Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Shelters offer health care to homeless
With flu and cold season in full swing, some shelters offer health services, and provide hot meals for hungry people, making the long winter more bearable.Full story
Monday, December 20, 2010
Pridgen sees need to coalesce city leaders
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Rev. Darius Pridgen |
Rev. Darius Pridgen has recently been elected to join the City of Buffalo Common Council as representative of the Ellicott District. Brimming with new ideas on how to re-cultivate business in the area, Pridgen is hoping to bring a new outlook to the common council. He plans to work with Niagara District Councilmember David Rivera to bring the Niagara and Ellicott districts together, creating a new sense of pride and stability downtown. Full story
Sunday, December 19, 2010
English programs for immigrants get boost
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Tutor and English-language student at First Presbyterian |
The number of English language learners on the West Side is increasing.
Assisting with this is the BELL Network, a committee made up of the Buffalo Public Schools, local resettlement agencies, Buffalo State College, Houghton College and the Refugee Tutoring Project.
The focus of the network is to expand existing programs and create new programs supporting English language learners, as well as form a larger network linking the various programs in order to help them all work together. Full story
Saturday, December 18, 2010
UB dental school gives care on West Side
For some Hispanic residents of the lower West Side, finding proper dental care is like pulling teeth. There is limited access to specialty care and to dentists who might be bilingual. That is why for the past seven years the UB School of Dental Medicine faculty and students hold an event to give residents free dental care and oral cancer screenings. Full story
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Peace Bridge viewed as source of bad air
The last time plans were scrapped for a new Peace Bridge expansion project, it was for the safety of the birds. This time around, residents are hoping it’s for the safety of the West Side. There has been ample proof from local healthcare facilities, as well as national research studies, that there is a strong association between high Peace Bridge traffic rates and high community asthma rates. The Peace Bridge Authority has done little to resolve the negative health impact other than acknowledging that the problem “may exist”. A larger bridge would allow for more diesel trucks, which often idle in West Side neighborhoods, and thereby send out large quantities of harmful fumes into the air and into the lungs of residents.
Full story
Full story
West Side community spreads holiday cheer
While some families are having a traditional dinner this holiday season, many families need help. Thanks to organizations such as Concerned Ecumenical Ministry, West Side Community Services and Angel Food, these families are able to have a dinner at home or in a soup kitchen. These organizations help families and individuals who find it hard to have a traditional holiday meal. During the holiday season, people who seek help from these groups will not have to be hungry-or alone. Full story
Women's health fair aids Burmese refugees
With the influx of Burmese refugees into Buffalo, several local organizations such as HEAL-International Inc., Catholic Charities, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum and the International Institute of Buffalo teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to host a health fair for Burmese women. The educational fair informed the recent refugees, many who lack any substantial knowledge on breast cancer, about early detection and preventive measures they can take. Full story
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Businesses work to improve the West Side
Jimmy Lorigo opened the Meating Place in 1975 |
Four decades ago, Grant Street was flourishing with new businesses and a sense of camaraderie among the owners located up and down the street. In the years that followed, this sense of prosperity slowly faded away.
Local businesses and organizations are putting forth a renewed effort to bring back that welcoming atmosphere that was once present in the area. Full story
GPS tracking to enhance plow operations
The City of Buffalo has implemented a new plan that will help snow plow the West Side and other areas this winter. Incorporating new technology and parking time changes, the city hopes to make snow plowing more efficient. This will assist supervisors with tracking streets that have been plowed and which ones still need attention in residential areas. Full story
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Anticipated state award to improve Grant Street
Grant Street florist April Whalen |
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
'Tis the season, again, to get a flu shot
Nurse Barbara Sullivan |
Sunday, December 5, 2010
From old to new: West Side soon to recycle
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New recycling initiative will help eliminate street clutter |
Friday, December 3, 2010
West Side combats rising health concerns
The West Side is currently facing a number of health issues affecting many of its residents. One issue is poor air quality directly related to the diesel exhaust from the Peace Bridge, which is causing respiratory problems. Another is a general health concern toward community members due to lack of exercise. Since its inception in 2002, the Near East and West Side Task Force is working to find solutions by advocating health education to the residents of its communities. Full story
Healthy menus lead to healthy choices
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Dave Alessi, manager of LaNova Pizzeria |
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Collaborative polishes up West Side to fight crime
Eight years ago, West Side Community Collaborative started a five-year initiative plan to revitalize Buffalo’s West Side community. The goals included increasing the commercial district by bringing in more storefronts, cleaning up the landscape by gardening and erasing graffiti and raising homeownership. Other goals included reducing abandoned buildings and reducing crime and violence on the streets and in the homes. It’s been three years since the plan has reached its conclusion, but that doesn’t mean the West Side Community Collaborative’s work is finished. The group continues to revitalize this Buffalo community and work to keep drugs and violence out of the neighborhood. Full story
Local gardeners learn how to winterize
How does someone live in Buffalo and still take up gardening as a hobby?
The cold, harsh winters are anything but a conducive atmosphere for some of the plants gardeners hope to see grow and flourish. However, Urban Roots, an urban agriculture and gardening center on the West Side, hopes to solve that problem with its overwintering plants workshop.
The local business paired up with guest speaker and avid gardener, David Clark to help teach local gardeners how to preserve their exotic plants.
It was a forum not only to hear a how-to from an experienced gardener, but also a gathering of neighbors and gardeners alike. Full story
The cold, harsh winters are anything but a conducive atmosphere for some of the plants gardeners hope to see grow and flourish. However, Urban Roots, an urban agriculture and gardening center on the West Side, hopes to solve that problem with its overwintering plants workshop.
The local business paired up with guest speaker and avid gardener, David Clark to help teach local gardeners how to preserve their exotic plants.
It was a forum not only to hear a how-to from an experienced gardener, but also a gathering of neighbors and gardeners alike. Full story
Monday, November 29, 2010
Housing project makes old homes new again
Certain West Side streets will be undergoing a major facelift over the next six months with the help of PUSH Buffalo, HomeFront Inc., and a sturdy $3 million budget. The renewal project seeks to remodel multiple deteriorating homes on the same street in an attempt to beautify and create sustainable neighborhoods along some of the West Side’s most blighted areas. While there is a significant abandoned housing problem in this particular region of Buffalo, both organizations believe that the upcoming renaissance of these streets will attract residents with a vested interest in the community and will work towards preserving the upkeep of the neighborhoods. Projects have already gotten underway with two homes having been sold and another three under construction. Full story.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Bazaar expected to bring buzz to West Side
The West Side Bazaar is an idea created and executed by various West Side organizations. The motive behind the idea is to help build a flourishing commercial business for this particular Buffalo community. However, behind every great idea comes several struggles, and the West Side Bazaar has faced its fair share of struggles. The opening date has been pushed back further and further, but the hope remains alive for all those involved. Full story.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
West Buffalo Charter School in battle over location
The tug-of-war between Elmwood Village Charter School and West Buffalo Charter School is almost at its end. The conflict between the two schools began when the sale of a vacant building to Elmwood Village Charter School was blocked by an Erie County Supreme Court Justice.
It has been decided that the final decision will be made by a two-thirds vote made by the Buffalo Common Council. The two schools will be notified when they can place further bids on the building and then the Council will choose which charter school will be the occupant. Full story.
It has been decided that the final decision will be made by a two-thirds vote made by the Buffalo Common Council. The two schools will be notified when they can place further bids on the building and then the Council will choose which charter school will be the occupant. Full story.
Niagara branch library avoids most cutbacks
With financial setbacks and shortages within the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system, many at the Niagara Branch Library located at 280 Porter Ave. are left wondering about the library’s future; with plans of reinvention, many hope that the system as a whole rejuvenates itself. Full story.
Merging old and new through business group
The Grant-Ferry Association under the new leadership of Kathleen Kinan, president, and Gary Welborn, vice president, is working to better reach out to new and old businesses to establish a strong connection among them. By doing this, Grant Street will start to become a more diverse business strip, which is the association’s main goal. Full story.
West Side goes green to fix sewer problems
Across the city, much is being done to make Buffalo greener.
Due to the West Side being so concentrated, there is a higher need for improvement than other places in the city. Every time there is a major rainfall, the sewer water can back up into basements and streets.
With the help of Niagara Riverkeeper and people like Dave Majewski, the city is fighting to stop the sewers from backing up due to rainwater. Some of the projects include rain gardens and building greener parking lots, and more plans are in talk. Full story.
Due to the West Side being so concentrated, there is a higher need for improvement than other places in the city. Every time there is a major rainfall, the sewer water can back up into basements and streets.
With the help of Niagara Riverkeeper and people like Dave Majewski, the city is fighting to stop the sewers from backing up due to rainwater. Some of the projects include rain gardens and building greener parking lots, and more plans are in talk. Full story.
Tutoring program expands to aid West Side schools
Public schools in Buffalo, particularly those in West Side communities, struggle to produce the appropriate test scores required by New York State. However, the No Child Left Behind Act enacted in 2001 made Upgrade Academics, a non-profit organization, possible. Nancy Berger, whose drive was education and helping students in need, started Upgrade Academics in 2004. The program since has grown and flourished across Buffalo, and has recently seen an expansion on the West Side. The demands for the program’s services are increasing in the community with hopes of achieving the New York State standard of education and learning. Full story.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
PUSHing the limits of energy efficiency
People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) is developing a house on Winter Street that will involve building a ground-based heating system and installing solar panels. Full story.
PUSH against National Fuel incentive program
How far would you go to fight for something you believed in? PUSH – a Grassroots, nonprofit organization located on the West Side -- is involved in a struggle against utility giant National Fuel. PUSH has petitioned against the renewal of National Fuel’s Conservation Incentive Program. The CIP deals with National Fuel customers who buy new appliances, a rebate is given, as long as the efficiency rate is a certain amount.
PUSH has been placed under temporary restraint by the state Supreme Court for taking its cause too far. Full story.
PUSH has been placed under temporary restraint by the state Supreme Court for taking its cause too far. Full story.
Grant Street brings 'sweetness' to West Side
Ray Grasso relaxes over breakfast on Sweet_ness 7 Cafe's patio |
War-torn family finds place to HEAL
Hassan Farah has overcome a great deal in his life thus far, but those hardships are only driving him to rise above the adversity. At just 22 years old, Farah created a refugee organization on the West Side dedicated to helping the displaced become educated, find employment and participate in their new communities. Full story.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Proposal gives Horsefeathers new life
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Karl Frizlen, president of Frizlen Group Architects, is looking to restore 346 Connecticut St., formerly known as Horsefeathers Architectural Antiques. He is in the process of restoring the building for the use of retail and living spaces. Frizlen is working to obtain historic tax credits to help him in this business venture. As part of the remodel he will be putting a bike rowing machine in to generate electricity to make the building more energy efficient. Full story.
City scrutinizes multiple-property owners
The city's permits and inspections division proposed a plan to hold property owners accountable for blighted properties on the West Side which may affect many of the historical buildings in the area. The plan would alter the process in which the city government enforces code violations. The Columbus Park Association, a community group which focuses on historic preservation in the Prospect Hill-Columbus Park district, said the plan is a step in the right direction.Full story.
Streetwear culture hub moves to Grant St.
For Krudmart clothing store, switching store locations from Elmwood Avenue to Grant Street was not a financial move, but one to “embrace an up and coming area” according to co-manager Erin Habes.
Habes' goal is to harness the culture of the West Side and incorporate her vision with Krudmart into it.
Krudmart features streetwear clothing including designs from local artists. It represents the culture of the surrounding area well and is cemented in its spot on Grant and is there to stay.
According to Habes, streetwear clothing is a culture within itself. “If you are into streetwear you know that you live and breathe this clothing,” she said. Full story
Habes' goal is to harness the culture of the West Side and incorporate her vision with Krudmart into it.
Krudmart features streetwear clothing including designs from local artists. It represents the culture of the surrounding area well and is cemented in its spot on Grant and is there to stay.
According to Habes, streetwear clothing is a culture within itself. “If you are into streetwear you know that you live and breathe this clothing,” she said. Full story
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lesser-known leaders making an impact
Community leaders are of great importance to their neighborhoods and those who live there. They serve as advocates for residents and help act as voices for those residents. However, it’s not always easy being a community leader. The responsibility and lack of political weight can be stressful at times, but these leaders continue their fight for a better tomorrow in their community. Full story.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Golombek announces second swipe at Hoyt
North District Common Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. has announced his decision to oppose Assemblyman Sam Hoyt for the second time in his quest for the 144th District seat.
Last time Golombek faced Hoyt the outcome was close with Hoyt winning by a mere 760 votes. According to local politicians and supporters, this year’s election is also set to be a tight race.
Three-hundred supporters gathered at the American Legion post on Amherst St to witness Golombek’s announcement, and cheered at his promise to “totally reform Albany” if elected. Full story.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Community gardeners springing into action
With spring just around the corner, the West Side can be an example of how a community and gardening organizations can beautify and enrich the city.
With workshops held almost every weekend by various organizations there is an opportunity for everyone to volunteer and learn about community gardening.
Susannah Barton, director of grassroots of Buffalo, is confident that gardening will continue to grow within the West Side and to other Buffalo areas. Full story.
With workshops held almost every weekend by various organizations there is an opportunity for everyone to volunteer and learn about community gardening.
Susannah Barton, director of grassroots of Buffalo, is confident that gardening will continue to grow within the West Side and to other Buffalo areas. Full story.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Housing service lifeline for homeowners
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services is an area organization that aids locals in the home buying and rehabilitation processes for purchases west of Main Street. The organization provides its patrons with the necessary knowledge needed to complete the often-gradual process.
Jolene Paller’s story is one of the many in the organization’s 30-year history. The former radio personality now speaks with homebuyers once they have completed their purchase and encourages them to get more involved with their community.
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services has become a lifeline for some living on the West Side. The organization’s impact reverberates through the individuals who were once apprehensive and lacked knowledge on the subject. Full story
Jolene Paller’s story is one of the many in the organization’s 30-year history. The former radio personality now speaks with homebuyers once they have completed their purchase and encourages them to get more involved with their community.
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services has become a lifeline for some living on the West Side. The organization’s impact reverberates through the individuals who were once apprehensive and lacked knowledge on the subject. Full story
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Something's fishy on Massachusetts Avenue
Who said the only place to buy fresh fish was at the grocery store? Well, not anymore. Starting mid-May, The Massachusetts Avenue Project will be selling farm-grown tilapia at its Saturday farm stand.
In only its second year, this neighborhood idea has surpassed imagination and is a proven success. With a solid business plan in motion, what is next? According to Project Manager Jesse Meeder, “I’m ready to go commercial.” Full story
In only its second year, this neighborhood idea has surpassed imagination and is a proven success. With a solid business plan in motion, what is next? According to Project Manager Jesse Meeder, “I’m ready to go commercial.” Full story
Business blooms on Connecticut Street
Connecticut Street has undergone a swift transformation into an up and coming retail destination.
Over the last five years the street has welcomed a number of businesses, including its latest addition, Bella Tootsie, a shoe-spa-boutique.
Annette Caldwell, owner of the new enterprise that neighbors her parents' bar, the Golden Key tavern, said she received a warm welcome by the West Side neighborhood and that business is going well.
Bella Tootsie is just a sign of good things to come on Connecticut Street with the multimillion-dollar transformation of the Old Horsefeathers Antique Store into luxury accommodation and a gourmet food outlet. Full story
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Grant-Amherst focuses on business
The rise of economic development in the Grant-Amherst area has pushed urban planners, small business owners and leaders in the community to take a look at the need for revitalization to its streets, such as adding stop signs and traffic lights to enhance safety for pedestrians.
While some members of the community say there’s no need for additional traffic-calming devices, others feel the city needs to capitalize on the positive momentum and change which new store fronts and are bringing to the area.
Existing businesses in the area are also getting a lift, adding a new face to a historical area. Full story.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
After-school programs keep kids safe
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Buffalo Public Schools and neighborhood community centers are making efforts to keep children off the streets of Buffalo during after school hours.
PS 30 Frank A. Sedita Academy, on the West Side, made use of the 21st Century Grant in order to fund after-school programs for children.
The Belle Center, a community center in the West Side also implemented after-school opportunities for children. A combination of academic studies and athletics run by project directors, grad students and staff has been established as an outlet for students use in order to avoid the streets. Full story
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Restoring neighborhoods, block by block
HomeFront Inc., a non-profit community development agency, has been working to maintain the character of forgotten homes on the West Side by redeveloping the block of Nineteenth Street.
After purchasing houses from the city on auction, HomeFront, and its team of construction planners develop a strategy to reconstruct homes that are over one hundred years old and have survived fires, neglect and abandonment.
Around $150,000 later, after the structures are like new, they are put back on the housing market. Full story
After purchasing houses from the city on auction, HomeFront, and its team of construction planners develop a strategy to reconstruct homes that are over one hundred years old and have survived fires, neglect and abandonment.
Around $150,000 later, after the structures are like new, they are put back on the housing market. Full story
Assemblyman Hoyt announces re-election bid
Politics are back in full swing in spring in Buffalo. Sam Hoyt and his supporters met at Polish Cadets to rally towards what Hoyt called “A great opportunity to really help the community.”
Assemblyman for District 144, Sam Hoyt, announced he is running for re-election. District 144 covers Black Rock, the entire West Side, as well as Grand Island.
Hoyt held the rally in an attempt to increase his stock and garner support at the next election. He spoke of his desire to “Clean up Buffalo” with Community Organizations like P.U.S.H Buffalo and also spoke of their necessity in the restoration of the region. Full story
Assemblyman for District 144, Sam Hoyt, announced he is running for re-election. District 144 covers Black Rock, the entire West Side, as well as Grand Island.
Hoyt held the rally in an attempt to increase his stock and garner support at the next election. He spoke of his desire to “Clean up Buffalo” with Community Organizations like P.U.S.H Buffalo and also spoke of their necessity in the restoration of the region. Full story
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Bazaar needs a place to hang its hat
A promising initiative, the West Side Bazaar has yet to find a proper home. However, though the quest continues, business may start booming for local vendors come June – or so consumers hope.
The West Side Bazaar aims to nurture diverse young businesses, most of which belong to refugees and immigrants from around the world that have settled throughout the West Side area.
Through the mentorship of organizations like WEDI, Westminster Economic Development Initiative Inc., vendors are able to overcome cultural barriers and create comprehensive blueprints and financial plans that will uphold their businesses over time. Full story
The West Side Bazaar aims to nurture diverse young businesses, most of which belong to refugees and immigrants from around the world that have settled throughout the West Side area.
Through the mentorship of organizations like WEDI, Westminster Economic Development Initiative Inc., vendors are able to overcome cultural barriers and create comprehensive blueprints and financial plans that will uphold their businesses over time. Full story
PUSH Buffalo hosts Spring cleanup
In just six hours local volunteers in cooperation with a group of Princeton University students cleared and cleaned the property, purchased recently by PUSH to renovate into an energy efficient home.
PUSH is now looking forward to Spring Cleaning Part Two in April where volunteers will restore a local run down park. Full story
Monday, March 15, 2010
Refugees earn tips on being financially fit
Refugees to the United States often have to overcome cultural and economic barriers to adapt to new living arrangements.
Understanding the concept of how the American financial system works promotes an overall healthy lifestyle according to Jericho Road Ministries, a non-profit organization located on Barton Street in Buffalo’s diverse west side community.
“I know how to pay the bills, but sometimes I (would be) late for a full payment, and the (next bill) would be high,” said Rosa Niag, a refugee from Sudan. “This confused me.”
The eight week program educates participants on how to balance their finances through instruction and partnerships with local organizations. Full story
Understanding the concept of how the American financial system works promotes an overall healthy lifestyle according to Jericho Road Ministries, a non-profit organization located on Barton Street in Buffalo’s diverse west side community.
“I know how to pay the bills, but sometimes I (would be) late for a full payment, and the (next bill) would be high,” said Rosa Niag, a refugee from Sudan. “This confused me.”
The eight week program educates participants on how to balance their finances through instruction and partnerships with local organizations. Full story
Friday, March 12, 2010
Italian-Americans still call West Side 'home'
Old Italian culture is still strong on the West Side. Although the neighborhood has become more culturally integrated during the past decade, Italians who continue to live on the West Side remain true to their native customs and values. Full story
Homegrown chickens part of spring ritual
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Now that springtime is on the way the hot topic is once again backyard chickens.
Backyard chickens became an issue in Buffalo last year when West Side resident Monique Watts fought City Hall to keep a coop in her yard.
The chickens have become a major part of a new “urban farm” movement. This movement is all about growing and raising your own food. The main point people in the movement are trying to show is that even though it is more work your getting a better quality food, at a cheaper price, that actually tastes better. Full story.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Project helps immigrant mothers-to-be bridge gap
Imagine living in a foreign country, surrounded by a new language, overwhelmed by change and pregnant. Now imagine yourself in this circumstance with the support of someone else, someone who identifies with your story.
The Priscilla Project has served pregnant refugees in the past and today their services are evolving.
Continue reading...
The Priscilla Project has served pregnant refugees in the past and today their services are evolving.
Continue reading...
Friday, February 26, 2010
Campus construction disrupts student life
Students at Buffalo State College have been, and continue to be, subjected to intermittent losses of power and water outages that have made everyday tasks like showering and studying a major dilemma. But as many students agree the biggest disruption to campus life is the continuous noise that interrupts students from their sleep and study.
Continuing reading...
Continuing reading...
Drummers tap into West African culture
They’re loud. They’re proud. And they’ve got the beat.
The West African Drumming Ensemble is the latest addition to the music department at Buffalo State College. The group started meeting this semester and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join. They gather at 6 p.m. every Thursday in Rockwell Hall, room 107.
The ensemble can be taken as a one-credit course, but students who have any kind of interest in learning about west African culture and music can join the group.
Continuing reading...
The West African Drumming Ensemble is the latest addition to the music department at Buffalo State College. The group started meeting this semester and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join. They gather at 6 p.m. every Thursday in Rockwell Hall, room 107.
The ensemble can be taken as a one-credit course, but students who have any kind of interest in learning about west African culture and music can join the group.
Continuing reading...
Buffalo State retail dining area 'beefed up'
The Sodexo-operated dining facility, found in the Buffalo State College student union, introduced a few upgrades to campus-dining services including multiple new breakfast options, a fresh salad and Panini bar, increased breakfast hours of operation and multiple new plastic silverware utensils.
Continue reading...
Continue reading...