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2 • • Thursday, April 16, 2026 PERSPECTIVES
GUEST COLUMNIST

Financial Literacy Month

is a call to action

pril is recognized nationwide
Aas Financial Literacy Month, a
time dedicated to empowering indi-
viduals and families with the
WKBW-TV- 4/13/26
knowledge and skills needed to
make informed financial decisions. It’s really not
First established by Congress in
2004, the month serves as a re- hard to follow
minder that understanding personal
finance, from budgeting and saving District 3 WSJ - 4/15/26 the dotted line.
to credit and debt management, is Erie County Legislator
essential to long-term economic Michael H. Kooshoian City budget discussions
stability and opportunity. Street paving
In recent years, the focus has item pricing/scanner accuracy law,
Local Law 7(1997). from page 1 from page 1 one way or the other,” he said. “I
expanded to “financial capability,”
emphasizing not just knowledge, The county also partners with conditions. A demonstration vehicle supportive of property tax increases, just think it's unconscionable for me
local organizations to offer expand- equipped with the technology believing it will help fill the city’s to support giving people 30, 40%
but the ability to apply that knowl-
edge in everyday life. This includes ed financial education program- was showcased as part of the an- bone-dry coffers, he thinks it will salary increases as we're raising tax-
ming. Collaborations with nouncement, highlighting how Buf- instead make it harder for people es on people throughout the city of
managing expenses, building sav-
ings, avoiding scams, and planning nonprofits and community groups, falo will begin collecting detailed, who rent to keep living in Buffalo. Buffalo.”
such as financial coaching initia- objective data on street conditions There’s been a suggestion of chang- In other notes
for the future. In a time of rising
costs and economic uncertainty, tives and workplace financial well- to inform future paving ing the rate of taxes for “home- • There will be a paint recycling
ness programs, bring budgeting decisions for municipalities.
these skills are more critical than steads” compared to event this Saturday at Buffalo State
ever for individuals and communi- classes, credit counseling, and sav- The data collected through this “non-homesteads,” referring to University, in partnership with Erie
ings workshops directly into neigh- partnership will help the city more owner-occupied multi-unit proper- County.
ties alike.
At the local level, Erie County borhoods. effectively carry out a needs-based ties compared with those in which • The first Really Really Free
Programs offered through the system, with plans to utilize the data the property owner lives elsewhere. Market of the spring will take place
has a strong opportunity to build on
this national observance by ex- United Way in Erie County demon- collected by CYVL for the 2027 The current proposal has a tax rate this Saturday, April 18, from 10
strate how financial coaching and paving list and beyond. This data of around $6 per $1,000 for all own- a.m. until noon at the Black Rock
panding access to financial educa-
tion and support services. The small-dollar loan programs can will also allow the city to update its er-occupied multi-unit houses and Riverside Alliance building, 52
help families build credit and sav- ADA transition plan for the first more than $13 per $1,000 for those Amherst St. Anyone is welcome to
county already provides important
resources through its Office of ings simultaneously. Their Finan- time in 12 years, improving overall properties where the landlord is not bring items or to take items, but
cial Education Program, also accessibility and ensuring public in- living on site.
Consumer Protection, which edu- those who have items to give away
cates residents about credit reports, known as Financially Fit, is de- frastructure better serves all resi- “That would mean that every are asked to return at noon to pick
signed to foster financial literacy dents.
fraud prevention, and consumer rental property would have not dou- up any leftover items.
among our more economically vul- Department of Public Works bled but probably tripled,” Go-
rights. These services are vital, • The Black Rock Riverside Al-
nerable community members. It Commissioner Nolan Skipper pro- lombek said. While some members liance will be hosting “Migratory
particularly as financial scams and
involves an 8-week program where vided an overview of how streets of council see this as a way to bring May” events aimed at promoting
identity theft continue to rise. Com-
families are educated in their own were selected for the 2026 paving in more revenue and “tax the rich,” and encouraging bird watching and
plaints regarding fraud and decep-
language about the principles of list and outlined new tools that will he believes it will not have the over- creating habitats that are friendly to
tive practices can be made directly
banking, budgeting, paying bills on help residents stay informed.
through the site https://www3.erie. whelmingly positive outcome they our feathered friends; more infor-
time, proper credit use, and saving “We’re working to make this anticipate.
gov/consumerprotection. mation will be provided soon.
for the future. There is also a 10- process more transparent than ever
The Office of Consumer Pro- Once the budget is received, he • As part of Migratory May, BR-
week version of the course, which before,” Commissioner Skipper intends to get a group of accounting RA will be kicking off a birdhouse
tection falls under the Erie County
focuses on home ownership in ad- said. “Residents will be able to view and budget experts together to help decorating contest with local busi-
Office of Public Advocacy (ECO-
dition to the materials covered in the paving list on our website, un- go through the proposal and try to nesses, using houses created by lo-
PA) The ECOPA also
includes the Commission on the the 8-week course. derstand how streets are ranked, see find cuts to help reduce the pro- cal Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts.
Financial Literacy Month is a a timeline for repair, and receive posed tax increase. He also warns Residents will be asked to visit busi-
Status of Women, which works to
provide resources and services to call to action. By strengthening our advance notice before work begins against the belief that “Albany will nesses and vote for which houses
partnerships, expanding education, through paving cards and BUF- come up with the money,” saying are their favorites; the winning busi-
promote the economic, societal,
and political empowerment of and increasing access to resources, FALERT notifications.” even if somehow an additional $40 ness will receive a prize, as will
Erie County helps residents not on- “Not every mayor would com- million is available for the city of some participants.
women and girls across the county.
It also includes the Bureau of ly understand their finances, but mit to this level of transparency and Buffalo, that doesn’t fully address • The Black Rock Historical So-
take control of them. In doing so, accountability. Mayor Ryan did. the budget gap, whatever it might ciety is once again hosting its Mak-
Weights and Measures, which en-
sures equity prevails in the market- the county invests in stronger This partnership will put objective be. ers and Masters speaker series on
households, a more resilient work- data behind every paving and side- “I think that we need to make four consecutive Thursdays in May,
place by assuring that all devices
used commercially within the force, and a healthier local econo- walk decision, giving residents cuts as well as perhaps, you know, beginning at 6 p.m. on May 7 at the
my for all. For more information across the city confidence that their we're going to have to raise taxes Historical Society, 436 Amherst St.
county are accurate and are con-
structed in a manner to prevent about the resources available for infrastructure is being managed fair-
financial literacy, I invite you to ly. Buffalo is joining a growing net-
fraud and comply with the local Free Memory Café offered for older adults
reach out to my office. work of forward-thinking cities that
West Side Community Services invites the public to its Memory Café,
Quinn Minute – have invested in CYVL's infrastruc- created specifically for older adults experiencing memory changes, along
ture intelligence, including Boston,
with their caregivers. Step into a serene hall filled with soothing light and
Aunts, uncles, and cousins Atlanta, Green Bay, Nashville, and sound. Unleash one’s creativity through crafting while indulging in de-
hundreds of towns and cities across
lightful snacks that nourish the body. Enrich a mindfulness journey with a
the U.S. Buffalo is leading with in-
by Rix Quinn know cousins in several states, so wonderful blend of relaxation, creativity and joy. All Memory Café events
novation that other cities should
y friend Mel just got you can travel cross-country for are free.
Mback from an aunt’s fu- free.” take notice of." Daniel Pelaez, chief On Saturday, April 18, entitled “Aroma & Scent: Planting New Mem-
executive officer and co-rounder
neral, where he met family mem- The deceased cousin was 97, of CYVL said. ories,” the focus is celebrating spring blooms, fresh herbs, and the sensory
bers he did not know he had. and she had lived a busy life. She’d reawakening of the season. Running from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the West Side
The city also previewed en-
Personally, I’ve met more rela- been married four times, each one hancements to its online paving list, Community Services at 161 Vermont St. there will be poetry, a plant
tives at funerals than I have at an upgrade from her prior spouse. potting craft, and refreshments. The community partner is the Alzheimer’s
including GIS-based mapping tools
weddings…but maybe it’s because At one time she’d also been a that will allow residents to track Association, Western New York Chapter and is supported by The Paul &
weddings require an invitation. softball umpire. Maybe that’s why Helen Ellis Charitable Trust. See the ad in this week’s paper to register.
planned work and better understand
Last month, my uncle told me she married so much. When a hus- infrastructure conditions in their May’s event, “Circle of Life: Celebrating the Gift of Life” is Saturday,
that my third cousin had died. No, band disputed her decision, she just May 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., honoring motherhood, rebirth, and the
neighborhoods.
two cousins didn’t die before her. called him “out.” Residents can view the cycles that shape memory.
She was my third cousin because Since the funeral was at the
entire City of Buffalo’s paving list
our great-grandmothers were sis- grave site, attendees then walked to at www.buffalony.gov/paving.
ters. Confusing, huh? a nearby large tent for a reception.
The word “removed” just I’ve never seen so many familiar- Published by Buffalo Standard Printing Corp.
means a different generation. So, looking folks whose names I didn’t Roger Puchalski - Editor
my first cousin’s children would be know. time an event serves food outdoors, Roxie Harbison - Sales & Marketing
my first cousins once removed. I talked to several second cous- you’ll see lots of aunts.” Printed in Buffalo by Buffalo Newspress
I had not met the deceased, but ins, third cousins, and even one old Why have fairy tales been so E-MAIL riverrock@email.com
her obituary photo looked just like guy who looked like he’d wan- popular for so many years? Why do (716) 835-9455 • FAX (716) 835-9457
my uncle…but without the beard. dered over because he smelled cof- we remember them? Order Rix’s
I went to her memorial service fee. essay on this subject: Search The views of columnists and letter writers do not necessarily
so I could mingle with familiar rel- After the event, I remembered FAIRY TALE WRITING SECRET reflect the views of the RiverRock Times. Letters to the editor are
atives, plus meet new ones. As one what an old friend told me: “Any on Amazon.com welcome at riverrock@ email.com or by mail: RiverRock Times,
of my buddies says, “You need to c/o 979 Grant St., Buffalo, NY 14207. They should be concise.