Rachel Drogoszewski

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• Posted Buffalo ReUse: A Busy Schedule For August to Buffalo Rising
  Summer is almost over for some of us.  Thursday in the Square is no more.  School begins again in a couple of weeks.  Now those days in the sun seem to be desperately slipping from our grasp.  Luckily, Buffalo ReUse has you covered.  Their calendar lists what they're doing, along with the activities of all their other favorite local organizations.For the month of August, Buffalo ReUse has a jammed packed schedule of free workshops and events to keep you busy.  Not only do they offer free workshops that can help you learn how to replace stairs or insulate the home,...
• Posted Hallwalls Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Benefit Auction to Buffalo Rising
  The year 2009 is very important for Hallwalls, marking their 35th anniversary.  To help celebrate this special milestone, Hallwalls has planned a massive two-part benefit art auction that will feature donated works from selected artists who either got their start from Hallwalls or had exhibited work there early in their careers.The first part of the auction will be held on Thursday, August 6th at Asbury Hall.  The second part will held at Christie's in New York City on Wednesday, September 23rd.  The art in the New York City auction will be a part of Christie's "First Open" sale of Post-War...
• Posted Buffalo Infringement Festival is Almost Here! to Buffalo Rising
  The end of July is almost here!  Next week, the fifth annual Buffalo Infringement Festival will return to showcase over 300 presentations in over 40 venues around Buffalo and Allentown.  From July 23rd to August 2nd, the festival will transform the city into a melting pot of engaging art and entertainment to make the streets really come alive.The Buffalo Infringement Festival is dedicated to uniting artwork of all forms during its eleven-day run.  No style is dominant, and artists are free to create as they please.  Because of this diversity, the festival has become a popular event during the summer.By...
• Posted Margaret Cho Comes to Buffalo to Buffalo Rising
  Margaret Cho will be making a stop in Buffalo during her fall comedy tour.  On Monday, September 28th, Margaret Cho will be performing at Town Ballroom which will feature a mix of stand-up comedy and live music  Cho will be showcasing songs from her forthcoming album, titled Guitarded.  Tickets go on sale today at noon.Cho has been known for her stand-up routines which are often explicit.  In her routines, Cho has been known cover social and political issues, especially those which deal with racial stereotypes and sexuality. Cho started performing stand-up when she was just sixteen years old in a...
• Posted Maps Available for Garden Walk 2009 to Buffalo Rising
  The last weekend of July seems to be rapidly approaching for the 2009 Garden Walk and guides are now available!  The Garden Walk Guide gives a comprehensive map with locations and descriptions of each garden for the Garden Walk Buffalo 2009.Garden Walk Guides are available at the following sponsor locations prior to the walk:Dibble True Value - 262 West Ferry Street, BuffaloLockwood Greenhouses - 4484 Clark Street, HamburgAbordale Greenhouses - 4880 Dodge Road, GetzvilleHunt Reality, Elmwood Office- 720 Elmwood Avenue, BuffaloDuring the walk, complete versions of the guide can be found at the three headquarter locations:Richmond-Summer Senior Center - on...
• Posted Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival Brings Ancient Rome Alive! to Buffalo Rising
  Looking for something to do this summer?  Well, this year Sorrento Cheese is taking us on a journey through the past in its Roman themed Italian Heritage Festival.  Running from Thursday July 16th through Sunday July 19th, the festival will be held on Hertel Avenue between Delaware and Colvin and will feature historical and fictional Italian characters, tributes, displays, and dancing."We love that the cultural aspects of the Festival grow every year," said Jessica Ruth, spokesperson for Sorrento Cheese. "Sorrento Cheese is proud to be part of a tribute to Italy's history and its strong ties with Western New York."The...
• Posted Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community Garden to Buffalo Rising
  Last year, Buffalo ReUse and Grassroots Garden were awarded with a collaborative grant to create community gardens throughout the city.  After acquiring some of the necessities, the gardens are ready for action -- but they need your participation.  That's why Buffalo ReUse is sending out an open invitation to help in growing the community gardens.  Grab your gardening gloves and start planting!One project Buffalo ReUse invites you to participate in is the Patchwork Garden located on Northampton Street.  The garden is composed of a series of interlocking, raised 4'x8' beds, each with its own color, pattern, and history, resembling an...
• Posted Brag About Buffalo with Buffalo Homecoming Citybration to Buffalo Rising
  Sure, Buffalo is the city of good neighbors, but once in awhile, we're allowed to get cocky.  That's what the Spotlight on Buffalo Success Stories is for -- a forum designed to brag about Buffalo as a city.On Friday June 26th (today!) from 3-6PM, at Albright-Knox's Clifton Hall, Buffalo Homecoming Citybration will be celebrating Buffalo's achievements.  This event will go over all the great happenings in Buffalo and all the great things still in store.  Speakers will also discuss the potential of Buffalo's future.As the audience is expected to participate, Spotlight on Buffalo Success Stories will turn into an active...
• Posted Sorrento Lactalis v. Polanski: This Could Turn Ugly to Buffalo Rising
  If you live in Lackawanna, you probably notice that the roads are not in the best of shape.  This could be because for over 40 years trucks have traveled down the city roads making deliveries to Sorrento's manufacturing plant.Lackawanna Mayor Norman Polanski tried to combat this by putting a 5-ton weight limit on all city streets except the Hamburg Turnpike and Abbott Road.  This means that any truck using these roads - to cut through Lackawanna to go to Sorrento Lactalis or any other business - will receive a ticket.  This would decrease the stress put on the Lackawanna roads...
• Posted The Erie Canal: A Travel Guide for New York's Canals to Buffalo Rising
  Looking for something fun to do this summer?  Deborah Williams' The Erie Canal: Exploring New York's Great Canals is the first comprehensive travel guide for the canals in New York State.Taking readers from Buffalo to Albany, this Great Destinations guide covers not only the canals in New York but also the historic communities that surround them.  Each chapter is dedicated to a specific canal location and its history as well as information on lodging, museums, restaurants, wineries, parks, shopping, culture, and family activities.  With more than 100 pictures and maps, The Erie Canal is sure to help plan a memorable...
• Commented on Garlic Scapes and More Planned for Wilson Street Urban Farm
  I called them to find out a little bit more information and then told them that they could find the article on the web site. I believe that they run their Facebook group, so you might want to check that...
• Posted Garlic Scapes and More Planned for Wilson Street Urban Farm to Buffalo Rising
  After much hard work, the Wilson Street Urban Farm is opening their doors for consumers.  As of right now, they are selling garlic scapes for $5.50/lb. or $.50 for a bundle of five.  These scapes are the seed heads of the garlic plant and taste slightly milder than aged garlic cloves.  They are great in salads, stir-fries, or anything that requires garlic.But there is more going on in the farm than that.  The Stevens are just getting started, planting a variety of things as an experiment to prove the possibilities of the farm.They have planted lettuce, tomatoes, collard greens, mustard...
• Posted The Red Cross - BASH Success Helps Cause to Buffalo Rising
  Over a week ago, the Red Cross threw their 11th annual BASH to raise money for programs and services that the Red Cross provides throughout Buffalo.  The BASH is Red Cross' largest fundraiser of the year, and with over 4,000 people in attendance, the organization raised about $345,000. The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross uses this funding to prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies within the community.  The Red Cross is a charitable organization that depends on volunteers and donations to carry out their mission.Among other programs, the majority of their funding goes to immediate...
• Posted Conference Held in Buffalo to Revitalize Great Lakes Cities to Buffalo Rising
  The Great Lakes Metros and New Opportunities Summit will be held at Buffalo State's Bulger Communications Center on June 18th and 19th.  The Great Lakes Urban Exchange (GLUE), the Northeast-Midwest Institute, the Buffalo State College Center for Economic and Policy Studies, and Buffalo's Partnership for Public Good will combine their efforts to help address policy making for the cities surrounding the Great Lakes. During the conference, these organizations will analyze the best ways to spend funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) providing a long-term vision to sustain the Great Lakes region.  The assemby plans to portray the...
• Posted YWCA's "Comfortable Shoes and Firm Handshakes 101" to Buffalo Rising
  When I was in high school, I found myself thinking about becoming a politician.  I'd like to think I have some positive ideas.  And I am pretty honest -- my conscience won't let me do anything wrong!  But when it comes to campaigning, I wouldn't know what to do.That's where the YWCA comes in.  The Institute for Public Leadership (IPL) will be coming back to the YWCA, providing help to any women who are thinking about running for public office or becoming a campaign manager.  The Western New York YWCA has had the largest IPL program in the country.  Over...
• Posted Mayor Byron Brown Gets Working Families Party Endorsement to Buffalo Rising
  The Western New York chapter of the Working Families Party is once again endorsing Byron Brown for his re-election.  In 2005, Brown received support from the Working Families Party and went on to win the vote with a majority of 64 percent."I know the screening committee of the Western new York Chapter of the Working Families Party heard from my opponent and me as they deliberated on who they would recommend for endorsement to the State Executive Committee of the Working Families Party and I am honored that their recommendation of my endorsement for re-election as Mayor of Buffalo was...
• Posted State Legislature Taking a Look at "Complete Streets" to Buffalo Rising
  Green Options Buffalo and The New York Bicycling Collation (NYBC) efforts are finally paying off in New York State.  As of June 1st, the "Complete Streets" bill was introduced to both houses of Legislature for consideration.  This bill would help make roads safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, bicyclists, children, the elderly, and the disabled.  NYBC was the principal supporter of the "Complete Streets" bill.G.O. Buffalo helped pass similar legislation in the City and Erie County governments last year which allowed Assembly Bill A8587 and Senate Bill S5711 to be introduced. If adopted, this bill would allow safe access to...
• Commented on Irish Pubs in Buffalo - The Blackthorn Restaurant
  That's what it says in the menu! http://blackthornrestaurant.com/entrees.html...
• Posted Irish Pubs in Buffalo - The Blackthorn Restaurant to Buffalo Rising
  If you couldn't tell by my last name, I'm not Irish.  I guess you could say that I'm a little Irish by association -- my boyfriend's name is Michael Patrick Murphy and he likes to mention that to anyone that lends their ear.  Yet, by spending half of my life in South Buffalo, I am all to familiar with the local Irish pride.Now, I've only had Corned Beef and Cabbage once.  I prefer a Yuengling Black and Tan to a Guinness.  And Jameson is a little too much for me.  But when I go to The Blackthorn, I feel like...
• Posted Voters to Settle Local Government Downsizing Debate to Buffalo Rising
  Just a couple of days ago, New York State passed a bill that allowed citizens to vote on consolidating governments.  This legislation gives citizens the opportunity to remove ineffective positions.On Wednesday June 3rd, the Evans and West Seneca voters will make history in deciding whether to downsize their town board from five to three members.  For the first time, these voters will be determining how many people will represent them in government.As a resident of West Seneca, I have seen and heard opinions on this topic for several months.  Signs litter the lawns, and articles appear in The Buffalo News. ...
• Posted Caz Coffee Cafe - A Hidden Gem in South Buffalo to Buffalo Rising
  After a couple long days at work, I needed somewhere to relax.  My apartment complex is being renovated and it was raining ,so going to a park was not an option.  After hearing a lot of good things about Caz Coffee Cafe, I decided to check it out.Located on 688 Abbott Road, Caz Coffee Cafe is conveniently placed next to Caz Park in the heart of South Buffalo.  Perhaps this helps attribute to the cool atmosphere that you notice as soon as you walk in.  There wasn't an angry mob waiting to get their cappuccino, which means that I could...
• Posted GED Preparation and More at South Buffalo Education Center to Buffalo Rising
  Finding a job in Buffalo is hard especially when you don't have any experience or education.  South Buffalo Education Center is a nonprofit organization attempting to offer an open hand.Created in 2002 by New York State Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder, South Buffalo Education Center was created to provide GED preparation to out-of-school youths and underemployed or jobless adults.  The curriculum was designed to match the emotional needs of the students.For the past several years, the organization has lead the state in youth attaining their GED accreditation.  South Buffalo Education Center has seen over 500 students graduate since opening their doors. ...
• Commented on Green Jobs, Green Housing Town Hall Meeting
  It is 271 Grant Street. My mistake, lol....
• Posted Green Jobs, Green Housing Town Hall Meeting to Buffalo Rising
  We all grumble when our heating bills come in during the winter, especially when the unemployment rate keeps rising.  PUSH Buffalo is holding a meeting to do something about it.  On May 28th at 6PM, PUSH Buffalo will be holding a town board meeting at 271 Grant Street.  The organization is inviting any legislators to commit to their Green Jobs, Green Housing Platform which is as follows:1. Public sector leaders and private utility companies should work to ensure that 1000 units are weatherized in 2009, thereby reducing utility costs and carbon emissions. 2. Create a "green jobs fund" to strengthen...
• Posted Free Buffalo Select Chorus at Babeville to Buffalo Rising
  Buffalo Select Chorus will be holding their 4th recording concert at Asbury Hall on June 3rd.  This event will be free and open to the public.Directed by Linda Appleby, Buffalo Select Chorus is comprised of outstanding musicians across the Buffalo Public School District.  Appleby created the chorus in 2005 along with Susan Mann Dolce and members of the community, ensuring that all high school students had an opportunity for programs in the arts.  Every year, the chorus has recorded a final concert that they could use for their college applications.Appleby was endorsed by the Foundation of Arts and Athletics as...
• Posted Landies Fun-Ana Friday to Buffalo Rising
  How would you like relax next to the lake, enjoying a delicious chocolate treat?  In celebration for its grand opening, Landies Sweets and Treats at the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor will be giving away free "Fun-Anas".  On Friday, May 29th, Landies will be giving away a chocolate covered banana rolled in chopped nuts (called 'Fun-Anas') to their first 100 customers, from noon to 9PM.  What better way to celebrate a warm, spring day?In addition to the Fun-Anas, Landies carries an assortment of "extreme supreme cream" treats.  The Strawberry Patch Surprise is strawberry ice cream that is dipped in milk chocolate,...
• Posted Protest of Red Light Cameras: Shredd and Ragan Style to Buffalo Rising
  It was a perfect, sunny day for a protest.  Before City Hall, a growing group joined 103.3's Shredd and Ragan for the Red Light Camera debate.  Signs were created, and people of all backgrounds and ages came downtown to participate.  Couples brought their children and dogs accompanied their owners.  It was refreshing to see the young people defiantly shouting their message and getting involved in politics.  Vehicles honked as they passed by: postal trucks, firetrucks, semi-trucks, and one man in a tan SUV that must have circled the square a dozen times, beeping and sticking his fist out of the window....