Republicans Cry Foul Over Approved Districts

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 11:27pm

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Come next year, those of you living in Erie County may be a bit confused about who's representing you in the county legislature. That's because the redistricting maps just approved by lawmakers have some unusual districts.

And there's plenty of blame to go around.

Allentown, a cultural hub in the heart of Buffalo, is a long way from the southtown suburb of Orchard Park, but, come next year, they could be in the same legislative district.

"It's outrageously political, and it's disingenuous," said Republican Legislator John Mills of Orchard Park.

Mills is crying foul over the new redistricting map approved by his Democratic colleagues. Mills would land in that unusual district, spanning from the south towns to Allentown, packed with a super majority of Democrats.

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Yard Sales In Your Town

Submitted by Jackie Lewandowski, Community Web Producer

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 4:35pm

2 Your Town is bringing you a list of sales: garage, flea market, rummage & yard, in a community near you. Check back often - this list will be continuously updated!

May 7th - October 30th:
9am-4pm: Flea Market. Every Saturday & Sunday. Springville Shopping Center, 231 S. Cascade (Route 219, next to WalMart), Springville. Collectibles, antiques, furniture, handicrafts, games, jewelry, clothing, vegetable, more!

Sunday, October 2nd:
Dawn-5pm: The Great American Garage Sale. Antique World & Flea Market, 11111 Main Street, Clarence.

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6th Annual Party on the Portico Kicks Off Tonight

Submitted by Jackie Lewandowski, Community Web Producer

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 11:30am

6th Annual Party on the Portico Kicks Off Tonight

BUFFALO, NY – The sounds of summer will fill the air tonight as the Outer Circle Orchestra bring their African-Caribbean inspired beats to the 6th Annual Party on the Portico.

Beginning at 5:30pm, this 21 and over event features live music, free appetizers, cash bar (wine/beer $4, water/soft drinks $1), free 15-minute mini-tours of the History Museum, and great views of Mirror Lake, Delaware Park and the Japanese Garden – all from the portico and steps of the iconic museum.

The series, which runs through the summer for three Friday evenings, features some of Western New York's most popular musical acts.

Admission for each Party on the Portico event is $10 for the general public and $5 for Historical Society members. The series runs rain or shine and all proceeds benefit the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.

Tickets are available in advance at the Museum during opening hours.

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HSBC Selling Off Its Local Branches?

Submitted by Patrick Klinck, Community Web Producer

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 11:14am

Is HSBC getting ready to unload its local branches? Looks like it, according to this just-published article in American Banker:

HSBC Holdings PLC has stepped up its retreat from the U.S. by officially putting its upstate New York retail franchise on the block in addition to its credit card portfolio.

Read the whole story here.

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Erie County Legislature Approves Redistricting Plan

Submitted by WGRZ Web Staff

Thursday, June 16th, 2011, 9:56pm

BUFFALO, NY-- Erie County Lawmakers approved a controversial plan by Democrats to re-draw district lines.

The plan, which downsizes the legislature from 15 to 11 seats, puts 13 towns and seven villages into a single district, stretching from Brant to Newstead.

That mega-district it takes up 45-percent of the of land in Erie County, causing some residents to be concerned over whether or not they'll be fairly represented.

Erie County Executive Chris Collins released this statement after the vote:

"Now that the County Legislature has finally acted, I have a specific plan before me for review. However, I do have serious concerns with this law, concerns that are shared by our rural towns and minority community. I will vet this plan thoroughly, and hold a public hearing according to the County Charter, before making my decision whether to sign or veto this law in the coming days."

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Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s 36th Season Opens Tonight

Submitted by Jackie Lewandowski, Community Web Producer

Thursday, June 16th, 2011, 12:15pm

Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s 36th Season Opens Tonight

BUFFALO, NY – Merchant of Venice hits the stages of Shakespeare in Delaware Park tonight at 7:30pm as the 36th Season debuts.

Following the annual Opening Night Reception, which begins at 6pm in the Marcy Casino, the free show takes the stage within Olmstead Park to kick-off a summer of delightful performances.

A dramatic comedy that is perhaps best known for the famous 'Hath not a Jew eyes' speech, Merchant will run Tuesdays through Sundays until July 10th. Then the ever popular, As You Like It, will be begin on Thursday, July 21st and run until August 14th.

Shakespeare in Delaware Park performances are held every evening (except Mondays) at 7:30 pm. Shows take place on Shakespeare Hill in Delaware Park, next to Hoyt Lake behind the Rose Garden, off Lincoln Parkway near the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

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Winning Taste of Buffalo Design

Submitted by Erie 1 BOCES, Community News

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011, 2:23pm

BOCES Secures Top 3 Taste of Buffalo Awards

West Seneca, NY (June 15, 2011) - The Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS held its annual poster design contest for students across the area. Out of the 120 designs that were submitted, students from the Erie 1 BOCES graphic design program clinched the top three awards.