The GO Bike Workshop has been great to me. Tucked into an…read moreold police station at Linden and Colvin, it's a fantastic place to learn about mechanics, pick up parts, or buy a used bike. Adult bikes worked on by the mechanics there generally run from $100-$200. They accepts bike donations year round, which they use as in their various programs. Every time I visit my confidence with mechanics improves. I never thought I'd be so excited to learn how to true a wheel! The instructors are very patient and explain things well. On most Sundays they offer specific classes, such as Fix-a-Flat, Bearings, Drivetrains, or Basic Wheel Maintenance. In the summer and spring they offer Learn to Ride for adults and kids. In the winter the shop is only open to the public 3 days a week but in the nice weather they are open for retail just about every day. Naturally there is lots of bike parking but there are a handful of spots for cars too, and otherwise easy street parking nearby.

We were here to celebrate the beginning of the biking season. Hot dogs and sausages were cooked on…read morethe grill in their side yard; pizza was brought in. Lots of bike enthusiasts were talking about their recent rides and plans for rides this coming summer. It was just a nice gathering of people, like a backyard summer BBQ, of people who enjoy biking and supporting a bike store.

Our family is looking for a new four-footed family member. They staff graciously allowed me to…read morevisit the kitties, even though they weren't open for business: Volunteers were there to clean and feed the beasties. There were lots of kitties who were lounging on carpet-covered condos, enjoying the patches of sun. Others were located in a cattery - an adjacent room where they could run around, lurk, or wrestle with one another. All animals from this shelter will have been spayed/neutered; rabies and worming up to date. Potential adopting families will fill out an application, and pay a fee (partially based on age: It's lower for cats older than 8 years old.) Please visit the website for up to date photos and adoption events!

Awesome people! Great animals! Slow moving animals but they are respectful and helpfulread more

The music school had a new (old) home! Modern updates, nice rooms, 28 pianos, music…read morelibrary....what's not to like. They have something for everyone here. Find a class, learn a new instrument. Enrich yourself at the music school. The new address is 217 E. Delevan Avenue. They are having a grand re-opening July 17. Check it out and maybe sign up for singing lessons :)

Last Monday, June 13 2022, I attended a recital of the spring class of Jazz music students, under…read morethe tutelage of Carol McLaughlin. I decided to Yelp the event and was surprised to see that the Community Music School of Buffalo has not changed their address here. So my intention with this post is twofold: to let people know about the availability of jazz classes for all ages at CMS; to make the new location evident. It was a delightful evening, held indoors this year, and included a mostly solo piece by Mr. McLaughlin. The first link is a brief clip of Watermelon Man by the class. In the "read more" section there is a longer video of Carol McLaughlin's performance. The second link is the home page of the Community Music School's new location. https://youtu.be/3s9FrTosK_c https://communitymusicbuffalo.org/our-new-location/

I'm a huge supporter of the work Ten Lives Club does to take care of, and find homes for, thousands…read moreof cats every year. They also host a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, which is why I recently visited the main shelter to pickup a basket I won from the virtual meat raffle. While I was there, all the employees (or volunteers) were busy doing something to take care of the cats. A few were in the parking lot cleaning carriers, the desk attendant was answering a woman's questions about a cat, and another came by to quickly retrieve my basket. During the short time I waited, I said hi to a few cats in stacked carriers near the entrance which I assume was temporary. The only reason I deducted a star was due to the overwhelming smell inside. I understand it's an old building with carpeting, so I'm excited that they're building a new cat campus and hope it will have a better air filtering system to make visiting the main shelter a more enjoyable experience.

After a patient cancellation last week, I stopped by PetSmart to run a quick errand -- and…read moreunexpectedly came home with a new family member! Ten Lives was hosting a pop-up event featuring adoptable cats, and as I walked past the glass, a little Tuxedo kitten pawed and playfully chased after me. That was it -- he was mine! The adoption process took a little while, but only because a volunteer was training someone new. I completed all the paperwork easily through my phone and their iPad, and everything was explained thoroughly. I also love that Ten Lives offers a 14-day post-adoption vet service -- I've already used it since Wasabi (that's his name!) came home with a small kitty cold and a slight hernia. I can't say enough good things about this wonderful non-profit cat adoption agency. If you have a moment, check out their website -- you'll instantly fall in love with all the sweet photos of their adoptable cats. And if an adoption doesn't work out, they will always welcome the cats back with open arms.

Another great meal! am disappointed that the most recent review, prior to this one, is from over 6…read moremonths ago. Yelpers, why aren't you supporting this business? Anyway, a chilly, windy day was perfect for enjoying their hearty chili, and it was hearty! The squash was so tasty with cranberries and pecans: a creative and successful combination. Beans were good, too not too spicy or too sweet. I was too full to enjoy my oatmeal butterscotch cookie, so I brought it home with me and enjoyed it later; clearly not a store-bought cookie. Service with smiles...

I have both volunteered and eaten here, and both were excellent!…read more The meal that I had was delicious, and obviously made with love. I appreciated that I could choose how much I wanted, both to eat and to pay. Signing up to volunteer was easy through the online portal and I could tell that I was helping with what needed to get done. The location is accessible - by bike, car, walking, and bus (route 3, Grant) - and the inside is warm and welcoming. Will definitely come back when I am free for lunch during the week!

The cutest freaking place. I love the concept of a book store and a cafe. The food is phenomenal. I…read morehad a delicious sandwich and smoothie. It's a very cozy store. I feel like I'm at someone's house. I love it ! Don't forget to grab one of there cookies on the way out !!

We stopped in for a late lunch on a weekday. I was too shy to dance in as the sign suggested, so I…read moredidn't get 50% off my drink. But several local patrons did their dance and got their discount! Our food was great, even so late in the afternoon. Loved the homey farmhouse look, and the nooks and crannies where you could sit and read. I even talked the retired professor into giving me an author recommendation! Mick Herron.

NOT RECOMMENDED! Went there with my wife and family for a…read moresurprise for mother's day gift. Since we adopted two brothers last year from them. This time, the service and attitude from the older volunteer staff was very rude and challenging. After we expressed which cat we're interested in and then said that she's bonded with another, so we would have to get both. They asked how many cats we have (understandable question), I replied the two brothers. My son has one (unrelated from the brothers) and will be moving out this summer. The older volunteer staff then stated, "well maybe you should wait and see what happens" with her attitude... What does that mean!? Who the hell are they to tell me what's best for my family! So we left with a disappointed wife. One thing is for sure, they did not like me asking questions about any treatments, diseases or medical conditions on record. The living conditions is subpar. It is filthy, smells horrible and I would question if there are too many animals inside that small building. Maybe the Human Society of Greater Niagara or Niagara SPCA or even the Town of Pendleton should be contacted to check on things...

My daughter fell in love with a cat this past weekend while we were donating food. We applied to…read moreadopt him and were initially told we were approved but when we showed up to take him home they denied us because we told them we don't typically give canned food. Not that it was off the table just that it's not typical for us. There was no discussion it was an automatic decline and my daughter was devastated. I was so sad for her and the cat. I have owned cats for over 20 years and worked in the vet industry for over 6 years. I am appalled that they didn't trust us and left my daughter crying. To say we were approved and then to deny us when we showed up was absolutely cruel and they should be ashamed of themselves. This is not how a rescue operation should run and I will absolutely never support them again.

We all know how hard it can be to seek out help when we need it the most. In my case, I found…read moremyself needing clarification on my career path, which hadn't been serving me. This is where Sharp Human Resources comes in. Karen's insights were exactly what I needed to figure out my next career move. When I found myself unexpectedly unemployed a few years ago, my regular therapist referred me to Karen. I immediately set up an appointment within a week. Even though we met only once, my meeting with Karen changed the course of my career path for the better. We met at Panera at the time, and for an hour, we worked to pinpoint what I truly wanted out of a job. Karen suggested I use Truity.com to utilize their career profile surveys, and that I think about what I truly wanted to do for work. Using these prompts and my survey results, I tailored my job search around these traits. This story has a very happy ending, as I found a job that I love, one that plays to the strengths we pinpointed at our meeting. If you find yourself in need of career counseling, I highly recommend Karen for her insight and services. This is another case of a five star review for a business I hope to never need again, but in the event that I do, I will happily book another appointment. It can be tough to find a job no matter the circumstances that led you to looking for another job, and it's reassuring to have a knowledgeable career counselor in your corner.

From the owner: SharpHR Career Coaching combines over 25 years of real Human Resources experience with a…read morepersonalized, step by step approach to help people navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. I work with individuals who feel stuck, are changing careers, or are reentering the workforce, helping them not only improve their resume and LinkedIn, but truly understand their value and direction. My approach is supportive, honest, and practical, giving clients both the strategy and the confidence they need to move forward and stand out in today’s job market.

I love this place! BSRA is a fun, welcoming club that has rowing for all ages and experience…read morelevels. You can take learn-to-row courses, then row for fitness a couple times a month, or train intensely for summer and fall races. Buffalo River Rowing Club has close to 100 masters age 23 up to 82. Junior boys and girls from Western New York can get out on the river alongside high school programs at Buffalo SEM and Canisius. We Can Row Buffalo is a program for women who are cancer survivors or current patients. The Row Buffalo team brings together the best high school and college men to race, and win, at elite summer regattas. There are programs for 7th and 8th graders as well as young people with different developmental abilities.

From the owner: Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association (BSRA), a nonprofit athletic organization located at 405 Ohio…read moreSt. in the city along the Buffalo River, recently announced a variety of summer programs for novice to experienced rowers of all ages. Youth Programs: -BSRA's Youth Learn-to-Row summer camp program teachers participants how to become rowers. Students will learn the lingo, how to get in and out of a boat, use an oar, carry boats and oars, work with a large team and what it means to be a teammate. This camp is for ages 12 to 16, and athletes of all sizes are welcome. No prior rowing experience is necessary. -Modified Sculling is a program for kids in 7th and 8th grade. This program is a notch up from our Learn to Row introductory camps. Athletes will learn how to scull (2 oars/rower) and utilize small 1-2 person shells. -BSRA Juniors is a program for kids in 7th-12th grade. This team practices 5-6 days a week, and travels to competitions around New York State, Pennsylvania and Canada.