Memories of the Historic Buffalo Blizzard of 1977
For the first time in American history, the President declared a “federal disaster” to address the devastating impacts of a winter storm.
Read more
Why “La Famiglia e Tutto” (Family is Everything)
Sicilians have a saying—La Famiglia e Tutto (Family is Everything)—and they live by what they say.
Fingy Conners, Wild Bill Donovan, and the “Irish” First Ward
On my most recent trip back to Buffalo, I decided to take a walking tour through a different part of the city.
The Magnificent Willows of Western New York
For centuries, poets, writers and philosophers have been inspired by weeping willow trees. So have I.
A Letter of Gratitude to Those Who Read Books
You are the ones who will have the wisdom, the vocabulary, the critical reasoning and the empathy to make the world a better place.
“Snow Sausages,” a Christmas Story of Love and Loss, December 1968
Family traditions are an important element of the Christmas holiday season, and the old West Side of Buffalo had some unique ones.
Whatever Happened to Beggar’s Night?
I have to wonder why the holiday is no longer popular in more Buffalo communities.
The Power of Childhood Memories
It is possible to step back into a childlike state of wonder, if and when we choose to do so.
Why I Wrote a “Love Letter” to Buffalo
I wanted to begin a narrative that would trace the city’s arc from the first warning signs of a collapsing economy to its eventual rebirth and revitalization.
Wax Lips, Licorice Sticks and an Homage to the Corner Store
One of the things I miss most when I return to Buffalo is the family-owned corner store.
Publishing My West Side Story: It’s About to Get Real
Like every would-be author discovers, if writing a book isn’t difficult enough, the ordeal of trying to get it published tests all one’s powers of endurance.
Life in Buffalo—375 Million Years Ago
My uncle’s goal on these field trips was to teach us about paleontology…as well as something about life in Buffalo before the Buffalo Bills. (Photo of Eighteen Mile Creek by Doreen Regan)