program so that it has both the resources and flexibility to respond to humanitarian crises when they arise.”

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On Monday, September 12, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and Slow Roll Buffalo are teaming up to present the Tour the Towpath Ride. The ride will take cyclists from Tow Path Park at the foot of Hertel, on a ten-mile roundtrip ride “with two stops in Market Square and Front Parks, including neighborhoods Black Rock, Forest, and Grant-Ferry along major streets Hertel, Military, Niagara, Amherst, and Forest.”

This is the first ride of its nature for Slow Roll, thanks to its partnership with the Erie Canal Museum. To that end, the ride is an official (and free) Canalway Challenge event, an undertaking that encourages more people to get out, and active, along the 524-mile NYS Canal System and 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail. People are invited to track their progress, whether they are cycling, paddling, running, hiking, rolling, or walking along the Canalway.

The Tour the Towpath Ride is the 20th of 27 straight free and inclusive Monday night community bike rides organized by Slow Roll Buffalo. The ride will culminate with:

An afterparty with food from Imperial Pizza, Sun Cuisines, and Pudgy PotatoesBuffalocal drinks from Community Beer Works and Chateau BuffaloLive musicSlow Roll fellowship

As summer rolls into fall, this is an excellent way to partake in a sensational group ride, that will be full of sights, sounds, tastes, and surprises.

To learn more, visit this Facebook event. Also visit slowrollbuffalo.org for a schedule of the remaining 2022 rides.

People driving to the event, please respect surrounding residents by refraining from parking on residential streets – park at the big lot at 2192 Niagara Street, thanks to the folks at Acqua and Harbor Place Marine for sharing their space. This event is funded in part through the generous support of the NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

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It’s time to explore East Buffalo. As part of Doors Open Buffalo 2022, attendees are invited to tour 19 locations throughout the Broadway-Fillmore historic district. This free event will be held n Saturday, September 24, from 10am to 4pm. The central hub will be the Broadway Market.

An opportunity to get inside all 19 buildings and enjoy a free tour of 18!

This is an incredible opportunity to see a number of beloved historic buildings and sites, including the Buffalo Brewing Company, Buffalo Muslim Center, Buffalo Central Terminal, St. Adalbert Basilica, Al Cohen’s Bakery, Eugene V. Debs Hall, and a host of others. Click here to view the program.

Doors Open Buffalo 2022 entails the following:

Weekly Houses of Worship Music Series – Tours & concerts throughout SeptemberSeptember 17 – Museums & Culturals Day – Enjoy discounts at Western New York museums!September 24 – Broadway-Fillmore Neighborhood Day – Tour inside buildings in this historic district!

Q. What is Doors Open Buffalo? 
A. Doors Open Buffalo inspires greater appreciation for Buffalo’s unique history and architecture through free public access to significant building interiors.  Our vision is to build relationships for residents and visitors with Buffalo’s history and architecture.

Doors Open Buffalo hosted 6,000 attendees in 2021 when 35 downtown buildings opened their doors for touring.  This year we will be hosting a series of smaller events.  The downtown event will return in 2023.v

Q. Will I need to register for these events? 
A. Free registration will be required for the Houses of Worship Music Series and the September 24 Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood Day.

Visit explorebuffalo.org/doorsopenbuffalo to register and learn more about the participating buildings. Some buildings will require timed tickets for tours and that information will be released closer to the event.

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In order to recognize the works of female directors, the mother-daughter team of Tamar Lamberson and Kaelin Lamberson are introducing the Valkyrie International Film Festival (VIFF). The film festival – to be held at The Screening Room Cinema & Arts Café from March 23rd to 26th, 2023 – is scheduled to coincide with the Women’s History Month.

The mission of the annual event is to celebrate films directed by women and to advance the cause of women in film.

The film festival founders and directors will be screening narrative, experimental, and documentary shorts and features from around the world. At this time, female film directors are invited to submit their works exclusively on FilmFreeway.

“We want to create a unique event where women support each other’s work,” says Tamar. “We hope to bring together female directors for lively Q&As and discussions, and want every woman who attends to feel like she’s found a home. Showing only films directed by women sets us apart from other festivals in Western New York.”

While there will be some screening incentives, such as “Superior Achievement” awards, Tamar and Kaelin feel that this film festival is more inclusive in nature, rather than a regimented competition. At the same time, directors should be recognized and rewarded for their efforts.

The film world is getting to be a pretty big deal in Buffalo as of late. It’s the perfect time to launch a project such as this, not only for local female directors, but for those who are looking for tighter solidarity when it comes to being in an industry that has historically been dominated by male directors. While female directors are gaining traction in the film industry, there is still a wide disparity when considering opportunities. The Valkyrie International Film Festival intends to help level the playing field for women.

www.valkyriefilmfest.com

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The Screening Room Cinema & Arts Café | 880 Alberta Drive | Buffalo, New York 14226

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