Kudos to the City of Buffalo. They are stepping up in maintenance of the new bike lanes by purchasing two of these right-sized street sweepers that fit in narrow spaces. City workers tell us that they aim to clean the bike lanes weekly. You might see these cuties doing their work in other parts of the city, too!

Saturday, April 30 was a beautiful day for Brushing Up Broderick Park. Friends of Broderick Park and Vision Niagara worked with over 40 volunteers to weed, mulch and clean up the park. A huge thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors including Rich Products, Air & Waste Management – Niagara Frontier Division, McKinley High School Horticulture Program, Buffalo-Niagara Waterkeeper, COB Neighborhood Engagement Team and BWELL.

Shop Upper Black Rock! Support our fabulous local businesses during the holiday season. We will have treats and festivities at 1250 Niagara St on December 11 from noon to 4pm. Free raffle entries for two baskets of gifts donated by the businesses and organizations featured on this map. Did you know Upper Rock has an art gallery? Raft of Sanity is donating a gift certificate. We’ll have folks from Buffalo String Works, who recently moved their classrooms and studios here, too. Campus Wheel Works donated $50 gift certificates for our baskets. And that’s just a few of the donations! Company B is putting together the baskets and helping us organize the event. Join us, say hello! Big thanks to Stitch Buffalo for jumpstarting the event! We’ve got quite the happening little neighborhood! West Side Pet Clinic is also donating a gift basket that includes all kinds of pet treats and items – a big thank you to them, too!

Buffalo String Works has to be one of the most amazing organizations, ever! Free music lessons in a constructive environment. We recently had a tour of their space at 1270 Niagara Street (above Company B Tasting Room) led by Executive Director and founder, Yuki Numato Resnick. Buffalo String Works is a young organization and growing rapidly. They managed to continue their work during the pandemic and moved into the neighborhood in September, leasing 6500 square feet – lots of space for classrooms and activities. Yuki showed us a space that is designed by the students, their very own Cafe. Benefitting from the leadership and empowerment skills learned through this program, they were able to articulate their goals for the space. Our Upper Rock neighborhood is so fortunate to have Buffalo String Works choose this area. They are part of the exciting growth we see happening in the variety of businesses and organizations here. We look forward to collaborating with them and showcasing what we have here.