Thank you to those who came to the Parkside Tour of Homes on Sunday. It was a glorious day to show off our part of the city of Buffalo. Thank you to all who volunteered, were on the committee, the docents and everyone else involved. A big THANK YOU to Bonnie and Chris who co-chaired the event.

You can download a PDF version of the PCA Spring Newsletter here.

New location this year... the facilities and playing fields of St. Mary's School for the Deaf on Main Street.

While last year the Parkside Summer Arts Camp culminated in a sailing trip into Lake Erie on the Spirit of Buffalo, this year, each session will end with a field trip to the outdoor Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto, NY.  The learning sessions throughout the three week camp will all lead up to an exciting interactive trip to one of Western NY's premier art destinations. Registration for the camp itself is open and available, offering two 3-week sessions from July 8th - 26th and July 29th - August 16th.  While most of the camp will be spent outdoors, the program is far more than just affordable daycare.  Your children will explore a variety of artistic medium in a fun and engaging atmosphere with trained artists.    

Thank you all for all you've done to help make the Parkside Summer Arts Camp the special place that it's been.  As always, if you have any questions, please contact the PCA office. More info and registration - click here.

The 2013 Parkside Parents Group Clothing Swap is scheduled for Saturday April 13th.  If ever you were going to clear out those closets and get rid of all those old children's clothes, this is your excuse.  Let your trash be someone else's treasure.  Tell little Johnny his collection of 200 matchbox cars will make another little boy very happy. Donations are being accepted at the PCA office, 2318 Main Street weekdays from 9-4, up until Friday April 12th, though we recommend calling to confirm that we're in at any given time, 838-1240. The Swap will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 96 Jewett Parkway, from 10:00-2:00.  $10 will get you a commemorative PCA canvas tote bag that you can stuff with as much as you can fit or $5 for families offering their own donations. Once again Lloyd's Taco Truck will be on hand to meet all your taco needs. Contact the PCA if you're interested in being a part of what hopefully will become an annual tradition, or if you're simply interested in donated children's clothes, books or toys. 

The Parkside Community Association presents the 15th Annual Tour of Homes on Sunday, May 19th from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm. This popular tour will have nine outstanding homes for you to explore. Visitors are promised an intriguing look inside residences in Buffalo’s Historic District of Parkside. Some of the homes reflect their 19th century origin in architectural style with their interiors and furnishings. Others offer an exciting contemporary approach to city living. Onsite docents will provide history of the homes and will be available for questions.

Come see for yourself why Parksiders and out-of-towners alike say this event “is the best tour”. The tour begins at the corner of Jewett Parkway and Summit Avenue in Buffalo, outside of the Darwin Martin House Visitors Center. Information, tickets, and maps will be available at the start of the tour. Day of the tour tickets will be available outside the Darwin Martin House Visitor Center.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour, and $13 for PCA members. This year, VIP tickets for $50 can be purchased in advance. This package includes a bus ride through the Parkside neighborhood to each home, historical guided tour, refreshments, and front of the line pass. No waiting in line! VIP bus tours are running at 11 am and 1:30 pm. There are a limited number of VIP tickets and they must be purchased in advance, so get yours now! Advance tickets can be obtained by visiting the PCA office, 2318 Main Street in Buffalo, by calling the office at 838-1240 during regular business hours, or online using PayPal at www.parksidebuffalo.org/hometour2013. Proceeds benefit the continuing work of the Parkside Community Association. No children under the age of twelve please. Event is held rain or shine.

Last night, 47 residents of Parkside turned out to discuss the application for a liquor license for the new restaurant being planned for #2 Russell Avenue.

The new property owners, Len Mattie and Nancy Abramo, presented their plans and vision for what the restaurant will be, the general menu, and business plan.  They answered a number of questions from the audience, were thanked for their time and asked to step out of the room.

The group then discussed a number of related issues, from the history of that location, parking, and hours of operation.  At the end of which, the membership voted overwhelmingly to support the application as proposed.

Immediately following the public meeting, the Board of Directors of the PCA held a special meeting at which the input from the membership was discussed.  The board then voted also to support the application as submitted, directing the PCA office to submit a written letter of support to the NY State Liquor Authority.

The Housing Committee meeting scheduled for this Thursday, March 21 has been cancelled so that members may attend the Public Meeting concerning the 2 Russell Street liquor license application.

On Thursday evening, March 21st, the PCA will host a public meeting to discuss an application for a liquor license as part of the redevelopment of the property at #2 Russell, the former site of Wil’s BBQ.  The new owners of the property will present their plan for the renovation of the property, as well as answer questions from neighbors and other interested parties. The Meeting will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 96 Jewett Parkway, from 7:00pm.  If you are unable to attend, written comments will be accepted until 4:00pm on Thursday the 21st.  We encourage all to attend, whether you support, oppose, or simply wish to learn more about this important development. For further information, pleasecontact the PCA at pcadirector@gmail.com or (716) 838-1240.  www.parksidebuffalo.org

Tickets are still available for our special tasting tour of Buffalo's only downtown Chocolate Factory scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 20th.   Two tours, from 6:30pm & 7:15pm are being offered at $25/person, lasting approximately 45 minutes.   Each tour will be limited to no more than 20 ticket holders, so be sure to sign up early.  

Choco-Logo will donate a portion of all sales from their gift shop to the PCA, as well as the tour tickets, so be sure to load up before the Easter Holiday.  Tickets for the tours are available at the Choco-Logo website.  Spaces will be limited, so reserve your spots now.