Monday, November 25, 2013
IN DEPTH: Winter weather warrants warmer clothing
West Side organizations and businesses are doing their best
to ensure that people living on the street can be as warm as
possible. New to You and Friends of Night People are among those that are providing some warmth in the area's frigid temperatures. Full story by Matt Bove and Gabrielle Mediak
Thanksgiving Eve is make or break for bars
Black Friday can make or break the
year for retailers all over the country, but for bars and clubs on the West
Side, the moment of truth comes on Thanksgiving Eve.
The night before Thanksgiving has
been deemed the biggest party night of year, but for bars and clubs it is far
more important than most may think.
“The bars make double, sometimes
triple the amount they would on a normal weekend all in one night,” said Zach
Grimm, bouncer at Social Night Club, 228
Franklin St. “Without this night I don’t think the bar would make it through
the holiday season.”
Capitalizing on the first time college students come back home for
Thanksgiving break is vital for the success of the bars and clubs. Many places on the West
Side will raise their cover charge upwards of ensuring that they make the most out of the
craziest night of their year.
“Clubs will increase their cover charge because they know how many
people will come through the doors,” Nick Iacona, a disc jockey at at
Purple Monkey, 236 Delaware Ave, and Pure Night Club, 75 West Chippewa
St. said. “People will pay to participate in the madness because it is the
biggest party night of the year, so bars can get away with charging more.” By Matt Bove and Gabrielle Mediak
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Salvation Army plans Thanksgiving dinner
The Salvation Army, 187 Grant St,
is holding its annual Thanksgiving services and turkey dinner for the West Side
community on Thanksgiving Day.
Services will start at 11 a.m. and dinners will start to be fed at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 28. Anybody is more than welcome to come eat or
volunteer to cater the event or even to lend a helping hand in the clean up. The dinner is free of charge.
Tops, Wegmans and individuals
donated multiple turkeys and other foods to help feed people in need of a
holiday dinner.
“This event not only helps
families, but it helps the community come together,” a Salvation Army
official said. By Patrick Lawler and Joe Sarro
Monday, November 18, 2013
That's amore
Art on display
Julie Lewitzky adds works to her
current exhibit at 1045 Elmwood Gallery for the Arts. The collection of paintings, drawings, prints and more, titled “413 Works,” opened
Nov. 8 and runs through the end of the year. Lewitzky’s compilation of bright
colors, simplistic characters and text is the product of her natural
gravitation toward artistic expression.“I just find it very relaxing,” she
said. “I’m one of those people that when I get relaxed, and sit down, I like to
draw. It’s fun for me.” By Lauren Coppola and Samantha Wulff
Gypsy Parlor brings excitement to Grant St.
By Caitlin Kupiec and James McDonald
Bengal News West Reporters
Once guests walk into Gypsy Parlor,
located at 376 Grant St., they are greeted by colorful tutus, bohemian belly
dancers and gypsies tending bar, none of which are likely found at the average
corner pub.
Gabrielle Mattina, owner of the
bar/restaurant, grew up on the West Side and always knew she wanted to open her
restaurant on Grant Street. She’s of Romanian lineage, so the name of the bar
is inspired partly by her culture, and partly from an ongoing joke with her friends.
“I get criticism for it every day,”
Mattina said. “But it was a way of life for us, with the dressing up, the henna
and the fortune telling.”
The bar holds special events each
week, including Tutu Tuesdays, – where guests get $2 drink specials if they
show up in a tutu – Belly Dancer Wednesdays and other various events.
The cocktails are all original
recipes created by Mattina. A popular drink is named “Gypsy Juice,” which can
be made non-alcoholic or mixed with liquor of choice.
Mattina never saw herself opening
the restaurant anywhere else, and said that the bar is doing about 40 percent
better than she ever imagined it would.
Residents of the neighborhood have
welcomed her with open arms since the place opened in late September, and she
said she could not ask for a better situation.
“People tell me, 'We’re so glad
something opened up here, we’re sick of driving to Elmwood and Allen',” Mattina
said. “It’s rewarding to know that people appreciate it.”
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Holiday cards for heroes
Brianna Dumpson, a student at SUNY Buffalo State, makes cards for military service men and
women with the Volunteer and Service Learning Center at the college. The last card-making session will be held from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov.
21 in Bacon Hall, room 220. The public is invited.The American Red Cross will deliver these holiday
cards to veterans, military families and active duty service members around the world. By Sade Mckenzie and Shytisha Taylor
Turkey and beer?
With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, Ethan Cox, president
of Community Beer Works, talks about pairing beers to seasonal foods,
like turkey. By Chris Dierken and Leif Reigstad
IN DEPTH: Prescription drug abuse takes center stage
Most
people don’t realize that the root of prescription drug abuse can lie within their
own medicine cabinets. The
West Side Youth Development Coalition is raising awareness about this issue by
holding community forums with speakers such as federal drug agents, healthcare
professionals and public officials who aim to reduce the problem. Full story by Marybeth Calabrese and Alexandria Selva
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Victorian Christmas
Janice Kuzan, assistant director of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave., shares details on the 39th annual Victorian Christmas, set to begin Friday Dec. 6 and will run until Dec. 14. The series of events will feature a collection of affairs including a silent auction, wine tastings, a fashion luncheon and special entertainment including jazz performances. The event started in 1974 as part of a holiday initiative to draw more attention to the Rosevelt site, as well as to raise money. Today it is the site’s biggest fundraiser, and all proceeds go towards its operating cost. By Ebony Linzy
Small Business Saturday
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjM-kmxEuJk/UofbrnkJhiI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/WNRMCE0hgcg/s280/Untitled9.png)
Friday, November 15, 2013
Winter parking changes
Starting Nov. 15, cars along bus routes such as Grant Street will
have to move overnight as part of the winter parking changes. These citywide parking
regulations do not allow parking on city bus routes between 1:30 a.m. and 7:30
a.m. Winter parking changes will be in effect through April 1, 2014. Alternate
street parking has been in effect since Nov. 1. It prohibits parking on the
streets on a snowy day after 2 a.m. until the streets are plowed
from corner to corner. By Mike Loffredo
Gallery walk
Michael Mully labels a collection of artwork as he prepares
for First Fridays in Allentown. The owner of the College Art Gallery, located
at 244 Allen St., Mulley participates in this monthly gallery walk that takes
place on the first Friday of every month. Open and free to the public, the
gallery walk gives participants an opportunity to experience the arts, speak
with its artists, hear performances, and enjoy local restaurants. Hosted
by the Allentown Association, the next event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 6 and will feature 11 participating venues. Those
interested in attending First Fridays can learn more by visiting www.firstfridaysallentown.com By Ebony Linzy
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Journey's End to serve up holiday dinner
By Shanice Core and Elias Taveras
Bengal News West Reporters
Journey’s End Refugee Services will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for refugees.
“Refugees work so hard all year round, it is a day for them to be treated like guests,” Cammarata said.
Bengal News West Reporters
Journey’s End Refugee Services will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for refugees.
The
United Methodist Church along with several other churches in Buffalo will
collaborate with Journey’s End to make this experience a pleasant and memorable
dinner for the refugees.
“This
event will be a way to introduce the refugees to American culture,” Community Liaison
Andy Cammarata said.
The
dinner will be held at 8 p.m., Nov. 23 at the Central Park United Methodist
Church, 216 Beard Ave.
This
event continues to grow; last year 200 guests were in attendance.
Journey’s
End Vocational Trainer, Chef Steve Gohiorty will cook the meals along with an
army of volunteers. Refugees will be served traditional American dishes such as
turkey with stuffing, fresh cranberries, and pumpkin pie, among other dishes.
The
dinner will be followed by a performance by refugee children from several
public schools in Buffalo. They will perform a play about the first
thanksgiving. “Refugees work so hard all year round, it is a day for them to be treated like guests,” Cammarata said.
Although
this event is targeted towards Buffalo refugees, it will be open to everyone in
the community.
The United Methodist church and Journey’s End are now accepting
food and money donations.
EBT program continues
The Elmwood Village Association’s EBT Benefit Exchange
Program continues to assist the large immigrant population on the West Side
with purchasing fresh produce at the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market. The market is open every Saturday
from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until
mid-December. By Sade Mckenzie and Shytisha Taylor
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
College soccer programs prep for playoffs
By Matt Bove and Gabrielle Mediak
Bengal News West Reporters
Bengal News West Reporters
People are tuning in to the Major League Soccer playoffs on ESPN
and NBC by the thousands, but for those on the West Side, there is playoff
soccer closer than they may think.
Every college on the West Side — SUNY Buffalo State,
Medaille College, D’Youville College and Canisius College — has soccer teams
competing for their respective conference championships this month.
While Buffalo State soccer has struggled lately, its fortunes
appear to be changing. Both the men’s and women’s teams made the playoffs for
the first time in years, with the men finishing the regular season with a 9-9-1
record, and the women with an 11-5-2 record.
"Buffalo State men’s soccer has changed its
reputation," junior forward Christian Warchocki said. "We went from
being the easiest team to play in the SUNYAC [State University of New York
Athletic Conference] to making the playoffs."
Although the men had an impressive year, the women’s team has
earned a first round bye, and is a favorite to win the SUNYAC championship.
Medaille’s men’s team finished with a record of 12-7-1 and is
the No. 1 seed in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC)
tournament. D’Youville women’s
soccer finished with an 11-4-3 record, and is also preparing for the upcoming
AMCC championships. Both are among the favorites to compete for their league
championships.
While Canisius’ women’s team’s season ended with a playoff loss
on Nov. 1, the men’s team is preparing for the upcoming Metro Atlantic Athletic
Conference (MAAC) tournament. The men’s team finished the regular season 6-8-2,
while the women’s squad ended with a 6-14-1 record.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
IN DEPTH: West Side murals celebrate art, diversity
The murals that have been added to the landscape in West Side business districts give residents a chance to look at themselves and their surroundings in a new and artistic way. Full story by Sean Dwyer and Youleidy Vega
Monday, November 11, 2013
GIs of Comedy invade
Creator of The GIs of Comedy, Thom Tran, second from left, helps students from the SUNY Buffalo State communication department set up a tent for the stage performance that was held Nov. 2 at the college. The show was filmed live with hope that a major network such as Comedy Central would take an interest in this group. Tran is a Buffalo State alumnus and U.S. Army veteran, who started his comedy career in 2008. The GIs of Comedy are all veterans of the United States military who use their years of experience in the armed forces to create laughter. By Marybeth Calabrese and Ally Selva
Martin (more than) Cooks
Martin Danilowicz discusses renovations and inspiration behind
products in the new grocery store at his restaurant Martin Cooks, located on
Connecticut Street, along with his plans for the future. He is using space previously occupied by Press Raw Food & Juice, which is moving to Grant Street. By Lauren Coppola and Samantha Wulff
IN DEPTH: West African inspires West Side boxers
Anges Adjaho, a professional boxer and Olympic contender, is a native of the West African country of Benin. He was recruited by promoter Don King and has appeared on national television, but today home is the West Side, where he continues to box and help beginners and amateurs at the West Side Boxing Club. Full story by Patrick Lawler and Joe Sarro.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Rich halfway through $18 million project
By Patrick Lawler and Joe Sarro
Bengal News West Reporters
Rich Products Corp. is midway through its $18 million project to upgrade its Niagara Street headquarters.
Rich Products Corp. is midway through its $18 million project to upgrade its Niagara Street headquarters.
The
project is being built from the bottom up starting with the basement that has
been transformed into a brand new workout facility for the employees that has a
view overlooking the river. The atrium is in the process of being renovated, and when it is complete is will continue to host weddings and other events. A new customer innovation center also is planned.
According
to Corporate Communications Vice President Dwight Gram, renovations are set to be complete by May 2014.
During
the past five years the company has been investing greatly, everything is
modern and brand new. The renovations signify that Rich Products is
committed to staying long term, Gram said.
Rich
Products is a global company that has 9,200 employees in over 112 countries
with 37 manufacturing sites.
“We
could build this anywhere,” said Gram. “We chose to build this in Buffalo because this is still our home and it’s a
commitment back to this community.”
Residents: Ardmore better with blacktop
By Chris Dierken and Leif Reigstad
Bengal News West Reporters
Bengal News West Reporters
Residents of Ardmore Place are
finding that the historic brick they rallied to keep uncovered is more than
they bargained for.
From afar, the street looks smooth and even. But a closer
look reveals crooked, uneven bricks and gaps every ten feet filled with loose
asphalt.
In July, the city ripped up the
road to repave it. When residents saw the exposed red brick underneath the
pavement, they pushed the city to allow them to keep it. Now, that initial
excitement seems to have faded.
“It’s not the way things are today,”
Danelle Castiglia, 68 Ardmore Place, said. “It’s fun to
hang on to nostalgia, but I don’t think it’s practical. There’s a reason they
paved it [40] years
ago.”
“It’s pretty to look at,”
Castiglia said. “But I don’t think it’s going to be practical.”
Kenneth Guidie, whose girlfriend
lives on Ardmore, said he doesn’t like that skateboarding or rollerblading on
the brick is difficult.
“The road is bumpy, you have to
drive really slow when you’re driving over it,” Guidie said. “It’s noisy,
that’s another complaint people have been having.”
With winter approaching, residents
are worried that snowplows won’t be able to go down Ardmore without scraping
the road, and that salt might erode the recently discovered red bricks.
“I like the feel that it brings, the look of it,”
Guidie said. “Other than that, I don’t care for it. That’s going to be a mess
if they don’t raise their plows up a couple of inches, like they should.”
IN DEPTH: Bicyclists prep for winter riding season
Buffalo didn't get ranked 14th in the nation for the number of bicycle commuters for nothing. When the weather turns brisk and
the snow begins to fall, hearty, year-round cyclists decorate bike lanes
with tread marks. Full story by Lauren Coppola and Samantha Wulff.
IN DEPTH: Evolation Yoga aims to relax the West Side
A yoga studio on the West Side turns up the heat on relaxation. Full story by Sade Mckenzie and Shytisha Taylor.
IN DEPTH: Live comedy brings big laughs to West Side
A troupe of students at SUNY Buffalo State delivers laughs for free to growing audiences every Friday night. Full story by Matt Bove and Gabrielle Mediak
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Farmers' market goes inside for winter
By Ebony Linzy
Bengal News West Reporter
With winter just weeks away, the Elmwood-Bidwell Market is going inside.
The producer-only market set up shop Nov. 2 inside the recently renovated Horsefeathers Market & Residences and will be open until May 3, 2014.
Located on Connecticut and Normal streets, Horsefeathers will house the winter market, which would extend the season of the weekly outdoor farmer’s market making it year round. It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. untill 1. p.m.
The market gives people an opportunity to purchase goods directly from the producers themselves. Usually situated inside the park on Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway, the summer market has 38 vendors and runs from May through November.
Composed of 14 participating vendors, the winter market will offer a collection of products including fruits and vegetables, homemade doggy treats and soaps.
The farmers’ market vendors will be set up among permanent retailers including the Martin Cooks Restaurant, and the Pasta Peddler.
Marketing manager Joe Kirchmyer hopes that the overall summer experience will extend into its winter season and that it will see success.
“The market is a great community gathering place,” Kirchmyer said.
Bengal News West Reporter
With winter just weeks away, the Elmwood-Bidwell Market is going inside.
The producer-only market set up shop Nov. 2 inside the recently renovated Horsefeathers Market & Residences and will be open until May 3, 2014.
Located on Connecticut and Normal streets, Horsefeathers will house the winter market, which would extend the season of the weekly outdoor farmer’s market making it year round. It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. untill 1. p.m.
The market gives people an opportunity to purchase goods directly from the producers themselves. Usually situated inside the park on Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway, the summer market has 38 vendors and runs from May through November.
Composed of 14 participating vendors, the winter market will offer a collection of products including fruits and vegetables, homemade doggy treats and soaps.
The farmers’ market vendors will be set up among permanent retailers including the Martin Cooks Restaurant, and the Pasta Peddler.
Marketing manager Joe Kirchmyer hopes that the overall summer experience will extend into its winter season and that it will see success.
“The market is a great community gathering place,” Kirchmyer said.
'Front Yard' exhibit
Project coordinator Brian Milbrand and volunteer Amanda
Matthews discuss the debut
of the Front Yard art exhibit, which projects videos on the Burchfield Penney Art Center located at the corner of Elmwood
Avenue and Rockwell Road. The video exhibit is
controlled by the weather and creates an opportunity for local artists to
display their work to Elmwood commuters, 365 days a year. By Sean Dwyer and Youleidy Vega
Open Buffalo awaits news on $3 million
By Sean Dwyer and Youleidy Vega
Bengal News West Reporters
A coalition of Buffalo organizations is awaiting word on receiving a $3 million grant from The Open Society Foundations for urban development.
Bengal News West Reporters
A coalition of Buffalo organizations is awaiting word on receiving a $3 million grant from The Open Society Foundations for urban development.
PUSH Buffalo,
Partnership for the Public Good, Voice Buffalo and Coalition for Justice
combined to create Open Buffalo, which applied for the grant in April.
Open Buffalo’s plan includes
improving the city’s worker equity and workforce development, increasing
education and training for youth and increasing opportunities for local
businesses.
The Open Society Foundations’ goal
is to build vibrant communities and promote open participation while holding
government accountable, according to its website.
Organizations in 16 cities applied
and Buffalo was one of eight cities that advanced to the semi-finals. Each semi-finalists
received $100, 000 for planning.
The planning process, which ended in
September, consisted of the cities putting together a proposal of ideas and
potential changes that will help improve their community. The cities that show
that they are most capable of efficiently using the money will receive the
grant, said Rahwa Ghirmatzion, PUSH Buffalo’s development director.
The foundation has until December to
decide which cities will be awarded the implementation money. They will receive
$1 million yearly for a minimum of three years.
IN DEPTH: 5 Loaves gives city kids farm experience
Buffalo Vineyard City Church is on a mission to bring farming into a city neighborhood with its 5 Loaves Farm. Volunteers, which include many area school students, help work the farm and harvest its bounty for area residents. Full story by Ebony Linzy
Friday, November 8, 2013
IN DEPTH: Two West Side shops sell throwback theme
Two West Side merchants believe there's a place for good old-fashioned books and vinyl records, despite where technology is going. Full story by Caitlin Kupiec and James McDonald
Sunday, November 3, 2013
A good yarn
Artist Marissa Lehner, right, helps Sarayvd Maung create an
art project with yarn at The WASH Project @ Westside Value Laundromat located
at 417 Massachusetts Ave. Maung is taking part in Yarn Bombing, a community
event held at the laundromat involving weaving together colorful yarn to be
wrapped around neighborhood lampposts, street signs and bike racks. By Chris Deirken and Leif Reigstad
Healthy advice
The Independent Health Foundation organizes The Good For The Neighborhood events in order to help the large population of immigrants on the West Side receive medical assistance. By Shanice Core and Elias Taveras
Friday, November 1, 2013
Cupcakes and conversation
IN DEPTH: Candidate Rodriguez has big plans for city
Buffalo adopted son Sergio Rodriguez is focusing on four points to improve the city as he campaigns for the mayor's job. Full story by Michael Loffredo