The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

West Herr Automotive Group has brought holiday cheer to Western New York by donating more than $100,000 in frozen turkeys and over 5,000 bags of Thanksgiving food to local organizations serving families in need.

Hundreds of turkeys and meals were delivered to Buffalo’s Response to Love Center, where Congressman Tim Kennedy highlighted the power of community support during the holidays.

The generosity extended to Rochester, with 300 turkeys and food bags distributed at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre, as Mayor Malik Evans credited the city’s neighborly spirit.

West Herr’s President, Scott Bieler, expressed gratitude to customers and employees for making these gifts possible.

This year’s efforts also included a partnership with the City of Buffalo and local organizations to deliver Thanksgiving dinners to hundreds more families, reinforcing Western New York’s tradition of giving.

More than 50 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen gathered at Buffalo’s Connecticut Street Armory in early November for a two-day training focused on strengthening storm response leadership.

Teams from the 107th Attack Wing and 153rd Troop Command Brigade united to simulate activating a Joint Task Force, a vital tool during major winter storms across Western New York.

By tackling realistic storm scenarios—traffic pileups, road closures, public safety threats—participants honed emergency planning, logistics, and rapid communication skills.

Col. William Snyder highlighted that repetition and teamwork build confidence and readiness, especially with many newcomers learning the Joint Task Force structure for the first time.

With Buffalo’s Winter Snow Plan now public and local health surveys showing gaps in family preparedness, authorities urge residents to review emergency steps.

United efforts from the Guard, city, and residents will bolster Buffalo’s resilience this winter.

Buffalo and Lockport are set to receive over $13 million in state grants to replace old lead service lines, aiming to provide safer drinking water to local families.

This major investment, part of New York’s ongoing Lead Service Line Replacement Program, reflects Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to public health and safe water access for every resident.

Lockport will receive more than $10 million, while Buffalo will benefit from upwards of $3 million.

Additional funding will support similar lead pipe replacements in places like Gloversville, Oswego, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, and areas of New York City, including the Bronx and Brooklyn.

To date, New York has replaced over 3,500 lead service lines statewide, reinforcing its dedication to clean water and community safety.

Residents are urged to follow local efforts and support water quality improvements citywide.

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