Author: queenseyes

Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com

Buffalo Pedal Tours has launched its fourth motorized assist pedal vehicle. The newest addition to the fleet has been designed to mimic a few of the design features of a Pierce Arrow automobile (made in Buffalo). The pedal pub was designed to spec in Alden, NY. “Everything we do is local,” said owner Ken Szal. “Because it’s made in WNY, we are able to incorporate various features that make each one different. The one that you see here is all custom – it has a bell, LED lighting, oversized running boards cubbies for personal items, retro lights (front and back), and…

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It was only a matter of time before Breadhive Bakery and Public Espresso teamed up and went in on a food truck/trailer together. This arrangement came about thanks to a strong relationship between the bakery, the coffee purveyors and Hydraulic Hearth. You see, the Airstream trailer that is pictured above is the old trailer where Hydraulic Hearth got its start. The original food trailer operation, called Square 1 Sandwiches, was initially operated by Harry Zemsky (Hydraulic Hearth owner) at Larkin Square. After learning the ropes of the food business on a smaller scale, Zemsky closed shop within the trailer and opened up…

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Artist/muralist Vinny Alejandro is working on a new project for the River Rock Community Coalition (RRCC). RRCC has been responsible for initiating numerous food drives and local clean ups in Buffalo. Founded by George A. Fitzpatrick (current president), the organization has now embarked upon a mission to tackle repairs and beautification efforts on the wall of AMVETS Medallion Post #13. The effort began with weatherproofing and painting, which paved the way for Vinny to get started on his mural concept. The wall repair effort was orchestrated by Debbie Lombardo who, according to Vinny, is the reigning Mayor of Towpath, a local community activist, and a…

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The latest Queen City Pop Up participants have been announced.  Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), Buffalo Place and Working for Downtown have given the thumbs up to The Atinga Project, Phenominal Xpressions, Vixen Fashion and Buffalo Loves Tees. The Queen City Pop-Up: 2016 Spring Edition is located at 517 Main Street. This is the 4th season that this particular pop-up has been initiated. Due to past successes, the Brown administration feels that these types of small business advancements help to reenergize Main Street and Downtown Buffalo. In order to make this program work, building owners must work with…

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Instead of waiting around to possibly get booted from its original shop location on Potomac, Sunday Skate Shop opted to be proactive and relocate to 212 Grant Street. Since taking over the new location, Sunday Skate owner JP Gillespie has done a bang up job of building out the space into a streamlined professional business. From the vaulting tin ceilings to the all-glass vestibule, JP has incorporated some dramatic new changes into a spot that was formerly an IT store. In a setting like this, the merchandise speaks for itself. The wall of decks looks especially eye-catching, the way it mimics the colorful…

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An article in the Chicago Tribune is showcasing what the future of transportation could look like in areas along the Chicago River Navy Pier and other notable destinations. Yes, I’m talking about the airborne cable car – an idea that has been floated around Buffalo for at least a couple of years now. We’ve had experts research the benefits. We’ve struck up local dialogue. We’ve invited politicians to take part in the conversation… and now we will witness Chicago actually run with the ball.  I have come to the determination that Buffalo power players won’t take this type of transportation…

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SOLE of Buffalo is hosting a documentary viewing and fundraiser that not only raises awareness of the pitfalls of the down-spiraling food industry, it will also raise funds needed to open a pay-what-you-can restaurant (with regionally sourced foods). Aside from the restaurant, the Dharma Kitchen and Prana Pantry Center will offer classes on cooking, canning and drying, seed saving, gardening, and nutrition. There will also be access to foods supplied by regional farms and food producers. The center will feature aquaponic ponds, hoop gardens and grow towers, along with numerous other beneficial ingredients that will serve to teach us how to live…

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Who would have known that North Buffalo was so devoted baseball and softball? It turns out that Shoshone Park is a hotbed for the All American Game… a sort of mecca if you will. I recently learned that Hertel North Park Youth Baseball & Softball (HNPYBL) is not only celebrating a 60 Year Anniversary, it’s also enjoying its highest attendance numbers in the history of the league. According to Travel Director Jim Daley, the organization was founded the same year that Dwight Eisenhower was president – 1957. Since that time, the league has grown by leaps and bounds, and today boasts 62 house…

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“One of the biggest issues when it comes to being a tree and living in the city is that you simply get no respect. For years I’ve watched my fellow trees die for numerous reasons – small tree plots, road salt, old age, disease, vandalism, improper plantings, lack of water… you name it and I’ve seen it. Every year, I am hopeful that more people understand the importance of trees and what we can offer neighborhoods – shade, cleaner air, visual beauty, etc. I have even heard that we aid in increasing property values, and that people who live near…

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For years, Houghton College has immersed itself into the overall welfare of the Buffalo refugee community. Two years ago the college started up a satellite location at First Presbyterian Church (Symphony Circle) called Houghton College Buffalo. The program is designed to attend to the educational needs of factions of the refugee community. To date, the two-year associate program has been so successful that students are graduating with associate’s degrees in just two years… debt free. Since launching the initiative, the first graduates are right now coming online. While the initial class was relatively small, the success rate was enormous. 80% of the 16 original…

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