Operation Student Safety

Please pick up a copy of the "UB Neighbor", at Allen Hall, if you haven't received yours by mail. Great article on the efforts of UB and the University Heights Community to hold landlords renting to students more accountable. Please advise Dan Ryan, Director of Off Campus Students Affairs of your comments and concerns. His number is 716-829-3536.

Templeton Park, University Heights

Gingko Tree, Templeton park -photo by patrick Willett

University Park Historic District- One of the finest neighborhoods in all of the city of Buffalo.

PBN newsletter article on this nomination (.pdf) portions of Larchmont Road, Niagara Falls Blvd, Radcliffe Road, University Ave, Allenhursst Road, & Pellhan Drive in Buffalo.
The University Park Historic District is a remarkable, intact example of an early 20^th century planned residential subdivision in the city of Buffalo. In the broad context of the city’s turn of the century development, the location and development of University Park reflects the importance of the streetcar and the rise of automobile use which determined much of the city’s expansion. The themes of suburbanization in the city of Buffalo are covered extensively in the National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form (MPDF), Multiple Resources Associated with the Suburban Development of Buffalo, New York. For Residential Subdivisions to be added to the MPDF, the registration requirements state: The property type must represent the range of residential subdivision structures associated with the growth of the city into a new form during the period between the Civil War and World War II (1860-1945).

http://www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org/buildings-and-sites/preservation-resources/national-register-listings/

South Campus, a neglected jewel

Photo © Patrick Willett

UB's South Campus, also known as the Main Street campus, located on 154 acres in northeastern Buffalo, is the former grounds of the Erie County Almshouse and Insane Asylum, of which four buildings still remain (Hayes Hall, the former insane asylum; Wende Hall, a former maternity hospital; Hayes D; and Townsend Hall, a former nurses' quarters).The college was designed by architect E.B. Green in 1910, and was intended to resemble Trinity College, Dublin.

Adjacent to the UB South Campus is the UB Anderson Art Gallery, a converted elementary school with an all-glass atrium exhibit space.

Stay classy UB!

This piece from UB's "operation Doorhanger" really helps to class up UB's image in the University Heights neighborhood.
My first reaction was -"are you serious"?

Higher Heights Basketball Clinic

This month the UB Division of Athletics, in conjunction with the Office of Community Relations, will be co-sponsoring the Higher Heights Basketball Clinic, Saturday September 18, 2010, at Good Year Basketball Courts – next to Allen Hall (South Campus). Rain site is Clark Hall on UB’s South Campus.

The clinic, which will run from 9:30am until 2:00pm is free and open to boys and girls, ranging from grades 3-8, who are residents of South Campus Neighborhoods. Each child will receive a complementary t-shirt and lunch.

Directing the clinic will be head men’s basketball coach Reggie Witherspoon; head women’s coach Linda Hill-MacDonald, who will talk to participants about the value of an education; and assistant men’s basketball coach Jim Kwitchoff.

Participants will receive instruction in six basketball skills, including shooting, ball handling, passing, defense, footwork, and rebounding. The kids will also have the opportunity to ask questions of UB coaches and student-athletes. The children will also have the unique opportunity to travel to North Campus and tour Alumni Arena, player locker rooms and weight rooms.


Due to the high level of interest for this event, participants are encouraged to pre-register by completing a pre-registration and consent form found at the following locations: Gloria J. Parks, Ed Saunders, Highgate Heights, Westminster, Phoenix computer lab, Ken-Bailey housing and St. Joes. Parents will have the opportunity to register on-site on the day of the event is there is availability. The form must be completed and received by the Office of Community Relations in 1010 Allen Hall or by fax 829-3912 to ensure placement. The first one hundred and twenty (120) completed forms received will be chosen to participate.Don’t miss the opportunity to share in this positive and fun-filled event.


Complete and return your form today!

Photos by Nancy J. Parisi

"UB dropped the ball when it dropped Buffalo CarShare"

Buffalo Rising Story: Canisius Supports its own... and UB's own.
by: queenseyes

It's funny how things turn out sometimes. In a world where it is increasingly the right thing to do by supporting homegrown projects and businesses, University at Buffalo dropped the ball when it dropped Buffalo CarShare (BCS). It was a crushing blow to the company, not because CarShare was dependent on UB, but because it would have been such a natural relationship and source of growth. After all, CarShare was incubated at the university. Instead of tucking its tail between its legs, CarShare went out in search for partners that would understand the importance of 'buying into local". It didn't take long to earn the trust of Canisius College, which has agreed to bring CarShare onboard as its car sharing business of choice.

To think that another local higher education institution would bring a University at Buffalo castoff under its wing is... well, it's really something. Canisius could have taken UB's lead and gone with a national. Instead, it decided to go with a homegrown business, run by a young team made up of mostly UB alumns. Interestingly, Todd Salansky, board member of both CarShare and Buffalo First was one of the first to share the good news and was, "Extremely happy that my alma mater has chosen to support Buffalo CarShare for their car sharing needs. BCS provides students access to a car to shop and explore what our area has to offer. In addition to their first car on campus, they also have access to 10 other vehicles across the city. I think this is a great win for Buffalo!"

Canisius has already expressed an interest in a second car as demand increases, which both parties assume will happen after school starts.

UB on the Green Opens Tonight

UB on the Green, a free outdoor performance series held on the front lawn of Hayes Hall on the UB South Campus, opens tonight with a performance by The Rockas with special guest Caitlin Albe Koch.

UB on the Green's free music and dance performances will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and Sept. 8. In addition to providing all-ages entertainment, the series is designed to educate, as well as entertain, with interactive demonstrations and other hands-on activities that are fun for the whole family.

This year's series was moved to later in the summer to allow more community members, students and staff to attend, he adds.

Designed to showcase the university's resources, as well, activities that will be held as part of UB on the Green include participation by UB Anderson Art Gallery and UB Athletics, in addition to other local community organizations.

Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets. Light refreshments will be available for sale. UB on the Green is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

The series kicks off on Aug. 25 with The Rockas with special guest Caitlin Albe Koch. Their sound is Caribbean based, full of chunky horns, spicy Riddims and melodic and soulful vocals.

The Sept. 1 program will open with N'Dias, a West African-inspired local dance and drumming group, followed by One World Tribe, an Afro-beat, funk, reggae, Latin and world beat orchestra whose show will feature musicians, dancers and extras.

The series will end on Sept. 8 with a full-band performance of melodic pop songs by Scott Celani, followed by Black Widow, one of Western New York's top rock bands, playing the latest and best of rock, party, dance, country, alternative and classic music.

More information about UB on the Green is here or contact the UB Office of Community Relations at 716-829-3099.

Career Opportunities Workshops in Life Sciences at UB

The UB Millard Fillmore College will hold a workshop, "Career Opportunities in the Life Sciences," from 6-8 p.m. on July 20, Aug. 24 and Sept. 21 in 147 Diefendorf Hall on the UB South Campus.The free workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about job opportunities in the life sciences.

The Buffalo Niagara region is home to more than 150 life sciences companies, including pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, biotechnical companies, and biomedical service and software companies.

In addition to the workshop, Millard Fillmore College is designing a life sciences curriculum that will offer a certificate program for professionals, adult students and transitioning workers looking for employment in the life sciences field. The certificate program will offer courses and on-site workshops on regulatory issues, quality management, Lean manufacturing and leadership in the medical device and biotechnology industries.

For more information, or to register for the upcoming life sciences workshops, go to http://www.millardfillmorecollege.com/ or call 716-829-3131.

Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series at UB

New this year at UB will be a free outdoor summer movie series. In partnership with the Student Association and Late Night UB, the Outdoor Summer Movie Series will be held Wednesdays beginning July 7 through August 18 on the South (Main Street) Campus front lawn. A variety of new releases and classic films will be shown starting at 9:00pm each week. The movies are free to attend and free parking is available on campus.

“We are excited about expanding our summer programs in the South Campus neighborhood. The addition of this new movie series demonstrates the University’s continued commitment to providing family-friendly programming for the neighborhood,” said Vincent D. Clark, Director, UB Community Relations. “Our community programming is an opportunity for the University and community to come together to build upon our efforts to strengthen our surrounding neighborhoods.”

Movies will also be shown on the North Campus on Tuesdays July 6 through August 17 and Fridays July 9 through August 20. Community members provided input on which movies they would like to see. See the full schedule below. More information on the movie series and movies can be found on here.

South (Main Street) Campus on the Main Street front lawn Wednesday Nights

July 7 Toy Story
July 14 Alice in Wonderland
July 21 How to Train Your Dragon
July 28 Invictus
August 4 Remember the Titans
August 11 Date Night
August 18 Ironman 2


North Campus Special Event field across from the Student Union

Tuesday July 6 and Friday July 9 Toy Story 2
Tuesday July 13 and Friday July 16 Alice in Wonderland
Tuesday July 20 and Friday July 23 Shutter Island
Tuesday July 27 and Friday July 30 Hot Tub Time Machine
Tuesday August 3 and Friday August 6 Youth in Revolt
Tuesday August 10 and Friday August 13 Date Night
Tuesday August 17 and Friday August 20 Ironman 2

In the event of rain, our North Campus films will be shown in the Student Union Theater and our South Campus films will be shown at Allen Hall. Please be aware that some of these films may not be suitable for all ages. All films will begin shortly after sundown. Feel free to bring chairs and blankets. See you there!

Wanted: UB on the Green Performers

If you love summer and summertime events like outdoor music then you'll love UB on the Green. This free music and dance series, now in its fourth season, is presented on the UB South Campus front lawn each summer. It is is a free, outdoor, family-friendly festival of music, dance, and fun.

This year UB on the Green will be on Wednesdays August 25, September 1 and 8 from 6:00pm-8:00pm in front of Hayes Hall on the South Campus.

Both local and international groups have graced the stage at UB on the Green. Garth Fagan Dance, The Budos Band, Dance Brazil, Outer Circle Orchestra, Illstyle & Peace Productions, Taylor Made Jazz and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra are just some of the acts that have performed.

Neville Francis & The Riddim Posse 2009

Now is your chance to let us know who you'd like to see at UB on the Green 2010. We're interested in hearing about vibrant bands and performers the audience will love.

Leave a comment with some information on a band or dance group and we'll be sure to check them out.

For more information visit UB on the Green online or contact UB Community Relations at 829-6145.

Volunteer at UB Community Day

Saturday May 15th is your chance to make some new friends, have fun and beautify the neighborhood all at the same time. It's the 2nd annual UB Community Day where residents, UB students and staff all come together to volunteer in the neighborhood.

This year's event is in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo, so we'll be doing some minor home repair work and gardening in various areas of the University District.

The event is from 9:00am-3:00pm, with volunteers asked to arrive at 8:30am on the South Campus. After the volunteering is done, come to the after event celebration for refreshments and a chance to win an ipod shuffle.

Anyone is welcome to volunteer, for more information and to sign up contact UB Community Relations at 716-829-3099.

Sign Up for Summer Home Repair Event

Group Workcamps, a national Christian-based youth mission organization, will make basic home repairs to 100 selected homes in the University Heights area for a week in June. The work crews will consist of high school students with adult chaperones. The volunteers will paint, build or repair wheelchair ramps, weatherize and repair steps and porches for elderly, disabled or low-income residents.

Local sponsors of the program are the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, UB’s Office of Community Relations, the City of Buffalo, Nichols School (where the visitors will stay) and the Erie County Department of Health.

Several sponsors are also members of Wipe Out Lead, a Western New York coalition dedicated to educating the community about the dangers of lead. Used in many homes built before 1978, leadbased paints pose a serious health hazard, especially for children.

Applications for Group Workcamps home repair are being accepted until Feb. 28. To apply, contact Linwood Roberts, neighborhood outreach coordinator in the Office of Community Relations, at 829-3524 or lr26@buffalo.edu.

Interested homeowners should have insurance, have someone present at the home during the event in June, and be physically or financially unable to make repairs.

Photo by Enid Bloch

Free Tax Preparation Services Available at UB

IRS-certified accounting students from the University at Buffalo School of Management will again provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families with annual incomes below $49,000.

Area residents and students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity, which will be held on UB's North and South campuses. The IRS estimates that using such free services can save taxpayers between $100 and $300 in preparation fees.

This service can be especially valuable to low-income tax filers by helping them apply for earned income-tax credits that can provide a needed boost in annual income. The tax credits, which can reduce or completely eliminate income taxes by refunding taxes already withheld from wages, can mean as much as $5,028 for a family with two children.

Earned income-tax credits also can be collected from back tax filings. The service will prepare tax filings for the two previous years, as well as 2009.

Free tax preparation will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis in 109 Allen Hall, South Campus, on Feb. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28, and in 106 Jacobs Management Center, North Campus, on March 27, 28 and April 3, 4, 10 and 11.

Participants must bring proof of identification (government-issued ID for each adult, such as driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, military ID card, etc.); original Social Security card for each filer and dependent; date of birth for self, spouse and dependents; wage and earning statements (Forms W-2 and 1099) from all employers; interest and dividend statements (Form 1099); a copy of last year's federal and state tax returns, if available; and bank routing numbers and account numbers, if direct deposit is desired.

The tax service is coordinated by the UB chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honors organization for accounting, finance and information systems students, with help from the UB Accounting Association.

Frequently asked questions as well as maps and directions can be found at http://mgt.buffalo.edu/freetaxprep. Additional questions can be directed to mgt-freetaxprep@buffalo.edu or 716-533-1553. Services on the South Campus are available thanks to support and equipment provided by the UB Office of Community Relations.

More Evidence of UB abandoning the Heights

A $57 million project for north campus while south campus waits for crumbs to fall from the table.
Why wasn't this project proposed for University Heights?
600-bed dorm planned at UB North Campus

By Jay Rey

NEWS STAFF REPORTER

Updated: November 12, 2009, 8:20 AM

Work has begun on a 600-bed residence hall on the University at Buffalo North Campus in Amherst.The $57 million project is being built on land between John James Audubon Parkway and the residence halls at the Ellicott Complex. It will feature a more “living learning” design intended to mesh campus residential and academic space.

“The entire first floor of the building will demonstrate the vibrance of 24-hour-a-day academic activity, a principle in the living learning concept,” said Joseph J. Krakowiak, director of university residence halls and apartments. “The first floor has a wide variety of settings for classroom spaces, for study groups, for individual study and a casual cafe.”

Opening is scheduled for August 2011.

The new South Ellicott Suites is significant to the North Campus for a couple of reasons, said Robert G. Shibley, senior adviser for campus planning.

For one, the project will include features that will be the gold standard in environmental design and serve as a demonstration for what UB wants to do when constructing future buildings.

Second, it’s the first step toward building a mix of housing and retail along Lee Road, a campus access road, to create more of a “Main Street” through the campus spine, Shibley said.

As part of the project, Lee Road will be extended to the Ellicott Complex across Audubon Parkway, where a traffic circle will be installed to slow the vehicles.

“It starts the evolution of Lee Road as UB’s new Main Street,” Shibley said.

UB faces more competition in the student housing market, as developers in recent years have built hundreds of private student apartments just across the road from the university.

Still, Shibley and Krakowiak don’t anticipate a problem filling up the new residence hall, which is geared toward sophomores.

Sophomores tend to want a little more space and privacy than the traditional campus housing but may not be quite ready for an apartment, Krakowiak said.

The new residence hall will have a “suite style” design, which includes two double bedrooms, a bathroom, storage and a dressing area.

A 2,000-square-foot Market Cafe on the first floor will have seating for 50 people.

“First-floor spaces have extended flexibility and capability to offer different educational settings as required,” Krakowiak said. “Space is available for faculty offices, seminar rooms and impromptu study.”

The project will be built without state money, Krakowiak said.

State education law allows the university to enter into agreements with the UB Alumni Association and UB Foundation, which would borrow money for the project. Payments collected from students living in the residence hall would go toward the cost of building and operating the facility.

UB — which has nearly 29,000 students — currently has about 1,350 beds on the South Campus on Main Street, about 4,000 beds in residence halls on the North Campus and about 2,200 beds in apartments on the North Campus.

The last time housing went up on campus was in 2002, when Creekside Village — apartments for graduate and professional students — opened on the northwest edge of the North Campus.

jrey@buffnews.com

Farmers Market Ends this Saturday

Join us this Saturday, October 17th as we celebrate the final day of this season's University Community Farmers Market.

Started on May 16th, the market has run for 22 weeks this year on Saturday mornings from 8:00am - 1:00pm at the South Campus on Main Street at Kenmore Avenue.

New this season were special events on the first Saturday of the month, where a different event was featured for attendees to lean from and enjoy. Events included Gardening Day with master gardeners from the neighborhood and a plant swap. There was Neighborhood Day where you could come sign up for a block club or talk with neighborhood leaders, and in August we had Artisan Day with local crafters and artist selling their wares.

This season' most popular special event was in September when we held safety demonstrations in cluding child seat safety checks from University Police, fire extinguisher demonstration from UB Environmental Health and Safety and even the Buffalo Fire Department was on hand for tours of the fire truck.

This year's vendors included Independence Hill Farms, McHenry Produce, Kate's Country Cousins, Pasta Temptations, Ken's Maple Products and Honey, Heaven's Gift Just For You home and personal fragrence items, Yancey's Fancy cheese, and Sweet Greek. Also new this year were the addition of local wineries which came to sell and sample their wine on various weeks.

Stop by on Saturday to say thanks to this year's vendors, meet some of your neighbors and stock up on products for the winter at the last market day of the year.

For more information on the University Community Farmers Market contact UB Community Relations at 716-829-3099.

Neighbor's Day Block Party & Safety Fair

This Sunday September 6th join your neighbors and friends at the Neighbor's Day Block Party to be held on the UB South Campus.

This is a free special event designed to bring together residents of the University Heights, Main Street and Bailey Avenue Businesses, and city, county and university offices. It will be from 3:00pm - 7:00pm on the lawn in front of Hayes Hall.

There will be free food, a live band, informational tables from local organizations and more. Students and neighbors are invited. A rain date will be on Monday September 7th from 3:00-7:00pm.

For more information about the event please contact the UB Office of Off Campus Student Services at 829-3541.

Love the Market

Care2.org, a popular online destination for people who care about making a difference is sponsoring a "Love Your Market" contest in collaboration with LocalHarvest.org, a web site all about organic and local food. As you know, University Heights has its own market, called the University Community Farmers Market. It is held on the South Campus has been entered in the "Love Your Market" contest and is eligible to win money to support it.

An important feature in the University Heights neighborhood, the market started in 2007 and is a great way to get healthy local products, support local businesses and meet your neighbors.

It runs every Saturday through October 17th from 8:00am - 1:00pm on the UB South Campus on Main Street at Kenmore Avenue. Read about the market on LocalHarvest.

Please vote in the "Love Your Market" contest today, and tell others to vote as well. We appreciate your support! Click here to vote.

For more information about the University Community Farmers Market contact UB Community Relations at 829-3099.

Garden Walk Highlights

Last Saturday the neighbors living around the UB South Campus showcased their plants, yards and gardening skills in the 8th Annual Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk. Begun as as a way to build community among neighbors, as well as highlight gardens, the Walk had 54 participants this year.

Thank you to all of our neighbors who spent the day opening their yards and sharing their gardening tips. Below are some photos, the rest can be found on the YourUB flickr site.

Here is a backyard on Heath Street.

A young but thriving garden on Deveraux.

Some garden walkers enjoy the colors on Niagara Falls Boulevard.

Here is an audio slideshow from Douglas Levere, A UB photographer.

Any garden within the neighborhoods surrounding the UB South Campus is eligible to participate. Volunteers are invited to help plan the event each year. For more information on the Capen Garden Walk, contact UB Community Relations at 716-829-3099.

BPO to Play at UB Tonight

Tonight UB will launch its third season of UB on the Green, a free outdoor performance series held on the South (Main Street) Campus, with a performance by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

UB on the Green's free music and dance performances will be held from 6-8 p.m. on July 21, July 28 and Aug 4 on the Hayes Hall front lawn. In addition to all-ages entertainment, the series is designed to educate, as well as entertain, with interactive demonstrations and other hands-on activities that are fun for the whole family.

Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets. Light refreshments will be available for sale. UB on the Green is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

"UB on the Green is an opportunity to bring the community and university together for more than just good entertainment," said Vincent D. Clark, director of UB Community Relations. "This event provides opportunities for residents to organize and keep our neighborhoods strong by joining a block club or neighborhood watch, attending a safety training or participating in other neighborhood associations."

Designed to showcase the university's resources, as well, the series also will include participation by the UB pediatric dental clinics, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the UB Anderson Gallery, as well as other local community organizations.

The series will begin on July 21 with a program of light classics by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Paul Ferington, it is the orchestra's first return to the South Campus for an outdoor concert since 1997, when Ferington conducted a post-Fourth of July show.

Local musician Neville Francis and his band, The Riddim Posse will headline the July 28 program, which also will include The Budos Band, a Brooklyn group with a jazz, afro-beat and soul sound.

The series will end on Aug. 4 with Taylor Made Jazz, a local award-winning group, and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, known for its appeal to diverse audiences.

For more information about UB on the Green, contact the UB Office of Community Relations at 716-829-3099.

Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk this Saturday

Come out to see the beauty in the South Campus neighborhoods this weekend at the 8th annual Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk, scheduled on Saturday from 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Fifty four gardeners will be home to talk with you about their gardens, which are filled with art, ponds, arbors and many more surprises.

Maps for the walk are available from 8:00am - 1:00pm at the University Community Farmers Market and from 11:00am - 4:00pm at the following houses: 22 Larchmont Rd, 38 Brinton St, 135 and 405 Capen Blvd and 67 Highgate. Maps are available Friday at 101 Allen Hall from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

This year’s walk will showcase gardens with a variety of attractions, including fish ponds and other water features, sculptures, gazebos, organic and native plants in Japanese, English and Cottage-style garden designs. Other gardens are entirely grassless or center around rock and boulder elements.

This year, attendees can get a Garden Walk passport, where they will visit gardens and collect the password at each house. Then they can enter the passport into a drawing to win a prize. Passports will also be available with the maps.

The Capen Garden Walk is coordinated in collaboration with the UB Office of Community Relations, the University Heights Collaborative and the Eggertsville Community Organization. Its mission is to showcase the neighborhoods surrounding the UB South Campus while building community among neighbors.