This blog began in 2010 as part of the publisher’s promotional materials for my travel book, The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men. The book rose to #1 on Amazon’s Best-Sellers List within two weeks of publication, and is still selling. The blog has been expanded to cover my other pursuits.

Restoring a Beloved Historic Building

March, 15, 2024

For this story, I followed the restoration of a century-old Buffalo building that has attracted travelers from around the world! Watching the work of these skilled preservationists felt like going on a treasure hunt, as they chipped away old drywall and discovered elaborate artifacts hidden underneath. Supplemental photos in my report came from The Buffalo History Museum, Jason Yots, Tom Yots and Preservation Studios.

Hidden Building Takes Us Back to the Past

February, 22, 2024

This is the first time I have animated an entire news report! For years, this Buffalo building, steeped in history, has been hidden underneath a plain façade. Few realized that it was a treasure designed by the first-know female architect and used to help lead the Black Arts Movement. In this report, I bring the building to life by combining my own animation with current footage and archival images from Preservation Studios. Restoration experts from that company are collaborating with Common Bond Real Estate and Urban Vantage to bring the building back to its original state. Recently, motion graphics have become more prominent in newscasts, and although every station I have worked at has had animators, I wanted to learn these skills for myself to help my news team when needed. I loved interviewing the talented preservationists and artists showcased in this piece!

Legendary Musician Paved the Way for Black Artists

February, 21, 2024

“They were thirsting for somewhere to show what they did, other than in their kitchens to their neighbors.” This is a quote from an interview I conducted with the legendary musician, Ron Carter. He sat down with me to describe what it was like for Black artists in the 1970s, and the discrimination they faced due to their race. This multi-Grammy award-winning performer said he traveled every week, on his only day off, from Manhattan to Buffalo to teach Black musicians and help them thrive. The building where Carter taught them also welcomed other renowned Black artists like Alvin Ailey dancers. Preservationists are restoring the structure so this history will live on. Tomorrow, I will post my full story.

Covering News Stories About the Buffalo Bills’ Diehard Fans

January, 19, 2024

Let’s go, Buffalo!!! I guess you all know who I will be cheering for this Sunday when the Bills take on the Chiefs! Here is a short retrospective highlighting some of my favorite memories of covering the Bills’ famously-loyal fans. On game day, they wake up as early as 2 a.m. to prepare their elaborate tailgating cuisines, put on their lucky jerseys, and leave in time to arrive at the stadium the moment the parking lots open.

Curtain Call

September, 23, 2023

Tomorrow, Shea’s Performing Arts Center launches its 2023-24 Broadway season! This acclaimed Buffalo theatre is famous for teching, prepping and launching Broadway touring productions in its gorgeous, historic century-old structure. Here is this season’s lineup.

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