While paying a visit to the Times Beach Nature Preserve at the Outer Harbor yesterday, I wandered over to the clearing where the ice boom was formerly kept when not on out the lake. There's a metal fence that separates the two destinations that really does not serve a purpose anymore, though the obstacle ends further towards the water's edge so that you can get back and forth pretty easily by climbing up and down some boulders. What you will find when you visit the site is a vast pebble clearing where the ice boom once sat, another

The Buffalo Niagara region is comprised of beautiful landscapes, rich culture and friendly people. Buffalonians know this. But so do numerous film and television directors and producers. In 2009 alone, the film, television and commercial projects that utilized the region totaled 469 production days.

="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";

Representatives of Dyngus Day Buffalo and the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation have created a living reminder of the city's Polish-American heritage in front of the Central Terminal. The groups planted live pussy willows on March 27 in a grassy area on Memorial Drive at Paderewski Drive in order to prepare for the festivities of Dyngus Day 2010.

This area has been named "Pussy Willow Park," and will feature a Dyngus Day Party tent on April 5, the day of the festival celebrating the end of the Lenten season. Dyngus Day Buffalo sponsored the planting and coordinates more

Nottingham Terrace, one of the premier streets in the City, has another $1M+ listing.  Directly next door to the $2.15M brick mansion for sale sits today's featured listing.  At 227 Nottingham Terrace, a 6,160 square foot traditional stucco house can be yours for $1.375M. 

The house, built in 1928, has 5 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 additional half baths.  There are 7 fireplaces and 3 separate family rooms.  The house was last sold in 1993 for $595,000 and is currently assessed

The University of Buffalo has apparently reached an agreement with St. John Baptist Church to purchase the McCauley Gardens housing project.  Rev. Michael Chapman, pastor of St. John Baptist Church, on Monday will announce a "significant milestone in the plan to develop Buffalo's Fruit Belt and East Side communities" according to a media advisory.  He will be joined by Mayor Byron Brown and University at Buffalo President John B. Simpson at the 11 a.m. press conference.

="window.open('http://www.buffalorising.com/assets_c/2010/04/mccauley10-9487.html','popup','width=848,height=524,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0');

If you have any interest in art, archaeology, world cultures or our connection to our past, you'll definitely want to stop by the UB Anderson Gallery to check out its newest exhibit, "Cravens World: The Human Aesthetic," which is now officially open to the public.  The multi-million dollar collection of over 1,000 archaeological and ethnographic objects, donated by former student Annette Cravens, MSW '68, has been curated into a permanent installation that is on display for students, staff, scholars, and the community to learn from and enjoy.

The collection - which has nearly doubled

Letter to BRO by Chris Jacobs, member, Buffalo Board of Education:

President Obama's innovative $4 billion dollar Race to the Top initiative presented Albany with a win-win opportunity - legislate some much needed education reforms and receive $700 million in return for its budget strapped school districts throughout the state.

After six years on the Buffalo Board of Education, I shouldn't be surprised that the State unions told the Albany 'leaders' to ignore the Obama Administration and refuse the two reforms that all knew were critical for a competitive New

Kenneth Payne, head of the sculpture department at Buffalo State College, along with assistant professor Elena Lourenco conceived the idea to host an iron pour event at the college serving as a fundraiser for Haiti.

"We were affected by the earthquake and what has happened to all those people," said Payne. "We wanted to do something to help out and we thought it was a really good idea to get the students involved in that effort as well."   

Known for its iron casting program, the department holds two major iron pours per year. People from all over the nation come

Last summer I posted on the possible freeing of some waterfront access at two particular sites - the seaplane ramp at LaSalle Park and the ice boom beach at the Outer Harbor (see post). Yesterday this image was sent to BRO documenting the removal of the ice boom, and the relocation to its new home along the Buffalo River. This is great news for the Outer Harbor (hopefully), because if you are at all familiar with the previous home of the ice boom, then you know that it always sat on a sandy

Do you want to have a good time and enjoy unique ethnic food at the same time? Then check out the 2nd annual Dyngus Day party on April 5, beginning at 5:30pm, at Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo. The festival will feature Buffalo's only Polish Pizza, polka dancing, a cash bar featuring Polish beers, and a chance to win theme basket prizes.

Admission costs $10 for adults, and $2 for children 12 and under with family or an adult guardian. If you bring proof that you attended another

Just after posting on UB's car share RFP, Buffalo CarShare held a press announcement today regarding its newest hub situated near the corner of Utica and Elmwood. The parking pad is being provided by Horizon Realty, the city's leader in green living (that's their tag line). The partnership between Horizon and Buffalo CarShare was hatched months ago when Horizon reached out to various green organizations, including Green Options Buffalo, Riverkeeper and Buffalo Carshare. Since that time, Buffalo Blue Bike racks

Young history buffs and artists have a unique opportunity to showcase their talent and celebrate Buffalo's history on an international level at the same time. The United States Consulate General in Yekaterinburg, Russia, has announced a drawing competition for children and teens ages 9-17. The deadline is April 10.

This contest is held to "commemorate the strategic alliance between Soviet pilots and American planes" and honor the 65th anniversary of the Allies' victory in World War II. Participants are asked to draw a picture of the "Airacobra" P-39 jet, a fighter

Are you a longtime fan of Bob Dylan? Do you think you can sound and act like him? If so, then be sure not to miss Michael Meldrum's Buffalo Song Project's 23rd annual Bob Dylan Imitator's Contest, on April 1 at Nietzsche's on Allen Street. The contest starts at 8pm, with a 7pm signup for contestants. It costs $5 to enter.

Meldrum, a noted singer, songwriter, guitarist, and inductee of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, said that prominent members of the Buffalo music community and local media figures will judge the entrants. He said that in past years' contests, people

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Staff Review by Mary O'Donnell:

Cracker! is the story of how our lives are constantly changing and how we must find ways to adapt to and learn from those changes. Cracker is a German shepherd who has been the best friend of eleven-year-old Willie and his family. When the family can no longer afford to keep Cracker, the dog is given to the United States Army to be trained as a scout dog.  Willie is sad, but does his best to understand the situation.

Cracker is assigned to a young soldier, Rick Hanski, for training. 

By: Kristen Becker

One of the real perks of living in Buffalo is that you are always just one or two people away from making something fantastic happen. That's what happened when Stacey Watson, Executive Director of South Buffalo Education Center (SBEC), sat down to enjoy a recent edition of Nickel City Chef.  As luck would have it, Chef JJ Richert of Torches was competing, and Watson immediately recognized the opportunity to make a difference with her students at the SBEC. 

Looking for a night that defies explanation? Beyond Ghosts, an Internet radio program powered by CBS, is hosting its first ever Ghost Hunt and buffet dinner on Friday, August 13 at Shea's Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at around 5:30-6pm, with dinner to follow at around 6:30pm. After a short lecture, the Ghost Hunt will begin around 8:15pm.

Tickets cost $85 per person. This includes the cost of food, a lecture that explains and provides proof of paranormal activity from past experiences in Buffalo historical sites, a question and answer session and group discussion,

Tomorrow marks the grand opening of an impressive floral boutique on Main Street. The business is located in the equally impressive Granite Works building, and adds to the dynamics already established by neighboring commercial entity, Just Vino. Bloom Floristry Creative Director Orlando Diaz is energized with the notion of bringing a full service special event floral boutique and urban living center to the Medical District. He's been busy arranging the cut flowers and bouquets, along with the vast home accessories,

Regular readers of Buffalo Rising have seen articles from time to time about efforts underway to improve the Niagara Street corridor from Busti Avenue up to Black Rock and Riverside.  From upgrades to Broderick Park, to efforts to improve the waterfront and Riverwalk, to business development ideas, to revitalizing

By Richard Wade:

The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, which is in charge of the management and operation of The Olmsted Parks System by The City of Buffalo and Erie County, continues to take the responsibility seriously. The Conservancy hasn't allowed a potentially tumultuous contract negotiation with the City of Buffalo to hamper their upcoming Capital Projects; slated for the Scajaquada Creekside Trail and The Riverside Park Minnow Pools (now being called RiverRock Gardens) of which they held two recent public meetings, on March 15 and March 24 respectively, to present

What does this mean? According to Kitty Lambert (OUTSpoken for Equality) it's a great step, but at the same time it's not enough. And why is it not enough? Because there are still politicians who continue to deny equal rights to the LGBT community. From Kitty:

First, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of both Councilman Rivera and Councilman LoCurto. Progress in our city has been slow and arduous.

We are the LAST major municipality to have this benefit offered to it's employees in NY State.

Initially it was just the registry