First GrowWNY-Greenwatch-Good Hood Media Makers Meetup Set for Monday

By Rebekah Williams, GrowWNY

Three community web sites: GrowWNY, The Good Neighborhood, and GreenWatch, have joined forces to launch monthly gatherings for media makers in Western New York.  We’ll get together the fourth Monday of each month to share tips and advice on how to tell stories about our local environment and environmental issues.  All media makers are welcome.  The first gathering is scheduled for Monday, February 27 at 4:30 PM, at Café 59, 59 Allen St in Buffalo. Read more

Song of the Day – Presidents of the USA, “Kick Out the Jams”

By Seamus Gallivan

Presidents Day and Detroit anti-establishment punk progenitors MC5 might seem like odd bedfellows, but today, the magnetism of the world brings them together…

On the occasion of Presidents Day, the federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February first in honor of George Washington and since honoring all presidents, it seems appropriate to select a song in salute.

Also worth noting today is the passing of MC5 bassist Michael Davis, Read more

Sunday Snapshots – Music at the Marcy Kickoff Benefiting Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

By Seamus Gallivan

Thanks to all who helped make for a great start to the Music at the Marcy series in Delaware Park’s Marcy Casino this past Thursday night, benefiting Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. The cozy confines of the Marcy’s Pan-American Room had action from end-to-end overlooking Hoyt Lake, and what a sweet scene it was – a look east to west saw craft brews poured by the staff at Cole’s, Magnolia Events serving up great grub, the Albrights and Country-Punk Extravaganza kicking out the jams in the middle of the room, and Rolling Joe Cafe and Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo’s Max Collins flanked on the far end.

While we don’t have any photos handy of burlesque tease or the two bands blending to play without amplification during a sound system glitch, enjoy this handful of photos taken by BOPC volunteers, and join us this coming Thursday, 6-9pm, $5 cover, for round two featuring the Skiffle Minstrels! Read more

Sunday Sermon – Msgr. David P. Herlihy: Above All, a Pastor

From Seamus Gallivan: I’ll never forget the morning nearly 25 years ago when I woke to the sight of my sobbing mother, who delivered the news that in the night, my great uncle, Monsignor David P. Herlihy, had been brutally murdered in his rectory at St. Matthew’s Church on Buffalo’s East Side.

Although I was only eight years old at the time, “Father Dave” and I were close – he had just served my first communion, and would often give me children-geared religious books, which apparently I wasn’t always gracious in receiving…I’m told that on one occasion at the age of five, I responded, “Jesus Christ, more of these?!”

My mother and I attended much of the trial Read more

Merge Presents: Empowering Neighbors – Bernice Radle’s Non-Stop Motor Runs on Buffalove

By Seamus Gallivan

Arguably the most bubbly Buffalonian, Bernice Radle generated a buzz this week by leading an effort to hit up a handful of hurting houses with “heart bombs” – decorations of sorts showing that they deserve better than demolition.

The act prompted a debate on Buffalo Rising over the effectiveness of such an effort – which is fair, as we obviously need more action. But Bernice is backing it up – she loves one of the houses so much that she’s now in discussions with the city about purchasing it.

Born and raised in Niagara Falls and repatriated after a stint in Southern California, Bernice works Read more

Drop-In Nation Declaration – Micro Solutions to Macro Education

By Stacey Watson, CEO, Drop-In Nation Education

When describing the work of Drop-in Nation, I so often get the response, “That is wonderful, but it must be so hard.” I never know what to say to that – sometimes it inspires me, sometimes it angers me, and sometimes I think, “WHY? Why would working with our children be hard?  Why would any adult step away from the challenge of inspiring young people who had previously given up on school, a future and themselves? “

And then I remember. Read more

Prish’s Dish – “Luv” is in the Air on Valentine’s Day at Sweetness 7 Cafe

By Prish Moran, owner, Sweetness 7 Cafe

So now that peace and love are back in vogue for the majority of our culture, I think that Valentine’s Day has a more profound meaning for many.  It is no longer the “Hallmark” day for lovers only.  It is a day when many share their love for another person, place or thing in simple ways.  I love watching how many different people celebrate the day of love in my coffee shops. Read more

Friendraiser Followup – Olmsted Brings a Big Crew; Carrie Smith Sports Three Causes

By Seamus Gallivan

Big thanks for another big turnout last night at the Sportsmens Tavern, as for the second straight month, our Friendraiser brought more new friends than old – more than a dozen among them setting foot in the Black Rock landmark for the first time. Some were representing organizations and grassroots efforts about which we knew nothing; others had no agenda other than seeing what the Friendraiser fuss is all about and getting involved. Read more