Veterans Art Therapy Program To Help Local Heroes

Veterans Art Therapy Program To Help Local Heroes

(BUFFALO, NY) – The Roycroft Campus Corporation has teamed with the Arts in Education Institute of WNY and the Buffalo Vet Center to develop the Veterans Art Therapy Program to help local service members. The program, which was developed to allow veterans to explore their experiences and emotions through multiple art disciplines, will begin after January 1, 2010.

The Veterans Art Program will include sessions in theater, music, and spoken word, combined with painting, video and drawing, taught by certified art therapists and Institute-trained professional Teaching Artists. Designed by the Arts in Education Institute, and outreach specialists from the Buffalo Vet Center, weekly classes will be held at the Institute Center at 121 Humboldt Pkwy, and other locations. This exciting program will allow veterans an opportunity to explore their emotions and experiences through active, team-based participation. This group engagement seeks to create a setting similar to the squad camaraderie familiar to all service members.  Veterans' work will be presented in a gallery exhibit and public performance event at the end of the six-week session.

The not-for-profit Roycroft Campus Corporation, which has undertaken the restoration of the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, will provide artisan support and host the gallery event.

“This is a great opportunity for the Roycroft community to embrace our veterans and help them with their experiences through our artisans,” stated Dan Frontera, Director of Development.  “Any opportunity that we have to give back to our veterans and help them work through their experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan or Vietnam truly embodies the spirit of Roycroft.  We are very proud to partner with the Arts in Education Institute and the VA," he continued.

For more information on the Veterans Art Program, contact the Arts in Education Institute at 716- 880-3292 or visit the website at http://www.facebook.com/l/32435;www.artsined.com.  Veterans can also receive information on the program by contacting the Buffalo Vet Center at 862-7350.

For more information, contact:
Jackie Albarella, Executive Director
Arts in Education Institute
Phone 716-880-3291

 
Patrick W. Welch, PhD
Director
Erie County Veterans Services Agency
Rath Building - Suite 1254
95 Franklin St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
http://www.erie.gov/veterans/
 

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Susan Marie Public Relations
Susan.Marie.1971@gmail.com
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA  2009

Tunes4Food: Musicians to host Food Bank campaign

Musicians to host Food Bank campaign

(Buffalo, NY) - Each month 96,000 struggling Western New Yorkers turn to soup kitchens, food pantries, and other sources for their meals. Supplies come from the Food Bank of WNY that has been a lifeline since 1979, moving food from sources to the needy, through a network of more than 300 community sites. Increasingly challenging times often inspire citizens’ creative responses, like the unique student-hosted music campaign called “tunes4food.”

On Friday, December 18, 2009, at the Walden Galleria Mall, (Cheektowaga, NY) a tunes4food concert is set to benefit the Food Bank and will run from 3-9 PM inside and on a stage near the Apple Store (ground floor north end near Sears.) Live music and student hosts will engage shoppers and seek support. The new event is a follow-up to the first tunes4food, 25-hour marathon held on Niagara Square last June.

High school students from Buffalo, Lockport, Lewiston-Porter, and Holland, along with college students from Villa Maria & Houghton, will introduce and share the stage with veteran local artists.

The coordinator, Student Voices, is building the tunes4food brand as a lesson in community service. Despite having its own funds reduced on NYS’s budget crisis chopping block, Student Voices is offering its creative resources to help other non-profits. This proactive stance is attracting partners.

New believers are bringing support, including Assembly member, Sam Hoyt. “The tunes4food project will assist the Food Bank of Western New York in its important mission of feeding those in need in our community,” says Hoyt.  “It brings valuable experience to the participating students and entertainment to all who attend the performances. So everyone wins.”
 

In addition to Hoyt, WNY musicians, arts groups and businesses are getting involved. The growing team includes Key Bank, Ciurczak & Company, New Era Cap, Villa Maria College, Music in Action, Music is Art, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Buffalo Select Chorus, Buffalo Music Awards, Mike Vargovich, Emmi James, Free Henry!, Grace Stumberg, Bethany Fonda, Rachel O'Hara, Lenny Revell, The Blood Thirsty Vegans, YMaris Baez, Bernard Kunz, Six String Circus, The Headers, Chelsea Pelsone, Ed Bentley, The Joyce Wilson Nixon Band, Doug Yeomans and GCR Records.
 

Event donations and sales proceeds from CDs and special items will go to feed the hungry through the Food Bank’s more than 300 partners.

The non-profit Food Bank of Western New York, a member of the national network Feeding America, depends on special partnerships with food suppliers and community fundraising efforts like tunes4food to meet a growing regional need. 
 

“We are so appreciative of the young musicians participating in the second Tunes4Food concert for the Food Bank of WNY.  Our need is up 20 percent from last year and we can use any assistance to help us feed the hungry in our community,”  said Marylou Borowiak, president and CEO of the Food Bank of WNY.
 

"The community showed amazing support for the first tunes4food event, which was imagined and completed very quickly”, stated Student Voices’ Coordinator Bob James. "The response was so strong, it planted seeds for more, including a new after-school program of artist workshops and a Mohawk Place benefit concert both planned for early 2010. Promoting innovation and teamwork during tough times is part of our cause."

For more information, email Bob James (bobjames1@aol.com) and visit www.tunes4food.org.  Get to The Walden Galleria Mall on December 18, 2009 3pm until 9pm to see free live local music and help out this worthy cause.

# # #
--
Susan Marie
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA

Bob James,
Creative Director
www.studentvoices.org
716.912.6656 (cell)

Dan Millman: Way Of The Peaceful Warrior

Dan Millman lives with a peaceful heart and warrior spirit, transforming everyday life into a path of personal and spiritual growth lending his experience to the world. Translated into 20 languages, "Way Of The Peaceful Warrior", is the first volume of many inspirational books including, " Bridge Between Worlds."  Dan's work influences men and women from all walks of life, including leaders in fields of psychology, education, health, business, politics, entertainment, sports, and art. Dan is also the author of several inspirational children's books. Please visit his website.

Thank you Janna Willoughby for sharing your heart. Thank you Dan, through your experience, you allow others to alter their own perspective. God Bless You.

Please listen everyone, there is feedback Dan and I are asking for regarding something on his website for YOU to find. This is so enlightening. I am blessed.

For feedback: susan.marie.1971@gmail.com

Dan Millman's website: http://www.peacefulwarrior.com

Interview:  http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html

Peace,

Sue



--
Susan Marie
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA 2009

Non Profits Invited: Apply: Ford Friendship Express Program

The holidays could come early for area nonprofit organizations… the Ford Dealers of WNY officially announced that applications are now available for the 15^th annual Ford Friendship Express program. Area nonprofits can fill out an application to win a brand new Ford van for their organization. Applications are due by March 1, 2010. Additional details are included in the release below. Would you consider sharing this information to let our area nonprofits know about the program?

If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to email or call me directly at 716-880-1483.  Thanks for your consideration, Katie Rampino

For more information, contact:

Katie Rampino

Eric Mower and Associates

(716) 880-1483

krampino@mower.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2009

 NONPROFIT  ORGANIZATIONS  INVITED  TO  APPLY  FOR  

“FORD FRIENDSHIP  EXPRESS” PROGRAM

Applications Available Now for the Chance to Drive Away in New Ford Van

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Call it an early holiday present… The Ford Dealers of Western New York announced today that they will continue their annual tradition of supporting local nonprofit organizations with the “gift” of transportation. Local nonprofits looking to drive into the summer of 2010 with a brand new Ford van can now apply to the Ford Friendship Express program. All applications must be received by March 1, 2010. Van recipient(s) will be announced in the spring of 2010.

Now in its fifteenth year, the program has awarded 60 vans valued at over $1 million. Non-profit organizations within the following counties are eligible to apply: New York – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties; Pennsylvania – McKean and Potter counties.

“The Ford Dealers of Western New York value the hard work and support that our community’s not-for-profit organizations offer to keep this region strong,” said Scott Bieler, chairman of the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. “The Ford Friendship Express program is our way to give back to those organizations by providing them an essential need – transportation.”

Past recipients include Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Old First Ward Community Association, Aurora Adult Day Services, Camp Good Days & Special Times, the American Red Cross and The Buffalo Zoo. The 2009 recipients were Computers for Children in Buffalo and the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club.

Eligible candidates must be not-for-profit organizations located and operating in the area coinciding with the Western New York Ford Dealers. An application must be completed and submitted to the Ford Friendship Express Committee before the March 1, 2010 deadline. Applications and guidelines are available by logging on to www.wnyford.com and clicking the “community events” tab, or by sending a request to Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.

About Ford Dealers of WNY and Ford Friendship Express:

The dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 32 dealer locations, that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 8 counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.

Since its inception in 1996, the Ford Friendship Express program has donated vans valued at more than $1 million. Past recipients include Computers for Children, Kids Escaping Drugs, SABAH, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Student Union at SUNY at Buffalo, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Rural Transit Service, the American Red Cross, The Buffalo Zoo and more. 

###

Katie Rampino   |   
Account Executive, Public Relations Public Affairs
Eric Mower and Associates   |  Buffalo Office
Key Center at Fountain Plaza
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000 , Buffalo, NY 14202
phone: 716.880.1483   |   fax: 716.842.1271
krampino@mower.com   |  www.mower.com

--
Susan Marie
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA 2009

Buffalo City Mission: Celebrate and Give Local

 Jason Jones with Body Revolution Massage Therapy 
Will be donating proceeds from chair massage at the event during the busy holiday season! 

Musicians Performing: 
Michael DiSanto, Emile Latimer, Bob Buckley

 Tomorrow is the last day to drop-off your donations of a small small piece of artwork, photos, jewelry, CDS, chapbooks, books, small sculptures, etc., 
for the Give Local Event to benefit City Mission. 

Each piece will be sold for $20 at our Give Local event Dec 11th at Starlight Gallery, proceeds to City Mission to help feed, cloth and provide shelter for Buffalo's poor and homeless throughout our upcoming cold winter.

You may bring your donations to either: 

Starlight Gallery

340 Delaware Avenue (@ W. Tupper - very colorful building, cant miss it!)

Tuesday & Wednesday 9-4

Gallery 464

464 Amherst Street (between Elmwood and Grant)

Tuesday & Wednesday 12-6

Regardless of where you drop-off, all work goes to the same place & same great cause. So, please pick whichever gallery is more convenient for you & drop-off your work no later than Wed 12/02. 

Event details

Please contact Erica Eichelkraut with any questions.

Erica Eichelkraut, Editor

NOMAD Magazine

Art + Word from the Buffalo Herd

NOMADbuffalo@gmail.com

www.nomadbuffalo.com

 Susan Marie
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA

One Hour With Leslie Fineberg: Lily Moon Henna

 

 

One Hour With Leslie Fineberg: Euphraxia and Lily Moon Henna - we speak of the history, culture of dance and mehndi: (Leslie is Certified in Henna and Dance) thank you Leslie I learned so much about the beaty of dance and mehndi and how we apply that in our lives daily inherently:

http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html

Give Local: WNY Artists & The Buffalo City Mission

On Friday December 11^th, at 7pm, Nomad Magazine, in conjunction with Salvatore's Italian Gardens, The Buffalo Downtowner, Starlight Gallery and Sweetness_7 Cafe are combing forces to support The Buffalo City Mission during the holidays.  Along with the second release of Buffalo's newest Art and Literary Magazine (Nomad), ”Give Local" is an incentive to support art, music, business and organizations of Buffalo and Western New York. 

This event, free and open to all public, combines donated artwork from area artists, local music and holiday gift buying.  Sweetness_7 Cafe is providing coffee, tea, and desserts; while Salvatore's Italian Gardens is providing food for those in attendance on December 11^th at Starlight Gallery.  Music provided by:  Mike DiSanto:  7:10 - 7:50, Mel Latimer:  7:55 - 8:50, and Bob Buckley  8:55 - 9:55.

Those who make a $20 donation to The Buffalo City Mission on December 11th will be given a raffle ticket.  After dinner and beverages, ticket numbers will be called and ticket-holders will be invited to select a piece of original Buffalo art on a first-come, first-serve basis. Raffle ticket sales (donations) begin at 7:00 pm.

The Buffalo City Mission founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of men, women and children who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes the Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor), Men’s Community Center, Mission Motor Vehicle Donation Program, and two thrift store locations to better serve our community. Contact:   www.buffalocitymission.org or 854-8181.

Starlight Studio & Art Gallery provides an open art studio environment with individual guidance for the cultivation of artistic expression for people with disabilities.  Created by Learning Disabilities Association of WNY, artists at Starlight have the opportunity to work with a variety of mediums and artists.  Contact:  starlight@starlightstudios.org,  716-842-1525, www.starlightstudio.org.

Salvatore's Italian Gardens, has earned the coveted Triple A 3 Diamond Award and the “Millennium International Award of Excellence” in Las Vegas as one of America’s top 100 restaurants of the 20th century.  Contact:  Joseph/Russell Salvatore, salvatores@salvatores.net, 716 - 683-7990, www.Salvatores.net.

The Buffalo Downtowner is a monthly newspaper published in Buffalo and directed to the people, events of the City of Buffalo and its suburban environs.  The Buffalo Downtowner is distributed monthly to venues throughout Downtown Buffalo and its suburbs as well as Allentown & Elmwood Villages, the Hertel and Chippewa strips, the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport and the Duty Free Shop in Canada.  Contact:   PaulMcQuillen@TheBuffaloDowntowner.com, www.TheBuffaloDowntowner.com, 716-771-9450.

Nomad Magazine is an art and literary magazine functioning as a portable gallery focusing on local talents since 2008.  Nomad Magazine, created by Editor Erica Eichelkraut, gathers, packages and shares art and literary works with the public distributed for free around Buffalo. Contact:  Erica Eichelkraut, NomadBuffalo@gmail.com, www.NomadBuffalo.com.  

Sweetness_7 Cafe/Grant Street Gallery, located at 216-220 Grant Street, is a cheerful, comfortable neighborhood cafe and local artist community.  Prish Moran, owner, provides a fine coffeehouse for the people while continually providing support for the communities of Buffalo that are less fortunate.  Contact:  716- 883- 1783, www.GrantStreetGallery.net.

For event information, view/download flier HERE, and donate artwork to this cause:   Erica Eichelkraut, www.NomadBuffalo.com, NomadBuffalo@gmail.com. 

Come on down to Starlight Studio & Art Gallery 340 Delaware Avenue Buffalo NY 716.842.1525 on Dec 11, 2009 at 7:00 pm to support our city, enjoy fine food and beverages, listen to great local talent and purchase a Christmas gift for a loved one, all while supporting The Buffalo City Mission. $20 dollars feeds 10 people.  Keep the money in our city.  Support local art, music, business and organizations.  

WNY Artists are giving tiny gifts to make a big difference.  Be a part of the art. 

Give Local. 

Susan Marie Public Relations

www.susanmarie.info

www.thinktwiceradio.com

New York USA 2009

Sweetness_7 Cafe: Share the Love, Share the Holidays

(Buffalo, NY) - Beginning Thursday December 3rd, Sweetness_ 7 Cafe and The Christmas spirit present a series of holiday themed events entitled, "Share the Love, Share the Holidays", to raise money for less fortunate families on the West Side of Buffalo. Sweetness_ 7 Café is located at 216-220 Grant Street (at Lafayette) Buffalo NY 14213 (716) 883-1783.  Prish Moran, proprietor, maintains a cheerful, comfortable neighborhood café  within the local artists’ community. 

Schedule of events:

• Thursday, December 3rd: MAMA MIA NIGHT - For the mamas in da’ house! Let your man stay home and watch that blasted game. The real fun will be here! Dine, drink and dance your dupa off! Bell-bottoms and glitter ARE mandatory!
  
  
• Thursday, December 10th: HOLIDAYS WITH THE HEROES - They protect your neighborhood, they rescue your cat from a tree. Now watch ‘em cook! And cook they will in their Village People themed outfits! Ring the bell, watch ‘em dance! BBQ and beer will be the order of the evening – feathered headdresses optional.
  
  
• Tuesday, December 15th: POTLUCK AND PRESENT NIGHT - Bring a dish, bring a toy, sing your heart out to Christmas Carol Karaoke. Rub elbows and dangle mistletoe with your favorite local actors, artists and musicians. Come on, let’s see how really talented these folks are!
  
  
• Thursday, December 17th: A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS - Nothin’ warms you up on a cold December eve like Marvin Gaye and Martha and the Vandellas. And there ain’t nothin’ like a Motown Christmas! And there ain’t nothin’ better for the soul than soul food and helping those that need it! So, there ain’t nothin’ to keep you away!
  
  
• December Sunday TBD: BRUNCH WITH BACH AND THE BIG GUY - No black tie. No pearls. Just good music and a wonderful brunch for you and your family. And, if we’re lucky, ol’ Saint Nick may just drop in for a nip and to hear some Christmas wishes!
  
  

The Thursday events are only $50, all inclusive (food, alcohol and band-aids for the dance induced blisters), the Brunch and the Potluck are price TBD. (If you have a family in mind, please submit their story to the website or post to the Sweetness_7 Facebook page). All proceeds will be anonymously donated to West Side families in need. 


Starting Dec 3, get to Sweetness_7 (by Grant Street Gallery) and help families in need while supporting one of many local businesses crucial to the staple and economy of this city. Check out the website and make sure you drop a line on the website and visit the facebook page.   Moran states, ""One of the fine characteristics of this coffee house is our people. We do our best to provide enjoyment in the workplace. We take pride in our people and continue to encourage innovation and excitement."     

Share the Love, Share the Holidays and give forward, it comes right back to you.

# #

Susan Marie Public Relations
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA 2009

Free Henry! Summers on Neptune in All About Jazz

All About Jazz

By Susan Marie

"Sometimes, everybody's getting in my mind / Oh Lord, I can't break through this time / sometimes, there can be no reason or rhyme / for the things I cannot rewind."

"Smoke," the first tune on Free Henry's! new release, "Summers On Neptune," embodies everything currently void in the music industry. Poetically, artistically, and lyrically, "Smoke" is radio ready. "When you're there you know / you gotta swim towards the waterline / scrape for the waterline / swing on a vine to a canopy / it cannot be these senses around." Press play and listen to "Smoke" when defining perfection.

"Summers on Neptune," produced and arranged by Free Henry!, is an 10 track masterpiece recorded at Introspec Studios. Featuring the finest Visual Art Design of Michael LaDuca, (The Corporate Jesters, Inc), mastering by Audio Magic Studios (Mike Rorick) in Buffalo, NY, and guest saxophonist, Nate Feder. The entire CD is 100% USA made down to the recycled paper and plastic. Photography credits include: Matthew Buckley and Ryan Richards, (Richards also engineered and mixed), causing this entire release to be created by Buffalo based business and artists.

Free Henry! Is made up of Bob Buckley: vocals, lyrics, acoustic guitar, piano / Derek Presti: bass guitar, piano / Alex Foote: electric/acoustic guitars, piano and Pat Mannella: drums and percussion. Free Henry! has begun a revolutionary intensity redefining rock and roll, jazz, blues and pop. They take what was, create what needs to be, melding that into their own sound.

"Sailboat Senses" is intuitive and cohesive. "Spirits are so high, and we're walking through the next day / we're searching for a brighter way to get a little bit more sunshine / and all of these good people have an open invitation to this happy conversation." Bob soars with a spectral vocal range while Pat is driven with his military-neo rock percussion. Alex just makes his Fender wail with a groovy wah wah rock pop retro that compliments Derek on his jazzy back beat bass lines that bring them all full circle.

Listen to a live one-hour interview with the band on Think Twice Radio. The 2009 Buffalo Music Awards has nominated Free Henry! for Best Original Rock Band and Alexander Gavin Foote for Best Original Guitarist, vote here. Summers On Neptune", the 2009 release by Free Henry!, is available now available here. And go here for a free mp3 download of "Sailboat Senses". Free Henry is in constant flux.

They have performed with The Guess Who, Rusted Root and most recently in NYC. They are positive, uplifting, raw honest energy and continuously seek new places, cities and musicians to perform with and at. Every tune on "Summers On Neptune" is fantastic. Like every single song on this CD, each member of Free Henry! holds a gift, a surprise, insight and God given talent. Free Henry! may stand side by side, but each of them, like their songs, are complete, a work of art, divine.

Free Henry! recently won a Buffalo Music Award for Best Original Rock Band 2009.

One Hour With The BloodThirsty Vegans

Check out this awesome clip on the BTV website  


One hour interview with The BloodThirsty Vegans: Alex Mead, (My Rap Name Is Alex), Janna Willoughby, (MC Vendetta), Dave Harter, Bryan (Brrrn) Lohr and Kim. A rotating musical family based on having fun, making music, creating peace and speaking the truth through music.

Their new CD, "Let The Feast Begin" is fantastic and due for release December 2009. Please listen as we talk about how they came about, storytelling, Nickel City, Dave's drum set, Brrn's anti Christmas and spectacular versions of "Do You Even Know", "Class War", and "Buffalove."

Thank you Alex, Janna, Brrrn, Dave, Kim and Ben (who is off creating his own world peace.) I had so much fun and you are raising consciousness with your music. Keep going, don't look back, laugh, and keep dancing.

Listen HERE