Last Thursday West Side Neighborhood Housing Services held its annual members meeting at the agency’s Connecticut Street headquarters. On the agenda were two items that, at first blush, seem disconnected: first, elections for board positions; second, a name change for the organization, to Greater Buffalo Neighborhood Housing Sevices.

This week, most of us turn our thoughts to food and family. But for many in the LGBT community, Thanksgiving is a lonely time. Some LGBT individuals don’t have the support of a welcoming family during the holidays. In fact, many people not just LGBTs, want to come together to share food and conversation. Sometimes they do it for a good cause.

The Broadway Market, which shed its old management less than a month ago, marks the beginning of the holiday season this weekend with its second annual Christmas Fair. Patterned European holiday markets, the two-day event showcases work by craftsmen selling a wide variety of goods, from artisanal cheeses to Christmas decorations and toys. Visiting holiday vendors will join year-round Broadway Public Market merchants selling fresh meats, poultry, fish, produce, and baked goods. Special holiday Polish sausage with marjoram will be on sale at the Market’s butcher shops.