🌱 Theater of Youth + WWII Veteran + Blizzard Death Toll Increases

Howdy everyone! Happy International Take a Walk Outside Day! Keep reading to find out all the community information you need to know right now, including updates on:

• Theater of Youth's 51st season
• Blizzard related deaths
• Weekend events

But first, today's weather:

Colder with snow, 1-2". High: 36. Low: 28.

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Here are the top five stories today in Buffalo:

1. After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, Theater of Youth has reopened for its 51st season. Executive Director Tracy Snyder described Theater of Youth as "an institution where we allow everyone, no matter what their age, to be themselves. To play. To ask questions, and to be curious about the everyday wonders of life." Currently, the theater is performing The Snowy Day & Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats. Later in the spring, they will put on Secret Soldiers: Heroines in Disguise. For more details, visit WKBW 7.
2. Dr. John B. Long, a World War II army veteran and veteran advocate, had a room named after him this Wednesday at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park in honor of his 96th birthday. The “Staff Sergeant John B. Long Tactical Operations Center” is located on the second floor of the museum. Humbly, Dr. Long said, "It’s all about the young service members who were not able to come back home. They made it possible for freedoms that we enjoy.” Read more via The Buffalo News.
3. County Executive Mark Polancarz confirms at least three more blizzard-related deaths. These three new deaths are due to emergency vehicles not being able to make it to victims of cardiac events. Of the confirmed 46 total deaths in Erie County, 20 were White, 25 were Black, one was Hispanic, 26 were male, 20 were female, 35 died in Buffalo, and 11 died in the suburbs. Find out more at WGRZ 2.
4. Nearly one year ago, a man was assaulted in an elevator at the NFTA Metro Rail Amherst station. As of this week, two teenagers have been sentenced for the crime after pleading guilty to first-degree attempted assault. Both were sixteen at the time of the assault. Read more at WIVB 4.
5. The Town of Cheektowaga is hoping to sculpt a monument celebrating its Polish heritage at Cheektowaga Town Park. The town is currently seeking submissions from sculpture artists for projects that can be produced with a budget between $20,000 to $26,000. For details, visit WGRZ 2.

Today in Buffalo:

• Canetis Concert! Rec Room, 6:00 P.M.
• Intense Milk Rail Jam! Holiday Valley, 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Winter Photography & Adventure! Locust Street Art, 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Cutting Board Class Woodworking! The Foundry, 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
• Stars Over Snow! Four Mile Creek State Park, 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Piano and Cocktails w/ Carolyn Lansom & Harry Graser! The Terrace at Deleware Park, 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
• ComedySportz Buffalo Match! Harlem Road Community Center, 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
• Deep Purple Rising: A Symphonic Tribute! Kleinhan's Music Hall, 7:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.

Saturday in Buffalo:

• East Aurora Winter Marker! Poplar Hill Estate,9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Feed The Fish! Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• WNYIC is LIT! Buffalo Museum of Science, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Mimosas & Bouquets! Petal Pusher, 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Buffalo Sabres vs. Anaheim Ducks! KeyBank Center, 12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• Katie Weissman's Chamber Music! Duende at Silo City, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• Ken Jeong: Live! Bears Den at Seneca Niagara Casino, 8:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
• Interpretive Sound ::: All Night Long! Gypsy Parlor, 10:00 P.M. - 4:00 A.M.

Sunday in Buffalo:

• Sounds of the Season! Whirlpool State Park, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Sled Hockey! The Ice at Canalside, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Yoga with Soma Cura Wellness Center! Freedom Run Winter, 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Kids Book Club A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant! Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
• Special Events: Paint & Punchlines! Helium Comedy Club, 5:00 P.M.
• The Color Purple Auditions! Shea's 710 Theater, 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Rage Room Giveaway: "*GIVEAWAY ALERT!* We're giving away the Ultimate Rage at Smash Brothers Rage Room for up to 5 people in honor of one of our SOB accounts, @stepoutbuffalo.thingstodo!⁠" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Getting in Your Veggies: "Make sure to always eat your vegetables! 🐒🥦" (The Buffalo Zoo via Instagram)
• Bills History: "Relive the greatest moments in @buffalobills history at our Museum!" (The Buffalo History Museum via Instagram)
• British Shorthair Cat: "There is no denying that this 3 year old, British Shorthair is a looker. But, she'd respectfully (or not so respectfully) ask that your admiration of her stops there. In other words, you can look, but please don't touch." (City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Nearby Ski Trips: "Looking for an exciting place to ski this season? Tap our link in bio to check out these lesser-known ski trips that are all an easy drive from Buffalo!" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Buffalo ReUse: "I spoke too soon. We'll be selling and giving away material at 296 East Ferry Street again on Saturday, January 21 from 10am to 3pm." (Buffalo ReUse via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.