August 2016 spree's special advertising section by Buffalo Spree

SPREE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS, AUGUST 2016

Sharp sight, sharp style

FOUR- L E G G E D SUM M E R F U N

Ready for a transformation?

SUMMER BUYING AND SELLING BY REBECCA CUTHBERT

WHAT’S SHAKIN’

Avenue Willkommen zu

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F OU R-LEGG E D S UM M ER F UN

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Sharp sight, sharp style By Rebecca Cuthbert

hen it comes to quality eye care and fashionable eyewear, seeing is believing! Western New York eye health professionals are breaking boundaries and starting trends this season with cutting-edge technology and world-class style, meaning Queen City residents have never seen—or looked—better. The experts at Hogenkamp Optics, located at 6404 West Quaker Street in Orchard Park, are proud to announce their latest effort: Smart blue filtration, which is a huge breakthrough in the science of eye health. “All of our lenses are starting to include smart blue filtration,” said Dan Hogenkamp, third-generation optician. “This blocks all the blue violet light, which presents a huge risk factor for agerelated macular degeneration—that’s the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in adults over the age of sixty.” But smart blue filtration will make a difference for people of all ages who wear glasses, including, and maybe especially, young people. “(This protection) is really important for people in fluorescent or LED lighting, where light is ever ywhere, especially in today’s digital world,” Hogenkamp said. “People are bombarded by harmful blue light, both natural and manmade. (Smart blue filtration) is available for clear lenses and sunglasses, and is automatically built into progressive lenses. It makes a huge difference for people who look at devices all day, like smartphones, computer screens, flat-screened televisions, and tablets.” Because children begin working on tablets even before kindergarten,

August 2016

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Hogenkamp has a special kids’ program available for children who don’t need prescription glasses, but who spend a lot of time looking at devices. “For many kids, protecting the eyes is a lifelong struggle,” Hogenkamp said. “Smart blue filtration provides relief for eyestrain.” Hogenkamp also shared some seasonal safety tips for eye protection: “Whether you’re out on the water in the summer or on snow in the win-

ter, protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light is important,” he said. “Make sure you have good, impactresistant lenses for summer activities, whether it’s sunglasses or safety goggles. For simple activities like weed whacking or just landscaping in general, never start without proper eye protection.” Hogenkamp professionals are always on the lookout for the next cool new collection, something exciting and well made.

“We’re after the latest trends in high-end luxury eyewear,” Hogenkamp affirmed. “We feel that we’ve accomplished our goals with our latest collection, State. It features some of the coolest uses of color, shape, and design that we have ever seen, and it’s made in Chicago. We just can’t say enough about the line—classic, vintage design with super modern shapes.” Find out what Hogenkamp Optics can do for you! Go to hogenkampoptics.net or call 662-5050. The skilled ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians at Eye Care & Vision Associates offer comprehensive ser vice close to home, with locations in Elmwood Village, W i l l i a m s v i l l e, N i a g a ra Falls, and the Southtowns. According to the ECVA website, treatments include laser cataract surgery, Lasik surgery, eyelid surgery, glaucoma management, and more. Those with emergencies are even seen the same day. And with an optical shop at every location, clients are sure to leave happy. “The goal of the optical professionals at Eye Care and Vision Associates is to provide you with quality eyewear that will meet all of your lifestyle needs. With the enhanced technologies in vision, frame and lenses we are given the opportunity to better assist you in purchasing eyewear that will perform to your expectations, with comfort and style,” ECVA promises. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , s e e ecvaeyecare.com or call 631-EYES. Frame-Up Eyewear, on Main Street in Snyder, specializes in “elegant eyewear with a dash of daring.”

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Owner Helene Goldschmidt has owned Frame-Up since 1979, presenting beautiful European frames to the public in a classy, boutique atmosphere. “I’m all about fashion,” said Goldschmidt. “We don’t help customers select frames; we select for them. We set them down, look at them, take before and after pictures, and we fit them with the perfect pair of glasses. They’ll not only look great, but the glasses will be optically correct as well. We want people to look their best; I’m an artist, so that comes naturally to me. I look at the person’s eye color, hair color, complexion, face shape, and the bridge of the nose. That’s a huge factor in how glasses sit on your face.” Each customer is “the queen of the hour” at Frame-Up. “You relax and we show you glasses,” said Goldschmidt. “All of what we carry is exclusive to our area; we’re the only ones who carry it. We have February 31st, which (features) wooden frames; and Theo, a Belgian company. All of our selections are European.” One of Goldschmidt’s most popular lines, though, is Zenka modular eyewear, distributed through Lunette USA, Frame-Up’s sister company (lunetteusa.com). “With Zenka eyewear, you choose a frame, but you can change the color and shape (with different clips). It’s one of our major brands,” she said. Visit the website to mix and match styles, colors, shapes, and patterns for a completely customized look; then, call 839-9545 to make an appointment. Like Hogenkamp, Goldschmidt had some eye health advice. “The main thing is to get your eyes examined every two years,” she said, “and always protect your eyes from the sun. We recommend polarized lenses, because then you have everything covered. Cheap sunglasses may do more harm than good; you’re better off squinting in the sun than wearing dark glasses that aren’t UV glasses. You need the harmful rays to bounce off the lenses. And never take off your sunglasses in the water! You’re getting double (sun) exposure with the rays bouncing off the water.” The Optical Store also has a great eyewear selection, with more than 1,600 frames available. From classic brands like Ray-Ban and Coach to contemporary favorites like Spectacle Eyeworks, there’s something for everyone. “We bring you eyewear from all over the world, usually seen in cities

like New York, Toronto, or L.A.,” states the Optical Store’s website. “From the average consumer, to the most discerning shopper looking for exclusive eyewear, to those daring individuals looking on the wild side, we have it all.” A full line of contact lenses is also available at The Optical Store, where professionals will be sure to fit each customer with just the right prescription to ensure sharp vision and longlasting comfort. Find The Optical Store at 3750 Delaware Avenue in Kenmore; call

874-2455 for an appointment. Dr. Mark Sorrentino and his team at Family Eyecare and Eyewear Boutique (403 Main Street, Buffalo) are committed to patient education and personalized eye care services. As they promise on their website, “At Family Eyecare and Eyewear Boutique, you will find eye care professionals who genuinely care about your health and are dedicated to providing exceptional personal service to everyone who walks through our door.” Schedule an appointment online at visionsource-drmarksorrentino.com,

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or call 852-7262. Contrary to typical elementary school belief systems, glasses have always been cool. They are the ultimate accessories—more representative of people’s tastes than haircuts, handbags, or baubles. They frame the most expressive human feature, and should be given more consideration than any other fashion statement. Choose an eye health practice that not only offers professional and exemplary services and treatments, but also carries the frames and styles that will make seeing 20/20 just part of feeling like a million bucks. Rebecca Cuthbert lives, writes, and cares for shelter dogs in Dunkirk. She is a frequent contributor to Spree.

RESOURCES Dr. Mark Sorrentino 403 Main Street 510 Brisbane Building Buffalo 716-852-7262 visionsource-drmarksorrentino.com

THE OPTICAL STORE 3750 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217 716.874.4554 | www.buffaloeyecenter.com

Eye Care & Vision Associates 932 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo 716-884-0880 3712 Southwestern Boulevard Orchard Park 716-648-5329 6917 Plaza Drive Niagara Falls 716-731-6434 One Hopkins Road Williamsville 716-631-8888 ecvaeyecare.com Frame-Up Eyewear 4498 Main Street Snyder 716-839-9545 frameupeyewear.com Hogenkamp Optics 6404 West Quaker Street Orchard Park 716-662-5050 hogenkampoptics.com

DR. MARK SORRENTINO Family Eyecare & Eyewear Boutique

716.852.7262

403 Main Street • 5th floor Brisbane Building • Across from the Hotel Lafayette

www.visionsource-drmarksorrentino.com

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Optical Store 3750 Delaware Avenue Kenmore 716-874-4554 buffaloeyecenter.com

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exclusively at

4498 Main Street at Harlem Road, Snyder, NY 14226 716.839.9545 w w w . f r a m e u p e y e w e a r . c o m

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THINK “LESS IS MORE” “Remove, store, or discard excessive accessories on tabletops and walls and in cabinets,” recommends Ballinger. It’s well worth the effort to rent (or borrow, if you can) storage space to stow knick-knacks and personal items that clutter rooms. Don’t forget to clean out closets, attics, and garages; that has the added benefit of showing off storage space to potential buyers—and storage space tops most people’s “must-have” lists when they’re shopping for SELLING homes. (Donate unwanted items or have a yard sale and According to the National Association of Realtors donate unsold items; it will make moving so much easier.) (NAR), listing your home during the spring or summer “The National Association of REALTORS®’s 2013 drastically increases your chance of selling at or above your Home Features Survey gathered information from purasking price. chasers to find out what they bought and what features “Sellers who list their home during the prime spring mattered most to them,” wrote NAR’s Michele Learnand summer months benefit from a larger population of er. “According to the survey, the majority of buyers want buyers and potential bidding wars, which often result in more closet and storage space. If you can emphasize this higher prices and faster closspace in your home by emptyings,” states a realtor.com ing some of your closets, you report (realtormag.realtor.org/ are more likely to attract top daily-news/2016/01/15/4dollar for your property.” (realmust-know-tips-for-buyingtor.com/advice/sell/what-doselling-in-2016). home-buyers-want). It’s easy to see why. For It’s the season to celebrate one, nobody wants to trudge birds, bees, flowers, and trees, around in a Buffalo snowstorm so make the most of the balmy looking at houses, and, if they temps by planting beautiful can help it, they don’t want to accent foliage and adding just pack up their belongings and a few homey touches to your move in the winter, either. Carlandscape. If you’ve paintrying heavy boxes up icy walked your front door a cheerways or tracking dirty slush ful, welcoming yellow, think into a new foyer is nobody’s about flanking it with plantidea of a great Saturday afterers filled with flowers of a noon. Packing and moving in contrasting hue, like cascading warm weather is so much more purple petunias, lush red geraappealing. niums, or blossom-heavy pink House hunters with children dahlias. Remove any scraggly, often prefer buying and movdamaged shrubs or dead trees. ing in summer so as not to disTrim evergreens into pleasrupt school schedules. Also, ing shapes, mulch flower beds, from September to May, life clean up borders, and get rid is far more hectic; relocating of weeds. Add a birdfeeder BY REBECCA CUTHBERT over the summer means time and place a bench in the shade to explore the neighborhood, nearby to invite house huntregister with a new district, and ers to linger. As they sit and sign kids up for extracurricular admire the yard and garden, activities—all before the first school bell rings. they’ll imagine themselves spending long summer afterWarm weather also makes repairs and renovations convenoons there—and that’s just what you want them to do. nient for sellers (who paints a house in January in Buffalo?). One last landscape tip from Ballinger: “Remove problems Those upgrades can really attract buyers, so take advantage like too much noise from traffic or neighbors by installing of the season and polish up your home. The top recoman inexpensive fountain with trickling water.” mendation, according to professionals at NAR? Painting. This almost goes without saying, but, fix what’s bro“Paint exterior windows, doors, gutters, downspouts, and ken. Nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than a brotrim, then go inside and paint the home’s trim, doorways, ken window, a missing doorknob, a crumbling chimney, and walls that are in need of freshening,” advises Barbaor water damage from a leaky roof. The time and money ra Ballinger of realtor.org. “Consider [colors] that veer you invest in quality repairs will never be wasted. Consider toward quiet and comfort.” (realtormag.realtor.org/homethis: you’d never go into a department store and purchase and-design/architecture-coach/article/2012/08/25-quicka jacket with a sleeve torn off, or buy a half-eaten donut at cheap-and-easy-home-sale-tips). the bakery. The same princple applies to real estate: buyThe most important thing is to make your home clean, ers want to see a gleaming home full of possibilities for a bright, and vibrant. And while that almost always means full and happy life, not someone else’s crumbling leftovers. new paint (think white trim and a pop of color for the front door), there are other ways to freshen up your propBUYING erty to make house hunters take a second (and third) look. The final reason mild weather makes selling a house easA thorough clearing and cleaning is a must, along with ier is because it’s more pleasant for buyers to look at listings updating the landscape and fixing any major boo-boos that without a blanket of sin-hiding snow covering everything. would turn off buyers. They can get a clearer idea of neighborhood activity, he leaves are green, the sun is shining, and the real estate market is hot. There are plenty of practical reasons to buy and sell homes during Western New York’s warmer months, when snowstorms are only a memory and Lake Erie gleams like a picture postcard. Whether you’re looking to sell your starter home or find a new place to hang your hat, your real estate dreams can come true this summer.

SUMMER BUYING AND SELLING

August 2016

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landscaping, property lines, and the condition of important structural components, like roofs and foundations. “Houses and neighborhoods often look their best in the summer, with lawns, flowers, gardens and trees in full bloom. You can see how well neighbors take care of their grounds, whether kids are playing outside, and how much the neighborhood socializes at barbecues, the local pool, and the like,” states the NAR guide Buying a Home in the Summer (realtor.com/ advice/buy/buying-a-home-in-thesummer). Look for obvious signs of neglect or disrepair around the foundation, windows, and the roof. Cracks, crumbling, gaps, and loose shingles are all red flags, especially for buyers who don’t want to tackle major fixes. “Check the ceiling and walls for water marks. Do gaps around doors and windows let air and moisture into the house? Look for warping around the doors and swelling in wooden door and window frames. Mildew is an obvious sign of moisture, and even if it has been removed, its musty smell cannot be eliminated easily,” recommends NAR. Don’t be fooled by dry weather; check gutters and ditches for blockages, and make sure there are no low-lying swampy areas in the yard, which could mean major issues with the home’s drainage system. Summer is sweet in Western New York, but our winters are brutal, and early spring means lots of melting and frequent rainstorms. Ask yourself: when this is all covered in snow and ice, will the home still work for me? Is it in a flood zone? What will the winter challenges of the property be, and can I handle them? You want your new home to be your dream home, regardless of the season. Moving in the summer means instead of trudging through drifts, trying not to drop the hamper packed with your grandmother’s heirloom wedding china, you can unload boxes onto the front lawn or on the sides of the driveway and take your time carrying them in. You can open the windows to air out the space, and unpack each room as you go. Or, if you’ve newly personalized with paint, the cross-breeze will dry it quickly. Add a few seasonal touches—a cute welcome mat, front-door wreath or flower pots filled with your favorite herbs on the back steps—and, in no time at all, you’ll feel ready to host a housewarming party. Oh—and that yard sale thing? That applies to buyers, too. Nothing shows you how much junk you have like

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An elegant 2 acre property includes gardens, mature trees, tennis ct, ingrd pool, pergola, koi pond, patio & adl storage. All brick custom home exquisitely renovated & decorated. Stately new covered entrance includes new doors as well. Kit includes wolf & sub-zero appl, granite cts & breakfast bar, fine cabinetry, walk-in pantry. 2 handsome paneled libraries, one w/fp. 5 new fp’s total. Mstr bdrm w/ new spa bath & radiant heated flrs. Lower level has many finished rooms

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Perfection in every way describes this 3 level custom home. Exotic hdwds, fabulous ceramic tiles are found thru-out. A dramatic stone wall in great rm. 2 mstr suites. 1st flr mstr w/ fp & glamour bath. Fab kit w/load of cabs & top appl all which are included. Library has custom cabs. Lower lvl includes complete in-law, guest suite & entertainment space. Rec rm space lg enough for adl bdrm, plus fully appl kit & full bath. Built-in sauna.

$499,000

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unpacking it and trying to find places for it in a new home, so do yourself a favor and get rid of it before you start packing. If moving day arrives before you can do that, mark a few boxes “sell” and sort as you pack. Then leave the porcelain clowns you bought in college (at another yard sale) in the box until you have a free Saturday. Having a yard sale is a great way to meet your new neighbors!

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TRUST THE PROS For both buyers and sellers, it’s important to get the right help. No amount of DIY research can replace an experienced realtor or home inspector. Hiring professionals who know the market will help you avoid costly mistakes; it’s not a corner you can afford to cut. “[Realtors] wear a lot of different hats,” explains Rachel Stults, a senior editor for NAR’s realtor.com. “Sure, they’re salespeople, but they actually do a whole heck of a lot to earn their commission. They’re constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. They spend their own money on marketing your home. They’re researching comps to make sure you’re getting the best deal, and they’re working for you at nearly all hours of the day and night—whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer you just put in. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility realtors take lightly.” (realtor.com/advice/buy/why-youshould-use-realtor). Also, these professionals are connected. They can give you advice on all aspects of buying and selling. They know great home inspectors, which banks have the lowest rates for people in your financial situation, how many lawyers in your hometown provide the services you need, and more. They can tell you about school districts and neighborhoods, and will do their best to find you the kind of home you want and need. As great as the Internet is, it can’t do all of that. “Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations—and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated,” Stults points out. “You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?” Hiring licensed home inspectors, like hiring real estate professionals,

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is also a necessity. When you’re ready to list your home, spend a few hundred dollars on a thorough inspection to alert you to any problems that might stall a sale, so you can fix them before buyers find them with their inspection. The last thing you want is for a sale to fall through because the almost-buyer finds a problem you didn’t even know existed. And buyers, make any offer contingent upon a problem-free inspection. Hire your own home inspector, one not connected to the seller, and verify up-to-date licenses and insurance (this protects both of you). If the home inspector finds something amiss, decide if you want to negotiate further with the seller or walk away. In all the excitement of buying a new home, don’t overlook the importance of shopping around for mortgage rates. Ask your real estate agent or realtor what the current rates are, and don’t settle for the first offer you get. Those numbers to the right of the decimal may seem small, but over the course of fifteen, twenty, or thirty years, they’ll add up. Consider your savings, your cash flow, what you can put down, what the closing costs will be, and remember your home inspection and legal fees. All of it matters. Of course, people can (and do) buy and sell homes during Buffalo’s six months of winter, but the real estate market isn’t exactly hot when everything else is frozen. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell—or both—a home this season, take advantage of the summer weather and make it happen. With good advice from trusted professionals, you can accomplish your home goals by Labor Day. Rebecca Cuthbert lives, writes, and cares for shelter dogs in Dunkirk. She is a frequent contributor to Buffalo Spree.

RESOURCES Berkshire Hathaway/Ronna Gershberg 561-699-4663 ronnarealtor@comcast.net Edgewater Apartment Homes 716-681-5800 edgewaterapartmenthomes.com

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MJ Peterson/Susan Lenahan 716-864-6757 susanlenahan.com Nothnagle Realtors/Barbara Baker 716-861-1879 nothnagle.com/barbarabaker

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Premium Mortgage 716-633-0501 premiummortgage.com RE/MAX North/Alan H. Ryer 716-864-9999 alryer.com RE/MAX North/Joshua Assad 716-570-5401 joshassad.com RealtyUSA/Cindy Maze 716-310-9333 cmaze@realtyusa.com RealtyUSA/Dee Cammilleri 716-573-4751 dcammilleri@realtyusa.com RealtyUSA/Katie Quebral 716-903-2530 QueencityKatieQ.com RealtyUSA/Terri Campbell 716-880-4134 terricampbell.com Robitaille Real Estate/Ann Kader 716-830-6366 robrealestate.com

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August 2016

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Let me open the door...

to a successful real estate experience! 5525 Thompson Road, Clarence, NY 14031 Your heart will melt upon entering this exquisite and charming French Country Estate home situated over 8 impeccable acres. Featuring 6 master suites, 4.5 baths, custom gourmet kitchen, 3 story grand foyer, gracious base and crown moldings, mostly hickory flooring, 3 fireplaces, Florida room, library, second floor laundry, 5 car heated garage/barn, in-ground pool, tennis court, attention to detail throughtout the interior and exterior and much, much more! Enas Latif Hunt Real Estate Cell: 716.417.4755 elatif@huntrealestate.com

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Before After

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Ready for a transformation?

Here are some ways to get started on the journey for “before” to “after”

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August 2016

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

After

Before

The Pellevé System P

ellevé is an FDA approved, non-surgical device which is used to tighten and firm skin from the inside out by stimulating the growth of collagen. Pellevé uses radiofrequency energy to firm and tighten skin, eliminating mild to moderate wrinkles. Pellevé is a comfortable and relaxing treatment with no downtime and no pain. Pellevé treatments can be used on all skin types. Pellevé can be used to treat the skin on the face, including the eye area, neck area, chest and hands. The Pellevé System offers a different type of experience, a more pleasant and pain free one, with results you can feel good about. Patients can expect to feel a warming sensation each time the handpiece touches the area being treated. Patients who have had a Pellevé treatment say it feels like a warm facial massage. Pellevé precisely delivers energy to the dermal tissue using advanced radiofrequency technology to induce collagen contraction without damaging the epidermis, meaning no downtime after the procedure. The increasing

heat near the skin surface modifies the collagen protein bundles, causing them to contract. This results in denser, tighter skin. It also generates collagen causing permanent wrinkle reduction. There is generally no preparation required before having a Pellevé treatment but please arrive well hydrated. For many patients, a series of four treatments spaced about one month apart may be recommended for optimal improvement. Each treatment will last from 30 – 60 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated. Mild swelling and redness may also occur, which typically resolves within 1-3 hours. You will see an initial improvement immediately after treatment, but the process of regenerating collagen takes time, therefore full results will continue to improve over the next several months. You can also return to work immediately after treatment, as there is no downtime. Be more like the you, you remember.

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Craig C. Miller, M.D.

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Anne M. Ramsdell, M.D.

Julie R. Springer, Licensed Aesthetician

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Children and Intractable Epilepsy

Before After

“The success of the Dent cannabis clinic can only be measured by the improvement in the quality of life of our patients. As clinicians and patient advocates we are pleased to be at the forefront of clinical research and treatment with medical cannabis.” ~ Laszlo Mechtler, MD FAAN Medical Director DENT

Photo by Lisa Valle

“Lisa Valle, Jeff Lombardo and myself founded MCCONY - Medical Cannabis Connection of NY, INC. Our group is a non-for-profit organization created to connect patients to providers as well as educate and advocate changes in cannabis laws. Both our children have had positive results with medical cannibas. My son Caden’s seizures have improved tremendously, and he no longer requires oxygen, albuterol, nebulizer treatments or aggressive chest PT. Prior to starting cannabis, the EEG showed an active brainwave profile where he was in a constant state of seizure. My daughter Taylor has had much improvement as well. She has about 1 seizure a month, down from numerous throughout the day. She is more alert and able to sleep without seizures waking her up. Where pharmaceuticals have failed, medical cannabis is promising. The results have positively impacted our children and our family.” ~ Daniel Ryszka, Father of Taylor & Caden - Founder of MCCONY.COM “As I reflect back on my life before cannabis, our family life was stressed beyond belief. Not only was Maya having over 150 seizures a day, she was just so sick all the time. Cannabis has given Maya a quality, healthy life, in which her overall well-being has done a complete 180. ~ Lisa Valle, Mother of Maya - Co-Founder MCCONY.COM

DENT Neurologic Institute | Amherst - Orchard Park - Batavia | (716) 250-2000 | www.dentinstitute.com www.buffalospree.com

August 2016

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Before After

O ur Niche is BuildiNg YOurs After

Before

our home should be your place of peace. What will it take to make the most of what you’ve got? Transform unimaginative space, cluttered space or someone else’s space into a place that’s uniquely yours. At Repp Renovations, we specialize in creating custom, timeless spaces you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Stop by our showroom or call to get started. For details on this renovation, search us under the Find A Pro section on Houzz.com.

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100

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OUR CITY YOUR MAGAZINE “Spree has its finger on the pulse of culture and entertainment in WNY. One read has me booking my calendar for the entire month!” —JULIA SPITZ Vice President for Savarino Properties, LLC

p.36

+ A distillery round-up

VOTE! for 2016’s BEST of WNY

Shuffleboard

at Hot Momma’s, Black Rock Steel Tip Darts

Karaoke at Waiting Room, Downtown

OUR BIG

716

HOME

p.41

PRESERVATION A new round of demo threats

On the Town

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SPOTLIGHT Meet Artparks new ED

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m m en zu o k l l i W By Rebecca Cuthbert

amed after the German city, Hamburg has been welcoming settlers and visitors since 1812, when the first town meeting took place at what became Abbott’s Corners, and, later, the Armor neighborhood. Now, more than 50,000 people call Hamburg home, and it’s easy to see why. With the perfect combination of big-city amenities and small-town charm, Hamburg is forty-one-point-four square miles of American paradise.

This year, the Erie County Fair (ecfair.org) returns with traditional favorites and plenty of new surprises. Opening August 10 at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg, the event’s 177 th year may be its biggest yet. “We’re excited to debut our newest attraction, the Heritage and History Center,” says Marty Biniasz, director of entertainment, special events, and brand marketing. Located inside the iconic 1885 Octagon Building, the Heritage & History Center will tell the story of more than 195 years of “agriculture, food, competition, and excitement that have come to symbolize the Erie County Fair to generations of Western New Yorkers.” “This permanent installation will showcase many of the inspiring traditions that have laid the foundation for the present-day fair as well as reflect the progression of change,” Biniasz shares. “On display will be rare artifacts from the Erie County Agricultural Society Archives as well as from private collections.” Another huge announcement: the statewide Demolition Derby Championship is moving from the State Fair in Syracuse to the Erie County Fair, which means Hamburg is about

to become the “crash capital of New York.” Explains Biniasz: “The top three cars from every [New York state] county fair’s demolition derby will be coming here to compete on August 21. The Erie County Fair demo will take place the day before, on August 20.” The James E. Strates Shows’ carnival midway will, of course, be back. “America’s last remaining railroad carnival,” Biniasz says. “The exhibit celebrates the longest continuous run of any carnival midway in the United States. We just signed another ten-year contract with the Strates family, and that really says something about who they are. They’re more like family to us.” Indeed, according to Biniasz, the relationship between the Strates family and the Erie County Fair is the longest partnership in amusement history, an achievement marked by Strates Day on August 19: “From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., fairgoers will be treated to ninety minutes of free rides!” Between the shows, rides, food, history, and more, nobody does it better than the Erie County Fair. “We are the biggest agricultural festival in the region, [and] the largest

food festival in New York, with over 100 food vendors,” says Biniasz. “Our programs and competitions are nationally recognized, and we always have something new.” Gardeners and home cooks love Lockwood’s Greenhouses & Nursery on Clark Street in Hamburg. Garden center manager and certified nursery landscape professional (CNLP) Teresa Buchanan and staff work all spring and summer to bring Western New York’s best plant selections to customers. Lockwood’s also partners with other growers and artisans in the community to provide shoppers with ingredients and items they can’t find anywhere else. “We [harvested] our garlic from the field in late July to be ready for sale in August. This can be planted by our customers; it’s not treated to prevent sprouting like the grocery store’s,” Buchanan says. “There are also many varieties, from hot and spicy to a smooth, robust garlic flavor. We’re hoping to have a later crop of ginger and turmeric also. Both crops are being grown with worm castings and organic fertilizer. We will also have the fall-harvested raw honey in October from Masterson’s in East Aurora.” Of course, Lockwood’s will be stocked with trees and shrubs to brighten fall landscapes with brilliant oranges and reds, making summer’s swan song a little less sad, as does the Lockwood’s Fall Garden Fair, an annual highlight. “We wrap up summer and welcome autumn,” says CNLP and master gardener Sally Cunningham. “The tradition will continue with garden classes and www.buffalospree.com

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workshops, food treats, and plant specials. But—just like gardens—we change with the times”. The event will be Saturday, September 10, only. Watch for program details and sign up for classes at weknowplants.com.” Instead of craft vendors, Lockwood’s will add more yummy food choices to this year’s event, and—if Lockwood’s fans are lucky— live music. Harry and Steve Lockwood explain that being a part of Hamburg’s business sector is so much more than selling products to customers; it’s a symbiotic relationship with the community. Two years ago, they rang in 100 years in business—and they didn’t get there alone. “We partner with J.P. Fitzgerald’s, Nick Charlap, Tim Hortons, Hamburg Garden Walk, Imagine Hamburg, and the Erie County Fair to help these businesses and organizations look outstanding,” state the Lockwoods. “We love the hometown feel and success of the many small businesses that continue to thrive in our community.” The end of summer can be busy: scheduling family trips, shopping for the new school year, and completing end-ofseason home maintenance. Don’t let health and wellness get pushed to the bottom of the list; see your physician for regular check-ups, and don’t ignore injuries or illnesses. Sharma Family Medicine (sharmafamilymedicinehamburg.com), located on Pleasant Avenue in Lake View, is a “comprehensive, patient-centered family practice with a direct line to your doctor.” According to the practice’s website, “Dr. Nisha Sharma offers the convenience and efficiency of a single provider practice with several primary care specialties and uncommon accessibility for all her patients. Since patients are only seen by one physician, or nurse practitioner, they receive a continuity of care and high level of personal medical attention seldom

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experienced in larger practices. This family-home-based practice enables patients to resolve medical issues in one location without the additional expense and time of traveling to other medical offices.” If you’re “on the lookout” for great eye health practice, call Dr. Vishal Sharma at Lakeshore Eyecare (lseyecare.com). Dr. Sharma loves serving the Western New York community, and no wonder: he trained right here at University at Buffalo. Now, he is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and Fellow of the

Royal College of Surgeons. Most recently, he was named to America’s Top Ophthalmologists. With two locations—Seneca Road in Irving and Pleasant Avenue in Lake View—quality care is close to home. “You don’t have to travel far from the Southtowns to get world-class service,” says Dr. Sharma. “We do laser vision correction, surgery, Botox, Juvederm, and more.” Right now, Lakeshore Eyecare is running a special Botox promotion. Up to Labor Day, patients will pay only nine dollars per unit, with a minimum of fifty

units. With out-of-this-world entertainment options, thriving small businesses, and patient-centered health care providers, “Hamburgers” know there’s truly no place like home. To see for yourself, kommen Sie zu Besuch. That’s German for “come visit!” Rebecca Cuthbert lives, writes, and cares for shelter dogs in Dunkirk. She is a frequent contributor to Spree.

RESOURCES Braymiller Market 6936 Gowanda State Road 716-649-2356 braymillermarket.com The Erie County Fair 5600 McKinley Parkway 716-649-3900 ecfair.org Flavor of Hamburg Main & Buffalo Streets August 27th, 2016 Lakeshore Eye Care 2816 Pleasant Avenue 716-698-9194 lseyecare.com Lockwood’s Greenhouses 4484 Clark Street 716-649-4684 weknowplants.com M P Caroll Hardwood 716-683-8520 mpcaroll.com Sharma Family Medicine 2816 Pleasant Avenue 716-646-5500 sharmafamilymedicinehamburg.com

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Avenue B

uffalo residents are getting used to hearing about the city’s renaissance, the rust belt image giving way to a dynamic, vital city. One need only look at Hertel Avenue’s mecca of boutiques, antique shops, galleries, florists, gift shops, home décor showrooms, service professionals, casual and fine dining establishments, taverns, and coffee shops to see evidence of this new life and energy. LET’S EXPLORE The North Park Theatre—or “Buffalo’s Finest Neighborhood Theatre” as it was hailed when it opened in 1920—was the brainchild of Michael Shea, who envisioned a theater that would place the “common man” in a setting so grandiose “that he should think it the most natural thing in the world to watch his dreams come to life on the silver screen.” Ninety-six years later, Shea’s vision continues, and moviegoers enjoy renovations that include a state-of-theart digital projector, new seats and windows, a first-floor gentleman’s bathroom, new lighting, newly exposed marble floors in the lobby, and a new concession stand. Program director Ray Barker says the theater offers diverse programming for the Buffalo community, with a core mission to play art and independent films. When neighbors expressed a desire to introduce children to the beauties of the North Park, the theater responded with a family matinee series on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. “We do kids’ shows – everything from Sesame Street to Ferris Beuller’s Day Off to Japanese animation,” Barker says. “It’s

By Judith A. Rucki

eclectic programming for the whole family.” The theater also hosts the Buffalo International Film Festival, which is coming up the weekend of Columbus Day, Octover 8–10. “Our art programming is as good as New York or Toronto,” Barker contends. Between the café and the catering service, Globe Market truly is “your kitchen away from home.” Fresh-baked bread is made daily, soups are made from scratch, and there are always gluten free soup and sandwich options. More than an eatery, Globe, with its relaxed, casual atmosphere has become a “really nice venue for baby and wedding showers,” says owner Alice Eoannou (sons Craig and David do the cooking), who points out that customers are doing things a lot simpler and tend to have smaller showers. Menus include beautiful salads and quiches served in a room with great personality. Mismatched china and linen, along with a custom-made menu, add to the ambiance. While Globe can provide whatever is needed when doing drop-off catering, Eoannou encourages customers to use their own platters and china to personalize their events. For “casual dining at its finest,” try Block’s Restaurant, open since last October, where patrons can enjoy gourmet burgers and sandwiches, complete with full bar. Sandwiches are original creations, including the Dyi, designed by owner Mike Rottger’s seven-year-old son. The Dyi features ham-off-the-bone with Swiss and cheddar cheese, sliced dill pickles, crispy Applewood bacon, homemade coleslaw, www.buffalospree.com

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a fried egg, and the chef ’s Thousand Island dressing served on top of rye bread. “It sounds weird,” Rottger says, “but people really like it.” Desserts, like cheesecake, come from family recipes. Rottger’s father makes the pies, including strawberry rhubarb, apple, and cherry. “We try to use local farm foods,” Rottger says. “Lots of products are local based.” A patio in front beckons in warm weather, and there is live music on weekends. At Gramma Mora’s, owner Liz Giovino says she and husband, Charlie, pride themselves on being the best. “Everything is homemade. There are all sorts of things on the menu that you can’t find anywhere else,” Giovino says. Come for Mexican Sunday brunch, enjoy the patio, and discover the very trendy chorizo. Johnny’s Meats is considered a Hertel Avenue landmark, after moving from the West Side in 1960. “Our specialty is our Italian sausage,” says owner Mike Aloisio. “My father was the first one in this area to put cheese and parsley in the sausage.” The sausage, along with tripe, is a favorite at the annual Italian Festival. Beef, pork, veal, lamb, and poultry

are also among the offerings at Johnny’s Meats. For those who have no time to cook, a large selection of prepared items is available in oven-ready containers so, as Aloisio says, “All you have to do is heat and eat.” For anyone interested in restoring a home, look no further than Wrafterbuilt, a custom carpentry and design studio that works with reclaimed wood to rejuvenate homes in and around the city. Owner Sean Wrafter says he started building simple furniture three years ago in his basement, and then, “We got enough business to make it a full-time profession.” Wrafterbuilt specializes in custom interior carpentry and cabinetry, architectural salvage, and furniture made from locally reclaimed materials. Entire custom spaces that include items like desks and tables, can be created. Wrafter’s wife, Jackie, runs the showroom, where customers are welcome to share ideas and where consultations are free. “We represent a new wave of businesses that are coming in and revitalizing the neighborhood,” Wrafter says. “We want to bring something that fits in and is new and fresh. Hertel is just a great place to do business.”

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1376 HERTEL AVENUE

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Deep South Taco is coming to Hertel Avenue, hopefully by summer’s end. “Deep South is bright and energetic,” says director of operations Benjamin Lewis. “We are very different from any other style restaurant in Buffalo. We just like to take it to a different level.” Lewis says a children’s menu is in development for the new location. Another much-anticipated business coming to Hertel Avenue by mid-2017 is the second Lexington Cooperative Market, a grass roots community project. “Owners from throughout the region invested more

than $2 million in unsecured funds to bring this store to Hertel Avenue,” says general manager Tim Bartlett. “A third of that came from the Elmwood neighborhood and forty percent came from our new neighborhood. “The Hertel store will be a larger version of our Elmwood store, with all the great local, seasonal, and organic foods our customers have grown to love,” Bartlett continues. “We’ll also have a full service meat and seafood department and hot panini and pizzas for our lunch and dinner customers.” There’s plenty more to see and do on Hertel Avenue. Shop, Rock, ’n’ Stroll is a summer event that takes place the last Friday of each month from May to September. Shop at great boutiques and specialty shops from 6:30 to 9 p.m. while listening to live music. The Farmers Market is open for business on Thursdays from June through October from 3 to 7 p.m. Eat well and support the local farming and small business communities. For everyone who likes to plan ahead, Halloween on Hertel takes place on October 29, and Hertel Holidays is scheduled for December 2-3. For more information, visit

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hertel-ave.com/hertelhappenings. Events are frequently added. “I keep using the phrase ‘the changing face of Hertel Avenue,’” sums up Wrafter. “Smaller, younger business owners have been quietly taking more and more real estate for the last few years. And now with the arrival of Lloyd and other recognizable brands like mine, Hertel is becoming the new destination for the early thirties working-class family in Buffalo. It’s safe, walkable, accessible to the city and the suburbs, and has, by far, the best retail and the best retail association in the city!” Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer. She is a columnist for Forever Young, a contributor to Spree, and author of Fragments of a Life.

RESOURCES Block’s Restaurant 1633 Hertel Avenue 716-832-2200 Deep South Taco 1707 Hertel Avenue 716-235-8464 deepsouthtaco.com Globe Market 1416 Hertel Avenue 716-783-9955 theglobemarket.com Gramma Mora’s Mexican Restaurant 1469 Hertel Avenue 716-837-6703 gramma-moras.com Johnny’s Meats 1191 Hertel Avenue 716-876-2500 johnnysmeats.com

block’s

Lexington Cooperative Market Coming soon to 1678 Hertel Avenue 716-886-2667 lexington.coop North Park Theatre 1428 Hertel Avenue 716-836-7411 northparktheatre.org Wrafterbuilt 1376 Hertel Avenue 716-913-5313 wrafterbuilt.com

Homemade specialties, and made from scratch desserts. Fish Fry Fridays 11$, Family owned and operated Gourmet Burgers and Sandwiches are our specialty HOURS: Tues and Wednesday’s 11:30–4pm; Thursday Friday and Saturday kitchen open 11:30–9:30pm. Closed Sunday’s and Monday’s. Bar is open late for late night cocktails, drink specials, and live music Check our Facebook, (Block’s Restaurant) Twitter (@blocksonhertel) 716-832-2200 • 1633 HERTEL AVE, BUFFALO NY 14216 www.buffalospree.com

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