Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Highland Clubhouse opens for the first time this Saturday morning at 11am at 1164 North Avenue in Niagara Falls. The community center features a kitchen where people can learn to cook and prep meals. The Clubhouse also includes transitional housing and meeting spaces for community groups, workshops and events. Planning for the space began in 2017 but was delayed by a structure fire and COVID.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has pledged $1.5 million to 24 rural libraries across Western New York over the next 3 years. The largest donations this year will go to the Southern Tier Library System, Patterson Library in Chautauqua County and the Town of Collins Public Library. The full list of donations is below:
- Angola Public Library (Erie County), $10,200 to increase study seating for students, teachers and community members.
- Arcade Free Library (Wyoming County), $19,015 to increase the flexibility of indoor and outdoor spaces to better engage youth and promote learning, collaborating and play.
- Aurora Town Public Library (Erie County), $20,000 for afterschool activities that prepare youth for current and emerging workforce needs.
- Barker Public Library (Niagara County), $20,000 for an afterschool enrichment pilot program.
- Boston Free Library (Erie County), $20,000 for the creation of a native plant garden and outdoor educational space to increase hands on learning.
- City of Tonawanda Public Library (Erie County), $4,000 for a covered bicycle shelter and related community resources.
- Cordelia A. Greene Library (Wyoming County), $25,000 for workshops for young adults in skilled trades, financial literacy and career readiness.
- David A. Howe Public Library (Allegany County), $11,383 for a dedicated tabletop game room at the library for teens.
- Dunkirk Public Library (Chautauqua County), $21,638 for upgrades to shared community spaces.
- Elma Public Library (Erie County), $3,400 for programs focused on practical homesteading skills.
- Grand Island Memorial Library (Erie County), $33,188 for the addition of two study rooms for public use.
- Hulbert Library (Erie County), $20,139 for a soundproof, private booth for use as a meeting space by community members and organizations.
- Lakewood Memorial Library (Chautauqua County), $7,290 for a single person soundproof, private study pod.
- Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Orleans County), $31,891 for an outdoor children’s garden and musical garden.
- Mendon Public Library (Monroe County), $17,600 for a Story Walk centered on themes of nature, movement, family and community.
- Minerva Free Library (Chautauqua County), $1,863 for support to purchase child-friendly furnishings to encourage young children to engage in hands-on learning activities.
- Parma Public Library (Monroe County), $7,471 for a library Story Walk at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve.
- Patterson Library (Chautauqua County), $56,817 for key technology and space upgrades to allow for increased community access, especially for working families and caregivers.
- Southern Tier Library System (Allegany County), $80,000 for 15 libraries across Allegany County to activate a sports equipment lending program for residents.
- Town of Collins Public Library (Erie County), $39,061 for a soundproof, private Work Pod for use by students, tutors or community organizations.
- Town of North Collins Public Library (Erie County), $13,061 for a library kayak lending program.
- Warsaw Public Library (Wyoming County), $5,816 for support of technology programs for the community.
- Yates Community Library (Orleans County), $27,500 for supplies for a community outdoor explorers’ program.
- Youngstown Free Library (Niagara County), $4,226 for upgrades to public spaces with better technology and security for residents.
Women's fashion retailer Garage is getting a full makeover at the Walden Galleria. A redesign of the store's interior and storefront should be finished by October.
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