🌱 National Grid Gives $500k to WNY + Bank of America + LOC Step

Hey, neighbors! Today's briefing includes news about:

• National Grid contributing $500,000 to WNY.
• A new social media platform is for and by people of color.
• The New Phoenix Theatre's closing.

But first, today's weather:

Snow, 1-3 inches; windy, colder. High: 32. Low: 19.

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Here are the top stories in Buffalo today:

1. National Grid is contributing $500,000 to WNY following blizzard damaged. Late fees will be waived between December 23 and February 20. Additionally, it will hold an event on January 26 for customers in the Buffalo area to inform them of different billing options and affordability programs. Read more about how the sum will be spent via Spectrum News.
2. The three Bank of America branches that have been closed since 2020 are planning to reopen, but corporate has not announced a timeline for the project. A fourth location that closed last year is also planning to reopen. Learn more at WGRZ 2.
3. LOC Step (Leaders of Color: Socializing To Encourage Progression), a new social media platform for and by people of color, has been made available via Mobilize. The platform, which was underwritten by the John R. Oishei Foundation, is meant to reach and assist POC nonprofit professionals. For more details, read Buffalo Spree.
4. The New Phoenix Theatre, known for its original space and varied programming, is closing down. The building has been sold. Proceeds will be split up between different nonprofit organizations. The theater is closing after the death of Mark Moretti, the theater's board chairman. Richard Lambert, the theater's founder, executive director and Moretti's husband, says he did not have the energy to continue the theater without him. Keep reading at The Buffalo News.
5. A 2016 Kia Sorrento that was stolen in Buffalo drove out to Wheatfield during a vehicle pursuit. When deputies eventually succeeded in stopping the vehicle, they arrested five individuals from the city of Niagara Falls. Those arrested range from 15 to 20 in age. Learn more at WIVB 4.

Today in Buffalo:

• Town of Tonawanda Winterfest! Town of Tonawanda Youth & Recreation Center, All Day!
• Deborah Oropallo + Andy Rappaport: Reckoning! Rivalry Projects, 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
• January M&T Second Friday! Burchfield Penney Arts Center, 5:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Amateur Hockey Club! Rec Room, 6:00 P.M.
• Get a Clue: Challenge Edition! Buffalo Museum of Science, 6:00 P.M.
• Celebrate FRIDAY the 13th! Revolution Gallery & The Lounge, 6:00 P.M.
• Ice Fest 2023! Canalside, 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
• The Mai! Irish Classical Theatre Company, 7:30 P.M.
• 7&7 Storytelling Comedy! Milkie's, 8:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.

Saturday in Buffalo:

• Town of Tonawanda Winterfest! Town of Tonawanda Youth & Recreation Center, All Day!
• Mimosas & Bouquets! Petal Pusher, 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Deborah Oropallo + Andy Rappaport: Reckoning! Rivalry Projects, 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Evan Courtin and Emily Greetham: Violin Duo! Duende at Silo City, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• The Mai! Irish Classical Theatre Company, 3:00 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
• Ice Fest 2023! Canalside, 4:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
• A Gothic Western! The Merry Shelley, 6:00 P.M.
• The Buffalo Comedy Collective! American Repertory Theater of WNY, 7:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.

Sunday in Buffalo:

• Town of Tonawanda Winterfest! Town of Tonawanda Youth & Recreation Center, All Day!
• Ice Fest 2023! Canalside, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• YASSS QUEEN! Drag Brunch! Thin Man Brewery, 12:00 P.M.
• Game Day Viewing Party! Buffalo RiverWorks, 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Free Family Film Series: The Wizard of Oz! Shea's Buffalo, 2:00 P.M.
• The Mai! Irish Classical Theatre Company, 2:00 P.M.
• Charleston White! Helium Comedy Club, 7:00 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Weekend Restaurant Recommendations: "Ready to try something new? From a west-coast inspired seltzery to a new location for a wing-cult favorite, there's lots of new places to try. See the full list of new places to go at our link in bio 🔗⁠ ⁠" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Paula's & Pint Deal: "Cheers to the first inaugural Paula’s and a Pint night! 1 donut. 1 beer. $5. Every Wednesday at the Ice at Canalside." (Buffalo Waterfront via Facebook)
• Giveaway: "*GIVEAWAY ALERT!* We're teaming up with PC Plug to give away a Buffalo-Themed Custom Gaming Computer ($2100 value)!" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Delaware District Home: "Clarendon Place - Delaware District" (Buffalo Homes via Instagram)
• Monkey B-Day: "This week has been full of birthday celebrations! Today we are celebrating our female howler monkey, Jasper's 8th birthday!" (The Buffalo Zoo via Instagram)
• UB is Missing Students: "Missing our Bulls on campus! 💙 #UBuffalo is so quiet without you 😢 (📸: @catstooth)" (University at Buffalo via Instagram)
• Dog Rescue Football Sqaueres: "We filled our first two Super Bowl boards so quickly that we decided to have a third and final board!" (Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue, Inc. via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox on Monday with another update.