Did you see an important story on Spectrum News 1 that told you to visit us online?
Here's where you'll find links containing important websites, phone numbers and other information that you may have seen in a segment on our station.
April 24
Butterfly Garden
Short 6’’ to 15’’
Ajuga, Armeria, Aster, Ceratostigma, Chrysanthemum, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Geranium, Heuchera, Iberis, Lavandula, Nepeta, Oenothera, Salvia, Scabiosa, Stokesia, Veronica, Viola
Medium 16’’ to 36’’
Achillea, Agastache, Aquilegia, Asclepias, Caryopteris, Centranthus, Chelone, Crocosmia, Dicentra, Digitalis, Hemerocallis, Leucanthemum, Liatris, Lilium, Lobelia, Lupine, Origanum, Rudbeckia, Sedum
Tall 36’’ and above
Aconitum, Aruncus, Baptisia, Buddleia, Echinacea, Eupatorium, Heliopsis, Helianthus, Hibiscus, Lonicera, Monarda, Phloax, Verbena
April 23
Vegetable gardening ideas
(Courtesy of Balet Flowers and Design)
Start-up garden
Seeds for planting from late April through mid-May: Spinach, carrots, radishes, beets
Other seed ideas as the soil warms up through May: Lettuce, beans, cucumbers, zucchini/summer squash, winter squash/pumpkins
Read the seed packets for planting depth. Generally cover the seeds with an amount of soil the same diameter of the seed; water just after seeding for optimum germination.
For plants, till or cultivate the garden area, and remove debris. If planting in a container, choose a container large enough for the crop, add compost or fertilizer to potting soil, plant and water as needed. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks.
Buy plants that are already started for quicker growing time. Plant in a sunny location for best production; water and fertilize as needed.
Plants worth buying: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, or any plants you want to get a head start on
April 22
Growing/companion planting tips
(Courtesy of Balet Flowers and Design)
Companion planting favorites
Best practices for containers: Start with a good potting soil mix; fill the container 3/4 of the way up; dig a hole and place the plant in loose soil, then fill soil around the plants; leave a reservoir of a 1/2-inch for smaller pots and up to an inch for larger pots; fertilize, either mixing organic fertilizer into the soil or using a liquid feed.
April 10
— The City of Buffalo is reminding students to complete the FAFSA form. Buffalo Public Schools and Say Yes have teamed up to provide opportunities to help students and families complete the form. A list of available events can be found here.
January 31
— The application period for the City of Buffalo's summer youth internship and employment program is now open.
January 24
— According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 55 out of New York’s 62 counties don’t have enough psychiatrists, psychologists or social workers.
October 22
— For more on Buffalo's Restaurant Week, click here.
— For registration information for the Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge, click here.
September 29
— To register for Citizen Preparedness Training in Buffalo, click here. For the Hamburg workshop, click here.
September 23
— To purchase tickets for the Pearl Young Memorial Concert for Community Healing, click here.
September 20
— Letters of support for Officer Troy Blackchief may be mailed to:
September 17
— For more information on A Talk with Jordan Poyer, click here.
September 16
— For registration information on the 2023 Chautauqua County Walk to End Alzheimer's, click here.
September 8
— For more information on Music is Art, click here.
September 6
— The state Department of Health and state Office for the Aging will hold town halls in Buffalo and Amherst on Thursday and Friday on the state’s Master Plan for Aging. You can register here to attend in-person and attend online by signing up here.
September 3
— Erie County will hold two free rabies vaccine clinics in September. Click here to learn more.
September 2
— Join the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium for the 3rd Annual Fitness on the Field. $10 registration fee covers all classes, keynote speaker, activities and more. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to eight non-profit organizations. Cycling classes are limited to 50/class and will be on a first come first serve basis. Spectators and children 13 and under are free.
August 28
— Cleanup continues following severe floods across the state. The Department of Environmental Conservation is calling for your opinion on future resiliency projects. More than $4 billion is available for the DEC to use through the Environmental Bond Act.
Department leaders say they rely on community input to decide what projects to tackle. If you have an idea for a project that could help your community, click here.
August 23
— To register for the Polish Ambassador to the U.N.'s lecture at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library next Friday at 7 pm., click here.
August 20
— If you would like to volunteer, are an artist, would like to host an artist, are a performer (dancer, spoken word, acoustic act, etc), or have a food truck, and would like to take part in the new 2023 Art Festival in the Elmwood Village that supports local artists and businesses along the Elmwood Strip, click here.
August 18
— The 21st Annual Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade will be held on Saturday, August 19. It begins at 11:30 a.m. Here's a list of road closures:
More information can be found here.
August 6
— The link for the Kevin Guest House online auction can be found here.
August 3
— A list of stadium parking changes for the upcoming Buffalo Bills season can be found here.
August 2
— Here's a list of events that'll take place at The Exchange at Beverly Gray during Buffalo Black Business Month:
July 5
— The following City of Buffalo cooling sites will be open as cooling centers on Thursday:
June 23
— Empire State Development is accepting applications for a new round of the "East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program." Eligible businesses in East Buffalo could receive up to $50,000. If you're interested in applying, click here.
— For more information on Sabres Hockeyfest, click here.
June 4
— For more information Food Truck Tuesdays, click here.
May 18
— For more information on the 9th 43North competition, click here.
May 2
— Labatt has unveiled a new parks and recreation program in Buffalo. As part of this, Labatt will sponsor various adult sports teams in leagues across the region. For more information, click here.
April 20
— For more information on Micah Hyde's charity softball event, click here.
April 12
— For more information on the NFTA looking for artists for the DL&W station, click here.
March 31
— Water Buffalo Club 716 and Stitch Buffalo created a new hat for Dyngus Day. For more information on the hat, click here.
February 3
— The Broadway Market is celebrating Black History Month by hosting 'Buy Black Buffalo' every Saturday this month from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The full list of vendors can be found below:
— For more information on the American Heart Association's "Be the Beat," click here.
December 21
— For more information on the City of Buffalo's diversity and inclusion coordinator position, click here.
December 12
— More information on free and paid Red Cross certified lifeguard training for the city of Buffalo can be found below:
December Certification Session
Monday-Friday 12/26-12/30 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
January Certification Session
Saturdays & Sundays 1/14, 1/15, 1/21, 1/22, 1/28 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
February Certification Session
Monday - Friday 2/20-2/24 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
March Certification Saturdays & Sundays 3/4, 3/5, 3/11, 3/12, 3/18 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Youth who CAN already swim with proficiency
• Youth ages 16-21
• Preference given to youth who reside in the City of Buffalo and attend a Buffalo Public School
• Pre-registration for this course is required. Non-residents are welcome to register for a certification course for $300.
December 7
— The City of Good Neighbors is known to welcome refugees and people who go through extreme hardship and trauma to make new lives here.
Those stories are on display during the Western New York Refugee Film Festival.
November 30
— Free home weatherization kits can be picked up at the following locations:
Wednesday, Dec. 7
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – North Park Branch Library, 975 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
2 to 4 p.m. – Elaine M. Panty Branch Library, 820 Tonawanda St, Buffalo, NY 14207
Thursday, Dec. 8
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – City of Tonawanda Public Library, 333 Main St, Tonawanda, NY 14150
Friday, Dec. 9
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Kenmore Branch Library, 160 Delaware Rd, Kenmore, NY 14217
November 16
— The International Institute of Buffalo has posted important life-saving information in many languages on its website to help more people prepare for the coming winter weather. You can find that all here.
November 13
— The link for New York state's myBenefits site can be found here.
November 2
— If you own a small business in Western New York and are in need of financial assistance, there are still some funds left through Erie County's Microenterprise Loan and Grant Program. For more information, click here.
October 25
— The Buffalo Green Fund is a volunteer organization. If you're interested in helping plant trees, you can find more information here.
October 20
— Buffalo Restaurant Week runs October 24-30. Click here to view all participating restaurants and view their special Restaurant Week menus.
October 18
— The Waterkeeper Alliance shared the findings of its new study on PFAS contamination water across the country.
Results of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper's study can be found here.
October 17
— The Buffalo City Mission is launching its latest fall fundraising campaign.
If you're looking to donate to the fall campaign, click here.
October 4
— For more information on NYSDOT employment opportunities, click here.
September 27
— For more information on Eight Days of Hope, click here.
September 26
— The Cattaraugus County health department is hosting a monkeypox vaccine clinic on Sept. 29 at the Olean Health Department Clinic from 4-6 p.m. Anyone who wants to sign up for an appointment can click here.
September 21
— The UB Long COVID registry can be found here.
September 16
— For more information on where you can purchase a hat designed in collaboration with Bills QB Josh Allen, click here.
September 7
— For more information on the Home Energy Assistance Program, click here.
August 9
— The link to a survey for the Erie County Department of Health's Office of Health Equity can be found here.
August 4
— The BPS Transportation Survey can be found here.
August 2
— For more information on Buffalo Black Business Month, click here.
July 10
— List of services for sexual assault victims:
November 10
— Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Rural Sourcing, Inc. will be setting up a software development center downtown. It’s expected to create 150 new jobs. The governor's office says the jobs will pay on average $80,000.
Rural Sourcing is still looking for a permanent spot in Buffalo. The company currently operates eight sites throughout the country.
Those interested in applying can click here.
September 20
— Erie County officials are inviting people to join the planning process for its community climate action plan, either by becoming plan ambassadors or just giving their feedback. They can do so by click here.
August 25
— Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for people all across the state to get involved. If you or someone you know if interested, click here.
August 18
— Nonprofit Niagara Pride is launching its first ever LGBTQ+ survey for county residents. It can be found here.
August 13
— The Cheektowaga Police Department is holding its second annual lucky duck scavenger hunt, hiding rubber duckies in parks across Erie County. The full list of locations can be found here.
July 30
— For a list of locations you can donate blood, click here.
— To learn more about PATH, click here.
July 22
— More than 900 jobs are now available for at-risk youth in certain areas of Western New York. The state will provide funding to create 301 summer jobs for young people ages 15 to 24 for the following zip codes: 14701, 14204, 14206, 14207, 14208, 14209, 14210, 14211, 14212, 14214, 14215, 14301, 14303, 14304 and 14305.
July 8
— Tickets to Wing Fest can be purchased here.
— If you were unable to attend Thursday night's forum on how to use the $57 million in funding coming to Niagara Falls, click here.
June 28
— Officials need your help in figuring how to spend Buffalo's American Rescue Plan funding.
They are looking to use the money on four general categories: “People and Places” and “Progress and Prosperity.”
The city has launched an online survey where you can let them know what resources and infrastructure improvements you would like to see in your community.
The survey will be live through July 30.
June 16
— For more information on the Somerset Solar Project, click here.
June 13
— The Buffalo-based group Awesome Paws Rescue 5k works to save homeless dogs at risk of being put down due to overcrowding in shelters. People walked and jogged down Main Street in Clarence to raise money for the rescue. If you missed out on the fundraiser, you can make a donation here.
June 11
— For more information on DEC summer activities, click here.
June 10
— The Veggie Van Mobile Farmers Market is returning to Niagara County with four stops on Thursday.
For a list of locations, click here.
June 7
— Ten of the City's splash pads are now open through Labor Day. The city's splash pads will be open at from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Here's the list of City of Buffalo Splash pads now open:
June 4
— A first-of-its-kind local law in New York state that will hold manufacturers responsible for disposing used solar panels has been drafted in Niagara County. The draft is now available for review here. Public comments are welcome at ncpio@niagaracounty.com and on the county's Facebook page.
June 2
— For a full rundown of all of the events taking place during Buffalo Pride Week, click here.
— For more information about ECMC visitor policies and hours for each unit, click here.
May 28
— TSA agents are being hired at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
To apply, click here.
— The Niagara County Department of Health is expanding clinics to include the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For a full list, click here.
May 25
— Gov. Cuomo has announced $3.5 billion in assistance for renters and small businesses experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rental assistance program makes up to $2.7 billion in emergency rental assistance available for struggling New Yorkers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 1. For more information, applicants and landlords should visit otda.ny.gov/erap.
Cuomo also announced that starting Tuesday, May 25, phase two of the Reimagine, Rebuild, Renew campaign will launch to make small businesses and residents who have been financially impacted by the pandemic aware of the many relief and recovery programs that are available in New York State.
ESD has created a website to highlight the various resources available to support small businesses seeking pandemic relief. The website will be continuously updated as more details and funding information as it becomes available.
May 17
— The state health department's website has information and resources for families struggling to care for a child with disabilities. It includes everything from health insurance resources to information on how to get extra in-home help.
Click here for more.
May 14
— To celebrate the arrival of their new female Pacific red octopus, the Aquarium of Niagara is hosting a naming contest. The public is invited to vote on their choice of "Octavia, Bean, and Squishy" by visiting https://tinyurl.com/octopuscontest. The three name options were chosen by the Aquarium's fish and invertebrate team.
Voting goes through May 31, and the name will be announced June 1.
— If you'd like to take part in a community-wide effort to clean up Bailey Avenue, members of the Erie County legislature need your help.
Work starts at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Volunteers will remove weeds and litter, plant flowers and plant over graffiti.
If you want to help out, call 716-851-5165.
May 13
— To make reservations for the Cazenovia Pool, 626 Abbott Road, call: (716) 825-1326. The number for the Lovejoy Pool, 1169 E. Lovejoy St., is (716) 895-5651.
— A $10 donation for a Birthday Box can still be made online through May 21.
May 12
— Sometimes it's important to relax, take a deep breath, stretch...and have a beer! That's exactly what guys can do Wednesday evening at BEERYOGA! Seneca One is teaming up with Space on Seneca and Other Half Brewing Company to offer a yoga class for men of all skill levels.
While the benefits of yoga are widely known, the addition of beer could really help with the relaxation process.
The hour-long class goes from 6 - 7 p.m. To sign up, click here.
— The City of Tonawanda is asking for volunteers to help with what they expect to be thousands of visitors to The Wall That Heals, either by greeting them, directing traffic or staffing a mobile education center. To sign up, click here.
May 10
— Buffalo's common council will continue to take comments on the city's 2021-2022 recommended budget until this Friday. You can do so here.
— Statistics show that more than one in 10 family caregivers reports it has caused their own physical health to deteriorate.
For resources and help for people who are caregivers, check out the following links:
May 8
— Independent Health's Good For The Neighborhood program will host a free drive-thru pick-up of produce and other healthy items today.
It will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the Mount Olive Baptist Church on Delavan Avenue while supplies last.
— Walk-in appointments are available today at Resurgence Brewing for Erie County's Shot and a Chaser vaccine clinic.
The brewery will offer a free beer to anyone getting their first vaccine shot.
To get your shot, you must be 18 or older and present photo ID.
The event runs from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
May 7
— To sign up for a virtual SLAM workout class or start your own SLAM group, click here.
— Starting today, the Walden Galleria will be open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday, 10a.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday.
In June, the hours will expand to 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday.
— To register for next weeks vaccine clinics in Genesee and Orleans counties, visit https://orleanscountyny.org/covid-19-vaccination/ or call - Genesee at 585-815-7168 Orleans at 585-589-3170.
May 5
— If you want to donate blood to ConnectLife, call 716-529-4270 or log on ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org.
— For more information on a public meeting for an update on the Bethlehem Steel site, click here.
— For more information on "WNY Feud," click here.
May 4
— If you are interested in learning more about the Entrepreneurship for All program, click here. If you want to know more about the Entrepreneurs Forever program, click here.
May 3
— The New York State Excelsior Pass works not only to prove you've been vaccinated but also if you've received a negative COVID-19 test recently. For more information, or to sign up for the program, click here.
— For more information on the community baby shower and how you can get involved, click here.
— To sign up for the Buffalo Marathon, click here.
April 30
— The Buffalo Bisons are looking for seasonal help. There are holding a job fair on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Honda Tent at Canalside. They are looking for cooks, cashiers, commissary, porters and stand managers for this baseball season.
— Public tours of Seneca One Tower are now available. They will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturdays and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. You can book a reservation at senecaonebuffalo.com.
April 29
— Tickets for the Rockin' the Downs Summer Concert series are on sale.
The series kicks off on June 11 with Almost Queen. Other groups in the series include Puddle of Mudd, Skid Row, Molly Hatchet and wraps up with a performance by The Spin Doctors on August 27.
Tickets are available at www.BataviaConcerts.com.
April 28
— Officials came together Wednesday night to show their plans for a proposed nature trail and greenway in Buffalo. They can be viewed here.
April 27
— Applications are now being accepted for the New York State Governor's Youth Council.
To apply, click here.
April 26
— Sign up is now open for the Independent Health Foundation's Kids Run at Home.
For full details, head to www.KidsRunBuffalo.com
April 19
— For families of children with autism, finding dental care can be difficult. Autsim Speaks can help. Follow this link for more information.
— It's officially Freelance Business Week in the city of Buffalo. For a full schedule of events, click here.
April 17
— More than 100 people are expected to hit the pavement in Niagara Falls Sunday for the Walk With Us 5K.
More information can be found here.
April 16
— Just Pizza on Niagara Boulevard in Amherst will donate 10% of their sales today to Make-A-Wish through Mastrangelo’s Wish Hero campaign.
You can place your order by calling (716) 568-1000, through DoorDash, or by visiting the pizzeria in person.
— Make-A-Wish is celebrating World Wish Day on April 29.
Singer Cami Clune, a Wish Hero herself, will be hosting a virtual concert to raise money for the organization. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. and will be broadcast through Make-A-Wish social media pages.
April 15
— To learn more about Blessings in a Backpack, visit https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/bills-donate/
April 14
— RecruitNY sign ups can be found here.
April 13
— A petition has been started that demands the Buffalo Bills take a stand after it was announced all fans attending Bills and Sabres home games next season will be required to show proof of COVID vaccination. It can be found here.
— Appointments for the first dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are now available by going to www.niagaracounty.com/health and clicking on the blue box that says "COVID-19 Vaccination Info." The scheduling link is found under "Step 1." The link will remain active until all appointments are filled. Niagara County residents that do not have internet access can register for an appointment by calling 211 or 1-888-696-9211.
— Public comments on the three potential Shoreline Trail Bike Path extension options were collected at an August 13, 2020 virtual meeting. For instructions on how to submit written public comments, visit www.ecidany.com and click on the Events tab on the main menu.
— The Broadway Market will now be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
April 12
— The Western New York Hiking Challenge is a lot of fun.
To find out more about it, head to this website.
April 8
— The American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb will take place at Highmark Stadium on May 22.
Everyone who registers for the event will be required to raise a minimum of $100. Proceeds from the event go towards the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung diseases.
Details on how to register can be found here.
— The American Red Cross of Western New York has kicked off their Home Fire Safety Campaign.
Representatives from the Red Cross are looking to meet virtually with families interested in developing a fire safety plan. The sessions will help people plan primary and secondary exits from their home in case of an emergency, as well as a place outside the house where everyone will meet up for a head count.
For families interested in registering for one of the safety sessions, click here.
April 7
— The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center Offering virtual tours. For more information, click here.
April 4
— It's up to us to protect the environment around us. You can start by helping in this year's I Love My Park Day.
It' the largest single-day volunteer event in the state, with thousands of volunteers rolling up their sleeves to help clean up parks, beaches, plant trees, gardens, and more.
This year marks its 10th anniversary. It will be held May 1 and 2. To sign up, visit this website.
April 2
— Blessed Trinity Church on Leroy Avenue will have members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing during the celebration.
Parish leaders say they are excited to welcome back friends and families to church.
Mass begin at 10 a.m.
March 31
— If you're looking to take your family on a camping extravaganza, there are some inexpensive options. How does free sound?
Click on this link to check out all of the free campsites across the state.
— The Broadway Market is open Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday’s hours at 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday is your last chance to pick up your Easter necessities from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Some vendors are offering curbside pickup as well.
March 24
— The Riviera Theatre in Tonawanda getting ready to re-open it's box office.
If you want to see what shows are already scheduled for the summer, click here.
March 20
— The Buffalo Police Department announced a new initiative aimed at improving efficiency. The department says it allows citizens to file a police report online, without having to call 911 and wait for an officer to respond.
More information can be found here.
March 17
— New Ipsos study finds 8 in 10 Americans think the federal minimum wage is too low and 2/3 support increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Why Amazon also says it's important to raise the minimum wage.
March 15
— Niagara County Employment & Training has announced that applications are now being accepted for the department’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
Applications are available at high school guidance offices throughout the county, as well as online at www.worksource1.com. They may also be picked up in-person at Niagara County Employment & Training, located at 1001 11th Street in Niagara Falls.
— For more information on the Join the Fight Fund, click here.
March 12
— The TSA is hiring agents at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. To apply, click here.
— For more information on Broadway Market holiday hours, products, and basket ordering, click here.
March 10
— Lelands is holding a classic Sabres memorabilia auction through April 2. It can be found here.
— Details on Sabres tickets and testing can be found here.
March 9
— St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and the Niagara SPCA gearing up for a one of a kind celebration in support of their furry friends.
The first annual Bark Bash will be held next Wednesday which is St. Patrick's Day. For more information, click here.
March 7
— For more information on the Pink Boots Society of Buffalo, visit https://www.facebook.com/pbsbuffalo.
March 6
— A Batavia man disappeared in South America two weeks ago and his friends are pleading for help to find him. Travis Sackett's friends have raised more than $9,000 to help the search.
If you'd like to donate, click here.
March 2
— Buffalo Author Duncan Kirkwood is donating 200 books to the 2021 Summer Youth Internship & Employment Program. For more information, click here.
March 1
— Williamsville Central School District students are coming together for a good cause. Student leaders are kicking off the "WillPower for Wishes" initiative, a campaign that supports Make-A-Wish Western New York. For more information, click here.
— According to dyngusday.com, the annual parade will still happen — but there will some restrictions. For more information, click here.
— Candidate India Walton launched her platform for Buffalo mayor Monday night. For more information, click here.
February 28
— The Young Family, Michigan Street Corridor , and Buffalo Bike Tours are seeking community support to honor the memory of John Young, the owner of Wings N' Things, Buffalo's first chicken wing restaurant. Funds raised will go towards a new placemaking initiative at the site of his former restaurant on Jefferson Avenue. You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
February 26
— The Erie County Department of Health is outlining facility requirements for non-professional, non-collegiate sports events. They can be read here.
February 23
— In Erie County, members of the Police Reform Task Force have just released their draft plan. It can be read here.
February 20
— The TSA is working to hire 6,000 people at airports including in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. For more information, click here.
February 18
— The Buffalo chapter of the NAACP hosted a virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing mental health crisis due to the pandemic. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are many resources in Western New York to help, regardless of insurance:
— If you are interested in buying a ticket for Hammer and Ales, click here.
February 17
— Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is seeking digital photo submissions for inclusion in an upcoming exhibit to be unveiled May 2021.
"Victory on the Menu: Food in the Fight" will share the story of how World War II affected the way Americans, locally and throughout the nation, ate at home. This exhibit will feature military uniforms belonging to locals who served in the war, a war era kitchen display, and more.
To submit a photo for exhibit feature consideration, please contact curator@bnhv.org. Please note, photos must be submitted in high resolution. Deadline for submission is March 15.
— The Allegany County Department of Health will not be holding a first-dose COVID-19 vaccine clinic this week. For more information, click here.
February 15
— On Monday, the law offices of William Mattar launched their Food 4 Families program. Now through March 15, you can enter for a chance to win a $75 gift card to a local grocery store. For more information, click here.
February 14
— A full list of Erie County COVID-19 testing sites can be found here.
February 12
— Sabres fans are rallying around goalie Linus Ullmark following the death of his father. Fans have donated more than $7,000 to the SPCA Serving Erie County. If you wish to donate, click here.
February 11
— To help support the YMCA Buffalo Niagara's annual campaign, click here.
February 10
— The Williamsville Central School District is continuing to search for its next superintendent, and is now asking the community to be part of the interview process.
The district is now accepting self-nomination forms for the Community At-Large Search Advisory Committee.
Nomination forms must be submitted before Sunday, February 28, and committee members will then be randomly selected.
The self-nomination form can be found here.
— Buffalo police are looking for their next generation of leaders.
The police department is recruiting for Buffalo Police Explorers.
For more information, click here.
— Lace up your sneakers and grab some pink and red attire it's time for a virtual run that will extend some love to a local rescue.
Virtual Love Run Wine Races will benefit the nonprofit 10 Lives Club, a cat rescue here in Western New York.
For more information, click here.
February 9
— On February 17, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral clergy will be in Cathedral Park to offer ashes-to-go, Communion, and blessings to all who walk by. Times for ashes-to-go are 7:30 to 9:00 am, 12:00 to 1:00 pm and 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The cathedral is located at 139 Pearl Street in Buffalo.
For more information, click here.
— Erie County COVID-19 testing site locations are:
Appointments are still required, and can be scheduled by calling the Erie County COVID-19 Information Line at (716) 858-2929.
— Tesla is ramping up hiring at their Gigafactory in South Buffalo. For more information, click here.
February 5
— Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is auctioning off game worn and autographed cleats for Go Red For Women, along with a Niagara Falls getaway. You can bid on that package here.
— If you'd like to donate to the 34th Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' Sleepout, click here.
February 4
— SUNY Erie Community College is seeking the public’s input in helping to shape the search profile of the college’s next president. You can take part here. This survey will close on Friday, February 5.
February 3
— Donations for Balloon Master's Adopt a Gradparent program can be done at balloonmasters.net, the Balloon Masters Facebook page, or call 716-685-5590 for more info on how to donate.
— Visiting hours for Kaleida Health adult inpatients in non-COVID units are limited and vary by unit at both sites.
a. Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute non-COVID unit visiting hours:
i. 16N/S, 15N, 14N/S, 13N/S, VIS: 5:30-7 p.m.
ii. 12N/S, 10N/S, 9S, 8N, 4N: 4-5:30 p.m.
iii. ICUs: 4:30-6 p.m.
b. Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital non-COVID unit visiting hours:
i. 3rd floor (3 East and 3 West): 12-2 p.m.
ii. 2nd floor (2SW, 2SE, 2E, 2N): 2-4 p.m.
iii. ICU: 4:30-6 p.m.
February 1
— For more information on the Amherst to Amherst Walking Challenge, click here.
January 27
— Gerard Place is proving housing and supportive programs for the homeless and single-parent families. For more information, click here.
January 26
— Cards for St. Bonaventure President Dr. Dennis Deperro, who is currently on a ventilator as he battles COVID-19, can be sent to the president’s office, where they will be collected and sent to him.
St. Bonaventure University
3261 West State Road
President| P.O. Box A
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778
January 25
— Rusty Nickel Brewing will hold their 6th annual Sausage Fest this Saturday. For more information, click here.
January 19
— Tables for Playoffs on the Patios this weekend are limited. Email reservations@ recroombuffalo.com or text 716-939-1279.
— The Niagara County Sheriff's Office is now giving a detailed look at their Police Reform draft plan. It can be viewed in full here.
January 16
— Explore & More Children's Museum is asking for your help to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King. The museum is collecting mittens, hats, and socks for Gerard Place.
Anyone headed to the museum Saturday through the 23rd can drop off the items mentioned. You can also purchase items from the Amazon wishlist. More information can be found here.
January 14
— To see if you're eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and to schedule and appointment, click here.
January 13
— Fans interested in a UB cardboard cutout can click here.
January 10
— Starting Monday, small businesses struggling to pay employees during the COVID-19 pandemic can start applying for the second round of the paycheck protection program. For more information, click here.
January 8
— Clergy abuse survivors planning to sue the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo only have until mid-August to file their claims. Click here for more.
January 5
— The Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund will allow eligible restaurants to receive up to $5,000. For more information, click here.
January 4
— Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and elected officials extended the deadline for comments on the General Project Plan to January 8, 2021. To submit comments, email Landgprojectcomments@esd.ny.gov with "Comment--Buffalo Outer Harbor Civic and Land Use Improvement Project" in the subject line.
December 24
— For more information on SameDayTesting COVID-19 tests, click here. Tests are $95 and can be scheduled weeks in advance.
December 21
— Buffalo's AMR team has just launched their 9th Earn While You Learn academy. Anyone interested in signing up can click here.
December 15
— View the city of Buffalo's RFP to redevelop the Mohawk Street here. The city is looking for developers to submit ideas for a mixed-use facility. Proposals are due to the city by April 30.
December 14
— You can register to win a $50 gift card to Market in the Square at https://www.themarketinthesquare.com/.
December 13
— For outer harbor project public comment: Send comments to Landgprojectcomments@esd.ny.gov with "Comment--Buffalo Outer Harbor Civic and Land Use Improvement Project " in the subject line.
December 12
— Michele's Cafe on Clinton Street hosted this holiday bazaar where customers could find anything their sweet tooth desired. For more information, click here.
December 11
— Jodi Lokey and Suzanne Durfee, local brand ambassadors for Nu Skin, are making care packages for residents of the Elderwood Nursing Home in Lockport.
If you'd like to donate, you can find Jodi's Venmo or Paypal accounts here.
December 10
— A family on Boies and Schopper roads in East Aurora put on this holiday light show to bring joy to the community during these trying times. On their opening weekend, they had such a good turnout they decided to create a GoFundMe to benefit the Rural Outreach Center. That page can be found here.
December 8
— For more information about Mayor Brown’s Mental Health First Aiders program, go to compeerbuffalo.org or contact Katie Walsh, Director of Mental Health Education @katie@compeerbuffalo.org.
— For outer harbor project public comment: Send comments to Landgprojectcomments@esd.ny.gov with "Comment--Buffalo Outer Harbor Civic and Land Use Improvement Project " in the subject line.
December 7
— To support girls with an online cookie purchase the public can click here or call 1-888-837-6410 to be sent a purchase link via e-mail from a local Girl Scout selling in their area.
— If you are interested in applying for a grant through the Buffalo Business Blitz initiative, click here.
December 3
— If you would like to help out Christmas Blessing, you can email christmasblessingbuffalo@gmail.com.
December 1
— Feedmore Western New York is adding 16 stops to its mobile food pantry for the month of December. For more information, click here.
— Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Bills cornerback Josh Norman are teaming up to help small businesses struggling during the pandemic.
The city and Norman's Starz24 Foundation announced a small business grant program Tuesday called Buffalo Business Blitz.
Those interested in donating can head to this website.
— Anyone interested in registering for Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Programs can visit this website.
November 28
— An abused puppy is on his way to recovery thanks to a local organization.
Hemi was seized from a home after an anonymous caller reported two dogs in a backyard that looked to be in rough condition.
Police responded and found one dog couldn't put pressure on its leg.
The other, Hemi, was emaciated, dehydrated, and could barely walk.
The 6-month-old dog was rushed to the emergency room and is now at the SPCA.
The Niagara County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals started a GoFundMe to help Hemi. It can be found here.
November 27
— The Passport to the World Club will be hosting a holidays around the world virtual cooking camp next month. For more information, click here.
November 23
— A popular restaurant in Orchard Park is temporarily closing its doors.
Mangia Ristorante & Caffe says it is closing because of New York State indoor dining restrictions and for the safety of its staff and guests.
The owners hope to reopen when the restrictions are lifted.
The restaurant wants to pay it forward during this difficult time.
If you buy a gift card, they will give 10 percent of sales to their staff.
Gift cards can be found here.
— Virtual tickets for the Vanessa Williams concert can be found here.
November 17
— Those wishing to get a free COVID-19 test in Chautauqua County will have an opportunity to do so next week. For more information, click here.
November 16
— The Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive gives jars of peanut butter, jelly, and fluff to food pantries across Western New York. For a list of drop-off locations, click here.
November 15
— MUSEjar is bringing in nearly two dozen local vendors to its space on Elm Street, selling everything from jewelry to artisan ice cream through next month. For a list of vendors, click here.
November 14
— Family Feud is looking for families in the Buffalo area to appear on the game show.
Auditions are being held online via Zoom.
Click here for more information.
November 12
— If you live in Niagara County, you can get free masks and hand sanitizer. The county Department of Emergency Services is holding giveaways across the area next week.
Here’s a list of the giveaways:
Monday November 16
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Barker Fire Department, 1660 Quaker Road, Barker, NY
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Middleport Fire Department, 28 Main Street, Middleport, NY
Tuesday November 17
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Wheatfield Community Center 2790 Church Road, North Tonawanda, NY
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Ransomville Fire Department, 2521 Youngstown-Lockport Road, Ransomville, NY
Thursday November 19
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Newfane Town Hall, 2737 Main Street, Newfane, NY
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Public Safety Training facility, 5574 Niagara St. Ext., Lockport, NY
November 11
— If your non-profit organization needs a new set of wheels, now is a good time to apply for a new van with the Ford Friendship Express Program. For more information, click here.
November 10
— For more information on Shop 716, click here.
— The SPCA Serving Erie County has waived the need for adoption appointments for dogs, cats, bunnies, and other small animals. For more information, click here.
— To learn more and find out about upcoming Our City Builds meetings, click here.
November 9
— For more information on the Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force, click here. You can also email hopeandhelpcampaign@gmail.com.
November 8
— In honor of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's late grandmother, members of the Bills Mafia are donating $17 to Oishei Children's Hospital in her memory. You can donate here.
November 5
— To learn more about Erie Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program, click here.
November 4
— If you are looking for a job, Delta Sonic is hiring. The location on Transit Road in Lancaster is looking to fill several positions. For more information, click here.
— The Transit Drive-In will play the UB Bulls game on November 10 on the big screen. More more information, click here.
November 2
— Classic autographed jerseys, pictures, and gear are all up for auction and for a good cause.
You can bid on Items from the Sabres, Bills, Yankees, and beyond with the proceeds going to Mental Health Advocates of Western New York and the Compass House. For more information, click here.
— Two local organizations are teaming up to benefit those with developmental disabilities during the month of November.
Step Out Buffalo and Western New York Artists are making clothing to benefit The Arc Erie County New York. Each piece has a Buffalo on it and says "a city made of love."
The artist for the project is Olivia Scharf of Liv Gone Digital and one third of November’s proceeds will benefit the nonprofit.
This is all part of an initiative to help a charity each month.
You must place your order by November 30 to grab one of the designs. They can be purchased here.
October 29
— For more information on the NYSED Parent Portal, click here.
October 28
— This evening, your family can head to the Central Terminal for trunk or treat. It's a distanced walk through the terminal with free bags of candy, take-home creativity kits, refreshments, and even free pumpkins! For more information, click here.
October 27
— BOPC's statement on the proposed Nicklaus-designed golf course can be found here.
October 19
— Testing sites will be open to the public for free COVID-19 rapid result tests this week. Additional hours and locations will be added as needed.
Chautauqua County
- Jamestown Training Grounds, 240 Harrison Street, Jamestown, NY 14701
- Dunkirk Training Grounds, 665 Brigham Road, Dunkirk, NY 14048
For appointments, follow the links for Jamestown and Dunkirk respectively.
Cattaraugus County
- Allegany Fire Hall, 1st Street (West Main St), Allegany, NY 14706
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday
To make appointments, any resident of Cattaraugus County can register by going to this link or by calling (716) 938-9119 or (716) 938-2265.
Allegany County
- Belmont BOCES Center, 5718 County Road 48, Belmont, NY 14813
Community testing Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
For appointment, call (585) 268-9250, then press #4 to schedule an appointment for testing.
- Riverwalk Plaza, 121 Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895
Testing Days/Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10/20-10/23: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
For appointments, call (585) 268-9250, then press #4 to schedule an appointment for testing.
October 6
— Minuteman Press Buffalo is expanding, as they open a new location in Williamsville. For more information, click here.
— Little blue buffalos will soon be popping up around Western New York all for a good cause. For more information on them, click here.
October 5
— For more information on Fire Prevention Week, click here.
— If you want to weigh in on the Dart Street project, click here.
September 30
— For more information on the Niagara County Civil Service Exams, click here.
September 28
— To learn more about AAF Buffalo Big Tee-Off, click here.
September 15
— The Buffalo Museum is hosting a virtual Bubblefest, right from the comfort of your home. For more information, visit this link.
September 9
— Amazon will be holding a career day on September 16. Anyone interested can click here.
— Becker Farms in now holding education tours. For more information, click here.
September 1
— Niagara County EMS will be giving away free masks. For more information, click here.
— With a little more than two months remaining before Election Day, the absentee ballot portal is now open for New Yorkers. Click here to visit.
August 17
— There are several Western New York school districts holding meetings for parents today.
To join these meetings, visiting the following links bellow:
— For a full list of the events and programs taking place during Buffalo Pride Week, click here.
August 13
— The Ellicottville Lacrosse Festival, which was scheduled to take place September 20-22, has been canceled this year. Each yeah, the festival hosts lacrosse players and families for a tournament, food and live entertainment. Organizers say the festival will return in 2021.
— More information on the EOC Tuition Free Program for parents teaching at home can be found here or call 716-645-1900.
August 11
— The Community Action Organization of WNY (CAO) has launched a new Senior Care Program for clients in need across Erie County. The initiative was implemented to assist eligible seniors to be independent as they remain in their current residence.
Visit caowny.org for more information.
August 1
— The Kidney Foundation of WNY is hosting activities and virtual events through the month of August. For more information, click here.
— Even during a pandemic, it’s important to stop and smell the flowers. Sunflowers of Sandborn is open again, with some changes. For more information about the Niagara County gem, click here.
July 30
— Do you know a Real Hero? Do you know someone who has done something extraordinary for someone else or the community this year? Do you know someone who has saved a life or responded courageously to a disaster? The American Red Cross wants to hear from you! Spectrum News is partnering with the American Red Cross to honor Western New York’s Real Heroes on Thursday, November 5.
To nominate a local Hero, please fill out a nomination form online at www.redcross.org/wnyrealheroes
July 29
— The deadline to apply for the COVID-19 rent relief program is Thursday. The program allows New Yorkers to apply for up to four months of rent payments that do not need to be paid back. The one-time rental subsidy will be sent directly to the household's landlord.
You can find the application online here.
July 22
— Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Council President Darius Pridgen, and the Department of Public Works are holding a virtual informational meeting Wednesday evening on planned Fruit Belt roadway improvements. The meeting will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Webex users can access the meeting here.
You can also call into the meeting using the following information:
Phone: 1-214-459-3653
Meeting access code: 129-716-6380
Meeting password: 072-220-20
July 21
— Country Time has created “The Littlest Bailout,” an economic relief program to help lemonade stands. For more information, visit here.
July 20
— The city of Lockport will resume its Lock District Tours on Monday. The tours run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. The narrated walking tours along the Erie Canal locks last just over an hour and a half.
You must make reservations online.
July 17
For information on Elmwood Franklin Summer Camp, click here.
July 15
— Mayor Byron Brown presented the winner of the summer reading program a brand new bike after she completed reading five books and writing summaries on each.
Every child who completes the challenge receives a prize but 160 are entered to win grand prizes.
The mayor said that though this year had fewer participants, it was more important than ever to keep Buffalo children reading.
There are multiple reading challenges, the first was from May to June and the second is currently going on until August 14. A winner will be drawn on August 17.
July 14
— For more information on the COVID Rent Relief Program, click here.
July 13
— For more information on the All Hands On Deck campaign, click here.
— More information on the Art of Walking is available here.
July 10
— The map for the 2020 Amherst Garden Walk can be found here.
July 9
— The moratorium on evictions in New York State is set to expire on August 20 and the city of Buffalo is working with tenants and landlords to help navigate and avoid mass evictions for tenants who are unable to pay. It's holding an online webinar starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday to address the many lingering questions of both tenants and landlords.
Landlords will get help on how best to go about collecting back rent. And tenants will learn about resources that can help if they're still unable to pay.
To register for the webinar, click here.
July 8
— Since community centers, malls, and movie theaters remain closed because of the pandemic, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries are setting up cooling centers.
To find cooling centers near you, dial 211.
For information on local libraries and their hours, click here.
July 7
— There are four outdoor meetings scheduled on Tuesday, July 7 and Wednesday, July 8 and one community call to offer safety for attendees for Pilgrim Village Apartments and Townhomes.
Meeting one is at 6:00 p.m., while meeting two is at 7:30 p.m. There are outdoor events both days. Social distancing rules will be followed. All attendees are required to wear masks.
All outdoor meetings will be streamed on Facebook Live on the Pilgrim Village Affordable Housing Page. The final video of the presentation will be placed on the Pilgrim Village Facebook page and the company's website.
— Shea’s Performing Arts Center announced on Tuesday that Broadway performances in Shea’s Buffalo Theatre are scheduled to resume in December 2020.
Schedule updates for the paused M&T Bank 2019-20 Broadway Series are as followed:
Escape to Margaritaville: Originally scheduled for June 2-7, has been rescheduled to April 20-25, 2021.
Anastasia: Rescheduled dates of September 8-13, have been moved to March 9-14, 2021.
The Band’s Visit: Rescheduled dates of December 1-6, have been moved to August 10-15, 2021.
Riverdance: Originally scheduled for March 26-28, has been rescheduled to March 19-21, 2021.
Schedule Changes to the M&T Bank 2020-21 Broadway Series:
To Kill a Mockingbird: Rescheduled To Kill a Mockingbird, originally scheduled for August 15-22, has been rescheduled to January 30- February 5, 2021.
Tootsie: Originally scheduled for October 3-10 has been rescheduled to December 1-6, 2020.
Hamilton: Rescheduled to December 2021.
For more information on the M&T Bank Broadway Series at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, and a complete list of changes, visit sheas.org.
— The Thruway Authority will mail toll bills to the registered owner of the vehicle in the coming weeks for travel from March 22 to June 3. For more information, click here.
July 2
— Step Out Buffalo x WNY Artists merchandise can be found here.
— For more information on the reopening of Fredonia's reopening, click here.
July 1
— Comments on the Grass Island project proposal must be submitted in writing no later than Jul 02, 2020.
Contact:
Kerri L PICKARD-DEPRIEST
NYSDEC Region 9 Headquarters
270 Michigan Ave
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 851-7165
DEP.R9@dec.ny.gov
June 30
— To register to attend the meeting and/or submit comments for the Bethlehem steel site, click here.
June 28
— 13 Western New York Denny's locations are hiring after reopening in Phase 3. You can view available positions and apply online here.
June 27
— The nonprofit Buffalo Police Athletic League handed out free bike helmets on Saturday outside Tops locations across Buffalo.
They are also offering other summer events for kids. For a list of events, check out their website here.
June 26
— The Bestar-Bush furniture company in Jamestown anticipates adding 30 to 40 employees to its workforce in the coming weeks. The company has seen increased demand in the recent months for work from home products such as desks, file cabinets, chairs and bookcases.
If you are interested in applying, head to this website.
— PRIDE INSIDE is a June 2020, virtual Western New York Pride event focused on three themes: Queer History, Celebration and Outreach.
This month long event officially starting June 5, celebrates the diversity, talent and deeply moving history of the Western, NY Queer Community. Here we will look to our past, celebrate our now, and look for answers and cures to the continuing issues and struggles of the WNY LGBTQ Community.
For more details click here.
June 23
— Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is calling on the city’s students to take part in 2020 Virtual Reading Rules! This year’s youth literacy competition and initiative will be completely online due to the pandemic.
Every student can become champion reader by following four steps, as outlined by the city. To learn more, click here.
June 22
— The Ride for Roswell has unveiled the locations for the summer of the ride.
It runs August 1-21 with in-person, scheduled rides taking place Saturdays and Sundays each weekend.
Riders will be asked to wear masks.
Spots are limited and you have to register at rideforroswell.org.
The locations are:
June 19
— The Strong National Museum of Play has released its inductees to this year's Video Game Hall of Fame (Bejeweled, Centipede, King's Quest, Minecraft). It's now accepting nominations for next year.
To nominate a game, click here.
June 16
— Want to weigh in on the Buffalo Police Department? Buffalo Common Council members want to hear from you. A survey was sent out by South District Council Member Chris Scanlon Tuesday, asking for the public's input on the department and reforms they want to see. The survey can be found here.
— More than 1,400 people are calling on Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to resign in an online petition.
The petition says Brown does not care about people of color and says he has spoken out without true concern, remote and sincerity about police reform or change.
The founder of the petition argues Brown has given speeches over his 15 years as mayor about understanding racial injustice and inequity, but has not pursued accountability or justice anyone harmed or murdered by Buffalo Police officers.
Mayor Brown said the following Friday in response to the petition:
"Let me just say this, I know that there are a lot of people that are hurting and a lot of people that have hate in their hearts. What I have done during the whole course of my time as mayor of the City of Buffalo and beyond is just remember the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King: ‘hate can’t drive out hate; only love can do that.’
“And as mayor of the City of Buffalo and as a member of the community I have nothing but love for the residents of this community and I’m going to show that love, radiate that love, and work from a place of love every single day”
The petition can be seen here.
— Just past the halfway point of the contest, Chautauqua is currently in the lead for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Award for "Best Small Town Cultural Scene." Online voting continues through noon on Monday, June 29. Chautauqua is one of the 20 nominees in the "Best Small Town Cultural Scene" category. Individuals can vote and sign up for daily reminders to vote by visiting this link.
June 15
— As many Pride Month activities are canceled – or have gone virtual because of the pandemic – at least one local artist wants to make sure Western New York is supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.
Casey Milbrand is selling t-shirts, hats, masks and even baby onesies with artwork from two of his famous murals in Buffalo to raise money for the Pride Center and Mocha Center.
The fundraiser runs until June 30.
— Officials are still taking comments from the public on "Project Olive" on Grand Island, and are now allowing you to view them online. Email comments to publiccomments@grand-island.ny.us.
— You can enter the William Mattar 4 Graduates contest here.
June 14
— For more on the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame new song "In This Together," click here.
June 12
— A list of early voting locations in Erie County can be found here.
— The Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization wants your feedback on the COVID-19 response and the re-opening of school buildings. It’s asking community members to share their input by participating in two online surveys. The two surveys, one from the Buffalo Public School District and the second from Governor Cuomo's Reimagine Education Campaign, aim to get the opinions of families, educational staff, and the community as a whole.
For the Buffalo Public Schools survey, click here.
For the Reimagine Education survey, click here.
June 11
— Shakespeare in the Park and Arts Services of Western New York are asking how they can better understand the needs of their patrons. For further information, contact Lisa Ludwig at lalaludwig@hotmail.com or call 716-479-2044.
May 26
— The following summer events have been canceled in the the Town of Niagara due to the coronavirus pandemic:
May 23
— To gain access to resources for businesses reopening in Buffalo, visit here.
May 22
— Starting Friday, May 22 some stores at the Walden Galleria mall will offer curbside pickup.
Pickup will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The businesses include Best Buy, William Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Macy's. Restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s will continue to offer curbside pickup.
Some of these locations will have their own specific time frames within the general hours.
For full details, including a list of stores, click here.
May 21
— The Buffalo Marathon will not take place this weekend. Instead, organizers are asking runners to donate to the Buffalo Marathon Fundraiser for Front Line Workers, benefiting the Kaleida Health COVID-19 response fund. Click here for more information.
— BCBS Canalside classes are going virtual. For more information, click here.
— Curbside pickup is being instituted at the Walden Galleria. For more information, click here.
May 20
— Over the past two weeks, New York state collected more than 600 submissions from New Yorkers across the state as part of the "Wear a Mask New York Ad Contest."
Now, officials are asking New Yorkers to choose their favorite from five finalists. Find more information here.
May 18
— The Black Rock Lock hours and dates for the 2020 navigation season are as follows:
2020 Navigation Hours
May 18 - May 23 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Seven days per week
May 24 - September 12 (Extended Season)
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Weekdays
11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Weekends
September 13 - October 24 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Seven days per week
October 25 - December 31 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
May 15
— With a big drop in passengers, the NFTA is temporarily cutting five of its Metro bus routes as of May 24. Click here for information on the routes that are impacted.
—"Operation Thanks From Above" is taking place on Saturday, May 16. During the flyover, a Douglas C-47 known as the Whiskey 7 will soar over Western and Central New York to salute frontline workers and their efforts during the pandemic.
For more information, including a map of locations, click here.
May 14
— With many businesses itching to reopen, the state is sharing the rules those businesses need to follow to keep you safe. The New York Forward Business Reopening Safety Plan Template says each business must develop a written safety plan outlining its measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Click here to see the full safety plan template and instructions on what to do with it.
May 10
— To access the community baby shower click here.
May 9
— To donate to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Mother’s Day Meals campaign, visit this link.
—To make an appointment for the Kaleida antibody testing, visit this link or call the Kaleida Health Coronavirus Hotline at 716-859-3222.
May 8
— “Laughing Matters: Carlin’s Legacy” will be live streamed here.
May 7
— For more information on the Love Your Block program, click here.
— For PPP funds still available, click here.
— Drive through diagnostic testing for COVID-19 conducted by Memorial Medical Center staff and analyzed by Kaleida Health’s medical laboratory will take place daily from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (use Pine Avenue entrance adjacent to Mary B. Dyster Women’s Pavilion)
WEEK OF MAY 11
WEEK OF MAY 18
Appointments are required: Call 278-4496 to schedule.
May 6
— Buffalo Is Creative partnered up with Yelp plus to launch a series of weekly virtual cooking demos from western New Yorkers. The month-long free sessions start Saturday with a salad dressing tutorial from Crown Hill Farm. The link can be found here.
May 5
— Counts of Nursing Home and ACF COVID Related Deaths Statewide as of May 3 can be found here.
— Learn 4 Life Buffalo: Virtual Town Hall Meeting website can be found here.
— New York state is asking New Yorkers to submit a video showing why it is so important to wear a mask in public. For more information about the contest, visit this link. |
May 3
— Anyone struggling to put food on the table during this shutdown period can find help all over our region this week. FeedMore WNY is set to hold nearly 20 food distributions this week in several towns across Erie and Niagara counties. It all starts at 10 a.m. Monday at Saint Mary's School for the deaf on Main Street in Buffalo.
May 1
— The Multiple Sclerosis Walk in Buffalo is going virtual this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers will be hosting Facebook live events at noon every Saturday through May 16. You can join in at home on a treadmill or a walk around the block with your dog.
You can also still register online or build a team to help fundraise.
To register, click here.
— The Thank a Nurse website can be found here.
April 30
— Extra $12 million for HEAP: A list of offices by county can be found here. For more information on HEAP, click here.
April 29
— The Erie County Taxpayer Checkbook website can be found here.
April 28
— Doctor Todd Shatkin at the Aesthetic Associate Center is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to offer drive-up COVID-19 testing this weekend in Amherst.
The testing will be this Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aesthetic Associate Center at 2500 Kensington Avenue.
For more information or to make an appointment, click here.
— The Aquarium of Niagara has some new penguins chicks to show off. The baby humboldt penguins hatched earlier this month. It's the first hatching at the aquarium in 14 years.
The happy parents are Blanca and PJ Jr. who came to the aquarium from a zoo in Seattle as part of a species survival plan for threatened humboldt penguins.
If you would like to make a donation to help with the care of these animals during the pandemic while the aqaurium remains closed, head to this website.
— You can order from Black Button Distilling at their website, or you can call 585-435-2994.
April 27
— The City of Buffalo has launched a website for all information and resources in the city related to the coronavirus pandemic. You can find it here.
— For a list of paving sites around the city of Buffalo, click here.
April 23
— Essential workers can now take advantage of emergency curbside at the Erie County Auto Bureaus. Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns says those workers can fill out an online request form to register their vehicles or transfer license plates through the County Clerk’s website to ensure they have transportation to work. If you qualify, a representative will call you to explain what forms and documents are needed and acceptable payment options. They'll then set up an appointment with you for "curbside" service. However, this does not include renewal transactions such as licenses, non-driver IDs, registrations, and inspections — which have already been extended.
— The Billoni family and Colvin Cleaners announced they were bringing back their tailors and seamstresses, who were laid off due to COVID-19, to make reusable, washable face masks for their customers and local non-profit agencies.
If you need a face mask for yourself or your family, you can place your order online at this website. You can also donate to the program there.
April 22
— The UB Climate plan can be read here.
— Erie County officials are looking to reach out to businesses in Western New York to help with the effects of COVID-19 on those businesses. The goal of the survey is to help officials best address the needs and challenges facing employers during the pandemic. Businesses looking for the survey can click here.
— Blue Cross Blue Shield has launched a new tool that allows people to screen themselves for COVID-19. It asks a series of questions about symptoms, medical history, and recent exposure to help a person decide the best course of action.
Depending on your score, you'll have the option to schedule a tele-health visit with a doctor, be asked to monitor your symptoms, or be told to get emergency care.
You can access the tool here.
— Tom Bender can be contacted at 716-472-5904 or at tom@tombendermusic.com, while Brian Beaudry can be reached at 716-990-4210.
April 21
— The American Lung Association's report card for New York can be found here.
April 20
— To help those interested to transition to new careers in information technology, Trocaire College announced the launch of a free IT career exploration course in partnership with the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and Tech Buffalo.
Class size is limited. For more information on program requirements and to enroll, visit this website.
— You have until this Saturday to buy a shirt and give relief. Step Out Buffalo and local artists have teamed up to create shirts with proceeds going to local COVID-19 relief efforts. The money goes to FeedMore WNY COVID Relief Fund, Kaleida Health COVID-19 Response Fund, Catholic Health COVID-19 Caregiver Support Fund, Crisis Services, and Western New York Feeds the Frontlines.
April 17
— If you'd like to buy a 716Strong shirt to support front line workers, click this link.
— While you might not be able to eat his steaks, chops and more... let Russ Salvatore teach you about the sounds animals make!
The Explore and More Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Children's Museum partnered with Salvatore to read "Quack! Ribbit! Roar!"
If you want to hear Russell's cats, frogs and more, click here.
April 16
A mother-daughter duo in Buffalo has been selling headbands with buttons so people who have to wear masks all the time aren't also having to deal with ear pain.
They've gotten hundreds of orders in the past two weeks. They're now donating the profits in $100 increments to 20 families in need.
If you'd like to place an order, send an email to leisingmj@yahoo.com
April 15
WNY Business Impact Survey can be found here.
List of vendors at the Broadway Market continuing curbside pickup can be found here.
April 13
The @feedmorewny #MobileFoodPantry will be in Buffalo and Akron on Monday, April 13. For the locations and times, as well as the full schedule for the week of April 13 through April 17, click here.
You can apply for a CARES Act grant here.
April 10
For more information on Economic Impact Payments, click here for the IRS' website.
The printable Buffalo coloring map can be found here.
For more information on the NIH antibody study, click here.
April 9
Here is a guide on how to file for unemployment, and what you can expect through the process.
April 6
Erie County’s COVID-19 map provides updates on confirmed cases of the virus by zip code. Click here to view.
FuzeHub grant competition infomation can be found here.
For more information on the Hackathon @ Home, click here.
April 2
The Aurora Theatre and Popcorn Shop announced that you can now vote for your favorite marquee by visiting this link. A winner will be announced April 9.
April 1
If you have a desire to become a New York State Trooper, the entrance exsam is taking place in October. For more information, including how to apply, head to this website.
March 30
WNYCOSH has released a COVID-19 worker benefits guidebook. You can read the whole thing here.
Western New York is doing its part to take care of the health care workers taking care of so many of us. It's called Western New York Feeds The Frontline. People can donate to the program that will then use those donations to cover the cost of food orders delivered to partnering hospitals. The donations will also be used to provide a 20 percent tip to the staff providing the food.
March 27
Nominations are open for a few more days for the M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers contest in partnership with the Buffalo Bills. Nominations can be made online at this website through March 30.
The Arc Erie County New York, which serves children and adults with developmental disabilities, is looking to hire direct support professional personnel. If you're interested, you can apply here.
March 26
For more information on the guide to COVID-19 Disaster Funding, following this link.
March 25
The state University of New York at Fredonia has set up an emergency relief fund for students.
March 17
Buffalo Public Schools is providing meals for families with children in the district during the extended closure. Any child age 18 and under can receive breakfast and lunch at these locations.
March 13
Touchdown for Teachers nominations can be made online through March 30 at this website.
For a list of SAT cancellations, click here.
March 10
Several events at the Hamburg Fairgrounds have been canceled due to coronavirus concerns. For updates, you can visit their website.
March 9
Enhanced visitation policy for Kaleida Health sites can be found here.
March 4
After a successful venture adding shelter dog photos to pizza boxes, the Niagara SPCA is now selling special t-shirts featuring a photo of Hooch, a 5-year-old Mastiff, enjoying a slice. The shirts can be ordered here, with all proceeds going to Niagara SPCA.
Events celebrating women’s history in Western New York will be going on throughout the month. A calendar of events can be found here.
March 2
Locations to drop off dresses for 11th annual Urban Valet prom dress drive include:
Shopping days will be Friday, April 3 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, April 4 from 12-3 p.m. at Hamburg Town Hall Plaza.
February 25
Officials will consider all public comments on the proposed metro rail expansion in the Buffalo area received by March 24. You can submit them here.
February 21
Donations for St. Bonaventure’s efforts to protect medical personnel in Wuhan, China, can be dropped off at the following locations through March 15:
Checks can be made out to “Positive Ripples” with “fighting the coronavirus in Wuhan” in the memo line.
The university’s BonaResponds organization is also hosting a gift card raffle, with tickets on sale for $1 each. Tickets will be sold at the Quick Center for the Arts reception desk between noon and 4 p.m. until February 26; inside the Hickey Dining Hall from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on February 21, 24 and 26; and outside the Reilly Center bookstore from 5-7 p.m. before the game against Duquesne.
There’s also a Facebook fundraiser on March 15.
February 20
Want to suggest a woman who has made a difference in Western New York for the Trailblazing Women of WNY Monument Project? Click here.
February 16
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says several groups have expressed interest in redeveloping the former Bethlehem Steel Site in Lackawanna. The county is looking for plans that include flexible manufacturing or a warehouse facility.
February 5
Speed zone cameras are located at:
January 31
More information on Marc Gaiger's metal roses can be found here.
January 29
Charlie Benzin went bald for bucks on Wednesday after raising more than $1,200 for Roswell Park. You can donate to his cause here.
January 18
The Buffalo Bisons have announced their promotional schedule for the 2020 season. Click here for the full schedule.
January 16
Tickets for the Batavia Downs Concert Series go on sale Friday, January 17. Tickets for all eight shows will be available. To buy them, click here.
January 11
To donate to Australia's wildlife click here.
December 28
To donate to the GoFundMe account for a Lancaster family who lost their home in a devastating fire just before Christmas, click here.
November 17
Anyone wishing to donate to the GoFundMe for Kyle Lysek can click here.
November 12
Want to nominate a teacher for Jeff Skinner's 53 Difference Makers program? Click here.
The website for The Salvation Army's Empire State Divison can be found here.
