Western New Yorkers will be able to turn to their smartphones for information on child care, Thruway conditions, rental properties, landlords and other topics, thanks to creativity and innovation that emerged from the 2014 AT&T Western New York Civic App Challenge.

The winners of the two-month “virtual hackathon” were announced Dec. 4 by AT&T, along with community partners including the University at Buffalo, State University of New York at Fredonia, Z80 Labs Technology Incubator, InfoTech Niagara, Launch NY, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, d!g Buffalo and Hack Upstate.

The contest challenged local developers, entrepreneurs, designers and technologists to leverage open data to build smartphone apps that serve community needs. The competition aimed to connect and engage citizens with government and demonstrate how mobile technologies can lead to the next generation of tech jobs and investment.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trivia Night FUNdraiser To Support Tifft Nature Preserve December 12

BUFFALO, NY (December 2, 2014) - Tifft Nature Preserve (Tifft), Buffalo’s natural treasure at the Outer Harbor, will host its second annual Trivia Night FUNdraiser on Friday, December 12 (rescheduled from November 21 due to the storm) from 7-9pm to benefit its educational programs, conservation efforts, and nonprofit mission.

Teams of four or individual participants are invited to show off their trivia knowledge of fun and easy facts from their favorite nature-themed television shows, movies and commercials. Teams will enjoy a rousing evening of treats and prizes as well as some interactive surprises incorporating popular board games that participants will be sure to enjoy. 

Catholic Charities of Buffalo will give away a generously donated 1999 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King motorcycle. All proceeds will benefit the 70 programs and services of Catholic Charities, including education and work readiness, counseling, basic assistance, and programs for older adults.

The motorcycle, with an approximate retail value of $8,000, was given to Catholic Charities by an anonymous donor. It is a touring motorcycle with two cylinders, four-stroke, 1450 cc, fenders and a Jimmy Buffett Parrot head mural on the tank (2-sided) and other detailing.

Only 200 tickets will be sold at $100 each and the drawing will be held at noon on May 9, 2014 at Catholic Charities Montante Administrative Center, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.