🌱 Additional HEAP Funding + Co-Op Unionization Vote + Hanukkah in WNY

Good morning everyone! Keep reading for the most important things going on in town these days. Today you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Lexington Co-op locations are voting on unionization efforts
• How to celebrate Hanukkah in Buffalo this season
• New display in honor of May 14th victims

But first, today's weather: A wintry mix, 1-2"; breezy. High: 38. Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories in Buffalo today:

1. New York State has announced an additional $63 million in federal funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Households can now receive up to $1,126 per season to help cover the cost of energy bills through the winter. To learn more visit WKBW 7.
2. Lexington Co-op employees voted yesterday on unionization, a month after Workers United filed a petition. Votes are expected to be counted this morning. Read more at WIVB 4.
3. Hanukkah starts this upcoming Sunday, and multiple organizations have festivities through the holiday. Among them are holiday festival, a party with the Bills, and a tie-dying event. More details will be included throughout the next week of newsletters during the "Today in Buffalo" section. To get a head-start on planning, look over at Step Out Buffalo.
4. The Erie County deputy budget director started controversy last week when he asked County Legislature to approve Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera for a $16,952 raise. Chimera has been in the position for nearly a month. Administration denied the request and the issue has been tabled in committee for the time being. Visit The Buffalo News for more information.
5. A light display in front of City Hall has been implemented throughout the holiday season in honor of those who lost their lives in the May 14th massacre. The front columns will be lit each night in colors chosen by victims' families to symbolize their loved ones. Mayor Byron Brown wants the families of violence victims and all those celebrating the holidays without a beloved person to know the community is with them. Read more at Spectrum Local News.

Today in Buffalo:

• Wellness Walks presented by Independent Health! Tifft Nature Preserve. December 15th, 10:00 A.M. Details!
• John Morris Russell's Holiday Pops! Kleinhans Music Hall. December 15th, 10:30 A.M. (recurring event). Details!
• Holiday Music Under the Dome: Sacred Heart Academy Chamber Singers and St. Mary’s School for the Deaf Sign Chorus! M&T Bank. December 15th, 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. Details!
• Holiday Lunch Mob! Soho Buffalo. December 15th, 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. Details!
• Collections Live: Herbarium! Buffalo Museum of Science. December 15th, 12:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. Details!
• Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Clause! Ghostlight Theatre. December 15th, 7:00 P.M. Details!

A look ahead: Third Friday Exhibit Openings.

From my notebook:

• Remembering Fall "Where'd you go, Fall?! 💙 Missing these bright colors at #UBuffalo! 🍁" (University at Buffalo via Instagram)
• Last Sunday Night Jam of the Year: "Join the Colored Musicians Club for the last Sunday night jam session of the year this Sunday at 6pm! The CMC’s Sunday jam sessions historically took place at the club nearly every week since the 1930s and featured some of Buffalo’s most..." (The Buffalo History Museum via Instagram)
• Biking Through Buffalo: "Today was a beautiful day to ride! As are most days throughout the entire year. That's why, amidst skyrocketing injuries and deaths on area roadways, we continue to push for bicycle infrastructure that's protected and plowed. We are taxp..." (GObike Buffalo via Facebook)
• Canalside Retreat Giveaway: "We’re teaming up with our neighbors to gift a Canalside overnight retreat to one lucky family this holiday season! Enter your own or nominate a family that deserves it. Winning family will be announced MONDAY 12/19/22! The full retreat i..." (Buffalo Waterfront via Facebook)
• New York State Class AA Football Champions: "City of Buffalo…join the Buffalo Public Schools on Thursday, December 22nd as we celebrate New York State Class AA Football Champions…Lewis J. Bennett Tigers. 🏈🏈🏈🏈" (Buffalo Schools via Facebook)
• Dog with Decorations: "CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: The Decorated Tree 🌲 #dogsofbuffalo #christmas #christmascountdown #christmasthings #christmastrees #decoatingthetree #dogswhocelebrateholidays" (Dogs Of Buffalo via Instagram)
• Finals Week Treat at Buff State: "Late Night Breakfast last night was a hit! Thank you to all who came out to enjoy a finals week treat 😋 🥞" (SUNY Buffalo State College via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!