Mark Poloncarz
@markpoloncarz.bsky.social
Former hockey coach, frustrated golfer, political and history nerd. Just a kid from Sunny LA (Lackawanna that is) who grew up to be Erie County's Executive.
It's #BlackHistoryMonth and today we're featuring the Ujima Company. Founded in 1978 by Buffalo theater legend Lorna Hill, Ujima creates a thriving artistic environment that celebrates the city's diversity, and brings socially-relevant theater to Buffalo's audiences.
Learn more: ujimacoinc.org
Learn more: ujimacoinc.org
February 8, 2026 at 1:25 PM
It's #BlackHistoryMonth and today we're featuring the Ujima Company. Founded in 1978 by Buffalo theater legend Lorna Hill, Ujima creates a thriving artistic environment that celebrates the city's diversity, and brings socially-relevant theater to Buffalo's audiences.
Learn more: ujimacoinc.org
Learn more: ujimacoinc.org
My Minnesota colleague Angela Conley reminds everyone it's not just about what we see on the streets of Minneapolis but how people are so terrorized they won't even leave their homes for healthcare because they fear being detained, including our fellow citizens.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
February 8, 2026 at 12:29 AM
My Minnesota colleague Angela Conley reminds everyone it's not just about what we see on the streets of Minneapolis but how people are so terrorized they won't even leave their homes for healthcare because they fear being detained, including our fellow citizens.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets!
Keep bathroom breaks short and make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest.
Protect Your Pets: Bring Them Inside!
Keep bathroom breaks short and make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest.
Protect Your Pets: Bring Them Inside!
February 7, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets!
Keep bathroom breaks short and make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest.
Protect Your Pets: Bring Them Inside!
Keep bathroom breaks short and make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest.
Protect Your Pets: Bring Them Inside!
The final open houses for the sale of 2 new homes as part of the Erie County and Buffalo First-Time Homebuyers Affordable Housing Program will be held TODAY (Sat., 2/7) from 11am to 1pm in Cheektowaga:
• 44 Long Avenue, and
• 257 Chapel Avenue
Apply online at www.belmonthousingwny.org/arpa/
• 44 Long Avenue, and
• 257 Chapel Avenue
Apply online at www.belmonthousingwny.org/arpa/
February 7, 2026 at 2:07 PM
The final open houses for the sale of 2 new homes as part of the Erie County and Buffalo First-Time Homebuyers Affordable Housing Program will be held TODAY (Sat., 2/7) from 11am to 1pm in Cheektowaga:
• 44 Long Avenue, and
• 257 Chapel Avenue
Apply online at www.belmonthousingwny.org/arpa/
• 44 Long Avenue, and
• 257 Chapel Avenue
Apply online at www.belmonthousingwny.org/arpa/
Today’s #BlackHistoryMonth feature is the #FreedomWall. Commissioned by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum’s Public Art Initiative, with Support from Erie County, this block-long mural by local artists depicts 28 local and national civil rights leaders from America's past and present.
February 7, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Today’s #BlackHistoryMonth feature is the #FreedomWall. Commissioned by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum’s Public Art Initiative, with Support from Erie County, this block-long mural by local artists depicts 28 local and national civil rights leaders from America's past and present.
Hi from Rotary Rink in downtown Buffalo! It's a perfect night for skating and the only two here when I recorded this were Lindsey and me. A few more are on the ice now but come on down for FREE skating at a wonderful setting. It's not too cold. So get out and enjoy your Buffalo winters.
February 6, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Hi from Rotary Rink in downtown Buffalo! It's a perfect night for skating and the only two here when I recorded this were Lindsey and me. A few more are on the ice now but come on down for FREE skating at a wonderful setting. It's not too cold. So get out and enjoy your Buffalo winters.
With the Olympics beginning, you can enjoy many Olympic sports at our Erie County Parks, but there is one sport that once was held at Chestnut Ridge but no longer: ski jumping.
The hill is small compared to the hills used today but it still must have been a sight to see people jumping on the hill.
The hill is small compared to the hills used today but it still must have been a sight to see people jumping on the hill.
February 6, 2026 at 8:56 PM
With the Olympics beginning, you can enjoy many Olympic sports at our Erie County Parks, but there is one sport that once was held at Chestnut Ridge but no longer: ski jumping.
The hill is small compared to the hills used today but it still must have been a sight to see people jumping on the hill.
The hill is small compared to the hills used today but it still must have been a sight to see people jumping on the hill.
It's #BlackHistoryMonth, and today we feature The Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum in Buffalo—the oldest continuously-running, all-Black-owned music club of its kind in the nation. Formed in 1918 as a social club by the Buffalo Local 533 musicians union,... 1/2
February 6, 2026 at 6:10 PM
It's #BlackHistoryMonth, and today we feature The Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum in Buffalo—the oldest continuously-running, all-Black-owned music club of its kind in the nation. Formed in 1918 as a social club by the Buffalo Local 533 musicians union,... 1/2
The President of the United States is proving, once again, he is a racist bigot.
Everyone should condemn him and walk away from this piece of filth and all the hatred and bigotry he believes in and represents.
Everyone should condemn him and walk away from this piece of filth and all the hatred and bigotry he believes in and represents.
February 6, 2026 at 2:51 PM
The President of the United States is proving, once again, he is a racist bigot.
Everyone should condemn him and walk away from this piece of filth and all the hatred and bigotry he believes in and represents.
Everyone should condemn him and walk away from this piece of filth and all the hatred and bigotry he believes in and represents.
⛷️ Great News! Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry is excited to announce the Magic Carpet at Emery Park is officially OPENING today at 3:00PM!
We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience as repairs were made. Tankfully it has now been repaired.
Have Fun!!
We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience as repairs were made. Tankfully it has now been repaired.
Have Fun!!
February 5, 2026 at 6:51 PM
⛷️ Great News! Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry is excited to announce the Magic Carpet at Emery Park is officially OPENING today at 3:00PM!
We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience as repairs were made. Tankfully it has now been repaired.
Have Fun!!
We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience as repairs were made. Tankfully it has now been repaired.
Have Fun!!
Today's #BlackHistoryMonth feature is the Buffalo City Ballet. Established in 1972 as an alternative for inner-city youths, for more than 50 years BCB has adhered to its original mission to provide ballet training to disadvantaged children while welcoming those of any social and economic background.
February 5, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Today's #BlackHistoryMonth feature is the Buffalo City Ballet. Established in 1972 as an alternative for inner-city youths, for more than 50 years BCB has adhered to its original mission to provide ballet training to disadvantaged children while welcoming those of any social and economic background.
Today's lead Wall Street Journal article highlights how President Trump's tariffs have not only failed to grow US manufacturing, but manufacturers have shed workers in every month since Trump's self-proclaimed "Liberation Day."
1/2
1/2
February 5, 2026 at 12:24 AM
Today's lead Wall Street Journal article highlights how President Trump's tariffs have not only failed to grow US manufacturing, but manufacturers have shed workers in every month since Trump's self-proclaimed "Liberation Day."
1/2
1/2
Erie Corps is a partnership with Workforce Buffalo, who is now offering a Parks Maintenance Career Pathway Program, providing paid, real-
world experience and a pathway to year-round employment. The next cohort of interns is being chosen now. Learn more: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
world experience and a pathway to year-round employment. The next cohort of interns is being chosen now. Learn more: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
February 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Erie Corps is a partnership with Workforce Buffalo, who is now offering a Parks Maintenance Career Pathway Program, providing paid, real-
world experience and a pathway to year-round employment. The next cohort of interns is being chosen now. Learn more: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
world experience and a pathway to year-round employment. The next cohort of interns is being chosen now. Learn more: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Dangerously cold -15 to -25 wind chills are expected for Friday through Sunday morning. As always, if you must go out in these conditions, dress in layers, cover exposed skin to reduce the chance of frostbite or hypothermia, and keep pets inside. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them.
February 4, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Dangerously cold -15 to -25 wind chills are expected for Friday through Sunday morning. As always, if you must go out in these conditions, dress in layers, cover exposed skin to reduce the chance of frostbite or hypothermia, and keep pets inside. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them.
Dating to 1845, Buffalo's Michigan Street Baptist Church played a role in American history. It was a key link for freedom seekers traveling along the Underground Railroad, as well as host to activists that laid the foundation for the civil rights movement.
michiganstreetbaptistchurch.org
michiganstreetbaptistchurch.org
February 4, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Dating to 1845, Buffalo's Michigan Street Baptist Church played a role in American history. It was a key link for freedom seekers traveling along the Underground Railroad, as well as host to activists that laid the foundation for the civil rights movement.
michiganstreetbaptistchurch.org
michiganstreetbaptistchurch.org
Today, the voters of the 61st NYS Senate District cast their ballots and decisively elected Jeremy Zellner as their next senator. I've know Jeremy for more than 20 years.
Tonight it was my distinct honor to introduce for the first time our new NYS Senator Jeremy Zellner!
Congrats my friend!
Tonight it was my distinct honor to introduce for the first time our new NYS Senator Jeremy Zellner!
Congrats my friend!
February 4, 2026 at 3:40 AM
Today, the voters of the 61st NYS Senate District cast their ballots and decisively elected Jeremy Zellner as their next senator. I've know Jeremy for more than 20 years.
Tonight it was my distinct honor to introduce for the first time our new NYS Senator Jeremy Zellner!
Congrats my friend!
Tonight it was my distinct honor to introduce for the first time our new NYS Senator Jeremy Zellner!
Congrats my friend!
During #BlackHistoryMonth, we're highlighting local history. Pictured here is the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Plaza in Buffalo's MLK Park.
When dedicated in 1983, artist John Wilson said the bust was intended to both honor Dr. King and represent a black "everyman." See it at MLK Park!
When dedicated in 1983, artist John Wilson said the bust was intended to both honor Dr. King and represent a black "everyman." See it at MLK Park!
February 3, 2026 at 1:59 PM
During #BlackHistoryMonth, we're highlighting local history. Pictured here is the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Plaza in Buffalo's MLK Park.
When dedicated in 1983, artist John Wilson said the bust was intended to both honor Dr. King and represent a black "everyman." See it at MLK Park!
When dedicated in 1983, artist John Wilson said the bust was intended to both honor Dr. King and represent a black "everyman." See it at MLK Park!
Tomorrow is the election to fill the seat previously held by Sean Ryan. I already early voted for Jeremy Zellner and I ask you to do the same.
Jeremy has worked hard for more than 20 years electing democrats, including me. He was an early volunteer for me and believes in the same ideals I do. 1/2
Jeremy has worked hard for more than 20 years electing democrats, including me. He was an early volunteer for me and believes in the same ideals I do. 1/2
February 3, 2026 at 12:06 AM
Tomorrow is the election to fill the seat previously held by Sean Ryan. I already early voted for Jeremy Zellner and I ask you to do the same.
Jeremy has worked hard for more than 20 years electing democrats, including me. He was an early volunteer for me and believes in the same ideals I do. 1/2
Jeremy has worked hard for more than 20 years electing democrats, including me. He was an early volunteer for me and believes in the same ideals I do. 1/2
Erie County is proud to provide funding for 13 local municipal projects through our 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards.
This funding will strengthen infrastructure and improve the quality of life across our county - from senior center upgrades to parks and transit services. 1/2
This funding will strengthen infrastructure and improve the quality of life across our county - from senior center upgrades to parks and transit services. 1/2
February 2, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Erie County is proud to provide funding for 13 local municipal projects through our 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards.
This funding will strengthen infrastructure and improve the quality of life across our county - from senior center upgrades to parks and transit services. 1/2
This funding will strengthen infrastructure and improve the quality of life across our county - from senior center upgrades to parks and transit services. 1/2
For #BlackHistoryMonth today we honor King Peterson, a trailblazing politician who served on the Erie County Board of Supervisors and the Buffalo Common Council. Among other issues, Peterson focused on community development & championed the labor movement. Learn more loom.ly/Y_kTWg8
February 2, 2026 at 5:01 PM
For #BlackHistoryMonth today we honor King Peterson, a trailblazing politician who served on the Erie County Board of Supervisors and the Buffalo Common Council. Among other issues, Peterson focused on community development & championed the labor movement. Learn more loom.ly/Y_kTWg8
Because of the efforts of thousands to learn CPR, Erie County has been designated a HEARTSafe Community and now your workplace can receive the designation, too. 1/3
February 2, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Because of the efforts of thousands to learn CPR, Erie County has been designated a HEARTSafe Community and now your workplace can receive the designation, too. 1/3
Liam Ramos and his father Adrian are back home after a judge ordered their release, where they should have always been.
Why is that? Because they legally entered the country at a point of entry using our CBP app to schedule an appointment seeking asylum, doing everything they were supposed to. 1/2
Why is that? Because they legally entered the country at a point of entry using our CBP app to schedule an appointment seeking asylum, doing everything they were supposed to. 1/2
February 2, 2026 at 3:22 AM
Liam Ramos and his father Adrian are back home after a judge ordered their release, where they should have always been.
Why is that? Because they legally entered the country at a point of entry using our CBP app to schedule an appointment seeking asylum, doing everything they were supposed to. 1/2
Why is that? Because they legally entered the country at a point of entry using our CBP app to schedule an appointment seeking asylum, doing everything they were supposed to. 1/2
🧵 What a fantastic night at the Wilson County Democratic Party Chili Cook Off Dinner!
More than 600 attended to hear speakers such as Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Justin Jones, and more, eat tasty chili, enjoy the fellowship of others, and address, as Dr. King said, the fierce urgency of now. 1/2
More than 600 attended to hear speakers such as Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Justin Jones, and more, eat tasty chili, enjoy the fellowship of others, and address, as Dr. King said, the fierce urgency of now. 1/2
February 1, 2026 at 1:27 PM
🧵 What a fantastic night at the Wilson County Democratic Party Chili Cook Off Dinner!
More than 600 attended to hear speakers such as Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Justin Jones, and more, eat tasty chili, enjoy the fellowship of others, and address, as Dr. King said, the fierce urgency of now. 1/2
More than 600 attended to hear speakers such as Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Justin Jones, and more, eat tasty chili, enjoy the fellowship of others, and address, as Dr. King said, the fierce urgency of now. 1/2
3 years ago 50 people showed up to the Wilson County Democratic Party Dinner. Tonight there are more than 600. 600!
There is no doubt Democrats are fired up here. They ARE going to flip seats and I'm proud to help them through NDCO and Boosting Future Leaders Onward. #BlueWave2026
There is no doubt Democrats are fired up here. They ARE going to flip seats and I'm proud to help them through NDCO and Boosting Future Leaders Onward. #BlueWave2026
February 1, 2026 at 2:22 AM
3 years ago 50 people showed up to the Wilson County Democratic Party Dinner. Tonight there are more than 600. 600!
There is no doubt Democrats are fired up here. They ARE going to flip seats and I'm proud to help them through NDCO and Boosting Future Leaders Onward. #BlueWave2026
There is no doubt Democrats are fired up here. They ARE going to flip seats and I'm proud to help them through NDCO and Boosting Future Leaders Onward. #BlueWave2026
Little 5 year-old Liam and his father are ordered to be released. A ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark time.
Breaking news: A federal judge ordered 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father to be released from federal immigration custody after the pair was detained in Minnesota last week, sparking outrage nationwide.
Judge orders release of 5-year-old detained by ICE in Minneapolis
Below his signature on the order, the judge included a photo of Liam Ramos as he was taken into custody wearing a Spider-Man backpack and bright blue hat.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 31, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Little 5 year-old Liam and his father are ordered to be released. A ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark time.