Author: Rimas Musteikis

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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. …

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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…

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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. …

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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