In an increasingly troubled world, it is always heartening to find happy stories, especially the ones that remind us of what’s really important. On certain days, those stories take precedence.
Volunteers will be selling Kids Day editions of The Buffalo News today at Tops Markets throughout Western New York to benefit Oishei Children’…
Last Saturday was the annual Buffalo News Kids Day. In addition to the usual activity of News staffers fanning out at area Tops Markets to collect donations for Oishei Children’s Hospital and Cradle Beach, News’ reporters shared “Stories of hope and healing,” including the harrowing journey of Clare Freid and her daughter Charlotte.
When delivered via emergency c-section on Jan. 28, 2023 at Oishei, Charlotte weighed only 1 pound, 6 ounces and subsequently spent months in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. Thanks to the medical care Charlotte received at Oishei, she is doing well today, though still recovering, and started pre-K in September.
Then there’s Caleb Schauman, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and was unable to take independent steps. After an operation at Oishei Children’s that took the better part of a day, followed by a year of physical therapy, Caleb, now 9, and in fourth grade, can walk without crutches or braces and even jump on a small trampoline.
Caleb’s complex surgery, performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Renee Reynolds, is called selective dorsal rhizotomy.
There are many other such stories, but you get the idea. Even the darkest of times can be transformed, though not without hope – and hard work.
Powerful boost for local projects
It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks to power proceeds legislation signed into law in 2012, revenue from the New York Power Authority’s sale of unallocated hydropower is being used to spur economic development across New York State. As reported by The News’ Jonathan Epstein, more than $10 million of that funding is helping important organizations in Western New York.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center got the biggest allocation – $7.5 million to support a $30 million project that would construct a four-story, 19,850-square-foot addition at 439 Pearl St., behind the theater. This will provide more interior space for badly needed additional bathrooms, more concessions, event space, three high-speed elevators, an amenity expansion of its main theater, and more.
Ralph C. Wilson Park Conservancy is also benefiting, and will receive $2.3 million for its Ralph Wilson Park, formerly LaSalle Park, to support the construction of a 10,000-square-foot multi-use space that will provide basic amenities and support administrative operations. The Buffalo Science Museum will get $562,000 for its $2.8 million interactive exhibit about the science of sport. This project is being done in partnership with the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits.
Fish tale is well-founded
Finally, kudos to someone who doesn’t really need it – but it’s still a fun story. Billionaire businessman Bob Rich Jr., senior chairman of his family’s food company, Rich Products, has written a few books about fishing, as most know. Significantly, his first novel on the sport, “Looking Through Water,” has been turned into a film starring Michael Douglas and his son, Cameron, as well as some other well-known stars. As The News’ Tim O’Shei reports, the film’s focus is on the father-son dynamic, as experienced by both Rich and Douglas in real life. An additional co-star is the beautiful scenery of Belize, which hosts a famous fly-fishing tournament.
“A lot of times, in my mind’s eye, I see life as a movie,” said Rich, who now has a movie in his life with the premiere of “Looking Through Water,” a film based on Rich’s novel of the same name.
“Looking Through Water” premiered in New York and Los Angeles last month and had several showing last week at the North Park Theatre. It’s gotten some good reviews and can now be caught on streaming services.
It’s a good time for a feel-good movie.
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