🌱 Airport Preparation + Art Gallery + Push For Blood Donating Changes

Hi all! Happy Friday! I'm here to give you information about all the weekend happenings, including...

• A story on how Kingfish Gallery could change the culture of West Ferry.
• Updates on a local Starbucks unionizer.
• Event information for the Bills game Saturday night (that is likely to be a snow game!).

...and more!

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy with snow showers. High: 38. Low: 29.

🏡 Attention, real estate agents in Buffalo! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories today in Buffalo:

1. The Buffalo airport anticipates its crews will be able to handle the upcoming snow without any closures or cancellations. 40,000 gallons of anti-icer and de-icer salt will be used on the runways to keep planes coming in and taking off safely. In addition to normal travelers, officials expect the Miami Dolphins to be able to arrive safely for this weekend's NFL game. Read more at WGRZ 2.
2. Kingfish Gallery, an art space on the west side, could play a role in revitalizing West Ferry as a cultural hub. In a mutual beneficial relationship with Grant Street, West Ferry was once the corridor that led through the east and west sides of the city, straight to the waterfront area. Kingfish Gallery, a recently opened art and architecture gallery, exhibits both regional and outside artists for six to eight weeks at a time and is likely to attract rejuvenation to the area. To learn more about the gallery and the west side, visit Buffalo Rising.
3. Earlier this week, The Gay Alliance Blood Drive took place at the Buffalo Red Cross headquarters. The bi-annual event informs people about the policies that prevent gay and bisexual men from donating blood. It also pushes for the FDA to change those guidelines. Read more at WGRZ 2.
4. The Elmwood Avenue Starbucks employee that organized for unionization was nationally recognized on the annual Bloomberg 50 list. The list acknowledges individuals who "defined global business in 2022,” which Michelle Eisen certainly did by being a key player in the unionization of 200 stores across the United States. "I’m honored to have our movement recognized by Bloomberg this year," Eisen said. "This campaign has been an invaluable opportunity for all of us to recognize the power we have when we work together." Learn more at WIVB 4.
5. Buffalo's housing market for 2023 is ranked highly by officials. With a median home price of $240,000, a small amount of natural disasters and an economy that has recently shifted to education and medicine, the city and its suburbs have created an ideal housing market. "You have bigger buying power in the city because of the low taxes the city gives you, some other popular areas, I mean the town of Tonawanda really took off," said Jay Herlan of 716 Realty. Visit WKBW 7 for more information.

Today in Buffalo:

• Buffalo Holiday Market! Canalside Roller Rink, 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Details!
• Beginner Wooden Spoon Carving Class! The Foundry, 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Details!
• A Christmas Carol Live Reading! Freedom Run Wintery, 7:00 P.M - 9:00 P.M. Details!
• Special Event: Lil Sasquatch! Helium Comedy Club, 7:30 P.M. & 10:00 P.M. Details!
• Ugly Sweater Silent Disco! Resurgence Brewing Company, 8:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. Details!

Saturday in Buffalo:

• Buffalo Holiday Market! Canalside Roller Rink, 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Details!
• Holiday Spotlight Home Tour! Mrs. Claus Parkway (150 Chapin Parkway), 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Details!
• Special Event: Lil Sasquatch! Helium Comedy Club, 6:00 P.M. Details!
• Punch Brothers and Béla Fleck! Center for the Arts, Mainstage Theatre, 7:30 P.M. Details!
• Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins! Highmark Stadium, 8:15 P.M. Details!

Sunday in Buffalo:

• Buffalo Holiday Market! Canalside Roller Rink, 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Details!
• Come From Away! Shea's Performing Art's Center, 1:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M. (recurring event, closing night). Details!

From my notebook:

• The New Duck Face: "Some of our favorite faces wishing you a very happy #WorldMonkeyDay 🙉🙈🐵" (The Buffalo Zoo via Instagram)
• Elmwood Village Home: "Lexington Avenue - Elmwood Village" (Buffalo Homes via Instagram)
• Tongues Out With Santa: "CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: A visit with Santa 🌲 #dogsofbuffalo #christmas #christmascountdown #christmasthings #avisitwithsanta #santaslap #dogswhocelebrateholidays" (Dogs Of Buffalo via Instagram)
• Giveaway Alert: "We're teaming up with Niagara's Choice FCU to give away a Group Night Out to the Movies and a Visa Gift Card ($100 value).⁠ ⁠ This prize includes 4 Regal Tickets and a $50 Visa Gift Card for you and your family/friends." (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Football Town (In Both Meanings): "Buffalo is a football town in more ways than one! Fans from around the world found a home at bars and pubs across the city, joining fellow soccer fans in cheering on their teams in the #WorldCup. Join them as the final matches wrap up." (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• GObike Buffalo Speaks Out about Sidewalks: "Citizens want the city to stop violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and clear our sidewalks like we clear our roads: “It’s simply, I think, a violation of equal protection." (GObike Buffalo via Facebook)
• Vin-Chet Bakery: "SOB SPOTLIGHT: Level Up Your Holiday Spread with these 7 Desserts From Vin-Chet Bakery It’s the most wonderful time of the year — for desserts! (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Upstate Indie Wedding: "Show us your winter weddings. #upstateny ! Tag @upstateindieweddings so we can share your gorgeous love stories! Photography: @reilleyphotography Florals: @williams_florist ..." (Upstate Indie Weddings via Instagram)
• Fitness Class at the JCC: "New Group Fitness Class at our Buffalo location! Derek now teaches a BodyCombat class on Saturdays at 9:45 am in the group fitness studio and virtual!👍 Reserve a spot here: https://bit.ly/GFreservations (JCC Buffalo via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you next on Monday. Have a nice weekend!