'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.

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.

Ghirmatzion said that they have not thought about how they will implement their plans without the foundations'  support but would still continue to pursue their plans.

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

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

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

Cupcakes and conversation

Firefly Cupcakes on Elmwood Avenue  may have a small patio and storefront, but the store's backroom creates quite a buzz.  What sets the boutique bakery apart from its competitors is its Open Mic night, which is attracting patrons of all ages on a weekly basis. By Matt Bove and Gabrielle Mediak