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BY REBECCA CUTHBERT
www.buffalospree.com
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he dog days of summer are upon us—and what better way to spend them than playing a friendly game of Frisbee or a taking a cat nap in the shade? All with a favorite quadruped, of course.
we’re a pack family,” Connors adds. There’s plenty of “Buffa-love” “She doesn’t really like her doggles “And Ethan and Ming just complete evident in the city’s parks and along (dog sunglasses), but we make her the circle.” its sidewalks, where one can see just wear them. We don’t want her eyes A big part of loving companion how much locals care about their to get sunburned out on the lake.” animals is keeping them healthy and pets: from Labradors on leashes to Along with the elements, pet parents need to beware of poisonous safe, especially in summer weather, pugs in baby strollers to cats in carriers, there’s no doubt that these are or dangerous objects that animals which can be as dangerous as long, cherished family members. are more likely to ingest during the cold winters. The most harmful of One Hamburg resident, Jenna warmer months. Keep all lawn, garsummer’s characteristics is the heat. den, and pool chemicals put away Douglas, admits (with no shame) that Dogs and cats overheat easily, which safely, and never leave a pet alone her tiny Maltese-poodle-terrier mix, can lead to potentially fatal heatstroke. Owners should never leave with the picnic trash. Dogs are not Sadie, a rescue from the Humane their pets in hot cars, and cool, clean above eating sharp shish kebab sticks, Society, is basically the center of her water and plenty of shade should corn cobs, or sauce-covered tinfoil, and fiancé Eric Schwab’s lives. always be provided when pets are all of which can lead to potential“We take her for three walks a day, ly fatal choking and injury. Animals outside. If a pet seems too warm, get cuddle on the couch, go kayaking,” have a broad definition of “food.” If the animal to a cooler location, proDouglas says. “We took her to outvide drinking water, get him or her door restaurants in San Diego. We it smells good, they’ll eat it. into a cool shower (a garden hose take her camping and to our parents’ If pet owners are careful about works!) and contact a veterinarian. houses. (Sadie) goes almost everythese seasonal dangers, they can where we go, even when we just have Cold packs or frozen vegetables can have a lot of fun with their animal to move cars around in the friends. After all, what’s a driveway.” better motivator to get outside And even though some for some exercise than two A big part of loving companion might think obsessed ownchocolate brown eyes begging animals is keeping them healthy and ers are sniffing too much catto go for a walk? Julie Rabbittnip, enthusiastic pet parents Morrella, of Hamburg, says safe, especially in summer weather, aren’t rare. According to the that’s one of the best things ASPCA’s website, thirty-sevabout owning Ryan, an eightwhich can be as dangerous as long, en to forty-seven percent of year-old lab/boxer mix she all households in the United adopted from Northern cold winters. States have a dog, and thirty to Chautauqua Canine Rescue thirty-seven percent have a cat. in Westfield. “Ryan acts as a be held against the animal’s head, and Many of those owners refer to their personal trainer for me,” Rabbittmassaging their legs will help with pets as their “kids,” and plenty aren’t Morrella says. “I’ve got to walk the circulation. But the best medicine is embarrassed to baby-talk with their guy at least a few miles every other always prevention. Make sure pets are animals, even in public. day or so. When he gets excited to in cool environments, and rememIn 2009, Meghan and Travis Congo for a walk, he will literally jump ber: if it’s too hot for people, it’s way nors, of South Buffalo, expanded into the air, still, at the age of eight, too hot for pets. their family by adding a little Rusjust as he did the day we met him five sian Blue mix. They dubbed the cat, If Fido goes to the beach or a years ago.” whom they adopted from Buffalo backyard barbeque, be careful. Many The health benefits of owning a Paws & Claws, Ethan. people don’t realize that animals, pet go way beyond getting out for “My husband (Travis) and I come despite their fur coats, can sunburn, walks, too. Just a few minutes of petting an animal lowers blood presfrom backgrounds of having dogs especially around their eyes, ears, nose, sure and stress levels. And if laughter in the family, but we both knew and thinly covered bellies. Sunburned keeps us healthy, look no further the time and attention a dog would animals suffer like sunburned humans than pets for the world’s funniest require,” Connors says. “We thought with painful, peeling skin, fevers, and clowns. “Sadie loves to sleep on piles a cat, often categorized as being possibly even skin cancer. As with of clean clothes,” Douglas says. “She more ‘independent,’ would be more heatstroke, prevention is best. If a pet climbs into laundry baskets. And she suitable for our lifestyle. That turned exhibits signs of sunburn, like red, hoards her toys in her bed” out to be true. Once our Ethan-cat irritated skin, shrinking away from “At night, when we go to sleep, grew out of his mischievous kitten being petted, scratching followed by she has to be touching one of us. phase, he became very self-sufficient, whimpering, or cracked, peeling skin, Usually Eric,” Douglas adds. “And but he’s still an important part of our get the animal right to the vet. when I come home, whether I’ve family.” Schwab takes care to protect Sadie been gone five minutes or five hours, The Connors added Ming, a Snowfrom sunburn, especially out on the shoe/Calico mix, in 2010. “It’s clear it’s the best moment of her life.” water. “Sadie likes to kayak,” he notes.
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Connors also finds it hard to keep a straight face around Ethan and Ming. “(My cats) are mood lifters. It’s hard to look at them flopped on their backs—googly eyes staring, tails flipping back and forth—and not just laugh,” she says. Rabbitt-Morrella, who is expecting Ryan’s (human) little sister very soon, said Ryan reminds her to prioritize and let go of what’s not important. “He brings a sense of the world being bigger than me to my life,” she says. “When I get home from work, he is waiting there for me to drop all
of my baggage (figurative and literal) and pet him, play fetch, go for a walk in the woods. We get so caught up in the whirlwind of modern living— working, paying bills, worrying about first world things that don’t matter— it all melts away when I walk in the door and see his happy face.” Ready to find “furever” love? Visit one of the dozens of animal shelters located in and around Buffalo. The dogs and cats there are waiting, tails thumping and round eyes hopeful, to hear those magic words: “Let’s go home!”
RESOURCES Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society Medaille College Mini-Vet School 880-2306 nfvs.us Operation Pets 783-8998 operationpets.org Cara Mia Pet Resort 6429 Transit Rd. East Amherst 568-2272 caramiapetresort.com La-De-Da Pet Spa, Dog Daycare & Boarding Resort 2799 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park 677-0000 ladedapetspa.com Lap of Love 320-0187 lapoflove.com Tabby Town 3701 McKinley Pkwy. Blasdell 822-4910 tabbytown.org Veterinary Emergency Clinic 4821 Genesee St. Cheektowaga 839-4043 petemergencybuffalo.com
Our mission is to end pet over population by making spay/neuter surgeries affordable and accessible to qualified pet owners, feral cat caregivers, rescue and adoption organizations and shelters. Please consider the importance of our mission for the local community and the lives of our animal friends. Would you help us further our efforts with a tax-deductible donation? Call (716) 783-8998 or visit operationpets.org
Steven M. Schultz, DVM (716) 320-0187 Compassionate in-home end of life care for pets.
www.Lapof Love.com BuffaloNiagara@Lapof Love.com Visit our online Quality of Life Scale: www.PetHospiceJournal.com
COME TAILGATE WITH US Crème de le Crème Boarding • Individual Suites! • A calm, homey environment. • Comfy beds and fresh daily linens. • Private play sessions. • Flat screen TV’s and night lights. • 24/7 supervision and overnight staffing
Your home away from home…from the Northtowns to the Southtowns and everywhere in between. Centrally located in Orchard Park! Every night earns a chance to win a gift from
BOARDING – GROOMING – DAYCARE 2799 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, 14127 716-677-0000 | ladedapetspa.com www.buffalospree.com
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Western NY’s only animal hospital 100% dedicated to after-hours urgent care and emergency medicine.
INDULGE YOUR PET WITH OUR FABULOUS LUXURIES AT CARA MIA ◆ Personalized Dog Daycare ◆ Grooming Salon ◆ Club Bone A Pawtite ◆ Canine Fitness Center ◆ Pet Hotel ◆ Designer Pet Boutique ◆ Plus much more...
Where is Your Pet Going on Summer Vacation? 4821 Genesee Street Cheektowaga, NY 14225 PetEmergencyBuffalo.com
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Unbelievable Hours Open 7 Days a Week! Drop offs by appointment as early as 4:00am and pickups as late as 12:00am. 716.568.2272 [CARA] 6429 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY 14051 www.caramiapetresort.com
BLITZ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
S O L U T I O N S F O R C R E AT I V E M A R K E T I N G
WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER GRAPHIC DESIGN • Logos • Brochures • Identity packages • Presentation folders • Billboards • Posters • Package design • Label design • And more
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS We have over 700,000 products in almost every category you can imagine, including: • Mugs • Pens • “Green” products • Tote bags • Apparel (t-shirts, polo shirts, caps,outerwear and much more) • Stainless steel water bottles • Spa products (robes, slippers, lip balm, hand sanitizer, mints) • Thousands more
• Brochures • Menus • Mailers • Catalogs • Identity packages - Letterhead - Envelopes - Business cards • Annual reports • Newsletters • Labels • And much more
DIRECT MARKETING
• Direct mail • Database procurement for your targeted market • Email marketing • Point of sale
PHOTOGRAPHY
• Company portfolio (employee, interior and exterior shots) • Product • Event
PACKAGING
• Labels • Cartons • Product design
BRANDING
• Company • Product
LOUIS J AGUGLIA - BLITZ SALES DIRECTOR C 716 983 8886 P 716 972 2223 E laguglia@blitzbuffalo.com 1738 Elmwood Ave. Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207 • www.blitzbuffalo.com
BLITZ is the marketing arm of
HOW WE WORK
Blitz develops and implements custom marketing proposals based on the clients goals. The proposals are detailed plans encompassing various means as noted above to set the client apart from their competition. Our staff includes designers, writers, photographers, etc… who work in unison to bring the project to fruition.
WHO WE ARE
Blitz Solutions for Creative Marketing is a professional marketing company working in partnership with our clients to develop and fulfill their short and long term sales strategies, utilizing various forms of advertising including print media, direct mail, promotional products, website design, collateral print materials etc…
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
Lou Aguglia has over 25 years of experience in the marketing industry having worked with national and local companies in every major industry. He has extensive knowledge as well as an eye for good marketing. Whatever you need, Lou is available to help. The goal of Blitz and Lou is to work with you to achieve your goal.
OUR CLIENTS INCLUDE: • Guthy-Renker • Summit Cars • Bentley-Hall Publishing • Reuben’s NY Deli • Pine Pharmacy • J.P. Fitzgeralds • Buffalo Auto Auction • Media Sales Plus • Buzzy’s Pizza • Diversified Manufacturing • Pivot Punch • WNY Plastic Surgery • Finger Food Products (Pizza Logs) • FPPF Chemical Co. • BeautyQuest Medi-Spa & Skin Care • Beck Financial • Choice Employee Benefits • Franco’s Pizza • Krislyn Co. • HealthTec Solutions • Northtowns Orthopedics • Lasertron • Southtowns Radiation Oncology • Wolf Gordon www.buffalospree.com
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EYECARE AND WEAR By Judith A. Rucki
SPONSORED BY
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W
hile eighty percent of vision problems are avoidable or even curable, about 39 million people worldwide are blind, and roughly six times that many have some kind of vision impairment. It therefore stands to reason that everyone should take good care of their eyes. Healthy vision depends on visiting the right doctor at the right time. There are several options: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training. He or she is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist also diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery, and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Optometrists are not medical doctors. They hold a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after completing four years of optometry school,
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preceded by three or more years of college. Optometrists provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Opticians are technicians trained to design, verify and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight. They do not test vision or write prescriptions for visual correction, nor are they permitted to treat eye diseases. They use prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Dan Hogenkamp, a New York State Licensed Optician and Contact Lens Practitioner, says one of the newest eyewear trends is steel. “Some of the techie materials are being used. We now have materials we can’t believe. They are thin, lightweight, and strong.” The new materials include SD4 nylon, which is fifty percent lighter than typical frames. TP 90 is another
material that is not only lightweight but also extremely flexible and hypoallergenic. Hogenkamp notes that both men and women are wearing classic vintage styles, which are “the hottest thing in eyewear right now.” Think shapes from the 1950s and 60s. He says larger styles have been back for almost two years: “The trend started in sunglasses; big shapes are back.” Brushed matte is also very popular right now, and many lines are including new color choices. Christian Dior in particular offers some unique colors and tone combinations. Hogenkamp adds that cat eye glasses are an enduring fashion style, but they can be difficult to wear. “What we are really seeing now is a modified cat eye shape; a much more pleasing shape.” Lifestyle, occupation, and facial features, along with hair, skin, and eye color, need to be considered when choosing frames. As Hogenkamp says, “We really love helping people
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Made in France Lunette USA Inc. locally owned, is the sole distributor of Zenka in the US.
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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DR. MARK SORRENTINO Family Eyecare & Eyewear Boutique
Like us on Facebook
716.852.7262
403 Main Street • 5th floor Brisbane Building *Across from the Hotel Lafayette
Accepting most insurances www.visionsource-drmarksorrentino.com A face is like a work of art. It deserves a great frame.
THE OPTICAL STORE 3750 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217 716.874.4554 | www.buffaloeyecenter.com
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find the right frame and don’t let them leave with the wrong shape. One of the biggest things is being a good listener and asking questions to match customers to the right frames. We take a lot of pride that our customers leave happy. We want them to be excited.” Hogenkamp Optics also has a booming pediatric business with more than140 different frame styles for children. Contact lens specialty fittings for children are available. The goal of the optical professionals at Eye Care and Vision Associates is to provide quality eyewear that meets its clients’ lifestyle needs. ECVA is staffed with skilled ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians who work as a team to maintain healthy sight. Their comprehensive care applies the most advanced methods of diagnosis and treatment for eye conditions and disorders. Because they focus on total eye care, all of their offices feature full-service, fully staffed optical shops. The Buffalo Eye Center and The Optical Store offer the most current and innovative services available, the latest in diagnostic equipment, and a great selection of eyewear from all over the world in a family-friendly environment. A visit to buffaloeyecarecenter.com is a good place to start for those who have concerns about cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. The website offers easy-to-understand information about these problems and how they are treated. Pine Pharmacy’s super vising pharmacist, Joseph Catanese, Pharm.D., explains that nutrition is key to eye health. “Fish oils contain omega 3 fatty acids that are vital for eye health in people of all ages,” he says. “These fatty acids are important for proper eye development in infants, and numerous studies have shown beneficial effects in a number of common eye diseases, such as
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age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. When you consider the many other benefits of omega 3 fatty acids on overall health, it’s easy to see the importance of increasing our intake of fish oils.” Pine Pharmacy carries fish oil/ omega supplements. The product lines they carry are of the highest quality and have met stringent testing requirements. A n A l l e n t ow n - b a s e d o p t i c a l store with a fresh perspective, Eyes Downtown, carries quality frames by top designers. Your prescription can be used in all their designer eyewear brands, including sunglasses. The staff at Eyes Downtown takes pride in helping you select the right style, from trendy to conservative and never allows their clients to feel rushed. They accept all insurances and do eye exams on everyone from children to seniors. The pros at Frame-Up Eyewear say, “An annual eye examination and consultation by us not only insures your vision is the best possible, it can assist in the detection of underlying health problems that may be in the early stages of development. Early detection may prevent more serious conditions from causing long-term vision damage. We help you take care of one of your greatest assets—your vision.” If you need glasses, experienced opticians with an artistic flair will help you find the perfect pair. Frame Up Eyewear offers European and other designer eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, high-quality nonprescription sunglasses, and sports glasses. Their professionals are trained to provide the most comfortable and effective vision correction. They also have a large selection of contact lenses, and there is a special money-saving program for children ranging from prekindergarten to college age. Some of the freshest eyewear styles for young girls include floral patterns in a variety of colors. Choices for boys include rectangular shapes in nature-inspired colors including olive, brown, and gray. For the fashionable tot, there are “babiators,” which are child-size aviators. Kids seem to like the design and color, so protecting little eyes from sun damage just got easier. No matter the age, proper eye care and fashionable eyewear are available throughout Western New York.
BETTER VISION
FOR A BETTER LIFE
RESOURCES ECVA Eyecare
932 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo 884.0880 3712 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park 716.648.5329 6917 Plaza Dr. Niagara Falls 731.6434 One Hopkins Rd. Williamsville 631.8888 ecvaeyecare.com
Eyes Downtown
902 Main St. Buffalo 883-9550 Eyesdowntown.com Eyes on Harlem 2507 Harlem Road Cheektowaga 893-0633 eyesonharlem.com
Dr. Mark Sorrentino
403 Main St. 5th Floor Brisbane Building Buffalo 852-7262 visionsource-drmarksorrentino.com
The Optical Store
3750 Delaware Ave. Kenmore, NY 14217 874-4554 buffaloeyecenter.com
Pine Pharmacy
Walker Center 5110 Main St. Williamsville 332-2288 pinepharmacy.com
Hogenkamp Optics
6404 W. Quaker St. Orchard Park 662-5050 hogenkampoptics.com
Frame-Up Eyewear 4498 Main St. Snyder 839-9545 frameupeyewear.com
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PROMOTION
HIVE/HEALTHY CHANGES EVERYTHING The Other 23 Hours
S
everal years ago, Time magazine ran a provocative cover story titled, “Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin.” The premise was as simple as it was unsettling: active individuals are lulled into a false sense of security because of their exercise regimens. Consequently, they overeat and gain weight. It’s true that many of us sabotage our workouts with poor dietary choices. What we eat—and what we don’t eat—helps determine whether we reap the full benefits of an active lifestyle. But it’s hardly the only factor in the equation. At every turn, we face choices that affect how we look and feel. If we make sound choices when we’re not working out, we look refreshed and feel energized. That, in turn, inspires us to keep exercising. When we make bad choices, we feel tired, tapped, and cranky. In this condition, it’s hard to motivate yourself to hoist barbells or hop on a treadmill. If you work out an hour a day, its time you asked yourself this question:
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How am I spending the other 23? Here are five steps you can take to make the most of your down time:
1. Drink more Water, that is. It energizes muscles, makes your skin glow, helps you shed toxins and prevents constipation. So why aren’t we getting enough? Experts recommend we drink eight eight-ounce glasses a day. Remember it as the “eight by eight” rule. Then, make it a fun habit by investing in a high-quality, personalized water bottle that reflects your style. Sigg, Tervis, bkr, and S’well are a few of the brands we reach for.
2. Get enough z’s If you’re staying up late to catch Jimmy Fallon, you may not be laughing the next morning. Lack of sleep causes us to overeat, gives us sallow skin, impairs our memory, and darkens our mood. The good news? Gadgets can help us slumber soundly. DVR or stream your favorite
late-night program. Use a Fitbit tracker to see how many hours you sleep, and better understand the quality of your sleep. Download an app that plays white noise as you drift off. Most importantly, know when to say when to screen time: At least a half-hour before hitting the sheets, power down all electronics.
3. Sweat, then nosh
To stimulate muscle repair, strength, and growth, eat after you exercise. You’ll feel better today and ready yourself for tomorrow’s workout. Just make sure you nosh sensibly. Select low- or no-fat snacks that are rich in protein and carbohydrates. Hummus and pita slices work. So does a 250-calorie protein shake. Chocolate milk serves as surprisingly effective post-workout fuel: a cup contains double the carbohydrates of plain milk and between eight and eleven grams of protein.
4. Supplement— first thing
Take vitamins first thing in the morning, with your breakfast. When you do, it’s like cueing yourself to have a healthy day. Supplementing in t he morn ing a lso ups the odds that the vitamins will be absorbed into your system with the food you eat throughout the day. If you tend to forget this ritual in the a.m. rush, leave your vitamin bottle on the counter as a visual reminder.
5. Roll with it
A massage is more than just relaxing. It helps increase our flexibility, improve our circu lat ion and a l lev iate muscle pain, priming us for more productive workouts. But regular massages can g e t pr ice y. To re ap t he benefits at a fraction of the cost, buy a foam roller and do it yourself. You can find them at sporting goods and department stores; prices typically range between $15 and $45. Online tutorials can teach you how to use your roller to release muscle tension and knots.
/HiveLifespan
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BUYING AND SELLING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE MATTERS!
By Judith A. Rucki
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Recent winters here have been cold, but the Buffalo real estate market is getting hotter every year. There is a growing interest in city living, where some realtors say demand exceeds supply. Homes in Buffalo are more affordable than the national average, and prospective buyers are finding plenty to like.Thanks to neighborhoods like the Elmwood Village and increasing development in Canalside and the medical campus, realtors are calling Buffalo an up-andcoming city and saying a renaissance has begun. Whether you prefer city living, suburban life, or something more bucolic, your dream home is out there, but agents still say that it’s all about location, location, location. Defining the terms There are several designations for real estate professionals, as explained by Michele Lerner, author of two books about home buying. Real estate agent: Anyone who earns a real estate license can be called a real estate agent, whether that license is as a sales professional, an associate broker or a broker. State requirements vary, but in all states you must take a minimum number of
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classes and pass a test to earn your license. Real estate agents can also be known as real estate salespersons. Realtor: A real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, which means that he or she must uphold the standards of the association and its code of ethics. Real estate broker: A person who has taken education beyond the agent level as required by state laws and has passed a broker’s license exam. Brokers can work alone or they can hire agents to work for them. Real estate associate brokers have taken additional education classes and earned a broker’s license but choose to work under the management of a broker. Because agents are licensed professionals, it is in their best interest to be honest in their dealings with you. Most likely, you would be working with a licensed agent under an agency agreement. This would be a conventional, full-service commission agreement, under which the agent agrees to represent you. In most states, an agent is bound by common law to a fiduciary relationship. This means that an agent is bound by license law to act in your best interest, rather than his or her own.
Because many agents build their clientele base through referrals and repeat business, they need to do their best work with their clients’ needs in mind. Experienced agents won’t be rattled with paperwork and tight deadlines. They know how to handle issues like the hiring of inspectors and negotiating payment of needed repairs. Plus they have important contacts, like mortgage loan brokers, who can make the process easier. Making the decision If you are still wondering if you should work with an agent as opposed to buying or selling a home by yourself, there are a few points you may want to consider. If you are buying a home, an agent will help you find a house that meets your criteria, including that everimportant location. If you want to live in a high-demand area, you may need to work with a realtor to find the best property. Other considerations include, but aren’t limited to, price range, type (detached/townhouse/condo), school districts, lot size, age of the home and any type of amenities that you feel are “must-haves.” Perhaps you consider yourself a
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reasonable buyer who will be able to deal with an equally reasonable seller. Not so fast. What if you despise the seller’s color scheme and popcorn ceilings? Show contempt for the décor, and you could lose out. An agent can easily relay your concerns to the seller without making him or her feel totally tasteless. Sellers can refuse to negotiate simply because they don’t like you. An agent can keep things going smoothly. Finances are another issue. When buying or selling a house, the offerto-purchase contract ensures that you are able to back out of the deal if certain conditions are not met. For instance, you may be planning on buying the home with a mortgage. If you fail to make financing one of the conditions of the sale and aren’t approved for a mortgage, you could lose your deposit. Worse, the seller may be able to sue you for failing to fulfill your end of the contract. Agents deal regularly with contracts and conditions. They can advise you on what conditions should be used or removed and how to use a contract to protect yourself. This is tr ue regardless if you are a buyer or seller. If you are selling your home, you may be tempted to save money and do it yourself. Keep in mind that both a buyer and seller cannot reap the benefits of not having to pay an agent’s commission. If you do sell your home on your own, you don’t have to pay the percentage of your home’s sale price to an agent, but buyers who are interested in purchasing a home that is for sale by the owner may have an expectation that they, too, can save money by not using an agent. Unless both the buyer and the seller agree to split the savings, both can’t save the commission. So the benefits of using a professional should be thought through. An agent can guide you through the entire process, including helping with any emotional aspects of selling your home.
Carol A. Esposito Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Knowledge Dedication Integrity Enthusiasm #1 Agent 2012, 2013 & 2014 Stovroff & Taylor Realtors
Opening Doors All Over WNY
716-864-0478 1127 W ehrle D rive W illiamsville WWW . stovrofftaylorrealtors . com
Agents have resources Most likely, an agent will have more marketing resources than the average seller, and exposure in the Multiple Listing System (MLS) is critical to getting the home in front of all realtors and buyers as well. Reaching more buyers has a tendency to create more excitement. This can lead to a higher selling price. Agents know all the steps beyond simply showing a home and signing a contract. Plus they will show your home to pre-approved buyers without the risk of having unqualified www.buffalospree.com
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buyers looking at your home. Chances are you won’t know if a buyer is qualified or not. An agent can prequalify a buyer. When you are looking to sell, pricing your house correctly is the most important factor. An agent will help you determine the true market value of your house in order to get it sold quickly and for the best price and terms. In the majority of cases, your home’s true market value is higher than the assessed or appraised value. While some sellers may think their home is worth more than it actually is, agents say clients may price their
homes much too low, especially when the market is aggressive. However, ask too much, and buyers who could afford your house won’t look at it because it is too far out of their price range. Buyers who can afford your asking price will say they can get a lot more for their money elsewhere. If your house is not priced correctly, you may never get an offer. Agents will perform a comparative market analysis for their clients, which is an examination of the prices at which similar properties in the same area recently sold. This helps determine a price to list when selling Office: 716.743.5314
ELLEN
DALY
CLIENT FOCUSED
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
ellen.daly@huntrealestate.com The Avant • 200 Delaware Avenue, #1509, Buffalo Stunning, modern, and private 3 BR/3.5 BA condo located in downtown Buffalo within walking distance to the Entertainment and Theatre Districts, the waterfront, Canalside, and Harborcenter. Numerous upgrades make this luxury residence like no other. Open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows and 2 porches. Spectacular views of the city, Lake Erie, and beyond. Amenities include private fitness center, access to hotel pool/spa and room service, 24-hr security, 4 underground parking spots. LP $1,490,000.
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a home, or a price to offer when buying a home. No two properties are identical, so agents make adjustments for the differences between the sold properties and the one that is about to be purchased or listed to determine a fair offer or sale price. Simply put, agents can interpret data and are able to determine the market price for a house. Sellers may not be using the correct criteria when deciding on a price. Not every property owner is familiar with contract law. Full disclosure is an issue, and agents can protect homeowners and negotiate for them. Agents have a network where they encourage the sharing of information both formally and informally to help market property. Keep in mind that a house is typically the biggest financial decision of a person’s lifetime. Agents not only answer questions, they provide good advice and help you focus. An agent acts objectively rather than emotionally. Agents also pay attention to the progress being made, making sure that clients, attorneys, the bank, and other agents are doing their jobs.
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How do you find the best agent for you? You can start by asking an agent to provide a list of what he or she has listed and sold over the last twelve months, along with contact information. See if you can ascertain what the asking price was compared to the sales price. You want someone who can sell what you have to offer. States have boards that license and discipline agents. You can check with the state’s regulatory body to see if your agent is licensed and if there have been any complaints. One of the best endorsements professionals in any field can get is recognition by their peers. A meaningful award is the “Realtor of the Year” designation. It’s awarded by the state or local branch of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). As America’s largest trade association, representing over 1 million members, the NAR endorsement carries a lot of weight. Check out the agent’s credentials. Here’s what some of the designations mean: CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Completed additional training in handling residential real estate. ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): Completed additional education in representing buyers in a transaction. SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50-plus age range. Ask how long an agent has been doing business. Robert Irwin, author of Tips & Traps When Buying a Home, says, “If they haven’t been in business five years, they’re learning on you and that’s not good.” An ag ent should be actively engaged in a particular area and price range to best meet your needs. Take a look at Realtor.com, a website that compiles properties in the Multiple Listing Service into a searchable online database. If you have a particular real estate agency in mind, also look at their website. You want an agent whose listings mirror the property you want to buy or sell, and you want to know an agent can use the Internet as an effective marketing tool. See how many listings the agent has. Are there enough that you feel the business is healthy, but not so many that you would get lost in the shuffle? You also want someone who is familiar with properties in your area. If an agent is not on top of your local market, you may want to look elsewhere. ABC News recently aired a report,
Committed to her Clients & her Community
Susan D. Lenahan
• Associate Real Estate Broker • Platinum Sales Award • Top Listing Agent • CRS and CBR • Buyer Representative • Seller Representative • Relocation Specialist
No one knows WNY and its neighborhoods like Susie Lenahan! MJ PETERSON Agent of the Year 7 Years Straight
(c)716-864-6757 susielenahan@gmail.com
SusanLenahan.com
No matter what your real estate needs - Call Susie Today!
Buying and Financing Your New Home - Made Easy
RELOCATION SPECIALIST
John Fronczak
Loan Officer | NMLS#441991 O: 633-0501 | C: 861-2669
6815 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 Equal Housing Lender | NMLS#92181 Licensed Mortgage Banker NYS Department of Financial Services
Tammy Capozzi
Lic. RE Broker Associate
(716) 578-5444
DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
AT
ORCHARD
PA R K
Newly Renovated Apartments Available Attached Garage Apartments Available
SOME BACKYARDS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS • Private entrance • Scenic views • Fireplace available • Laundry Hookups • Vaulted ceilings on all second floor apartment homes
COMMUNITY AMMENITIES: • Clubhouse • Business Center and Library • Nature Trails • Fitness Center • Free DVD rentals • Enclosed 5’x10’ or 10’x10’ storage rooms • Corporate furnished apartments available • Heated in-ground swimming pool • Built-in hot tub
FLOOR PLANS
1 Bedrooms starting at $935 2 Bedrooms starting at $1,190 3 Bedrooms starting at $1,425
100 Hammocks Dr., Orchard Park, NY 14217 | P: 716.667.1400 | TheHammocksatOrchardPark.com www.buffalospree.com
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kitchens, bathrooms, wine cellars, ceramic tile...
orelli
emodeling because quality matters
716.875.2527
featuring real estate tips from Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Zillow, the No. 1 real estate website. Also the author of Zillow Talk: The New Rules of Real Estate, Rascoff uses data to debunk real estate fiction and provide practical, money-saving facts. He suggests potential sellers wait for the influx of listings in the spring to pop up on the Internet. He also says the best time to list is a couple of weeks after that influx. A common misunderstanding in real estate is thinking you should buy the worst home in the nicest neighborhood. Rascoff says the house will not appreciate that quickly. Instead, buy the best home you can afford. Rather than buying a house in the hottest location, Rascoff advises looking at nearby neighborhoods instead. Houses in up-and-coming neighborhoods tend to appreciate faster. How do you find that neighborhood? Look for a Starbucks. According to his report, “Homes near a Starbucks appreciated at ninety-six percent over a seventeen-year period, whereas other homes nationwide appreciated at only sixty-five percent.” Rascoff says the more unique the name of a street, the better. “A house on Elm Court will sell for more than
AN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BROKER WITH VISION.
4763 TOWNLINE RD., LOCKPORT Fantastic 4,964 sq. ft Escarpment Estate on 6.7 acres of Magnificence. 5 Bedrooms 3.1 baths 3.5 car garage. Stunning view of local vineyards, Lake Ontario and Toronto! Make this your Dream home or imagine the amazing potential of an Incredible Bed & Breakfast! This retreat offers endless possibilities.
DEODATA “DEE” CAMMILLERI REALTY USA | (716) 573-4751
$799,900
Anne L. Kader, CRP SRES
Licensed Associate Broker NYS Licensed Residential Appraiser Senior Real Estate Specialist Certified Relocation Professional alkader@robrealestate.com
5684 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221 t 716.633.3226 c 716.830.6366 www.robrealestate.com • 800.761.7066
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a house on Elm Street. If you live on a ‘court,’ ‘way’ or ‘lane,’ your home could be valued around two to three percent more than a home on a ‘boulevard’ or a ‘street.’” Clearly, there is much to consider when buying or selling a home, for experienced consumers as well as newbies. Your due diligence will be rewarded. Judith A. Rucki writes frequently for Forever Young and Spree
5001 Genesee St. Cheektowaga, NY 14225 1-800-444-5530 1-716-880-7026
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RESOURCES Agate & Welsh Real Estate Jennifer Agate Welsh 342-0084 agatewelshrealty.com Gurney Becker & Bourne Lori Jordan 860-8267 ljordan@gurneyrealestate.com gurneyrealestate.com/agents/74Lori-Jordan/listings/
LORI JORDAN A Fresh Perspective on WNY Real Estate TOP 3% AGENTS NATIONALLY TOP 10% AGENTS WORLDWIDE
262 RUSKIN RD
AMHERST
Fabulous Tudor! Wonderful curb appeal. Great layout & beautiful renovations. Lovely LR w/fp & formal DR. Stunning kit w/ quartz ctrs & custom cabs. Both kit & FR have radiant heated flrs. Nice sized bdrms. Renovated full bath. New boiler(2013). Fenced in yard is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Don’t miss out!
$364,900
The Hammocks at Orchard Park 667-1400 thehammocksatorchardpark.com Hunt Real Estate Barbara Baker 861-1879 barbara.baker@huntrealestate.com barbarabakerrealtor.com
4 RANA CT
WILLIAMSVILLE
Stunning Contemporary! Hdwd flrs, custom cabs & loads of windows. 1st flr perfect for entertaining w/its open flr plan. Kit w/ high end appl, granite ctrs, & walk-in pantry. FR w/wet bar & gas FP has beautiful built-ins. Private den w/its own patio. Mstr suite has sitting area & completely renovated bath w/dble vanities, radiant heated flrs & steam shower. Gorgeous landscaping .
Hunt Real Estate Ellen Daly 743-5314 ellen.daly@huntrealestate.com
$499,900
Hunt Real Estate Karen Baker 830-7264 karen.baker@huntrealestate.com huntrealestate.com/karenbaker
47 CASTLE CREEK TRAIL
VILLAGE OF WILLIAMSVILLE
Hunt Real Estate Steve & Sharon Frisicaro 570-5599 sharonandstevef@hotmail.com sharonandstevef.com
A one of a kind home in the heart of Williamsville. Built by Blum. Arts and Crafts style home. Gorgeous hdwds, open flr plan & fabs views from every rm. Great kit w/soap stone island & high end appl. 1st flr mstr suite w/sitting rm, walk-in closet & bath. Radiant heated flrs. 3 nice sized bdrms on 2nd flr w/loft area, & another 850 sq ft of unfin space. Lavish landscaping, patios & outdr kit.
$1,250,000
MJ Peterson Susan Lenahan 864-6757 susielenahan@gmail.com susanlenahan.com MJ Peterson Tammy Capozzi 578-5444 tammy@tammycapozzi.com tammycapozzi.com Morelli Remodeling 875-2527 Niagara National Lori McDermott 880-7026 lmcdermott@niagaranational.com niagaranational.com
10581 CLARENCE CENTER RD
CLARENCE
Suburb to City Relocation Solutions
Custom built home situated on a 3 acre lot. Loads of windows, gleaming hdwds & wonderful woodwork. Bright kit w/ granite ctrs & s/s appl looks over FR w/fp. Nice sized bedrooms. Mstr suite has sitting area & beautiful bath. 3rd flr is great space for entertaining. Gorgeous grounds include salt water pool & waterfall, outdoor fp & kit. All neutral decor.
$749,900
716.860.8267 5152 Main Street • Village of Williamsville
KAREN BAKER (716) 830-7264 Karen.Baker@HuntRealEstate.com www.buffalospree.com
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“Terri is absolutely amazing. She provided solid advice and sold my house quickly and easily at a great price, as well as guided me through a challenging buyers’ market with great knowledge and wonderful support. Despite her busy schedule, Terri always had time for me by text, email, phone, and in-person. Her hard work and encouragement made a stressful situation much more manageable. This is the third time that Terri has been my agent: when navigating the real estate market, I would always want Terri by my side.”
SAFO LER
Ericka, Williamsville
Elegant Tuscan Estate
RYAN CONNOLLY
The National Association of Realtors is forecasting 1.1 million new homes will be built in 2015, increasing in 2016. If you are planning to sell your home this year, now is the time to list before this “new” competition comes on the market.
5875 Thompson Rd., ClaRenCe Please Call for a Private Showing.
JennifeR agaTe Welsh Licensed Real Estate Broker
716.341.0084
Real Estate Salesperson
www.agatewelshrealty.com
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
4476 Main St. | Suite 201 Amherst, New York 14226
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716.908.6924
CONNOLLYHOMESALES.COM
NORTH
Each office independently owned and operated
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Premium Mortgage Corporation John Fronczak 861-2669 jfronczak@premiummortgage.com premiummortgage.com RE/MAX North Alan H. Ryer 864-9999 alryer@remax.net alryer.com RE/MAX North Josh Assad 570-5401 josh@joshassad.com joshassad.com RE/MAX North Ryan Connolly 908-6924 ryanconnolly@remax.net connollyhomesales.com Realty USA Cindy Maze 310-9333 cmaze@realtyusa.com realtyusa.com Realty USA Dee Cammilleri 573-4751 realtyusa.com Realty USA Katie Quebral 903-2530 kquebral@realtyusa.com QueencityKatieQ.com Realty USA Terri Campbell 880-4134 terricampbell@realtyusa.com terricampbell.com Robitaille Real Estate Ann L. Kader 830-6366 alkader@robrealestate.com robrealestate.com Weichert/Stovroff &Taylor Real Estate Carol Esposito 864-0478 cesposito@stovrofftaylorrealtors.com stovrofftaylorrealtors.com
68 Dante Ct, Williamsville $1,100,000
Steve & Sharon
FRISICARO
Sensational, best describes this custom Contemporary home situated on a private wooded lot overlooking water, in Renaissance Pk. Multi tiered patio & gunite pool. Interior flr plan, arch detail, materials used are beyond compare. 2.5 story great rm w/wall of windows & custom built-ins. Kit w/granite, top appl, maple cabs. Mstr suite w/walk-in closet, 2 full baths, gym rm & hot-tub rm. Den w/custom built-ins & desk. Unfinished walk-out bsmt plumbed for a bathroom
Licensed Real Estate Agents & Relocation Experts
Spaulding Lake • Clarence
9690 Cobblestone
5001 Donnington Ct, Clarence $1,995,000 Custom built English Tudor has design, workmanship, & arch detail of another era. Millwork thruout is beyond compare. Library w/extensive built-ins & coffered ceiling. Kit includes a butlers pantry/2nd kit, granite ctrs, loads of cabs & an eating area overlooking vast grds w/flagstone patio, BBQ & spring fed pond. Mstr suite w/separate sitting rm ,fp & spa ba. 2nd flr laundry.Lower level w/walk-up has finished space.Tennis ct. Separate guest house
Spectacular, 5,400 square feet, numerous updates, 1st floor master & finished daylight. $799,000
5129 Rockledge Dr, Clarence $1,250,000
9522 Lakestone Court
Julius Blum built traditional on lovely private treed cul-de-sac lot $675,000
Stunning curb appeal, private lot enhanced w/gorgeous landscaping, ingrd-pool & patio sets the tone for this custom built home. Open flr plan & finest architectural detail is found thru-out. Hdwd flrs are found thru most of 1st flr. Kit is open to both butlers pantry & FR w/stone FP. Sunrm/breakfast rm leads to terrace & yd. Library boasts custom built-ins. Mstr is the ultimate in luxury & refinement. Lower lvl has daylight windows, lg recreation area & full bath.
4990 Sandstone Court
Stunning 2-story traditional, oversized master with glamour bath $599,900 CALL DIRECT:
716.570.5599
www.sharonandstevef.com
385 Renaissance Dr, Williamsville Exquisite property for this stunning built Tesmer custom home! The finest architectural details & materials are used thru-out. Fabulous new kitchen w/granite & top appliances. Beautifully refinished hardwood floors. A must see!!
716.631.4800 BARBARA BAKER LIC ASSOC. BROKER 716.861.1879 BARBARA.BAKER@ HUNTREALESTATE.COM www.buffalospree.com
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WHAT’S SHAKIN’ WINNER!
“BEST UPSCALE BAR” 2014 ARTVOICE BEST OF BUFFALO POLL
“BEST NEW BAR”
2014 ARTVOICE BEST OF BUFFALO POLL
“BEST HAPPY HOUR” 2014 YELP.COM YELPIES AWARDS
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Clam & Oyster Bar! Open Thurs-Sun!
- Hidden Gem of the Westside -
Knowledgeable Yet Reckless Bartenders
716 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, New York 14222 Phone: (716) 883-8066 490 Rhode Island St. | Buffalo, NY
716.464.3786
TheProvidenceSocial.com - Buffalo’s Best Patio Happy Hour Grill on the Patio m-F
Lunch Tues.-Fri., 11am-3pm Brunch Sat. & Sun., 10am-3pm
CeCeliasRistoRante.Com
Brush Fire Jason Woods, Vera
1 opihr gin .5 green chartreuse .5 ancho Reyes Hellfire bitters .75 grapefruit Shaken and served in a rocks glass with a grapefruit twist.
Photo by kc kratt
Vera 220 Lexington Ave Buffalo, NY 14222 716-551-6262 www.verapizzeria.com
www.buffalospree.com
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L E T R E H N O G N I N E P P HA
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ia l g o rf
a M n Joh
s e u q i t n
a
1484 Hertel Ave Buffalo, NY 14216
-5pm
9am . t a s-S
Tue
716.913.8549 | www.jmgoldbuyers.com
An Authentic European Wine Boutique Access to over 5,000 wines Not mass-produced Scoring 88-96 1448 Hertel Ave (Norwalk entrance) | 716-835-0817
www.villagevineyardwines.com
Better coverage for your Home and Auto at a great price. Request a quote today at www.NiagaraMontauk.com HERTEL AVENUE • BUFFALO NEW YORK 14216
The Finest Mexican Fare Anywhere Serving WNY for 35 years!
Lunch, Dinner, and Take-Out Available
PATIO OPEN! custom catering available
837-6703
grammamorasbuffalo.com
u
r
fé
716-800-4282
Ne
a
1547
Yo
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W
ith seemingly endless places to shop, eat, and freshen up those highlights, Hertel Avenue is the up and coming neighborhood to visit. Excitement is tangible, as locals anticipate changes and improvements to come. It’s time to make a day trip to Hertel to check out the market, shop for some vintage treasures, grab a bite to eat, and maybe even treat your pup to something special. Perhaps one of Hertel’s greatest treasures is the North Park Theatre. Built in 1920, this extraordinary building has recently undergone full-scale restoration including a state-of-theart digital projector, new seats, new windows, a first-floor men’s bathroom, new lighting, newly exposed marble floors in the lobby, a new concession stand, and more, while maintaining the character and original splendor of this historic space. A beautiful Art-Nouveau stained glass window, which had been boarded up for the better part of a century, was also revealed in the restoration. Stop in to enjoy everything from family matinee movies to cult classics and revivals. Buffalo natives have long embraced the fresh produce and local products available at Elmwood Avenue’s Lexington Cooperative Market. Now 1678 Hertel (the old CVS building) is set to house the next Lexington Cooperative Market, which opens in summer of 2016. This means access to more healthy products and local produce as well as possible jobs for people in the neighborhood. The Hertel location will be a larger version of Elmwood location, with even more of the unique food items you’ve grown to love. The Hertel store will also offer indoor seating, more parking for bikes and cars, and there has even been talk about a full service deli. If you have any suggestions or ideas, email bigdirection@lexington. coop. While awaiting the arrival of the new co-op, there are plenty of places to visit on Hertel right now. JM Goldbuyers, John Marfoglia Antiques can contribute to your love of vintage treasures, or help with Estate sales and attic or basement clean outs. The company has plenty of experience in buying and selling gold and silver as well as running antique shows all over the US. It’s managed to create good relationships with the best dealers and collectors, so you’ll be sure to find authentic pieces in the shop. After you collect some vintage pieces, celebrate with a bottle of wine from Savory Sips, an authentic
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ig h b r h o o d o
C
1406 Herte l Ave.
Cool, frosty blender drinks, market fresh salads, signature wraps All at non-gourmet prices
facebook.com/spotcoffeecafe www.buffalospree.com
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European wine boutique featuring small-producer wines with no chemicals and sugars added. Savory Sips offers free group tastings once a month, as well as daily open bottle free tastings, and can access about 5000 wines. The shop offers free consultations for any event and food pairing suggestions based on the wines you choose Maybe you decided to take your furry friend on your Hertel stroll? Good call. Daisy’s Doghouse prides itself on offering customers the best products available—from healthy food to fancy collars—for pets, and offers a number of products from local vendors, including Great Arrow Graphics Greeting Cards, Carlani Designs, Saranac Ave Photography, Perry Smith Pottery, and Bark for Biscuits. All the food and treats available at Daisy’s Doghouse are packed
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with high-quality ingredients and made in the US. Services such as puppy socialization classes and dash dog running service are offered, as well as community events with the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter at the store. Daisy’s Doghouse understands that your pets are a member of your family and deserve the same high quality products. If you have a need for personal insurance (home, car, etc.) or your business, in Buffalo, New York, and beyond, consider looking to Niagara Montauk Insurance. It’s an independent insurance agency packed with plenty of talented insurance agents that can help you find the best insurance company to meet your needs at a great price. Niagara Montauk Insurance promises its clients that they will be getting the best value, best advice, and most personalized service for
their dollar. Hertel continues to add to its diverse food and drink offerings. Shadow Lounge, voted best lounge eight years in a row at the Buffalo Nightlife Music & Club Awards, offers specials on unique cocktails and menu items, from fondue to daily entrees. The Lounge has happy hour specials every Monday, $1 off your drink of choice on Tuesdays with any food purchase, half off all bottles of wine with any food purchase, and $12 buckets of Labatts and Molson with any $10 food purchase on Thursdays. The restaurant likes to “keep it local” by asking customers to bring in their same-day receipts from any local shop on Hertel Ave to receive ten percent off their food bill. The captivating history of the infamous Gramma Mora’s started over 100 years ago when the Mora family came to the US from Mexico with their delicious secret recipes. Charlie and Liz originally decided to open a place on Niagara Street where they would share their family’s authentic recipes with the locals. After years of creating delicious Mexican cuisine for a growing number of loyal local customers, the pair endured a tragic setback due to a fire at the Niagara Street location. The owners kept and now hang the sign that survived the fire proudly at their Hertel location. If you’re looking for delicious margaritas and authentic Mexican food made with the freshest ingredients, Gramma Mora’s is a must. Johnny’s Meats, famous for their homemade Italian sausage, has been serving North Buffalo since 1960. In addition to a full line of beef, pork, veal, lamb and poultry, Johnny’s carries imported cheeses, pasta made from scratch, and prepared food items. Looking for a homemade meal but don’t have the time to cook? Stop in for chicken parm or stuffed shells to go, and “heat and eat” in minutes. With locations throughout the city, SPoT Coffee has become a local go-to for specialty coffees, signature meals, and plenty of tasty desserts. Every SPoT café is decorated and painted to reflect the local community where that location stands. Grab a friend, a favorite book, a specialty coffee, and some grub, then sit back and relax at SPoT. Hertel offers several salons, notably the Refinery. The Refinery is adept at everything from kids’ cuts and French manicures to waxing and face frame highlights. You can make an appointment at the salon by calling 783-9051. Finally, don’t forget about the festivals. Hertel Avenue is famous for
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hosting the Italian Festival, but there are others, such as the Shop Rock ‘N’ Stroll on Friday, August 28, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, extended store hours, and refreshments from Saranac Avenue to the North Park Theatre. Hertel’s possibilities continue to grow. Check it out this summer.
RESOURCES Daisy’s Doghouse 1448 Hertel Ave. 322-1931 buffalopetstore.com
Shadow Lounge & Restaurant 1504 Hertel Ave. 835-3975 shadowloungebuffalo.com
JOHNNY’s MEATS
Spot Coffee 1406 Hertel Ave. 551-6275 spotcoffee.com The Refinery Salon 77 Saranac Ave. 783-9051 refineryhairsalon.com
Gramma Mora’s Mexican Restaurant 1469 Hertel Ave. 837-6703 grammamorasbuffalo.com
1191 Hertel Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216
John Marfoglia Antiques 1484 Hertel Ave. 913-8549 jmgoldbuyers.com Joe’s Deli 1322 Hertel Ave. 875-5633 joesdelionline.com Johnny’s Meats 1191 Hertel Ave. 876-2500 johnnysmeats.com Lexington Cooperative Market 886-2667 lexington.coop
Serving Hertel Avenue for over 50 years...
876.2500
johnnysmeats.com
NEW MENU
with Daily Specials featuring farm-to-table offerings
“BEST LOUNGE” 8 YEARS STRAIGHT - Buffalo Music Awards Live music every Friday & Saturday 10 pm 1504 HERTEL AVE BUFFALO, NY 835.3975 SHADOWLOUNGEBUFFALO.COM
Niagara Montauk Insurance 1547 Hertel Ave 800-4282 niagaramontauk.com
Photo by kc kratt
North Park Theatre 1428 Hertel Ave. 836-7411 northparktheatre.org Savory Sips 1448 Hertel Ave. 835-0817 villagevineyardwines.com www.buffalospree.com
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DINE IN · TAKE OUT · CATERING
875-JOES
WWW.JOESDELI.COM
1322 HERTEL AVE. • FREE PARKING - 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS -
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E
’ G N I H T VERY
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C
utting-edge services and amenities are nothing new to Hamburg residents; after all, Hamburg has been leading social and commercial movements since its settlement two hundred years ago, with mail routes by 1815, a library by 1824, and trolley travel by the early 1900s. Today, local businesses continue that tradition, offering locals and visitors the very best in products, services, and activities.
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Family owned Lockwood’s Greenhouses & Nursery, located at 4484 Clark St., has been a fixture of Hamburg since 1914. The Lockwood green thumb has been passed down for five generations, with the latest “sprout” eager to dig into the business. Garden Center Manager Teresa Buchanan, who helped celebrate Lockwood’s hundredth birthday last year, said much of the nursery’s
success is due to its location and the feeling customers get when they walk around the property. “This used to all be farmland,” she said, “but now we’re in the heart of Hamburg, in a residential area. Customers are always happy to come in, because of the environment. Some of them stop by just to walk around and enjoy the gardens; you can spend hours here!” One weekend Lockwood’s customers are sure to enjoy is September 12–13, the dates of the annual Fall Fair. The beautiful grounds are made even more festive with food and craft vendors on the front lawn, plant specials, and cooking demonstrations. Classes are offered on low-maintenance gardening, bulb and perennial design, and protecting plants in winter. Fall hours begin in August, with the nursery open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Our hours change for the fall, but we have something going on every season,” Buchanan said. “We’re always planning. Stop by and see what’s new!” Braymiller Market, though younger than Lockwood’s, has also been a part of the Hamburg landscape for several generations. What began as a roadside farm stand over seventy years ago has grown into a bustling marketplace at 6936 Gowanda State Road (Route 62). With an eclectic variety of fresh produce, seasonal items, artisan groceries, and gluten-free options, the market has a treat for every palate. Braymiller even offers specialty gift baskets and party platters, with delivery available. Deli items are madeto-order, with cold picnic salads and hot dishes ready for take-out. For the complete menu, and weekly specials, see braymillermarket.com. One of Hamburg’s newer establishments is the Armor Inn Tap Room at 5381 Abbott Road. The trendy bar and restaurant may only be four years old, but it has already endeared itself to locals, with management and staff turning customers into regulars and neighbors into friends. “We have the same great people coming in every week,” Marketing Manager Erika Seneca says. “And it really is like a family. We know everyone, by name, and they know us. Those relationships make us happy to come into work every day.” Seneca admits that being right down the road from Ralph Wilson Stadium means the atmosphere of the bar is affected on Bills game days.
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Your Child’s Medical Home Office Hours 7 Days a Week Lactation Consultants on staff
Tap into Your Taste Buds at
5800 Big Tree Road (Rte 20A) | Orchard Park, NY 14127 P: 716.662.7337 | F: 716.667.3827 | After Hours: 716.559.1619
Banquets & Catering Wide Variety of Beers on Tap
Braymiller Market
Finest & Largest Selection of Fruits & Vegetables ect The perf rmet ou g a r spot fo er who v food lo quality, iates s! apprec at price and gre
• Wholesale/Retail Produce • Fruits/ Gourmet Baskets • NY Style Deli
• Sandwiches/ Salads/ Wraps • Subs/ Daily Specials • Homemade Soups
Try Our Signature
Barbecue!
Live Music Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday! www.ArmorInn.com
6936 Gowanda State Road, Hamburg • 7a-7p, 7 days/week 716.649.2356 www.braymillermarket.com • Fax: 716.649.4136
5381 Abbott Rd., Hamburg, NY 14075 716.202.1315
www.buffalospree.com
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“We get a wonderful crowd here on game days,” Seneca says. “When we win, it’s a party. When we lose— well, the mood is a little different!” Whether it celebrates with customers or consoles them, the Armor Inn staff is always ready to offer cold drinks, delicious meals, and plenty of friendly smiles. With two bars, banquet facilities, live entertainment, and an outdoor patio, the Armor Inn Tap Room is ideal for any occasion, from corporate events to girls’ night out to a romantic dinner for two. See armorinn.com for the full menu, special events, and contact information. In 1868, the Erie County Fair found its home in Hamburg at 5600 McKinley Parkway. In an age before the internet, before cell phones— even before the Home Shopping Network and commercials on television, county fairs were used to showcase and advertise new products and services. Fairs were places to see and be seen, where the affluent showed off the latest fashions and the less fortunate spent their precious pennies on luxuries like salted nuts and kettle corn. The Erie County Fair was no different, and brought Western New York residents everything from the latest automobiles to the most effective washing powders. That spirit of ingenuity remains. The Fair is currently the tenth largest
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fair in North America, and has a great mix of old-fashioned fun and brandnew attractions, including a plethora of agricultural shows, games, rides for children and adults, craft vendors, product and service demonstrations, live concerts, and the food fairgoers crave! Marty Biniasz, Erie County Fair special events coordinator, notes that much of the fair’s success is due to its location in Hamburg. “Hamburg is a great place to have the fair because it’s only ten minutes from downtown Buffalo, and it’s also close to farmland and the agricultural district; it’s a wonderful meeting place between the urban center of the city and the outlying communities,” he says. “The county fair as a celebration of agriculture even pre-dates the formation of Erie County by a few years. And at the top of our Ferris wheel, you can see the city skyline in one direction and look the other way at massive dairy farms. It’s a spectacular viewpoint.” This summer’s festivities run from August 12 to 23, and tickets are available now. The GUSTO Grandstand lineup for 2015 includes Alabama, Little Big Town, Meghan Trainor, 3 Doors Down, and Collective Soul among its star acts. The free stages at the fair feature favorites like Gregg Sansone at the 42nd St. Café and The
Kokomo Time Band on the Slade Park Stage. For some Western New Yorkers, fair time means game time, with the Erie County Fair hosting several competitions. For kids, there’s the Talent Contest Mini Division, the Coloring Contest, 4H competitions, and more. Adults can run the Erie County Fair 5K, show off hidden skills in the Talent Contest Maxi Division, and try to claim blue ribbons for their best home brews, wood carvings, and creative arts. For a complete list of vendors, performances, competitions, and other can’t-miss fair events, visit ecfair.org and sign up for their email newsletter. When it comes to medical care, Western New Yorkers are looking for something a little more contemporary, especially when it comes to the health and wellness of their children. Western New York Pediatric Associates, at 5800 Big Tree Road in Orchard Park, offers all of the very latest in medical technology and patient care, from infants to adolescents. They even offer complimentary prenatal visits, so that expectant parents can tour the facility, meet the doctors, and ask important questions. To schedule an appointment, call 662-7337. Current patients can take advantage of the new Patient Portal, a secure web connection where parents can request prescription refills and referrals, make appointments, and get lab results. For more information, visit wnypediatrics.com. For cutting-edge eye care technology, patients in Hamburg and surrounding communities depend on Lakeshore Eye Care at 2816 Pleasant Ave. in Lakeview. Dr. Vishal Sharma has been at the forefront of eye care advancements such as LASIK, premium lens implants, astigmatism correction, and laser assisted eyelid surgery. Along with his team of certified professionals, Sharma has brought better sight to the South Towns. And because Western New Yorkers value style along with ocular health, Lakeshore Eye Care stocks all the hottest brands in eyeglass frames and prescription sunglasses. Make an appointment by calling 698-9194. Hamburg is a community full of home and business owners who respect history, but also who embrace change for positive growth. After all, Hamburg would never have become the commercial and residential boomtown it is today without the fortitude and tenacity of its founders—qualities its residents still exhibit today.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
RESOURCES Armor Inn Tap Room 5381 Abbott Road 202-1315 armorinn.com Braymiller Market 6936 Gowanda State Road 649-2356 braymillermarket.com The Erie County Fair 649-3900 ecfair.org Lakeshore Eye Care 2816 Pleasant Avenue 698-9194 lseyecare.com Lockwood’s Greenhouses 4484 Clark Street 649-4684 weknowplants.com Sharma Family Medicine 2816 Pleasant Avenue 646-5500 sharmafamilymedicinehamburg.com WNY Pediatrics 5800 Big Tree Rd. 662-7337 wnypediatrics.com
A comprehensive patient-centered family practice with a direct line to your doctor.
• Complete Family Care • Saturday and Evening Hours • Fast, responsive care
2816 Pleasant Avenue | Hamburg, New York 14085 P: 716-646-5500 www.sharmafamilymedicinehamburg.com
LOCKWOOD’S GARDEN CENTER GROWING PLANTS OF DISTINCTION IN HAMBURG SINCE 1914 HYDRANGEA EVERLASTING AMETHYST
• Complete Eye Care • Cataract, LASIK, Eyelid Surgery Southtowns Premier Eyecare Provider SPECIALTY ANNUALS • HERBS • HOUSEPLANTS PERENNIALS • SHRUBS & TREES • NATIVE PLANTS ORGANIC & EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS EDUCATIONAL CLASSES & HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS GARDEN GIFTS & DECOR • POTTERY
V. Sharma, MD FRCS (C) Board Certified Eye Surgeon and Physician
4484 Clark Street, Hamburg, NY (716) 649-4684
www.WeKnowPlants.com
2816 Pleasant Ave • Hamburg, NY • 716.698.9194 www.buffalospree.com
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Spree Homes 8409 Bridlewood Drive - $439,900
WOODSTREAM FARMS BEAUTY!
Stunning 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Colonial in demand Clarence neighborhood. 2 story open foyer. Formal Living & dining rooms with hardwoods with Cherry inlay. Family room with American Cherry Hardwoods. 3 gas fireplaces. Spectacular private yard with in-ground pool, custom concrete, outdoor kitchen and magnificent outdoor room. Highly rated Williamsville Schools.
Incredible offering on breathtaking, park-like grounds in the heart of desirable Woodstream Farms. You’ll be captivated from the moment you spot this stately residence on a sweeping corner lot. Expansive layout, spacious rooms, window-flanked walls with spectacular views, fireplaced master suite, character personified. Outstanding value at $559,000!
CAROL A. ESPOSITO, LIC. REAL ESTATE ASSOC. #1 AGENT FOR 2012, 2013 & 2014 WEICHERT REALTORS STOVROFF & TAYLOR REAL ESTATE • 716.864.0478
LORI JORDAN| LICENSED ASSOCIATE BROKER 716.860.8267 KRISTAN ANDERSEN| LICENSED BROKER • 716.362.1801
Spaulding Lake-Shale Bluff Court
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Magnificent Julius Blum masterpiece combines a dramatic & artistic stone & limestone. 6800 sq ft. Stunning sweeping Blum staircase/exquisite plaster moldings/ granites. Brazilian cherry floors & marble. 2 story custom Country French kitchen. 3 fireplaces, 5 bedroom, 3.2 baths, stunning master suite, glamour bath, 2nd on suite plus Jack & Jill baths. $1,395,000
Spectacular 5,434 sq. ft. Contemporary on over 2 acres with marvelous water views. Attached 10-car garage for cars & boats. 100 ft. boat dock with lift. Wonderful open floor plan with spacious 1st floor master suite. Fabulous great room with gas fireplace. Second floor features 2 bedrooms, bath, sitting area and balcony.
SHARON & STEVE FRISICARO • LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS HUNT REAL ESTATE CALL 716.570.5599 FOR APPOINTMENT TODAY! WWW.SHARONANDSTEVEF.COM
SUSAN D. LENAHAN, CRS, CBR • MJ PETERSON REAL ESTATE 431 DELAWARE AVENUE, BUFFALO CELL 716.864.6757 • SUSIELENAHAN@GMAIL.COM 2007–2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR
5950 Old Lake Shore Road
1647 Lake Road, Lewiston-Porter-$560,000
Paradise only 20 minutes from Buffalo. Outstanding lake views to Canada, Buffalo, & beyond. Open floor plan designed to maximize views from every window. High end kitchen, hot tub/spa room with wet bar, elaborate Japanese style pond with waterfalls and bridge walkway. Truly unique. A must see!
Outstanding 1.8 acre property on Lake Ontario; Craftsman-style house built in 2005, 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath with stunning lake views. Chef’s kitchen w/granite island, slate backsplash, custom cabinets, ceramic tile and sliders to covered porch. Spacious living room w/gas fireplace. Formal dining room. Flagstone walk to beach. Security system, 2-car attached garage, full basement with glass block.
JOSHUA ASSAD LICENSED REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER 716.570.5401 JOSH@JOSHASSAD.COM
DEBRA L. MEYERS 914 MAPLE ROAD, WILLIAMSVILLE CELL 716.440.2870 • OFFICE 716.689.8100 DMEYERS@REALTYUSA.COM www.buffalospree.com
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