Outdoor ice skating at Rotary Rink (Fountain Plaza) has become a fundamental part of the Buffalo winter experience. Now that Flint Kitchen + Bar has become such an integral part of this little downtown oasis, there are plenty more reasons to skate one’s heart out over the holiday season, and right up through March 17, 2024 (weather dependent). And if Flint isn’t open (after business hours), visitors can still count on the Rotary Rink concession stand for all sorts of special treats.

The 2023-24 Rotary Rink Free Ice-Skating Season is brought to the community by Evergreen Health, in partnership with Buffalo Place. The free ice-skating season officially kicks off during the Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 9, upon which time there will be free ice skating for all. And as a way to ensure that everyone has a chance to skate, there will be free ice skate rentals during First Free Wednesdays, including Wednesday, December 6, January 3, February 7, and March 6. Otherwise, skaters are welcome to bring their own skates, to avoid paying the (very reasonable) ice skate rentals ($2 for children and $3 for adults).

“We are proud to sponsor the Rotary Rink ice-skating season for the first time to provide access for Western New Yorkers to stay active during the colder months and have fun doing so,” said Ray Ganoe, President and CEO, Evergreen Health. “Evergreen Health is honored to have served the community for 40 years beginning as a group of volunteers in 1983 on the front lines of the HIV and AIDS crisis, and evolving to a healthcare organization where anyone can receive unconditional medical, supportive, and behavioral health services. We were so excited to have our employees gather as one team to celebrate each other at the birthday party.”

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Buffalo Place, thank you to Evergreen Health for their support and Presenting Sponsorship of the 2023-24 free ice-skating season at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza,” said Michael T. Schmand, Executive Director, Buffalo Place Inc. He continued, “This is the 25th year that Buffalo Place has managed Fountain Plaza and Rotary Rink, a beautiful public space, on behalf of the city of Buffalo. We are delighted to be working with Evergreen Health to offer families from across Western New York free ice-skating surrounded by world renowned architecture in the heart of downtown Buffalo.”

Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza Hours of Operation

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday — Friday: 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.; 5 p.m. —9 p.m. (*Closed 2 — 5 p.m.)

Saturday: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.

Holiday Hours

December 24: 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.

December 25: CLOSED

December 26 — 29: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.

December 31: 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

January 1: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.

January 15: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.

February 19 — 23: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.

Additional Information

Western New Yorkers interested in skating at Rotary Rink this season do not need a reservation and are welcome on a first come first serve basis. Skate rentals end 30 minutes before closing. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the Rotary Rink concession stand.

Rotary Rink is weather dependent. If the air temperature reaches 45 degrees, please call (716) 854-RINK or (716) 856-3150 to check the rink’s status before you come Downtown to skate. Visit the Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza Facebook page for additional information.

For more information about the 2023-23 Rotary Rink season’s hours of operation, please visit www.buffaloplace.com/play/our-events/#rotaryrink. For more information about Evergreen Health, visit www.evergreenhs.org.

The post Evergreen Health presents the 2023-24 Rotary Rink Free Ice-Skating Season appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

One of Delaware Avenue’s more unusual architectural masterpieces – Temple Beth Zion – has been awarded a Sacred Sites Grant in the amount of $25,000. The funding by New York Landmarks Conservancy (NYLC – a private non-profit organization) will be utilized for exterior masonry restoration of the structure, which was designed by architect Max Abramowitz in 1964. Mid-twentieth century artist Ben Shahn designed the windows, a metal menorah, and interior mosaics, making the church one of the more unique modern day ecclesiastical landmarks in the city.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy has led the effort to preserve and protect New York City’s architectural legacy for 50 years.

Temple Beth Zion was one of 19 Sacred Sites Grants to receive a $289,800 funding allotment throughout New York State. The Sacred Sites Program provides congregations with matching grants that allow for the planning and implementation of exterior restoration projects. The grant program also provides technical assistance, and workshops to the congregations, thus ensuring that the work is handled in a thorough, preservationally-minded manner.

Since its founding, the Conservancy has loaned and granted more than $62 million, which has leveraged almost $1 billion in nearly 2,000 restoration projects.

Temple Beth Zion is not only an architecturally significant landmark in Buffalo, it is also a centrally located community resource with outreach far beyond its Jewish heritage. Annually, approximately 12,500 attend activities inside the mid-twentieth century modern designed building. Activities include:

• Jewish history events, often held in conjunction with the Holocaust Resource Center and the Cofeld Museum
• Periodic concerts as part of the Community Music School and Music in Buffalo’s Historic Places
• Theatrical performances with Theatreworks
• Adult education classes and speakers. 
• The synagogue makes its space available to local non-profits for events such as Preservation Buffalo Niagara, Rotary Club, and Hispanic Heritage Month. 
• A local church, True Bethel, uses space at the synagogue for its large Easter service.

“Our 17 grantees serve over 70,000 people through feeding programs, 12-step groups, cultural and outreach programs,” said Peg Breen, President, New York Landmarks Conservancy.  “Our funding helps maintain important buildings which contribute to the social fabric of communities throughout the state.”

 For more information, please visit www.nylandmarks.org.

The post Temple Beth Zion Receives $25,000 Sacred Sites Grant appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Barbie-style dolls were a big hit in 2023. The Buffalo Bills? Well, no matter how hard they are hitting (or missing), Buffalonians continue to back them. One Buffalo Bills supporter in particular, just happens to be a big fan of Barbie-size dolls, and has come up with a very unique way to express her enthusiasm for her intermeshed passions.

According to another big Buffalo Bills’ fan, Therese Forton Barnes (Grand Poobah for the Water Buffalo Club), artist and designer Tina Smith has fashioned a her own personal line of Bills Mafia Babes, which are now on display at the Big Tree Inn Restaurant and Tavern in Orchard Park.

“Each piece is meticulously made into an outfit for a barbie size doll and each one being a different Buffalo Bills fans,” says Forton Barnes.

Altogether, there are 14 female Bills fan outfits that adorn the dolls, each of which took a month to make. The cross-section of outfits represent many of the looks that Tina has witnessed over the years.

Tina says, “Each doll in the collection is similar to what I saw on a person at a game or online. They are also my inner self wishing I could wear something like that.”

Now, for the first time ever, Tina is displaying her private doll collection of Bills Mafia Babes, starting today, Friday December 1, through Sunday December 3. While the dolls are not for sale, and orders are not being taken, guests can come and view the dolls and take pictures inside the Big Tree.

Bills Bafia Babes collection now on view at Big Tree

WHEN: Friday December 1  till Sunday December 3, 2023

• Friday: 11am – 8pm
• Saturday: 11am – 8pm
• Sunday: 11am – 3pm

The doll collection is now on display inside the Big Tree Inn Restaurant and Tavern – 4277 Abbott Road, Orchard Park, NY

The post Bills Mafia Babes collection now on view at Big Tree appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

For the second time in two years, 505 Pearl Street has a new owner.  TNC 505 Pearl LLC, registered to a Rockville Centre UPS Store address, purchased the vacant building from 505 Pearl Street WNY LLC yesterday for $1.4 million.  The seller, an LLC created by Shea’s Performing Arts Center, purchased the property in 2021 for $1.3 million.  Shea’s did not publicly disclose it had purchased the property and did not pursue reuse of the property.

505 Pearl Street was constructed for Byers Companies for film distribution and storage. The building is also known as the Saturn Rings Building, named after a long-time tenant that was a jewelry manufacturer.

The six-story, 42,000 sq.ft. building is located across from Ellicott Development’s mixed-use 500 Pearl Street and is adjacent to Shea’s 710 Theater. In 2014, prior owner Mark Croce received approvals to add 29 apartments in the building’s upper floors with commercial space on the ground level but did not follow-up on the plan as he focused on his Statler City, The Curtiss Hotel, and redevelopment of the CW Miller Livery Stable on W. Huron Street into a second Emerson Hospitality School.

The post Done Deal: 505 Pearl Street appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Allentowners, and friends of Allentown, you are officially invited to attend a special holiday celebration (tonight) along Park and Allen Streets. The holiday festivities will include hot cocoa from Owl Eyes – a relatively new café at 162 Allen Street – caroling by Broadway to Buffalo, horse drawn carriage rides, and a very special visit with Santa.

All of your favorite Allentown shops, galleries, and restaurants will be participating in this magical event, which includes a drive for new hats, gloves, and socks for local organizations to distribute.

The holiday event is scheduled to take place from 6pm to 8pm, but many of the bars and restaurants will be open well past those hours. So round up your friends and family, and set your sights on Allentown, for a First Friday that will be both fulfilling and heart-warming.

This event is presented by The Allentown Association.

The post 2023 Allentown Holiday First Friday appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Hello Buffalo! Welcome to The Preservation Pursuit, a monthly spotlight series that showcases the triumphs and pitfalls of historic preservation in the 716. Each article in this series from Preservation Buffalo Niagara will highlight a specific story, show you the process of preserving buildings, and tell you how you can help. 

A Big Win for Winspear/A New Historic District on the Horizon

If you live or work in the Winspear Extension area of Buffalo,  you may have heard about the proposal to designate your neighborhood as a National Register Historic District. The proposed district encompasses the properties along Winspear Avenue and Highgate Avenue, along with portions of Suffolk Street, Orleans Street and Rounds Avenue. But what does that mean, how will it affect you, and why should you support it?  Here, we will explain what it means to be part of a historic district, how it will benefit residents, and improve the neighborhood as a whole. 

The Winspear Extension is a neighborhood with a rich history and architectural heritage, featuring hundreds of homes in a variety of styles, including: Bungalow, American Foursquare, and Colonial Revival. The neighborhood was designed for the city’s emerging middle class by a sole-developer in the early Twentieth Century, and it reflects the social and economic changes that shaped Buffalo in the 1920’s and 30’s. Now, this neighborhood has a chance to be recognized and protected as a National Register Historic District; a designation that would honor its significance and provide benefits for the residents that call this neighborhood home.

What is a National Register Historic District?

A National Register Historic District is a group of buildings, structures, sites, or objects that are significant to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of these historic places, maintained by the National Park Service. The National Register was established in 1966 to recognize and protect the nation’s heritage, and to encourage historic preservation. Buffalo has embraced preservation at the federal, state, and local level and currently more than 41,000 local residents live within historic districts. In our city alone, historic districts cover eight percent of the total land area. And if we include the Olmsted Parks and Parkways, over 12% of the city falls within a historic district.

Historic Districts: The Benefits

• Recognition

By being part of a historic district, you are joining a network of over 95,000 historic places across the country that represent the nation’s diverse and shared history. Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is a way of acknowledging the historic and architectural value of your home and your neighborhood. It also increases public awareness and appreciation of our area’s heritage, by connecting us to our collective past. 

• Incentives

Repairing a roof or renovating your kitchen can be a costly endeavor. You’d like to save money on a project like that, right?  Those that live within historic districts are eligible to claim historic tax credits at the federal and state level, which can cover up to 40% of the rehabilitation costs. These tax credits can help you restore and maintain your property, while preserving its historic character. You can also apply for grants, loans, or technical assistance from various sources for historic preservation projects. These credits can even be applied to materials and equipment for your DIY ( do-it-yourself) projects! 

• Protection

Listing in the National Register also provides some protection from the adverse effects of federally funded projects, such as highways, pipelines, or cell towers. If such a project may affect your property or your district, the federal agency involved must consult with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and consider alternatives to avoid or  minimize the impact. This process gives you a voice in the government’s decision-making and it ensures that your historic resources (your property) are not harmed or destroyed without due consideration. For example, Preservation Buffalo Niagara is currently working as a consulting party and providing feedback for the Department of Transportation’s proposal for the Kensington Expressway, to ensure the protection of our city’s historic homes and districts along the highway. 

• Community

Being in a historic district also fosters a sense of pride and identity among residents and businesses. It also promotes tourism, economic development, and cultural diversity in your area. By preserving this neighborhood’s history, we are also contributing to the city’s and the nation’s heritage, and making Buffalo a more sustainable and equitable city. According to a recent report by PlaceEconomics, a firm of world-renowned economists, historic preservation in Buffalo has played a significant role in supporting economic development, increasing property values, and creating jobs. Over the last decade, an average of $54 million has been invested into historic district properties on an annual basis. The report also found that historic districts in Buffalo are more fully integrated and less segregated than neighborhoods in the rest of the city, reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness of the historic preservation movement.

You can read the full report here. 

“I live in the area…how is this going to affect me?”

If you’re a homeowner or a resident in the district and you’re wondering how this may impact you, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a few myths. Being a historic district does not mean you will have to give up your rights as property owners. It does not mean that you will have to follow strict rules or regulations that would limit your creativity or personal preferences. And, it does not mean that you will have to pay higher taxes or fees. Simply put, it is a way of ensuring that your neighborhood remains a vibrant and livable place for the people that live there. Listing in the National Register is honorary and voluntary, and it does not impose any restrictions or regulations on homeowners. However, if you want to take advantage of the historic tax credits, you will have to follow certain criteria and procedures to ensure that your project is compatible with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Other than access to tax credits and some additional services, not much will change for you. Your neighborhood will continue to be your neighborhood. 

Who is working behind the scenes on this project? 

The nomination process for the Winspear Extension Historic District is led by the University Heights Collaborative (UHC), a grassroots organization that promotes community engagement and improvement in the University Heights neighborhood. “Preservation has an important role to play in crafting a more equitable society. It tells us that the stories told and lives lived in a vernacular bungalow are just as important to tell and preserve as those from high style Victorian mansions.” said Darren Cotton, UHC Board Member. “We’re excited for this new district to help lift up these stories while also providing our neighbors access to historic tax credits, making it more affordable to reinvest in their homes and build a life in the University District.” 

UHC’s Darren Cotton is working with Annie Schentag from KTA Preservation Specialists (who was recently appointed as a PBN Board Member) to prepare the necessary documentation and nomination application for the district. They have worked in coordination with SHPO, the State Historic Preservation Office, throughout the duration of this lengthy process. In Mid-November UHC, KTA, and SHPO held an informational community meeting at UB’s South Campus, with a presentation followed by a Q & A.  The district nomination has been submitted and in early December it will be reviewed at the State level. Within a few weeks, Buffalo will have one more historic district to add to its repertoire, adding another tile to the cultural mosaic that makes up our city. Now that’s something to be proud of!  

How to stay tuned: 

You can visit the UHC’s website at ourheights.org and follow them on social media to stay updated on the progress of the nomination. You can also contact the UHC at info@ourheights.org if you have any questions or comments. For all things related to historic preservation throughout the Greater Buffalo-Niagara region, check out our website preservationbuffaloniagara.org and follow us on social media @ pbnsaves!

The post The Preservation Pursuit: The Winspear Extension appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

10^th winter season begins at Buffalo Waterfront ice rink

It’s time to get the old skate blades sharpened, as Rich Entertainment Group prepares to open the Ice at Canalside on Friday, December 1 (the rink will open at noon). The holiday season will be officially underway, as skaters of all abilities take to the ice – weather permitting, of course.

Opening weekend festivities will be held Friday and Saturday

Throughout Friday Friday and Saturday (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days), Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY presents its opening festivities, including a live DJ, a prize wheel, and a special fireworks display (starting 7:30 p.m. Friday). Other special events and occasions include:

• The first 150 guests to the opening weekend celebration Friday and Saturday will receive free hot cocoa, courtesy of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
• The first-ever Sunday Funday, a new weekly, family event at the Ice, will include a kids activity zone, ice castle bounce house and a visit from the Snow Sisters on Dec. 3
• Food and beverage specials will be available throughout the weekend

All activities are weather-dependent.

“We invite Western New Yorkers to lace up their skates and join us to kick off the rink’s 10^th winter season at the Opening Weekend celebration,” said Kevin Parkinson, vice president of finance and operations, Rich Entertainment Group. “We’re pleased to welcome everyone back to the historic canals for another season of winter fun in downtown Buffalo.”

Rink admission and skate rentals can be purchased from inside the Honda Winter Pavilion. Admission will be $8 for ages 13-and-up, and $5 for children under 13 and members of the military. Children up to age five can skate for free. Patrons may bring their own skates or rent a pair for $5. Season passes are also available, along with discounts for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield members. This season, the rink will feature a new fleet of inclusive skate walkers for learners of all ages and abilities.

During the ongoing construction of Heritage Point adjacent to the canal, Buffalo Waterfront encourages guests to enter the rink through the elevated pedestrian walkway at the Explore & More Children’s Museum entrance off Marine Drive and walk across the bridge over the rink to the Honda Winter Pavilion. Visitors may also enter through the walkway along Main Street or by entering from Marine Drive by the lower level of Explore & More.

The rink is easily accessible from the NFTA Metro Rail’s Erie Canal Harbor Station stop, with Canalside-area parking ramps and surface lots available as well.  

Guests are required to complete a waiver prior to participating in any activity at Canalside. Waivers can be completed on site or online at www.buffalowaterfront.com. 

The Ice at Canalside will be open through February 25.

Hours of Operation: 

·      Monday: CLOSED, leagues and private parties welcome

·      Tuesday: CLOSED, leagues and private parties welcome

·      Wednesday: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

·      Thursdays: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

·      Fridays: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

·      Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

·      Sundays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours:

·      December 25: CLOSED

·      December 26 – January 1: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

·      January 15: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

·      February 19 – 22: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

·      February 23: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

*Note that hours may change due to weather. For the most up-to-date hours of operation, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com or follow Buffalo Waterfront on social media.

The post Ice at Canalside to Host Opening Weekend Celebration Dec. 1-3 appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

THE BASICS:  The ICTC revival of this landmark 1982 Athol Fugard drama plays weekends at the Andrews Theatre through December 3^rd.  Aaron Mays directs the cast of three.  “Master Harold” runs about 100 minutes.  There is no intermission.

THUMBNAIL SKETCH:  The play is set in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, during the apartheid era. Hally, a teenage white boy, interacts with Sam and Willie, two middle aged black waiters who work in his mother’s tea room.  These three go back to Hally’s childhood, and have been like a second family to him.  Hally’s own parents, problematic, have long since alienated him. Faced with the return (from hospital) of his alcoholic and war-damaged father, the perplexed Hally lashes out against Sam and Willie. 

THE PLAY, THE PLAYERS AND THE PRODUCTION:  Fugard’s play is autobiographical to a large extent.  One might think of it as a penance of sorts for some of the playwright’s youthful missteps. The writing is crisp and thought provoking. The ending still packs a bit of a punch.

Under the graceful and fluid direction of Mr. Mayes, the three actors give spot-on performances.  Roderick Garr is particularly impressive as the wise and dignified Sam, Hally’s black father figure. Exuding power in restraint, he can be vocally exciting, and is a pleasure to watch.  As the simpler, more conforming servant, Willie, Gerald Ramsey has less to do, but makes an effective foil.

Samuel Fesmire’s glib but troubled Hally is the lynch pin, making everything work. You really couldn’t ask for more in this key role.

The production values are adequate, but there is nothing particularly exciting going on production-wise.  I never got much of a tea room feeling.

Years later, there’s nothing to shock us in “Master Harold”, but the play continues to pose relevant questions about race, class, family and friendship.  Smartly paced and beautifully acted, I would seriously consider stopping by.

*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)

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

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

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

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

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

The post “MASTER HAROLD” …AND THE BOYS appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

I don’t know about you, but the Holiday season really snuck up on me this year.  It feels like we just took the Halloween decorations down, and here we are at the start of December!  This event guide is the first of our weekly guides that will usher us through the Holiday season.  This weekend, shop local at the Burchfield Penney, see the Nutcracker, or get tickets to the candlelight tour of Martin House, before they sell out!  

And if you are considering your New Year’s Eve plans, consider our amazing Spies and Villains Affair at the Terrace in Delaware Park.  It is an unforgettable night where elegance meets excitement.

Event: Art is a Gift

Burchfield Penney Art Center 
SUNY Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave 
December 2-4 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free | Information 

Start your holiday shopping by visiting over 30 local artisans with work including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, and painting! Visit the Museum Store for more unique books and gifts. On display at the Museum are Brilliance: The Stanford Lipsey Art Glass Collection, Doug: An Inter-Media Enjambment, and Art in Craft Media 2023.

Event: All Day Tifft Trails Adventure

Tifft Nature Preserve
1200 Furhmann Blvd
December 2 | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
$15 | Tickets

Ever want to explore almost all of Tifft’s Trails in a single day? Enjoy the seasonal weather, and bring your day pack and a comfortable pair of shoes on this “guided walk through the wild.”  This tour is for guests with the endurance to walk all day at a casual pace on a few miles of mostly flat but some sloped trails.

Event: Soulful Christmas 

Michigan Street African American Heritage Corner
December 2 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Free | Information

Dive into the festive spirit at A Soulful Christmas.  This event will feature a Black-owned Business Holiday Market, a special visit from Kente Claus, storytelling by Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of WNY, and activities including rides on a horse-drawn carriage, a visit from a Buffalo Fire Truck, musical performances by the Colored Musician’s Club and local school students, free hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn and more.

Event: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – The Best of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra

KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox Plaza
December 2| 3:00 PM Matinee, 7:30 Evening 
$79-$151 | Tickets

A perennial favorite returns to Buffalo.  This spectacle laden evening of music, lights, pyrotechnics, and holiday magic really rocks!   You haven’t heard “Carol of the Bells” until you have heard it played by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  

Event: The Nutcracker

Shea’s Theater
650 Main St
December 2 and 3 | 7:00 PM and 1:00 PM 
$36 – $102  | Tickets

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra joins the Neglia ballet for this seasonal favorite.  Join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Rat King, and the Nutcracker himself for a fantastic evening of dance, music, and warm feelings. 

Event: Drag Bunch with Vanna Deux 

Hombre y Lobo
149 Swan Street 
Saturdays | Noon to 2:00 PM 
Based on Menu | Information 

The Holidays can be a drag! So stop by Hombre y Lobo for a pick-me-up with infinitely talented Vanna Deux… for a drag show that is sure to restore the sparkle in your tinsel… and bring singles for tips!

Event: Candlelight Tour

Martin House
125 Jewett Parkway
Wednesdays in December | 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 PM
$35 | Tickets

Embark on an enchanting journey through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House with the lights dimmed and candles lit during this 75-minute tour, that unveils hidden corners of this architectural gem in a whole new light—literally!  After your tour, step into the gift shop filled with delightful treasures, perfect for checking off your holiday shopping list. Act quickly, this event always sells out.

The post Unwrapping the Holidays: Your Weekly Guide to Festive Fun in Buffalo! appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

BestSelf Behavioral Health’s new corporate headquarters at 899 Main Street is on track for completion next year.  Uniland Development is overseeing the $20 million project.

BestSelf Behavioral Health recently announced that the facility will be named for the Scott Bieler Family Foundation.

According to Scott Bieler, President and CEO of West Herr Automotive Group, “This building will continue to symbolize hope, a sanctuary for those seeking support, and a place where healing and growth are possible. I am honored to be part of BestSelf’s incredible journey and look forward to witnessing our partnership’s impact on countless lives.”

Uniland purchased 899 Main Street from Excellus Health Plan Inc. in March 2019 for $4.335 million. The 31,713 sq.ft. building is located at the southeast corner of Main and Carlton streets and was constructed by Health Care Plan in 1993. A rear parking lot along Washington Street was later purchased from the City. Uniland is adding a third floor to the building to accommodate BestSelf’s space needs.

The facility, set to open in the Summer of 2024, marks a significant step forward in BestSelf’s mission to provide essential mental health services and support for children and families affected by abuse in Erie County, which has the second-highest rates for reported child abuse in New York State. The Child Advocacy Center is an innovative, comprehensive center offering safety, support, and healing for children and families affected by sexual abuse, violence, and trauma in Erie County.

The post Construction Watch: 899 Main Street appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

A sure bet to spruce up a district is with public art. With that in mind, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), Visit Buffalo Niagara, and the Erie Canalway have commissioned Buffalo artist Nicole Cherry (a citizen of the Cayuga nation), along with designers/fabricators Rigidized Metals to create a new permanent art fixture on Marine Drive, near the Hanover intersection.

This art installation – steel 3-D letters, 5 feet tall and weighing more than 1,000 pounds – is considered Canalside’s newest Instragrammable fixture, along with Shark Girl (Inner Harbor) and Round Man (Outer Harbor).

“Buffalonians are proud of their city, so we expect the BUF sculpture at Canalside to quickly become a popular selfie site,” said ECHDC Board Chair Joan Kesner. “We have seen how prominent pieces of public art enhance the millions of dollars Governor Hochul has invested in the waterfront. I encourage families to take their holiday pictures by the new sculpture then head to the ice to say hello to Shark Girl and enjoy some time skating, riding the ice bikes, sipping hot chocolate, and taking in the holiday lights.”

Patrick Kaler, Visit Buffalo Niagara President & CEO said, “Visit Buffalo Niagara is thrilled to have played a part in bringing another piece of public art to our waterfront. We hope the BUF sign becomes an iconic gathering spot for Buffalonians who love their hometown as well as a must-see stop for visitors who want to share fun content on their social feeds. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we hope you enjoy this exciting new art installation.”

The $28,950 sculpture was made possible thanks to co-funders ECHDC, and Visit Buffalo Niagara (VBN). The latter secured a grant from the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor in advance of the incoming Worlds Canal Conference in Sept 2025.

“This sculpture will provide both residents and visitors alike another wonderful reason to enjoy Buffalo’s legendary waterfront,” said Erie Canalway Executive Director Bob Radliff. “We are proud to partner with Visit Buffalo Niagara and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, two organizations that are making great things happen at Canalside and for all New Yorkers.“ 

For the latest updates to the waterfront winter schedule, visit buffalowaterfront.com.

The post ECHDC, Visit Buffalo Niagara, and the Erie Canalway announce new “BUF” sculpture at Canalside appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Ty Reynolds Nick Smith once owned Mazurek’s Bakery in South Buffalo. During that ten year stint, they learned a lot about running a business and taking care of a neighborhood. When they sold the bakery to OLV Human Services, Ty decided to stay onboard with the bakery for three months, as part of a transition. Then the pandemic struck. That three months ended up being two years. Not only did the pandemic alter the course of Ty’s professional career, a bout of covid resulted in a heart attack at a considerably young age.

“I was sitting in a hospital bed, thinking about what I was going to do next,” Ty told me. “I had purchased a food truck before the pandemic, with intentions of opening 7-Yum-6. Then I thought about all of the good things that OLV was doing to help people in need. I decided that I wanted to do something for the community as well. I talked to Ty Wattles over the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal (NFFT) about opening an artisan market, and Ty told me that he was looking for someone to do a food concept at the Terminal. As Matt and I talked over the course of two months, I called Nick and told him that I had come across an opportunity that was snowballing.”

The concept that was ultimately agreed upon is called The Nickel Plate. It’s a 7700 SF food-meets-artisan concept that will create an exciting, vibrant, and diverse destination at the Terminal. The 2200 SF restaurant concept is partially derived from the 7-Yum-6 food truck menu. While there are numerous components, one of the ideas is to work with a local potato farmer to dream up some delicious “tot” recipes, including tachos, poutine, skillets. The restaurant component will also feature a number of products from local food producers such as Go Veggies, Avenue 29 Foods, Moneybags Dumplings, and Babcia’s Pierogi. While these foods will be incorporated into the menu, the items will also be sold at the 5200 SF artisan market.

Other menu items of interest are: a donut bacon cheeseburger burger, wraps, wings, chicken fingers, and salads. Breakfast (starting a few weeks after opening) will have “the basic menu items” of biscuits and gravy, omelets, as well as more interesting items such as donut waffles, or a donut breakfast sandwich, apple fritter French toast, and some scratch breakfast tots (of course). The bread will all be made onsite to ensure freshness, according to Ty.

Beverage offerings at the restaurant and market include a monthly rotation of local coffee vendors, as well as a new line of sodapops from neighbor Irish Carbonic (IC) IC is using 100-year-old recipes for their new line of Straight Up Beverages (vintage soda handcrafted in Buffalo!).

A bar portion will have 8-10 taps of craft beer from New York State. Wine selections will also be sourced from New York State. There will be a large merchandiser refrigerator, used partly to hold a large variety of locally crafted beer in cans and bottles. Customers will have the option to purchase and take home, or sit down and relax and grab a bite to eat.

As for the “giving back” part of the business, Ty told me that he is already in discussions with OLV, as well as the Office for People with Disabilities, to train disadvantaged people at The Nickel Plate, which will provide them with the skills and knowhow that will help them secure jobs in the community.

Ty is also thrilled to be working with other local businesses. The restaurant and artisan market will be prime examples of how to cross-pollinate in Buffalo, he told me. Already, they have 130 artisans signed up to participate in this exciting new venture, from chocolatiers to, to candle makers, to welders and fabricators. The architectural details of the terminal (both inside and outside) are being spotlighted, to create a fun and light atmosphere that will be unlike anything else in Buffalo.

If you’re wondering about the name The Nickel Plate, Ty told me that it is an ode to the railroad that built the terminal in the 30’s. There is still a Nickel Plate Road society in Ohio that Ty has reached out to. The organization has given their blessing to incorporate their logo into the new logo for The Nickel Plate concept.

To round it out, The Nickel Plate will be hosting numerous community events and celebrations throughout the year, including Dyngus Day parties, summer cookouts, and even a gathering for a Solar Eclipse viewing. During these events, additional pop-up businesses will set up under the Terminal’s canopies. Ty and Nick are talking to Matt about accessing an additional 3000 SF on the second floor as a potential maker’s space.

“We believe the Nickel Plate will attract additional businesses that bring more foot traffic to our historic buildings,” added Matt, who has been pushing for this sort of momentum for years. “We seek to renovate new spaces for businesses like those vending in The Nickel Plate, so this is a great way to create synergy in the business community at the NFFT. We are continuing to restore the architectural fabric of our buildings to recreate the vibrant market environment of years past with food production, retail, and art related tenants.”

“There is so much room to grow,” said Ty. “We believe that this is exactly what this neighborhood needs. This complex is a gold mine for a lot of businesses if it can get developed properly. We’re doing our part, and we’re so happy to be working with Matt to create a real destination, especially with other institutions like the Clinton-Bailey Market, which is located right across the street.”

The Nickel Plate Eatery & Marketplace is anticipated to open in mid-January, 2024.

Ty and Nick are currently hiring all staffing positions. If someone is interested in applying, they can do so online at www.tnpbuffalo.com. Fans and supporters of this project are encouraged to follow progress on Facebook/Instagram @tnpbuffalo .

The Nickel Plate Eatery & Marketplace | 1500 Clinton Street | Buffalo, NY 14206 | Middle row, next to M&T Bank

Get connected: www.tnpbuffalo.com | Vendor Sign-Up

To learn more about the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal, click here. Don’t be shy – be sure to reach out and inquire about a space!

The post The Nickel Plate Eatery & Marketplace at the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

What is Within Reach?

Within Reach is an umbrella initiative that includes multiple Downtown and Waterfront related planning efforts focused on improved connectivity and sense of place in Downtown, along the Waterfront, and spaces in between.

Current planning efforts are inherently related as they each focus on a different aspect that contributes to creating a more accessible, equitable, and vibrant Downtown and Waterfront. Each planning effort focuses on how to serve residents, businesses and visitors travelling to and/or living in Downtown and nearby neighborhoods. The Smart Streets Design Plan is focused primarily on creating a framework for flexible curb usage and smart corridors, while the Downtown Waterfront Improvements Plan is focused on a high quality and connected public realm. Finally, the Transportation Demand Management Study is focused on micromobility options, parking needs, and operations Downtown.

By considering the quality of our Downtown and Waterfront through these three efforts, each will result in products that create a more welcoming, better connected, and 21st century Downtown. In the face of changing technology and transportation, the City of Buffalo wants to ensure the investments it makes to support development can accommodate the mobility solutions of future decades while at the same time providing an inclusive and vibrant public realm. As Buffalo looks to the future, it has a unique opportunity to leverage its existing compact street network to capture the increasing demand for walkable urban places.

Take the Virtual Open House Survey

Attend the next and FINAL public meeting on this initiative on Tuesday December 5, from 5:30-7:30PM at Seneca One Tower. 

Register for the event here!

Current Initiatives:

Downtown Waterfront Improvements Plan – Led by the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning

Smart Streets Design Plan – Led by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning in coordination with BUDC, BCAR, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Parking, and Management Information Systems.

Transportation Demand Management Study – Led by Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps and the City of Buffalo Department of Parking.

The post Next and Final public meeting for Within Reach: Downtown Smart Streets & Waterfront Accessibility appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The two-building Heritage Point project at Main and Scott streets is taking shape. The development by Sinatra and Company Real Estate will include restaurant, retail and office space plus 61 apartments. It is being constructed on the South Aud Blocks located between the Explore & More Children’s Museum and Main Street.

The project includes two buildings with 103,000 sq.ft. of space separated by an open space area following a portion of the route of the former Prime Slip.

Each building will be six stories that includes a mansard roof level and basement level. The project was designed by Carmina Wood Design.

The post Construction Watch: Heritage Point appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

A stunning redevelopment project is planned in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Niagara Parks is partnering with Pearle Hospitality to transform the Toronto Power Generating Station in Niagara Falls overlooking the Niagara River.  The proposal submitted by Pearle outlines a transformational private sector investment of over $200 million that will restore the National Historic Site while creating an unparalleled visitor experience befitting of its location overlooking the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls.  

Proposed uses include several indoor and outdoor public viewing areas, a variety of culinary options, a craft brewery, wellness spa, event space, museum and art gallery, a theatre and educational programming.   Designed by renowned architect E.J. Lennox, Toronto Power is a National Historic Site and former hydroelectric power station built on the banks of the upper Niagara River overlooking the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Built in 1906, Toronto Power supplied electricity for communities across Ontario before ceasing operations in 1974. Since that time, it has sat dormant.  

Pearle Hospitality brings a depth of experience in the reimagining of notable heritage properties across the province into dynamic, location-defining experiences, such as the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, the Cambridge Mill, and the Ancaster Mill, demonstrating a meticulous approach to restoration, sense of place and design.  

A Letter of Intent has been signed between Niagara Parks and Pearle Hospitality, commencing a 120-day due diligence phase. The due diligence phase will include consultations, the development of heritage studies (Heritage Impact Assessment, Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report and Strategic Conservation Plan), environmental and archaeology assessments (where required) and contract negotiations.  

“Toronto Power is a globally recognized landmark of Canadian architecture and industry that has stood as a central feature of the Niagara Falls landscape for over a century. Overseeing its preservation and transformation from a dormant heritage building of national significance into a brand-new, one-of-a-kind visitor experience for the benefit of local residents and tourists alike, is the embodiment of what Niagara Parks stands for as an organization. This transformational investment will elevate the entire destination of Niagara Falls, solidifying its status as a global tourism icon for generations to come,” said April Jeffs, Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission.

 Work is expected to start next year and be completed in mid-2027.

The post Big Reveal: Toronto Power Reuse 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 Found Object

I recently submitted several photos for a juried photography exhibition at the Praxis Gallery and Photo Arts Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The “call” was for photos of a “found object,” defined by the gallery as “a material artifact discovered by chance and assigned aesthetic value in an artist’s hand.” A found object could be something “discarded, forgotten, dropped, or misplaced—such as shoes, a fork, shopping carts, signs, doll heads, abandoned cars, clocks, or momentos….any object…so long as the artist believes that the discovered object possesses a certain aesthetic or talismanic quality stemming from its appearance, social, or personal history.” 

Surely, I thought, we had seen, and I had photographed, hundreds of “found objects” on our walks. Dianne said, “they’re everywhere.” 

As it turned out, they weren’t “everywhere,” even though, after we had the concept we kept a sharp eye out for “found objects” during our walks. And a search through the photo archive revealed surprisingly few objects that met Praxis’ criteria. Here are a few that we thought might qualify. One of them was accepted into the exhibition. 

I call this one “Amity Street,” because that’s where we found it—and because the name of the East Side street reminds me of the 1979 film, “The Amityville Horror”:

It soon became clear that a stuffed animal was one of the most common of the found objects. They get thrown out, and there’s something poignant about a big panda in the trash. This guy somehow got trapped upside down between layers of an East Side window:

Another maltreated stuffed animal appeared to have its snout caught in a trash bin—and for long enough to be enveloped by a spider web. One imagines that there was originally intent here, that the toy was put in that position on purpose, but there’s also a sign of abandonment that qualifies the bear as a “found object.”

The found object in this photo isn’t a stuffed animal, but it is stuffed, and rather mysterious, dressed up in a racing suit. We found it in North Tonawanda. 

Even more macabre, we thought, was a discarded doll, enmeshed with other objects, on a dirt and cinder path leading up to railroad tracks in Black Rock. One can’t help but assign the doll a “personal history,” in the words of the gallery call. 

The Praxis call mentioned shoes, and if you walk enough, you’ll come across them. Here are two of our shoe finds, one on a downtown street corner (a pair), the other on an old firebox (a single sneaker) at the corner of Linwood and West Ferry:

Laundry carts were also mentioned in the call, and we found a good example, in the green muck of what was once a group of nicely crafted cement ponds, on the site of what used to be Tee to Green driving range, off Hertel Avenue. The sign on the cart reads, “No Children Permitted in Laundry Carts.” 

At one time a major factory site, Tee to Green is a good place to search for found objects. People like to camp (and even sleep) there. The bed in this otherwise bucolic scene likely has what the Praxis Gallery would term a “social history.” And it may have been “discarded.” Or maybe not. 

An abandoned vehicle seems far too easy a find. We’ve seen dozens (admittedly, most of them in the Rome countryside). We came upon this one—an impressive example, we thought—while walking the Niagara Gorge. 

A screen door used as a storage area for cans is rare; this is the only one we’ve ever seen. And it may be a found object.

We consider this small shelter a found object because it’s a) been abandoned and b) is “talismanic,” a word in the call for work. It’s been abandoned, because it’s likely that its original purpose was to house a religious icon—like a statue of the Virgin Mary—and we know it hasn’t served that purpose since we first saw it three years ago. And it is, or was, “talismanic” (in this case, a representation with protective powers). West Side. 

Oddly enough, our encounters with found objects included two Christian crosses, one fallen—one could say, “dropped” (in the Fruit Belt)—and the other, clearly, discarded (on Genesee Street). 

This “bike on a tree” may not have been discarded, forgotten, dropped, or misplaced, but there’s something aesthetic about it, having to do with its “appearance.” 

We’ve been admiring this West Side “sidewalk trailer” for several years, and this seemed the moment to celebrate it. It may not be a “found object,” but it’s one-of-a-kind.

This one’s definitely a found object. Or rather, a number of found objects—covid masks—discarded by their users, no doubt doctors and nurses and other healthcare workers, shedding their masks after a day at work in the medical corridor, just to the south of where this photograph was taken. The overall found object—the pole and the masks that decorate it—speaks to what we’ve been through. The pole remains, but the last time we walked by, the masks were gone.

© William Graebner

To view more of this series, click here.

The post How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo, and Beyond: The Found Object appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

In the heart of Buffalo, Ujima Company is taking audiences on a gripping journey with its latest production—a contemporary and thought provoking adaptation of the award-winning play and film,12 Angry Men, written by Reginald Rose. 12 Mo’ Angry Men, written and directed by Buffalo native TaNisha Fordham, skillfully transports the narrative to present-day America, infusing it with a powerful resonance that speaks directly to the challenges and complexities of our times.

Fordham, an emerging writer, director, performer, and producer, has deep roots in Buffalo. After working on Broadway’s recent revival of Company, she returns to Buffalo with her original adaptation of Rose’s story, asking the audience to consider pressing issues of justice, race, and systemic bias. 

The plot of this production revolves around the deliberations of a jury of 11 black jurors and 1 white juror tasked with determining the guilt or innocence of a white police officer who fatally shot a 16-year-old black teen. In a society grappling with heightened awareness of police brutality and racial injustice, Fordham’s adaptation promises to be an electrifying exploration of the complexities surrounding such cases.

Listen to the Full Interview:

WNY Soundstage

Interview with multi-hyphenate artist, TaNisha Fordham about her play ’12 Mo’ Angry Men’ at Ujima Theatre Dec 1-17

Play Episode Pause Episode

Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds

00:00 / 00:38:40

RSS Feed

Share

Link

Embed

Fordham’s inspiration for the piece came during the pandemic. “Most people are familiar with 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose, and during the pandemic I was doing a lot of distance cycling and listening to audiobooks while I was doing it,” shared Fordam.

And so one day, I found myself listening to 12 Angry Men, and I was struck. I mean, it just hit me like a ton of bricks. How relevant that piece was and is, in light of what was happening in the country at that time with the murdering of Brianna Taylor [and] Ahmad Arbury. And that’s just like continuing the list of people who have faced all different types of injustices… I always feel like I can’t not do anything… I’m a writer. I’m a director. This is what I can do. And so I wrote in light of that, kind of how I felt that case or deliberation would go if it were happening modern day in Mississippi… in Jackson, because, of course what was required in order for this piece to work where eleven black jurors and one white juror are deliberating on the guilt or innocence of a white officer who shot and killed a black teen, what would be necessary is, like, why would there be 11 black jurors? Like where in the United States are we, that there are so many black people on this case? And so I did research, about what parts of the country have that dense of a black population that that would realistically, that that could potentially realistically happen. And so that’s where we landed in Mississippi.

Ujima Company, known for its commitment to presenting works that reflect the African-American experience, continues to enact its mission with Fordham’s adaptation. The decision to set this classic story in the current socio-political climate amplifies the play’s impact, inviting audiences to engage in crucial conversations about justice, inequality, and the role of race in our legal system.

 “I think at the heart of it, the creation of the piece is about community,” Fordham said. “It’s about how we show up for each other in community, or how we don’t show up for each other in community. It’s about an opportunity to bring people who may not be a part of the community into the fold, and what that would do to heal some of these very toxic repeating cycles. How we’re not going to be able to heal as a world and as a nation without being able to see the humanity in folks first and foremost.  And that doesn’t mean that we don’t still have questions or that we still don’t agree, but that we have to stop and take a second to see like the person that I’m having a conversation with feels as visceral about whatever they feel as I do.” 

12 Mo’ Angry Men has been performed a number of times, and the reaction to the piece has always started conversations.  During the initial run of the play, Fordham would facilitate talkbacks afterward, and was always surprised by the conversations that the play inspired.  Her work truly seems to bring the original intent of the source material into the 21st century.  “Reginald Rose’s son, Jonathan came to our off Broadway run and just said that he felt like it was like honoring the legacy of the work, and his father would have been [proud,] which is always so great to hear,” shared Fordham.

12 Mo’ Angry Men runs December 1-17 on The Lorna C. Hill stage at Ujima Company. Tickets are available here.  

The post Ujima’s 12 Mo’ Angry Men: A Contemporary Exploration of Justice, Race, and Community in Buffalo appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

December is normally a slow month for local politics but the speculation and jockeying for a congressional seat, potential aftershocks to that event, and the Buffalo Common Council presidency will keep things churning.  There will also be the start of presidential convention delegate petitioning on December 12^th and the impending Court of Appeals decision about congressional redistricting to keep the attention of politicos.

Here are some facts, observations, and heard-on-the-streets for your consideration:

• The horrific tragic accident at the Rainbow Bridge last week brought out the worst in some Republicans and their allies in the electronic media.  Surprise, surprise, they jumped to conclusions before law enforcement officers provided the facts.  It’s just the latest indication that the party does not know how to lead.
• Vivek Ramaswamy outdid himself once again by tweeting:  “we must secure our *NORTHERN* BORDER TOO.  It’s the forgotten frontier of the border crisis in our country.”  What say ye Ramaswamy Deputy Communications Director Stefan Mychijliw?
• Shea’s Performing Arts Center has officially announced the appointment of Congressman Brian M. Higgins as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Tim Kennedy’s campaign to replace Brian Higgins in NY26 is moving along with campaign emails and perhaps sponsorship of a poll that was being conducted by text last week.  As of November 27^th he is still the only prospective candidate who has set up an authorized committee with the Federal Election Commission.
• Michael Keane’s campaign for Erie County District Attorney is off and running with the Democratic County Committee’s endorsement.  A primary seems unlikely.  Attorney James Gardner of Judge Kenneth Case’s staff is reported to be the Republican candidate, although another potential candidate from a prominent law office might also be interested.
• If Kennedy becomes the Democratic nominee for NY26 he would be giving up his 63^rd District seat in the State Senate.  That will mean that a Democratic primary might develop.  Petitioning for congressional, state legislative and local offices will begin at about the end of February so candidate declarations and party endorsements are nearly right around the corner.
• Might the interest of some members of the Buffalo Common Council in that seat affect the decision about who will be the next President of the Council?
• If Kennedy were to win the NY26 special election then Governor Kathy Hochul would need to schedule another special election for the Senate seat.  That would likely happen in July, which would mean that in some parts of the county there would be four elections in four months.
• The state Court of Appeals decision about the redistricting of the state’s congressional districts will be announced in the near future, but the special election will probably be conducted with the lines drawn by the Special Master in 2022 regardless of the Court’s decision.
• Even if the 2022 lines continue to be used for the 2024 congressional elections it appears that five New York Republicans newly elected in 2022 will still have a hard time defending the House seats they barely won two years again.  Watching them explain their association with far-right House Speaker Mike Johnson will be interesting.
• Actually that will probably be four seats in play with the anticipated expulsion of George Santos from NY3.  Former Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi is coalescing support for a return to Washington.
• There will be a Republican primary in the 147^th Assembly District currently represented by far-right Member David DiPietro.  Mitch Martin, who is a member of Sheriff John Garcia’s administrative team, will be the challenger.  Will Martin leave his county position for the campaign?  And who might the Erie County Republican Committee support?  They haven’t done so well with primaries in recent years.
• Perhaps overlooked a bit on Election night 2023, Democrats in the Town of Aurora, which has a slight Republican plurality in voter enrollments, re-elected Aurora Town Council member Luke Wochensky and newly elected Ray Brazen.  The Town Board has a Democratic majority.  It wasn’t so long ago that Republicans controlled most everything in the town.
• “Elections have consequences” defeated Republican/Conservative candidate for Erie County executive, Chrissy Casilio, has been commenting as she tweets about some public issues.  They certainly do, Ms. Casilio.
• As a homeowner in the Town of Amherst I am having a hard time understanding the 11 percent property tax increase that the Town Board will impose in 2024.  Although I’m a budgets and numbers person, I admit that I haven’t gotten too deeply into the weeds on this subject.  I do note that Amherst’s two large neighboring towns, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda, both operating relatively large governments like Amherst, are managing to keep their 2024 tax increases below the two percent state-imposed property tax increase cap for 2024.
• I note with sadness the recent passing of Gayle Syposs, City of Tonawanda’s Democratic Committee Chair, and Camille Brandon, who held a variety of public positions prior to her most recent work with O’Donnell & Associates.  Both of the ladies served their communities and party admirably for many years.  May they rest in peace.
• The Erie County Conservative Party on December 9 will honor businessman Gene Vukelic with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Community Service.  Regardless of Mr. Vukelic’s political activities I have had a positive personal impression of him beginning in the 1970s when I worked at the Erie County Legislature.  One of the most contentious issues of the time was a county “bottle bill,” which was not implemented locally but then several years later became law in the state.  Mr. Vukelic was an honest and gentlemanly advocate in the issue.  That was in the days when such things mattered much more than today.  Congrats Gene!
• It looks like the Bills’ loss to Philadelphia Sunday evening, given the difficulty of the remaining schedule, brought an end to the playoffs and Super Bowl chase for 2023.  The 2024 team will probably look a lot different than this year’s version, particularly on the defensive side and with the coaching staff.

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

X/Twitter @kenkruly |Threads   kenkruly

The post Some facts, observations, and heard-on-the-streets, including Tim Kennedy’s campaign to replace Brian Higgins, who is heading to Shea’s appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Holiday Markets come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This holiday season, in downtown Buffalo, Fits Books & Waffles is hosting a curated holiday market on Saturday, December 2, featuring the following five all-star vendors that will be in the shop from 10 to 4 PM:

• 73 Feathers, creator of stylish clothing and hoodies reflecting the region’s indigenous design culture
• Hadas Steiner, offering an array of stunning, well-curated modern jewelry pieces
• Alison From Earth, creator of a stylish, upcycled fashion line
• Christina Buscarino, maker of unique artisan jewelry and designs
• Pigeon House Pots, offering beautiful artisan ceramics

While you’re in the shop, you can inquire about the books that made it onto this year’s FITZ Holiday Book Picks list.

“We just put our FITZ Holiday Book Picks list today. It include 9 or 10 Buffalo-related books, a few of which are brand new, including a new novel (Same Bed Different Dreams) that launched, receiving international acclaim. It’s by Buffalo-born novelist Ed Park. [There’s] lots of activity this week and next as we head toward the holidays. This Friday, we’ll host two of our favorite collaborators—artist and writer Julia Dzwonkoski and author Ric Royer—for a double book launch.  On Saturday, we’ll host five fabulous vendors for a Holiday Market.  And next week, we have local legends Mike Mulley and Julian Montague in the shop for book signings on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.” – Aaron Bartley (owner of Fits Books & Waffles)

Of course, while you’re paying a visit to this unique Buffalo bookstore, you’re going to want to try out one of their famous Liege waffles.

Everyone deserves a quality book this holiday season. Therefore, be sure to support our local bookstores that sift through the crud, to bring you the best authors on the scene. Plus, when you support a locally owned, independent bookstore, you support Buffalo.

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

The post 2023 Holiday Market at Fits Books & Waffles appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

As the holiday season progresses, one of the best loved movies, “It’s a Wonderful Life” will receive multiple TV airings and local screenings. Most everyone familiar with the movie knows, Gloria Grahame from her first big role as Violet Bick, the town hottie and James Stewart’s suppressed lust interest.   

Grahame went on to star in a number of classic Hollywood Noir films.

To celebrate the gifted Oscar winner’s centennial of her birth year (1923, died 1981) the Screening Room Cinema and Arts Café will screen a consecutive double feature Wednesdays on 11/29 and 12/6 presenting four stylish, suspenseful films featuring co-stars Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, Robert Young, Humphrey Bogart, Lee Marvin, Joan Crawford, and Jack Palance.

What adds to the experience is the unique café setting that the Screening Room provides.  Many of the films being shown include nightclub or café scenes that will give the viewer a sense of being  right in the action.

Film directors represented include “Hollywood Ten” figure, Edward Dmytryk, Hollywood renegade, Nicholas Ray (with whom she had a brief but tumultuous marriage), and masterful German transplant, Fritz Lang. 

The films will be introduced by producer and host, Marty McGee with the generously support from www.signsofgold.com Williamsville, NY.   Admission is $6 or $10 for the double feature.

Wednesday, November 29th – the day after her birthday   

Double feature

7:00 PM”Crossfire” (1947) Director: Edward Dmytryk 

8:45 PM “In a Lonely Place” (1950)  Director: Nicholas Ray

Wednesday, December 6 

Double feature

7:00 PM “The Big Heat”  (1953) Director: Fritz Lang

8:45 PM  “Sudden Fear” (1952) Director: David Miller

Also see TCM Comments on Sudden Fear

Location: The Screening Room Cinema & Arts Cinema

Boulevard Mall

1265 Niagara Falls Blvd (Store #207) Amherst, NY   14226

(Separate entrance outside of mall facing Wegmans & Alberta Drive) 

(716) 837-0376

The post Gloria Grahame Film Noir Series appeared first on Buffalo Rising.