Mark Croce/Artspace/Buffalo Culture Pg. 30 on the Ice/Hearts for Homeless/Hot Chocolate

Mark Croce/Artspace/Buffalo Culture pg. 30 On The Ice/Hearts for Homeless/Hot Chocolate

uffalo has gotten a bad rap when it comes to weather, especially win-

ter. We all know that our region, on a typical winter enjoys our fair share

of snow, like any city in the Northeast. But, for a Bnumber of reasons Buffalo has gotten the

reputation of being one of the snow capitals of the country. On page 22 we (with the help of a number of data miners including buffaloresearch.com) debunk some of the

myths about our region’s weather and yet our cover story celebrates the region’s assets when it comes to things to enjoy in the winter, namely skiing. It’s an interesting di- chotomy. On one hand we despise the label of our city being a snow capital and on the other hand we have assets that help us enjoy the colder months. There is one camp that tries to educate the country that Buffalo really isn’t the snow capital the country thinks it is. On the other hand ski resorts and winter sports lovers try to convince locals to get out and embrace the cold and enjoy winter activities. In our cover story and throughout this issue you will find that tension existing, it’s something that Buffalonians live with. Also in this issue we introduce THRiVE! For A Cause a new initiative adopting a worthy cause and an affiliated non-profit. Then we educate readers, support local busi- - ness and raise awareness and money for a hard working non-profit. This issue we selected Hearts for the Homeless, a ministry based in Buffalo’s Riverside District on Buffalo’s West Side. In this new section you can explore the issue of poverty and homelessness and then get involved by participating in our 30 Day Challenge. The - - challenge will take place the month of March and you can stay in touch, participate and win cool prizes by liking us on Facebook and or by subscribing to our daily email for the 30 Days. Your participation can and will make a difference. Thanks again for reading and as always feel free to send your comments and opinions to [email protected]. - Thanks,

Kyle Patterson, Publisher and Editor

World Juniors Terry Pegula Tom Goliasano Statler Towers Waterfront Larry Quinn Hunters Hope Day for Kids POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT Train terminal bldg. Salvation army Michael Bloomberg comment Excel leadership program, Americorps ceo steps down Response to Japan

The Winter

Fun

City

Winter doesn’t have to be a drag. Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy the season.

Kawelle, a Buffalo based non-profit organization serving and supplying distressed schools, students and teachers in Liberia and Kenya hosted its first “Ugly Sweater” 5k Run/Walk to raise funds for schools in Liberia and Kenya on Saturday, December 10th. The race started and finished on Glen Avenue near Glen Falls Park in Williamsville. With a donation of $25 participants were able to participate in the 5k while wearing their ugliest holiday sweater. They also received a free hooded sweatshirt at the end of the race. All profits from the sale of registration went toward helping with the mission of supplying schools in Liberia and Kenya with adequate school supplies. With proper and adequate educational resources, a virtuous and thorough education can be provided in the efforts of escaping unrelenting poverty. For more information you can visit www.kawelle.org.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 25 HR. BUSINESS MAKEOVER MERCYME CANALSIDE

The annual New Year’s Ball Ad Agency Crowley Webb award- MERCYME and special guest The search for an anchor drop in downtown Buffalo ed their newest client You And Bebo Norman came to the Uni- tenant continues at Canalside behind the Electric Tower Who, a Buffalo based t-shirt de- versity of Buffalo’s Center for the with the community speaking attracted another great year signer and producer (with a cool Arts this past December for a out in favor of a local tenant end turn out. Independent mission to give away one shirt night of Christmas inspiration. rather than a heavily subsi- Health has been sponsoring every time you buy one similar to The strong dedication that Mer- dize national chain that takes healthy New Year’s Eve cele- Toms Shoes) with a 25 hour work cyMe has shown to their music money away from the local brations in Western New York day (straight through, no breaks, and ideology has helped the band economy. including First Night Buffalo etc) doing what Crowley Webb reach a higher level of success than and the ball drop for a number does best--identity, design, brand- many of their contemporaries. of years and continues to ing and strategy for the startup to Their career first took off in 2001 attract a big turn out. take them to the next level in their with the number one crossover business. smash, "I Can Only Imagine."

MAC SNOWMEN FORTS

IGLOO TUBING

cocoa

PLOWS

snoweverywhere FUN FIRES SKIING

HOT CHOCOLATE FISHING

WALKS BAKING SKATING SLEDDING COFFEE

Tom Brady's careless (and uninformed) comment about Buffalo hotels sparked a wave of local reaction including but not limited to The Mansion on Dela- ware Avenue (MoDA). The luxury hotel has offered Tom Brady a free night stay in the luxurious hotel in downtown Buffalo and opened up a Facebook contest for participants on Approval of UB’s NYSUNY 2020 the social media site to join in the fun. Challenge Grant application by Gov. Participants were encouraged to simply Andrew Cuomo and SUNY Chancellor post, "Tom doesn't know what he is Nancy Zimpher provides a critical piece missing" on MoDA's Facebook wall of funding needed for UB to move and share it with your friends. Overall ahead with its UB 2020 plan for aca- a fun way to build Buffalo camaraderie demic excellence. around a dirty shot at Buffalo. In securing the $35 million Chal- lenge Grant—together with additional funding provided through the NY- SUNY 2020 legislation approved by the state Legislature in June—UB will move ahead with plans to hire new Pro Football Hall of Fame Member faculty across the university, expand its and former Buffalo Bills Quarterback academic offerings and facilities for all Jim Kelly, his wife Jill, and the Hunter’s students, and relocate the School of Hope Foundation, hosted the 14th Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to Annual Hunter’s Day of Hope for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Children on Saturday, February 11 at the Buffalo Bills Healthy Zone Field- house in Orchard Park. This free community event took place from 1:00PM - 4:00PM and included food, activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Every year for the past four years Buffalo City Mission in conjunction On January 1, 2012, Mark C. Poloncarz was sworn in as Erie with technology partner Noobis County’s eighth County Executive launches their campaign to raise funds during a ceremony held at the Buffa- to continue ministering to the poor lo Niagara Convention Cen- and homeless. Since February is one of ter. Poloncarz said, “We’re going to the coldest winter months in WNY do it by working together, finding common ground, listening and re- there is no better time to do specting one another. it. Because of that—this is also the Erie County is much more than time when many families in our area any one of us or any one place. It’s must make heartbreaking choices be- urban, suburban and rural communi- tween rent costs, heating bill and feed- ties; its cities, towns, villages and ing their families. Locals are encour- even a few hamlets….And although issues and opinions differed from one aged to join and help "Stamp Out place to another, we need to realize Hunger" through hungerhunt.com. that we are all in this together. I am here today because Demo- crats and Republicans, Conservatives, Liberals and Independents put their faith in me.”

LOCAL VIBE

Joni Stovroff and team launched “Sold on Buffalo” a new initiative promoting the region. Joni Stovroff (left) and Jacque Taylor, principals of two of the fastest growing WNY companies. greatly allays employers’ concerns that their would-be employees will get the proper Members of the Stovroff introduction to our town so they get sold Taylor "Sold on Buffalo" on the area, before they decide not to take relocation team: Left to Right a position. The bad publicity about the Brendan Cunningham, Joni area and weather need to be put to rest. Stovroff, Mia Banazak, And no, it really doesn’t snow here in July Joe Genevese, Carol Esposito and August. To that end, Stovroff & Tay- lor Realtors have assembled a special team and Jacque Taylor. of agents who are sold on Buffalo themselves. Agents work with incoming out of towners and in effect, become Buffalo best good will ambassadors. The second part of the program is to give an extra something back to the community. For each home the Sabres, the Bisons, the Bandits, and sold through the program, a portion of the SOLD on Buffalo the fact that we have probably the best firm’s professional fee will either be di- and most affordable housing stock in the rected to the “Buffalo in Bloom” project— nation. It’s just a great town. From the an organization dedicated to beautifying Delaware District, to Depew, from Allen- the city through gardens or to a charity of town to East Aurora, from Snyder to the employers choosing. It’s a good thing Swormsville, Buffalo and its surrounding no matter how you cut it and numerous A lot of people may say they are sold on area is just the coolest place to live any- business owners have jumped on this value Buffalo, but there is one company that is where. We are SOLD on Buffalo.” added service in an effort to build their putting its money where its mouth is. Having said that, one of the biggest organizations and attract the best talent to Anyone that has lived here for a few years will challenges HR managers, employers, and their teams. probably have heard of the name Stovroff. relocation departments face is not so As one would expect, this won’t be the Joni Stovroff, together with her partner Jacque much getting people to take the job; it is first time Joni Stovroff (Business First Taylor are owners of two of the fastest grow- convincing them that taking the job in Woman of the Year in 2010) will be ing Western New York companies the last Buffalo is not some cruel form of punish- caught making WNY an even better place three years in a row, one of them a Real Es- ment or a bad joke. Many of you have to live. Quite to the contrary, she was also tate company, the other a travel agency. Both heard former Bills say they blanched recognized for her beautification project in of them bear the moniker of Stovroff & when they heard that they actually might 2009 by the Chamber of Commerce in Taylor. In January of 2012 they rolled out have to live in Buffalo only to hear them Orchard Park for her work in revitalizing their newest program, appropriately called change their tunes after they lived here for and improving what is now known as the “SOLD on Buffalo.” a while. The list of happy émigrés is Stovroff Center on North Buffalo Rd. As Paradoxically, neither Joni nor Jacque is extensive and so many professionals a result of her commitment and continuing from Buffalo yet both chose to make their eagerly decided to stay here and plant investment to the place she calls home, it homes here. “We love it here: the theater, the roots, long after their careers ended be- has become one of the busiest plazas in the awesome and affordable restaurants, the 20 cause they liked the Buffalo lifestyle so entire town and attracted several new and minute average commuting time, the Bills, much. That’s where this new program exciting businesses. What can I tell you, comes in. “I’m sold on Buffalo and all of its other The “SOLD on Buffalo” program is communities.”! designed to do two things. First, it

THiNK LOCAL

Di Camillo Bakery

Back in 1920 one married couple, Tomaso and Addolorata Di Camillo, took the warmth and love from their Italian kitchen and “I love working here,” said Blatner. “The customers are great generously offered it to the residents of the Niagara Falls and and a lot of fun.” Buffalo regions. They opened their first bakery on 14th street in Blatner says not only does the bakery carry traditional Italian Niagara Falls with their 11 children, who were all willing to lend bread, but they also pay homage to other heritages, as they are helping hands. While some families bond over music or sports— stocked with a wide variety of unique breads, such as the Placek, this family bonded over food. which is a Polish type of bread, Irish Sweet bread and Armenian “It started in a three story commercial building,” said Michael bread. In addition they also sell cracked wheat bread, whole bread, Di Camillo, grandson of Tomas and Addolorata. “The store was on rye bread, home-style bread and round bread. the first floor, the bakery was in the cellar and they lived on the At Christmas time the bakery also sells their seasonal Panettone third floor. The building is still standing.” bread, which they wrap in festive shiny red paper topped with a Michael, who currently works in the bakery, continues the tra- bow to celebrate the holiday season. dition of making their famous Italian bread and cookies, along with “Panettone is an Italian type of sweet bread and ours are a wide variety of other savory treats that were once delivered to brought right in from Italy,” said Blatner. “They tend to sell out neighbors by horse-drawn wagons and are now sent to customers very quickly. It has a baked almond crust on top. It’s delicious just all over the world. on its own, toasted and some people buy it to make French toast. “I think there’s like four leading items, but the main one is the There are fruits in it and again it’s very traditional Italian.” Italian breads that we make, which are the Scaletta breads,” said The specialty desserts at Di Camillo look just as delicious as Michael. “Our Biscotti we ship all over the world. Locally in the they taste and are made to perfection, while remaining reasonable retail stores certainly our peanut donuts and Romano pizza are in price. popular too.” “As far as the pastries my favorite would be the Napoleon,” said The Scaletta bread is a handmade loaf that is also referred to as Blatner. “There are two different types of cream in it, then it’s Italian “curly bread.” This hearty bread is crusty on the outside and topped with chocolate, so it’s pretty much perfect.” soft on the inside. It can only be shipped out on Mondays and Other treats on the menu to satisfy any sweet tooth include the Tuesdays to ensure freshness, which is one aspect they go to great éclair, cannoli, tiramisu, custard puff, Napoleon, ladylock, chocolate lengths to guarantee. Their Scaletta breads range from $2.65 for a fudge tart, walnut butter tart and mini Cassatta cake. These desserts small loaf to $4.65 for a large loaf. range from $1.10 being the cheapest for the custard puff and $4.99 JoAnn “Distefano” Blatner has been an employee at Di Camillo for the mini-Cassatta cake, being the most expensive. Bakery at the Williamsville location for two years. Along with these desserts they also sell doughnuts, which include the peanut stix, chocolate iced custard, chocolate iced cream, (Continued pg. 51) special advertising section SHOP LOCAL BUFFALO

877-58-PEACE (73223) www.RKLFinancial.com GOOD

ya. since the teachers there receive no sala- mission is focused around empowering ry; only that which the non-profit FOH those communities, helping them to be- donates. As we began planning the trip, come self-sufficient, and aiding in getting FOH arranged for us to stay with a teacher the resources to them they need. Our mis- they sponsor named Paul. We began speak- sion is simply the dreams and aspirations ing with Paul about what we could do at that already exist within the students of the school once we arrived. We never took these communities. the missions trip with FOH, because we soon realized that Paul and Kanyamedha How can people get involved? Mixed Secondary school was in much need People can get involved through any num- for something greater than just two people ber of ways: looking for a missions trip; they needed 1) Pray school supplies and professional develop- 2) Spread the word by educating others An Interview with Co-Founder and ment that could be investments for the about the need that exists within these Director of Kawelle, Dan Corrigan. future of their students. We saw a commu- communities. Doing this first will then Kawelle serves children in Africa with nity with leaders who would take hold of help people to want to get more involved school supplies and other needed resources. and pursue their missions to succeed, but with any of the suggestions below. they needed help. 3) Hold a Kawelle fundraiser such as a gift Why Africa? What stirred your heart to We decided that we needed to do some- basket auction, garage sale, office gather- start a non-profit supporting education thing for these two communities and soon ing, benefit dinner, etc. overseas? asked friends of ours, Courtney McCann 4) Organize clubs in your school, child's and Yan Shmatnik, if they would volunteer school, or college that support Kawelle First, as a teacher by trade education is a in adopting a mission to help bring the with educating, fundraising, and supply passion of mine and I have become well dreams of these students to fruition, thus collecting. Service clubs can be a huge aware of how a focus in education can starting Kawelle. Both are extremely talent- help. change lives and make dreams of students ed, humble, and passionate individuals. Yan 5) Attend our events. We hold a few come true. It wasn't until college that I does web and graphic design through his events a year that we hope are family fun realized how fortunate I was growing up business, Klyk Studios and offered to create and enjoyable for all who attend. Attend- to receive a free public education that the web appeal of Kawelle. Courtney aids ance at these events helps raise awareness would allow me to pursue any avenue I with her resilient attitude, willingness to and funds for Kawelle. chose. It’s something most students here make a difference, extremely creative ideas, 6) Donate any denomination to Kawelle in the states take for granted by wanting and as Kawelle's sole grant writer. through our website. We are 100% volun- days off, enjoying days where a substitute teer with no staff and all donations go teacher may just show a video, or by put- Your working on sending your first con- strictly towards our cause. ting forth limited effort to just get by. I tainer of supplies, what do you was inspired through many texts which hope it accomplishes and where described the educational systems over- specifically is it going? seas and how they very much differed The supplies will be going to both from what I was used to. My growing the school in Bong County Libe- knowledge of various oversea educational ria and the school in Kisumu Ken- systems grew further when I met my ya. They will provide students the wife, Jaclyn, who spent many months ability to receive a better, more volunteering in Liberia as a dental hy- profitable education. Their imagi- gienist. She met numerous young people nations will be put to work and become a part of the community through the novels they receive. while she was there. She told me stories The expansion of knowledge on and showed me pictures of the lives of topics they never heard of will be the youth in Liberia and the in-adequate gained from the textbooks they educational system where students have receive. They will be able to study what they Where do you see the organization in five no supplies and resources to attend have learned due to being able to take years? schools, and where in many rural areas books home with backpacks and the re- We hope to have regular donors and part- there is no school to even attend. The viewing of notes they took using pencils nerships, sponsorships and scholarships need is much greater in the areas we serve and paper. for students, have the teachers receiving and our passion for Africa stems from our professional development become the that. What else is on your heart to do through trainers themselves for newer teachers, The second area of focus, Kisumu Kawelle? and create a holistic school in each com- Kenya, came through discussions with Never will Kawelle be an organization that munity by creating sports programs and Future in Our Hands (FOH) which thinks we know what is best for the com- youth development programs.! helps to support teachers at Kanyamedha munities we serve. These communities al- Mixed Secondary school in Kisumu Ken- ready have the answers to their problems

yet lack the resources to act. Kawelle's

hile Buffalo continually lands the reputa- W tion of being the snow capital of the East, we haven't yet landed the reputation for our great ski destinations, even amongst locals much less the rest of the country.

The fact is we do, on a normal winter, get our fair share of the We’re fortunate to have multiple ski areas in WNY and it really is winter flurries but with the snow we also have a variety of a fun way to embrace the “white gold” that may come off of Lake options (namely skiing in this article) to get out and enjoy the Erie by the foot!” snow and the cold rather than just shovel it. And for the winters In this spirit of enjoying the white gold we have uncovered when we don't necessarily get all the snow we had expected, our some of the destinations that make Western New York a destina- resorts are equipped with the equipment to make it and keep it tion ski town. While we don't have the mountains of Colorado or as long as the temperatures remain cold. Vermont, collectively our region has plenty of ways to get out and Pre-historic Nordic people and Sami skied to assist in hunt- break the winter blues. Skiing is one of those sports that once you ing, military maneuvers, and as a practical means of transporta- learn, you're pretty much good for life. While life throws the curves tion. The main purpose one could fairly say was the survival of at you where you miss a season or two, once you strap the skies winter. In modern times skiing is still serving the same purpose if back on, it's like you never left. Here's a quick look at what West- you think about it. It continues to serve as a survival of sorts for ern New York has to offer from beginner to advanced. the long winter months. Now we may not think about it like that on the forefront but it’s true, Buffalonians and any area sustain- Holiday Valley ing 3-4 months of cold needs something to escape the routine Holiday Valley is known as the Aspen of the East because of the and drudgery of the winter months and skiing has been doing similar quaint towns with shops, boutiques, quality restaurants and that since its inception. The sport has since of course progressed entertainment options that surround both resorts. The resort has into a popular recreational and athletic hobby for those with the garnered an incredible reputation for its ability to deliver a great ski means and at times dare to enjoy it. Tim Fancher of Lockport experience time and again with great amenities surrounding the has been enjoying the winter months this year with his 6-year resort. Holiday Valley includes fifty-eight slopes and 13 lifts old twins at Kissing Bridge. He stated, "Skiing is definitely a life (including three high speed quads) that are spread over four dis- sport and the perception of future winters with my wife and kids tinct faces that offer challenging steeps, gentle cruisers, glades and includes enjoying this as a family! It’s hard to describe the awe- fun terrain parks. A mountain coaster ride adds to the wintertime some feeling of cruising down a nicely groomed slope but it’s thrills. Three beautiful base lodges provide full service dining, mar- something I would encourage everyone to try at least once. ketplaces and coffee bars as well as ski and snowboard rentals and repair. Fantastic children’s ski programs and on-site day

care means convenience and flexibility for families. Comfortable Holimont lodging is available on the slopes and in nearby Ellicottville, a A private ski resort started in 1961 in Ellicottville, Holimont has quaint ski town with shops, restaurants and après-ski fun. been serving families and sports enthusiasts for over 50 years. The amenities provided attract regular skiers from Canada, Touted as North America’s largest private ski area devoted to Pennsylvania and Ohio on a regular basis. New for this year, in family skiing adventures (without the normal crowds because it is January the resort opened SnowPine Quad Chairlift, a $650,000 private), Holimont offers over 50 slopes and trails and 8 lifts to get chairlift and Holiday Valley’s tenth quad chairlift. The lift was con- you out and about. Located 32 miles from Buffalo, weekday visits structed over the summer by the resort’s Mountain Crew and has a are open to non-members. capacity of 1,600 skiers per hour almost doubling the capacity of a double chair and enhancing the ski-in, ski-out access to the Peek-N-Peak SnowPine Village condominiums. Holiday Valley is recommend- Roughly 80 miles from Buffalo, Peek-N-Peak offers 7 days a week ed for intermediate to advanced skiers and is approximately 32 skiing on 27 slopes and trails serviced by eight chairlifts and an miles from Buffalo. extensive snow making system. Ski/snowboard equipment and helmet rentals are available as well as lessons for all levels given by Kissing Bridge trained, professional instructors. Turn a trip to Peek-N-Peak into Kissing Bridge located in Glenwood, NY prides itself on creating a a mini vacation with a visit to nearby Splash Lagoon, a fun family fun and stimulating ski experience for the whole family. The 36 experience. At Peek-N-Peak you'll enjoy miles of terrain for cross slopes measure a full 1-1/4 miles wide, encompass 700 acres of country skiing and snowshoeing, snow tubing for all ages, three terrain and are served by nine lifts. The slopes are divided into the progression terrain parks and half pipe and direct access to the North, Central, and South areas, and are serviced by two base Chautauqua Lake snowmobile trail system lodges, a ski and snowboard shop and full rental facilities. With snow making capabilities and plenty of kids programs to get the Emery Park whole family on skis, Kissing Bridge has become the premier ski Emery Park located just past East Aurora in South Wales is the resort in Erie County. The 700 acres that make up Kissing Bridge ideal spot for children to learn the sport of skiing. With the T-Bar are south of Orchard Park past Colden located in the country set- operating from 11 AM- 7:30 PM on weekends and holidays, and ting of Glenwood, approximately 15 miles from Buffalo. The from 3 PM- 8 PM on weekdays (weather permitting) and the difficulty level is beginner to intermediate with each slope offering cozy fireplaces at the ski lodge make Emery Park ideal for the be- a different experience. ginner skier.

1405 Olde Road Findley Lake, NY 716-355-4141 www.pknpk.com

6557 Holiday Valley 6921 Rte. 242 Ellicottville, NY 14731 Road Ellicottville 716-699-2320 Snow Phone: 716-699-4720 716-699-2345 V www.holimont.com www.holidayvalley.com

EMERY 10296 State Rd Glenwood, NY PARK 716-592-4963 Snow Phone 716-592-4961 V www.kbski.com

2084 Emery Road South Wales (716) 858-8355 www.erie.gov/parks/emery.asp

Is The Grass Greener On The Other Side? Buffalo, despite its many positive attributes has managed to get a really bad wrap when it comes to our weather. A closer look however, reveals that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side. Our examination shows it may be isolated incidences coupled with a lot of media attention that has given Buffalo this reputation.

Despite popular belief, Buffalo is not even a top ten snowiest city. Nor is our city within the

Was a year that attracted national attention to Buffalo top 10 coldest in the country. as the snow capital of the country. Though the storm wasn’t large enough to make the top 10 storms of the century, it began a “downhill slide” for the region. 2012 however is proving to reverse the curse.

(BELOW) Average July Temperatures

SOURCE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE/BUFFALORESEARCH.COM

SOURCE WEATHER.COM

Is The Grass Greener On The Other Side?

Figures as of February 16, 2012 SOURCE WWW.GOLDENSNOWBALL.COM

(BELOW) Average temperature throughout the 4 Buffalo seasons

From the months of June through August Buffalo boasts 67% sunshine, higher than comparable Northeast cities like Albany, Boston, NYC and Baltimore.

SOURCE WWW.ERSYS.COM SOURCE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE/BUFFALORESEARCH.COM ART

For A Cause N o 001

THIS IS THRIVE FOR A CAUSE. A BI-MONTHLY INSERT RAISING AWARENESS AND EDUCATING READERS ON PRACTICAL WAYS TO COMBAT ILLS FACING OUR CITY.

www.thrivebuffalo.org For A Cause

The Fight Against Homelessness

Since our inception in 1990 we have been blessed with support for the poor a larger facility in Riverside. and homeless of our city from companies, churches and individuals from This expansion would have a two-fold effect. Western New York and beyond. Over the years this support has taken First, a larger store would increase sales and many forms. People support our mission by believing in our work and they revenue having a profound effect. This would stand behind the outreach of our mobile soup kitchen. Donors provide food allow the sustainability of the mobile soup kitchen, and generous financial gifts that make a difference in the lives of people they where we reach out to the chronic homeless on don’t even know. the streets, while also providing for the new family The people of the community support Hearts Thrift Shop by donating dinner center. Second, it will allow us to open up their unwanted possessions and also by shopping in our wonderful store. In the space that will be needed for the family turn the thrift store is able help support the outreach of Hearts for the dinning center. This transformation would be an Homeless. All of this support, the many different forms it takes, is what example of what Buffalo is all about, the city of allows the continuation of Hearts for the Homeless. It is in-fact made good neighbors. possible by people such as yourself. If the last two decades have been any indica- Our expansion for the future is based on increased support from people tion of what the next two will bring we certainly like you through our donation collection bins. We see a great need in the have a lot to look forward to! Your continued Riverside community specifically and our goal is to continue expanding. This support will help us move ahead with our vision need has created a strong vision that, if achieved, will change the lives of to make a difference in the lives of the many countless families. Family dinners play a crucial role in the fabric of healthy disadvantaged families in our city. society. Our vision is to create a “free” family dining center. Together, parents and children would be able to come and enjoy a meal in a comfortable Nick Calandra serves at Chief Operating Office at Hearts for setting. To begin this vision we would first need to move our thrift store to the Homeless.

Homelessness and poverty are still a problem for select segments of Western New York. While not the most pleasant topic to focus on there is bad news and good news. The Bad News: The plague of homelessness and poverty affect more people than we care to admit. The Good News: You can be a part of the solution. Educate yourself below in our infographic and engage in our Thirty Day Challenge on the next page and through social media. The Bad News 4,000

People are homeless in Buffalo on

any given night.

1/3 of Buffalo lives at poverty

level. 85% of adults in homeless families are women. 15.1% of chronically 28% have high homeless adults are school diplomas and veterans. in some cases college.

64.9% are 33% homeless for $400 End up homeless in attempts to the first time. escape an abusive situation. The average homeless person.

In 2008 14.4% stated substance abuse 39,000 for the reason they are on the streets. of the clients served 34% 21.5% said family problems. While by The Food Bank of of households had to choose be- only 4% said unemployment. tween paying for food and rent or WNY are under 18. mortgage.

42% are concentrated in the West Side of Buffalo.

The Bad News vThe Good News

While these stats can seem overwhelming concentrated efforts at working for change can have big results. Surveys found….

4,000 The majority of poverty in Awareness starts at home. By educating Buffalo is isolated to the East our children and teaching them about and West Sides. This means the role they can play advances good concentrated efforts can have values. big impact.

For under $2 a hot meal can feed one Ministries like Hearts for the person, one time. Your left over spare Homeless are on ground zero change can keep Buffalo healthy. every night making sure homeless men, women and children have a warm meal. Research shows how important healthy family life is. Successful family life leads to Your old clothes not only help successful adult life. By working to those who don’t have access to restore healthy relationships in the family or can’t afford shopping malls there will be a chain effect. they also help support non- profits with a mission to help the Christian organizations like Hearts for community. the Homeless, Buffalo City Mission and The Salvation Army to name just a few have continually worked to help the poor in Buffalo. Many times there are Recycling old products even more to the problems of homelessness ones that can’t be salvaged or than what meets the eye. resold still helps thrift shops who can in turn sell the old material. Your involvement can make a difference. By joining in the 30 Day Challenge (next page) you can win cool stuff and get educated.

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BUFFALO CULTURE Hot Chocolate, Artspace, Buffalo Style, Buffalo Bulls, Mark Croce Ice Rinks, Paget Films, Senseless, University Heights, Elmwood Restoration

Photo provided by Holiday Valley

The Best Hot Chocolate IN TOWN

SPOT TASTE While everyone knows SPOT as the place to go While you may have a hard time getting for coffee, SPOT is becoming a popular place for through the line because of Taste’s lunch as well. They also offer one kicking cup of popularity and lack of competition in hot chocolate fittingly topped with an abundance East Aurora (Starbucks recently closed of whipped cream and cinnamon topping, the per- their location) the wait is worth it at this fect remedy for to warm up on a cold afternoon. locally owned and operated shop. An The rich combination of Ghirardella Chocolate, order of hot chocolate is served in a glass steamed milk and whipped cream is top of the line. beer mug with whipped topping by a Add to it a cookie of choice and you have the per- friendly staff making Taste one of our fect comfort food for a cold winter’s day. Other recommended stops for a fresh glass of treats include specialty coffee, upscale beverages, hot chocolate to warm you up this fresh baked goods and friendly, neighborhood-like winter. environment.

PANERA

PANERA has made a splash entrance into WNY and has been expanding with new stores on Main Street in Williamsville, Transit and Losson in Depew and more planned. Their unique approach to delightful deserts and lunch has attracted a cult like lunch following. Their hot chocolate is no different, bringing a tasty sweet treat. Recommended with a cinnamon roll.

Buffalo Style By Amy Kissling Smith

WAYS WINTER 10 TO MAXIMIZE STYLE

Wear Boots but bring your heels for inside. This way you are practical in the snow and ice and feel fashionable and sexy at the party. Nobody will look down on this, they will only wish they did the same thing as they walk around in their boots or scuffed up shoes. Mix, match and layer your sweaters. You will be warmer and look hipper. Take your turtlenecks and keep going. Add a cardigan and a belt or a short sleeve sweater of another color but keep adding for a new looks. Bring out the accessories to make some new outfits and to challenge your inner fashionista. Belt those sweaters, double the necklace, add a scarf and put a little bling in your hair to maximize your basic outfit. Switch your coat. Bring out the coat you bought but never wear or last year’s coat. IF you are like me, you own lots of coats and wear the same one every day. It has made it from your closet to the mudroom so it gets priority…change that. Wear a dress on Valentine’s day. Whether you are going on a date or out with the friends get dressed up. You have the right to look great on Valentine’s day. You don’t have to be going to a five star restaurant to wear a dress so wear one and you will feel like you are at a five star restaurant. Boots are on sale for Presidents day weekend – buy a new pair for next year. You will always need new leather boots so why not get them on sale. If yours are in good shape go for a new color – brown, camel, grey and black are always welcome in your wardrobe. Start looking at what you are wearing and what you haven’t touched this year. Put the unworn clothes together and think about getting rid of them at the end of the season. I am a true believer in getting rid of what you don’t use. Others may really appreciate them…look for a charity that would benefit from your clothes. If you put them all away at the end of the season you won’t remember next fall and they just start to pile up. Buy some new gloves, a scarf and hat. These accessories can totally change your look. I love hats that have style. Hats are so in fashion right now. If you haven’t bought a new one this season go ahead and splurge. By February you want something new to change your look, you are getting bored with your winter clothes so add a few inexpensive pieces that will change everything and make you feel stylish. Dry clean your sweaters. Not all of them, just your favorites. You have been wearing them since November…it is time to get them cleaned and a lot of sweaters require dry cleaning. Just bring a couple at a time so you aren’t stuck with a HUGE dry cleaning bill. You won’t miss a couple of sweaters out of your closet for a few days. Wear your trendy pieces. This is the end of the season and since they are IN fashion this year they may be out of style by next year. This may be your last opportunity so wear them. Most of all, enjoy your February and don’t wish it away. As you get dressed each morning, remember, a smile is your best accessory so wear it!

Amy Kissling Smith is founder of Re-Style ME a company birthed as Amy discovered how much she enjoyed helping family and friends shop for stylish clothes, find bargains, and create new looks. Amy is unique in that she delights to find new outfits using the clothes her client already owns. Then, they go shopping anywhere from designer boutiques to thrift shops to find an accessory or two to made an ordinary outfit a fashion hit. Amy is also a stay-at-home Mom who lives with her husband and 3 children.

special advertising section FASHIONABLE BUFFALO

ArtSpace Buffalo A Community Revitalization Project.

century after they enjoyed their first wave of popularity, electric vehicles are back. Advances in technology sparked car mak- ers to reintroduce “E-Vs” to the market The Remington Lofts feature a NYC Soho Loft Style Floor Plan in 2011, with seven new models to choose from. But electric vehicles actually have been around since the 1830s, when Dutch Ainventor Sibrandus Stratingh created an electromagnetic cart. From Stratingh's invention evolved cars that were manufactured in Buffalo in the early 1900s. President William McKinley was even whisked away in an electric ambulance to the hospital after being shot at the 1901 Pan-Am Exposition. David Torke, a local activist and blogger who has led historic tours for Preservation Buffalo Niagara, said the Mid-town section of Main Street was full of automobile production at the time. Electric cars were manufactured by the Buffalo Electric Carriage Company, which struggled through merger and ownership changes to become the Babcock Electric Carriage Compa- ny, then the Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company. Torke said, although Buffalo was the City of Light, the company suffered from many of the same challenges that still impede Included in each unit are custom kitchens with GE commercial grade the industry today. appliances. “You had Frank Babcock's electric vehicles priced at about $3,000 apiece, which in today's dollars is equivalent to $50,000,” Torke said. “Down the street a little bit, Henry Ford was mass producing automobiles at $500 apiece, which is equivalent to about $10,000 today.” This price disadvantage limited the company's customer base to the wealthiest consumers. “Of course, Ford wins because he was producing cars at a price point that his employees could purchase, and that was not the case with Frank Babcock,” Torke said. “His market probably included the doctors and professionals one block away on Lin- wood Avenue, where Buffalo's finest positions lived at the time.” Also like today, the company’s cars had limited power and range compared to their gasoline competition. But what was life- changing to the industry, according to Torke, was the 1913 introduction of the electric starter, which eliminated the need to With 12 different loft layout rentals to choose from, you decide what manually crank-start gasoline cars. He said this technical ad- vancement instantly elevated gasoline cars to the same easy level works best for your needs. special advertising section BUILDING BUFFALO “NOT ONLY IS THIS AN APARTMENT BUILDING, BUT I THINK THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY IS ENHANCED BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS THAT COMMON THREAD OF BEING AN ARTIST,” SAID PETOCK. “IT’S THE HEARTBEAT OF THE BUILDING.”

of operability as electric models and allowed gasoline to secure its community.” dominance for the future. The Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company building is historically The Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company manufactured and significant for its architecture and engineering design as an intact sold electric vehicles at the corner of Main and Northhampton example of an early generation automobile factory built of steel streets until 1916, when it went out of business. The building and reinforced concrete, which would later become known as the had periods of use and vacancy since. In 2005, the building was “daylight factory.” listed on the National Register of Historic Places and converted “Daylight was such a critical component of being able to by the Minneapolis-based Artspace Projects Inc. into residential work,” Meier said. “You had to make big tall windows that would lofts and commercial space for artists and arts organizations. open so you could get cross ventilation and allow daylight to go It was then that the century-old former manufacturing plant deep in the building. That’s the perfect formula for artists. We became a catalyst for other high-level investments in the neigh- saved virtually everything we could. The structure was basically left borhood. Among the development sparked by the $17 million as is.” conversion of 1219 Main Street into Artspace Buffalo Lofts was Site Manager Tracy Petock said the Artspace Buffalo Lofts are the $10 million conversion of the Packard Automobile building nearly 100 percent occupied by artists and individuals involved in at 1325 Main Street into the Packard Apartments, the $6 mil- Buffalo’s arts community, and there is a very long waiting list to lion conversion of St. Vincent’s Orphanage at 1140 Ellicott lease an apartment there. Rents are based upon income, which Street into the Health Sciences Charter School and the restora- helps struggling artists, and there are many common areas where tion of nearby Coe Place and its Queen Anne-style homes. residents can gather, share ideas, and exhibit their work. Artspace is the nation’s leading non-profit real estate developer “Not only is this an apartment building, but I think the sense for the arts. Its mission is to use the arts as an economic develop- of community is enhanced because everyone has that common ment engine. So it was especially fitting to reuse a building origi- thread of being an artist,” said Petock. “It’s the heartbeat of the nally purposed to manufacture electric cars. building.” “The City of Buffalo originally contacted us to do a project “I think the thing that we’re most proud of is how engaged that and Buffalo scored very high on all our criteria,” said Wendy community of artists is in the neighborhood and in their own Holmes, Artspace Senior Vice President of Consulting. “We did sense of collaboration and maturity,” said Holmes. “They’re pro- due diligence on four or five sites. This site on Main Street was gramming the gallery more, they’re doing more things in the com- very important to the community at the time because it was at munity, they’re doing all the things that we hoped could happen the end of the one subway stop in Buffalo, it was a perceived as a result of these artists being together in one place. It’s a pretty dividing line between a traditionally African-American commu- phenomenal community that I think sometimes the rest of the nity and a Caucasian community, it was near a growing medical country doesn’t know a lot about.” campus and it was also in the midst of a very poor neighborhood Buffalo is full of similar buildings begging for reuse. Holmes where they wanted to have some positive economic change.” said the company is currently having quiet discussions about a Holmes said Artspace has completed 30 similar projects across second project in another neighborhood of the city and working to the United States and 14 others are in various stages of develop- sign a new non-profit arts and science organization to occupy the ment. Matthew Meier, the project leader on Artspace Buffalo commercial space on the first floor of Artspace Buffalo Lofts be- Lofts for HHL Architects, said the National Trust for Historic ginning in 2012.! Preservation toured the property during its October conference in Buffalo. “Buildings back then were built for permanence in such a way that today allow us to do a variety of things to them and still make them really big contributors, not only in the landscape of the street but the community,” Meier said. “Not only did Artspace see a good building for adaptive reuse, but it was an opportunity to begin to have art fix some of the ills of the

special advertising section BUILDING BUFFALO ACTIVE BUFFALO special advertising section

Sports Illustrated.

“It makes me feel good. It makes me

feel like my hard work has paid off,” said

McCrea, 19, who played scholastically for

Newark High, a mid-sized school east of

Rochester. “I know I still got more to go.

I can work harder. So, that’s what pushes

me. “ big offseason for Javon McCrea senior Titus Robinson and junior Tony Wat- “I think he was always confident, but has translated into a fast start for son. I’m sure it gave him a little more confi- the University at Buffalo men’s And then, there’s the play of McCrea. dence,” Bulls head coach Reggie With- basketball team. The 6-foot-7 sophomore forward has been erspoon said of McCrea’s strong showing The Bulls have been victorious a dominant figure for the Bulls this season, at the USA Basketball camp. “More than A in sixteen of their first twenty averaging team highs in points (16.8 ppg) anything else, I think it validated what he three games this season, and can point to a num- and rebounds (8.6 rpg), while also handing thought, what he believes. You’ve got this ber of key factors to their success: out 2.2 assists per game and shooting nearly ‘it,’ whatever ‘it’ is, and you want to take 62 percent from the floor. His performance it to another level and see if it works  A balanced scoring attack that relies on the this season builds upon an eventful offseason there. You know it works for you where outside shooting of senior guard Zach that included an opportunity to compete for a you are, but will it work there? I think in Filzen (averaging 16.0 points and four 3- spot on USA Basketball’s U-19 team. his mind, it validated his belief that it pointers per game) and the deft touch of McCrea had an impressive camp and was the would.” last player cut from that squad, a fact not UB’s big men, including senior Mitchell Not that there were too many ques- forgotten by those who assemble preseason Watt (14.0 ppg). tions about McCrea after his stellar fresh- previews and rankings. McCrea was named  Strong team defense, which is allowing a man season at UB. The Mid-American one of the top 100 players in the nation tad less than 64 points per game . Conference (MAC) Freshman of the (ranking at No. 91) by CBSsports.com and  And, buckets of quality minutes from their Year, McCrea excelled as the Bulls’ sixth was one of five players poised to have a bench, including big contributions from man last year, averaging 11.8 points and breakout season in 2011-12, according to (Continued pg. 51)

Mark Croce Buffalo Development Corporation Statler City, LLC Article and photo by Kyle Patterson

Mark Croce didn't need the Statler Towers. It wasn't that he didn't have enough to do. With numerous restaurants and night clubs in Buffalo, the man doesn't need more business opportunities. His restaurants are some of the most successful in the city--Buffalo Chophouse and Darcy McGee's to name a couple. He is also involved in a separate hotel project on Franklin Street and has a family of his own. Yet after years of watching the Statler change ownership, go through bankruptcy proceeding, defaults and failed attempts to develop one of Buffalo’s landmark buildings Mark Croce stepped in, doing what others said couldn’t be done. Even Andrew Rudnick of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership said the property needed to be torn down. Croce however saw what others did- n’t and in doing so has made himself the poster boy amongst historic preservation groups who couldn't be more happy with what he is doing. His secret? Re- store the Statlerrs to the original intent of the building—an entertainment and hospitality centerpiece in the middle of the city. Where other developers looked at it from a purely office building perspective and doubted the potential, Croce saw the opportunity to capitalize on weddings, banquets, restaurants, a night club, office and residential space and a possible hotel, bringing the building back to life again as a multi-use space. "Everyone has a story about the Statler," Cro- ce said in response to the support his work has garnered from the community. While Buffalo is known for supporting good causes, Croce and the Statlers are no exception. With over 12,000 fans on Facebook, weddings and banquets being booked weekly, Croce is already seeing a return on some of the nearly 4 million dollars he invested in it of his own money. Still waiting for grant money to come from the City of Buffalo for some of the exterior renovations, Croce is moving forward at lightning speed including a successful Ice Ball event on New Years where close to 200 workers were hard at work at any given time in the building. For now though Croce is enjoying a bit of the lime light with his step of faith transforming the once dilapidated building into a cultural icon once again. He appears to have once again succeeded where others said it couldn’t be done.!

special advertising section FRIENDLY BUFFALO PLACES

Rotary Rink Time Warner Classic Rink Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza is celebrating its 12th Anniversary Shortly after the historic 2008 Winter Classic Game at Ralph season as Downtown Buffalo’s only free-to-the-public outdoor Wilson Stadium The Winter Classic portable rink system was skating rink. Rotary Rink was completed in 1991 after more than purchased and erected as a tribute rink to this historic event in the a decade of planning and design and is named after the Rotary center of the Village of East Aurora. The Winter Classic rink is Club of Buffalo, who generously made a $500,000 commitment to now operating under an open-sided pavilion roof in East Aurora. the project. In 1998, Buffalo Place Inc. partnered with the City of The rink also offers Learn-to-Skate and Beginner Hockey pro- Buffalo to manage the outdoor skating Rink in Downtown Buffa- grams including "Mommy, Daddy and Me" program for pre- lo, offering free ice-skating and the unique opportunity to skate schoolers. The rink provides a great opportunity to learn to skate outdoors in an urban setting. Located in close proximity to the for parents and kids. Theatre and Entertainment Districts of Downtown and surround- ed by many of Buffalo’s award winning eateries, Rotary Rink is an important initiative to the continued success of Downtown Buffa- Northtown Center lo. The free, above-ground Light Rail Rapid Transit systems The 1,800-seat multipurpose arena in Amherst located adjacent to offers skaters easy transport to and from Buffalo’s exciting destina- UB North features three NHL regulation-sized ice sheets as well tions. as an Olympic-sized ice sheet. The facility also has a roller hockey Holiday Twin Rinks rink, sports training facility, restaurant, and pro shop. The Northtown Center also serves as a practice facility for the Built during the Buffalo hockey fever of 1971 when the Sabres Buffalo Sabres and is the home to the University at Buffalo Bulls came to town, Holiday Twin Rinks has been serving everyone men's ice hockey team competing at the ACHA Division I level from senior leagues to mini-mite kids leagues to open skates and in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey League as well as the home of everything in between. Holiday Twin Rinks on Broadway in Buffalo Wings, a professional inline hockey team competing in Cheektowaga may not be the most luxurious rink in town but it Major League Roller Hockey. The rink also serves the Buffalo Jr. gets the job done when it come to providing a smooth set of ice Sabres of the Ontario Junior A Hockey League. The arena is when you need it. From early mornings to mid-night skates and at home to several local high school ice hockey teams, and is used by all times during the day you can find someone or somebody at local figure skating clubs, youth, and adult recreational ice hockey Holiday. The rinks also serve as home to multiple championship leagues, as well as public skating.! winning Buffalo Regals youth hockey association.

special advertising section ROAMING BUFFALO

ARTS

By Vanessa Oswald

uffalo is the empire state’s best kept secret. Sometimes our city gets a bad rap for the way the media portrays us in the news or because we’re not at the top of everyone’s vacation destination list because of the whole winter perception. Despite the fact that we have this reputation, the people who inhabit the Queen City know different, and people like John Paget set the example by shining a positive light on Buffalo and showing the rest of the country what we as a city have to offer. “When I first got here people would ask me, ‘Why did you come here, did you lose a bet?’” said 41-year-old Paget. Paget who is originally from Olympia, Washington moved to Buffalo in 2005. He says it was like the city had someB sort of gravitational pull on him, and since moving here a lot of his documentaries seem to portray themes that sort of align with the essence of Buffalo. “If you look at the themes of a lot of my work it has to do with telling the stories of people or things that have been misunderstood or forgotten or neglected or undervalued,” said Paget. From Elvis impersonators to Alcatraz to Route 66 to his newest venture, “Believe,” which takes a look at the lives of real-bearded Santa Clauses; Paget’s subjects are all pretty much out of the ordinary. How he stumbled upon filmmaking though wasn’t unusual, through working for his high school’s student-run news station. “Our high school had a news service,” he said. “They would shoot and produce their own news program. I got involved with that and sort of enjoyed doing that. I didn’t know then that I necessarily wanted to do that for a living or anything. I didn’t have any plans for that, but that’s kind of why I started doing it.” Since his high school days, Paget has accrued a cabinet full of documentary ideas. His inspiration stems from several different places, such as photo essays, coffee tables books and The New Yorker. Basically, he spends a lot of time in used bookstores. “My ideas come from stuff I read,” said Paget. “I read a lot of non-fiction, like the New York Times, New York Times Magazine or The New Yorker. I use human interest stories, like the odd stories that you read about.”

special advertising section ARTISTIC BUFFALO

camera, he realized there was more to them than just a wig and Paget also tries to add various aesthetic shiny suit. “What I try to do with my elements within his pieces through a films is portray the passion, art- istry, dedication and sincerity and series of different shots, which can really kind of dignify who they are and what they are,” said Pa- display a whirlwind of emotion from get. “I think that’s what made the film the success it was. Yeah, it’s humor to drama while still maintaining comedic, but all of the impersonators in the film are among the the realness of every situation. proudest of the film.” Paget also tries to add various aesthetic elements within his pieces through a series of different shots, which can display a It was in a used bookstore where it dawned on him that Elvis whirlwind of emotion from humor to drama while still maintain- impersonators would be an unusual, yet intriguing subject for a ing the realness of every situation. documentary. “I would say his strengths are that he is super creative and hard “There was this little photo book of Elvis impersonators, black -working,” said Robin Paget. “I’ve never ever known him to cut and white photos,” he said. “Just seeing the richness of the visuals corners when he’s working. He will do whatever it takes to get the in some of these photo books sort of inspires you. I get a lot of in- right shot.” spiration from great imagery.” “Alcatraz Reunion” is Paget’s favorite documentary he’s made Some of Paget’s other influences have come from distinguished to date. The documentary follows a group of ex-cons as they reu- filmmakers as well, like Godfrey Reggio, Terrence Malick and nite with the guards who used to torture them while they served Woody Allen. their time at the famous prison. Now it’s known as a popular Reggio, an American director from New Orleans, focuses on tourist spot where people can visit and learn about the prison’s experimental documentary film work, and caught Paget’s eye be- haunting history. cause of the unconventional and groundbreaking nature of his “It’s an amazing story because these guys would have killed films. each other,” said Paget. “If you can imagine, today it would be the “Yes he’s inspired me,” said Paget. “You always have to say that equivalent of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Imagine 50 years from with a grain of humility because you’re not comparing yourself at now they have a reunion and the guards who tortured those ter- all, but he really has influenced my sort of style.” rorists are now having a picnic with their children and their Some of John’s most recent work, such as “Alcatraz Reun- grandchildren are hanging out and they’re friends now.” ion” (2008) and “Almost Elvis” (2001) have captivated several audi- Each one of Paget’s films comes to fruition after he has ex- ences at film festivals all over country and earned him numerous plored down avenues that no one else has gone down, or as in awards. fully in-depth, and finds the real story behind these people, places, Paget’s films delve into the lives of people who the general pub- or things that have gone unnoticed or have been misconstrued, lic wouldn’t normally think about on an everyday basis, but they are like Buffalo itself in some cases. people who are passionate and have meaningful and riveting stories “I feel like Buffalo is a city that is the epitome of all of that: to tell. the underdog, the forgotten town, the empire that was left be- “I really admire him because he is really fascinated by groups hind, the abandoned place. I think I was destined to come here. It that are more on the margins of society like Elvis impersonators was part of my nature or something.” and ex-cons and the subculture Route 66,” said Robin Paget, his Besides showing his documentaries on the film festival circuit, wife of three years. She first met John in 2005 at a party when he Paget’s films have also been aired on PBS, Documentary Channel was talking about an Elvis impersonator that died onstage. “He’s and Ovation. He is also currently producing a series of commis- really interested in those people and that’s just so cool because he sioned short films for the Buffalo Convention & Visitors Bureau. doesn’t dismiss people because they may be different or weird.” Paget also owns his own media company True Blue Buffalo, As Paget put together “Almost Elvis” he realized that normally which creates episodic online programs and branded content.! Elvis impersonators are perceived as the butt of the joke, but when really getting to know them from behind a camera and off

FAITH

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!'...... So he got up and went to his father." Luke 15:17,20

brother gets hacked off. Dad shows him love too. End of story. Ok, so I condensed it and did no justice to the narrative itself. Go back and read the whole story and live in it (Luke 15:11- 32), then look closely to see where YOU are in the story. My guess is that you can find yourself there (and don't say that you are the father). This story raised some questions for me, like: How much good can I handle? Can I get to a place that I have more available to me than my character can sustain? Do I ever ask for more than I am prepared for? But this story also gave me some incredible truth, even hope. I learned that I have available to me more than I realize from the Father, and I have the potential to squander it if independent of the Father, but to know and receive the Father's indescribable love alleviates the fear of both. Maybe the core thing that I learned is that it is senseless not to get up and go to the Father (note v.17,20). When the Father offers that kind of love, that kind of forgiveness, that kind of restoration...it lacks all the sense I have to stay wallowing in the mud. In fact, when we stay in the mud, we dull our senses. Coming to Father makes our senses live again. Think of the senses mentioned in this creative piece: "Touching the Father's love is a sweet embrace, a big ole bear hug, a kiss on the face Hearing the Father's love is a symphony of soul, it's music enough to make me whole You know the story - the parable of the prodigal son as some Seeing the Father's love is an irrational treat, a ring on my fin- call it. I like to call it "The Portrait of the Father's Love." Ei- ger? shoes on my feet? ther way, you know the story. Tasting the Father's love is the choicest of fare, the swine are for- Young man gets itchy for his coming inheritance. Dad gotten with a feast in the air gives it to him. Young man goes out partying, in the words of But Knowing the Father's love, ah, that stands alone; Yes, know- Prince, like it's 1999. Young man blows everything and is living the Father's love - that's what brings me home." ing on the bottom side of life (don't know if it gets much worse It's senseless not to come to the Father.! than the pig pen). Young man comes to his senses and decides to return home just to work like a slave. Young man is blown —Jerry Gillis is Lead Pastor of The Chapel at away that Dad runs to him, kisses him, puts a robe on him, Crosspoint in Getzville. gives him a ring, and throws a huge barbeque for him. Older

As one navigates the geography of the city of Buffalo, there are a the median level of rent is $580 and the median price of a home dearth of different expressions and views of the city. One that is in that area is $75,185 . Comparatively, these levels are higher perhaps the most intriguing to me, because of my proximity to it, is than in other portions of the city (excluding Elmwood Village), the University Heights area of Northeast Buffalo. Through my my- but they are still a manageable ask for those inhabiting such a opic set of lenses, I see a great community in this area of Buffalo. context (as reflected in median income earning). I drive through Granted, a look at this area is a representative microcosm of what is this area extensively, and have quite enjoyed the options available. happening as a whole in Western New York. The population in From LaSalle to Kenmore and over to Bailey, there really appears this area is decreasing (approximately 8,100 people, down 5.0% to be a respectable infrastructure to choose from. from the prior US census, with expected negative loss projected for In terms of transportation and logistics, the metro rail and bus 2015) . The household concerns of most residents include the much have a very nice hub right at the South Campus of The University of the entry level to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs - affordable hous- at Buffalo (UB). As someone who has taken both rail and bus in ing, employment opportunity, parenting skills, help with educa- that context, I’ve personally enjoyed the mass transit in that area tional objectives, to name a few. The median household income in and to other parts of the city. Obviously, it is not without its this neighborhood is just a smidge over $35,000; with the likeli- problems, but I see this community as a great place to live in the hood ratio of family units having two workers in the home (this to city. point out the living wage is low in this context in many situations). The anchor in the community, without question, would be Sixty-six percent of households make $50,000 or less in this geog- UB. There is a significant presence of employment and residential raphy . Like any urban context, these things present themselves as living in the area, and the geography of the campus serves as a challenges in many places. veritable sort of economic stalwart for the community. As some- However, it’s not all bad news- quite the contrary, in my opin- one who has focused research in the areas of organizational com- ion. In many situations, dynamics such as gentrification (not exclu- munication, sociology and social psychology, having an educa- sively racial; socio-economic as well) can assert itself. Given the tional hub and presence like this is something that likely helps influx of young professionals and the higher levels of education in residents in the area to have a sort of confidence that the neigh- this context, this idea must not be ruled out. Within this context, borhood will not radically dissipate or face neglect. diversification is present and does serve as a potential impetus to Likely my favorite part of University Heights is the food. The stave off a full blown onset of said gentrification. The fastest grow- Steer, Lake Effect Diner, Amy’s Place, Sal’s, Zetti’s, Famous ing minority group in this area is African American (32.7%), and Donuts—if you live in this area, you likely have partaken in one of there is a significant increase in the presence of an Asian Indian these places. If you haven’t, I recommend them highly. Granted, population in this context as well . One also must consider the in- we’re not talking bourgeois eateries, but we are talking about a frastructure makeup of the area. There is a very good “set of bones” good representation of mom and pop food in this great city. One to this community. The influence of block clubs and things like the is also not far from the Hertel strip of restaurants as well. University Heights Community Blog are open places of communi- In sum, I truly am drawn to the University Heights Commu- cation for those who have a vested, neighborhood interest in the nity. It is a place that has its challenges, as is the case with many area . Awareness to problems with rental property, crime, etc., can areas in an urban context. However, with a draw like the be dialoged about and are very much an open part of discussion in a education center of UB South Campus, I see this community as number of forums. Along those lines is the reality of relatively something that has much to offer for the resident, and for the affordable housing (own or rent) within this context. For instance, suburban folk who would like to perhaps partake in something more local.!

Percept Report: Ministry Area Profile, 2010- Polygon Report of University Heights, Buffalo, NY (retrieved 12/21/11). Abraham Maslow, Motivation and Personality (New York: Harper, 1954). Percept Report: Ministry Area Profile, 2010. University Heights Community Blog; www.buffalouniversityheights.blogspot.com; (Information retrieved and examined on 12/21/11). Percept Report: Ministry Area Profile, 2010.

ELMWOOD

RESTORATION Converting a four unit Elmwood Village Victorian into a 5,300 square foot single family home is worth every penny for this Buffalo bound family of six.

STORY BY CHRIS HILL PHOTOS BY MATT BROWN

A t a time when many young professionals have chosen to move from Buffalo to pursue house, home, and employment out-of-state, a core of Buffalo folk have decided, unquestion- ably, that they are here to stay--a friendly regime with blood type “Go-Buffalo,” and a tie so strong to their city that they will take risks, get creative, and have patience beyond belief in order to stay. Such are Peter and Lisa Sauer, born and raised on Buffalo’s east and west sides, respectively. The story of their homestead is inter- In the fall of 2010, after exploring their options in single- esting from the perspective of smart realty and eclectic home de- family properties available in Buffalo, the Sauers thought it would cor, but it is most inspiring to the young Buffalonian professional be worthwhile to try to stay in their Elmwood Village home be- who might somehow defer their dream of finding the “perfect cause of its unmatched character and structural opportunities. house” just long enough to realize they may already be living in it. They would stay, and they would convert the 4-unit dwelling into The Sauers purchased their Highland Avenue Victorian in the a single-family home. Peter now compares the Highland restora- fall of 2001. Lisa was raised in a similar Auburn Avenue double, tion to a pregnancy: “As you get closer and closer to the birth, and was naturally drawn to the large wooden front porch, and or- things become more and more painful and you begin to question nate wooden foyer and staircase, while Peter was impressed by the whether or not you knew what you were getting yourselves in- home’s intangible benefits: off-street parking, backyard green to...but then you see the result of your labor, and you love it.” space, a family-friendly neighborhood, and the income potential The simultaneous undertaking of both the multi-unit conver- that a multi-family property could afford the couple early in their sion and Victorian restoration took approximately one year. In careers. Built in 1907, the home had many of its original features the fall of 2011, the Sauers Six moved in to their “new” home, such as light fixtures and woodwork intact. Yet the family had no started the school year, and have been enjoying spreading their idea what beauty would lie beneath the wood and plaster that had (Buffalo) wings in their 5300 square-foot project. Entrepreneurial been covered when the home took on a two-story addition and at heart, the Sauers designed every room themselves. Lisa states, became four apartments in the 1940s. “We imagined the space suiting each family members’ needs. The decision to purchase and reside in the 3-story, wood Now, the house always looks neat because we designed it so that framed property was the beginning of the homeowners’ journey, everything has its place. We made great effort to restore the Vic- which would include cramped stints living in the home’s one- torian elements of the home while making it functional for our bedroom studio apartment, and most recently, modest quarters for family.” The Sauers have revived the charm and elegance of the six in the second floor flat of 1100 square feet. Parents to four Victorian foyer and stairwell while transitioning to a contempo- school-aged kids, the Sauers had made a decade of memories to- rary living space that is now the “modern Elmwood Village Victo- gether thoroughly enjoying--and outgrowing--their space. rian” of Buffalo’s young professional family. (continued page 51)

(Di Camillo Bakery continued from page 12) (Elmwood Restoration continued from page 49) iced jelly, cinnamon glazed, glazed rings, iced lemon, plain stix, glazed stix and maple iced The Kitchen apple. These can be ordered for $1.10 each, The enormous 4 x 9-foot granite center island is $6.30 for half a dozen, or $9.50 for a dozen. Lisa’s favorite part of her modern kitchen. It is There is also a selection of cookies to choose both gorgeous and functional, and serves as the from as well, such as sugar (or otherwise “hub” for the entire family. The meeting-place known as Pizelle), peanut butter, Chinese but- allows seating for six barstools, and has stainless ter and chocolate chip, which can be ordered steel appliances strategically placed beneath. for $1.10 each, $5.80 for half a dozen, or $8.50 for a dozen. The bright, contemporary kitchen reflects tons of natural light on “We serve soups, sandwiches and pizza every day,” said Blat- the glass subway-tile backsplash, with a monochromatic color ner. “Our busiest times are between the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. scheme and bamboo-colored Silestone quartz countertop. Small and then it picks up again when people are coming home from bursts of color in the pendant lighting and accessories give the work.” space a cool flair, while the ceramic tile floors warm underfoot At the Williamsville location there is a comfortable seating with radiant heat (a feature Lisa particularly loves while enjoying area for those who stop by for lunch. Like all the other traditional her morning “joe” at the hub with her kids!). The pot filler faucet Italian food they make, their Sicilian pizza is prepared the old- above the five-burner gas range “was a surprise for my Italian fashioned way, sprinkled with Romano cheese. They also have wife,” says Peter. The family is now enjoying over 800 square other pizza options like the broccoli and cheese pizza. The pizza feet of kitchen living, which they especially appreciate after a ranges from $1.90 to $2.50 a slice. Their enticing sandwich op- decade in their apartment-cozy 10 x 12 nook. A 4 x 9-foot cus- tions include the turkey club, turkey and cheddar with roasted red tom-built wooden breakfast nook, nearby mud room with large peppers, pepper salami with turkey and provolone and capicola lockers for each family member, and a convenient half-bath, as with provolone and pesto, which range in price from $5.50 to well as a large sundries pantry complete the space which was $6.50. once the first-floor apartment unit. “They’ve remained true to a very Italian product line and I think their strength is in that,” said Blatner. “People know this is a The Foyer place to come for Italian bread and Italian pizzelles. The tradition- Taking into account budget, time, and feasibility, the Sauers al Italian, the memories people have of the past. I mean not a day carefully planned to restore as much of the Victorian charm as goes by where I don’t hear, ‘My grandmother used to make that,’ possible in the grand foyer and stairwell. In fact, the foyer is now or ‘We drove from Washington to get this pizza.’” restored to a near replica of its original form. Because the en- Di Camillo provides our community with a place for families to trance had formerly been utilized as a quick, transient space to come from near and from far and wide to enjoy their substantial unload groceries, pile snowy boots, or run through to the shared selection and traditional Italian food that brings back the memo- laundry room in the basement, it never gave the family much ries people have of their own grandmother’s kitchen! pause; however, the family restored and refinished the hardwood floors in the foyer and throughout most of the first floor living

space, restored the light fixtures, and built new banisters and rail- (Continued from page 35) ings leading to a new staircase to the third floor living space. 6.5 rebounds per game (eighth in the confer- They carefully matched the grain of the wood to the original oak ence). But, as McCrea continues to mature, so finish of the foyer. After doing a little digging and demolition, does his game. He’s quickly evolving into an the crews unearthed a gorgeous wall of stained glass windows elite player. that had been boarded and hidden in the 1940s. “The stairwell “He’s the type of player than can – within really unifies the home. It always has, but now it’s both beautiful the course of a game – do a couple of things and functional. It’s the showpiece of the house, the backbone.” that will make you think ‘Did I just see that? Peter adds.! Did he really just do that?’ It really is special,” Witherspoon said. “What’s really good about it is that he’s a hum- Chris Hill was born and raised in the Elmwood Village area and currently lives in East ble kid and he’s humorous. He’s someone who knows how to Amherst with her husband Tom and their three children. Their local company, Evanhill Paint distributes C2 Paint throughout the Western New York region. C2 Paint can be found make a room laugh. In terms of being a teammate, his teammates in beautiful homes around the country and at evanhillpaint.com. appreciate him, and he’s easy to get along with.” And why not? Like McCrea, the Bulls are looking to make the leap to the next level. After tough non-conference games at BYU and Temple, UB will find out where it stands when it opens MAC play at home against conference powerhouse Kent State on Jan. 7. “That will be one of a number of tests for us,” Witherspoon said. “After a while you get numb to it. The good thing is you have to take it one game at a time, because they’re all too good to over- look. And once you get in conference play, you have to do that, too.” “I think we’re doing good, and we’re progressing each game,” McCrea said. “We’re definitely going to win the MAC. It’s a definite.”!