January//February 2023 Buffalo Home Magazine

PURE DENTAL

Home of the four ever smile™ Dr. Elizabeth Michaels and Dr. Gregory White discuss their state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology giving their patients a reason to smile!

Self Love Club

Stephanie Genco tells all about her plant-based eating, tips for self-love, and some delicious recipes

Spreading Kindness Everywhere

Sweet Buffalo 716 shares a sweet story and Kindness Buffalo is paying it forward with one small act at a time

A REASON TO SMILE

Priori�zing Health & Wellness in the New Year with Dr. Gregory White & Dr. Elizabeth Michaels of Pure Dental Buffalo

The new year is the perfect �me to repriori�ze our health and focus on wellness a�er a busy holiday season. As we take inventory of our rou�nes and set new habits into mo�on, we aim to reset our minds and bodies with the hope of a happier, healthier year ahead.

While renewing gym memberships and trying out new diets are usually top of the list, an important catalyst for be�er health that we must not forget about is our dental hygiene. Dr. Gregory White and Dr. Elizabeth Michaels of Pure Dental Buffalo encourage people to repriori�ze oral health, especially a�er it has been neglected – either throughout the holidays or over the past few years due to changes in rou�ne

“Many people don’t realize that your teeth and oral hygiene actually have a big impact on your overall systemic health. When le� untreated, gum disease can affect cardiovascular health or can contribute to systemic inflammatory diseases, respiratory disease, coronary artery disease and more. Having a clean and healthy mouth can really affect your whole body,” advises Dr. White.

Regardless of your dental needs, Dr. White and Dr. Michaels say nothing beats rou�ne dental care. Simple habits such as brushing, flossing, and visi�ng your den�st twice a year can have a significant long-term impact and prevent bigger problems.

Together, Dr. White and Dr. Michaels help pa�ents get back on track to be�er oral health. Their focus on combining implant and cosme�c den�stry has transformed the lives and smiles of hundreds of people in Western New York. Through innova�ve technology and a pa�ent-centered approach, they are removing barriers such as the fear and anxiety that is tradi�onally associated with going to the den�st – especially when significant surgical work is needed.

“For pa�ents in need of oral surgery, just ge�ng here is key,” advises Dr. Michaels. Although many pa�ents experience anxiety and are embarrassed to take the first step, the treatment team at Pure Dental Buffalo is extremely welcoming and accommoda�ng to address a wide range of dental needs in a judgement-free, stress-reducing environment.

ULTRAMODERN DENTISTRY. STRESS�REDUCING AMENITIES. ULTIMATE PATIENT CARE. WE’RE NOT COMFORTABLE UNLESS YOU ARE.

With 3 loca�ons throughout New York, Pure Dental Buffalo is the newest branch, bringing the highest quality of dental care to Western New York. Described as more of a spa-type atmosphere than a den�st, Pure Dental is ahead of the curve with providing ultramodern den�stry. They provide implants and other surgical needs such as extrac�ons and oral surgery and provide a unique offering called the Four Ever SmileTM. The prac�ce is constantly embracing the latest innova�ve technology and modern dental procedures to be�er serve pa�ents.

GREGORY WHITE, DDS

Dr. Gregory White is a board-cer�fied Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He grew up in Buffalo and a�ended the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and underwent addi�onal years of surgical residency to become an oral surgeon at the University of Cincinna�. He collaborated with Dr. Vibert to open Pure Dental Buffalo to provide a be�er experience to pa�ents and bring this innova�ve technology to the area.

An affordable permanent set of replacement teeth in just one day. Absolutely the best op�on that mimics the feeling o f your own teeth.

Pure Dental’s patented technology, the Four Ever Smile™ transforms the process for pa�ents to get new, permanent teeth. This is par�cularly helpful for those facing terminal den��on, where teeth are in very bad shape and need to be removed or replaced. Typically, these pa�ents would need a different implant treatment that takes 6 – 12 months and involves many logis�cs, office visits and a lot of anxiety for the pa�ent. By contrast, Pure Dental’s approach can be done in a single day and pa�ents leave with a new, vibrant smile, which removes much of the fear and anxiety typically associated with this type of procedure. Using technology, they deliver a streamlined, digital experience that even leverages 3D prin�ng to create a new set of teeth that are customized and more comfortable for the pa�ent. This approach is faster, more affordable and longer las�ng than the tradi�onal approach.

ELIZABETH MICHAELS, DDS

Dr. Elizabeth Michaels is a General Den�stry Prac��oner and Buffalo na�ve who a�ended dental school at Stony Brook in Long Island. Her background in general, cosme�c, and restora�ve den�stry serves as the perfect complement to Dr. White’s surgical experience. Together, they work with pa�ents to answer their ques�ons, put them at ease and provide beau�ful, healthy smiles that give people their confidence back.

- from the artists’ desk -

It’s a new year which means it’s time for new adventures! Maybe that means getting outdoors more or reevaluating our relationship with ourselves and our neighbors. For some, perhaps it means a little more self-reflection and self-care. Here in Western New York the year may start out on the chillier side, but we’re not about to let that stop us.

State-of-the-art facilities and advanced practices at Pure Dental is giving their patients a reason to smile! With their Four Ever Smile™ technology, Dr. White and Dr. Michaels are helping to soothe anxieties and help prioritize health and wellness in the new year.

The City of Good Neighbors is living up to its reputation, with some feel good stories around town. National Random Acts of Kindness Day takes place on February 17th, centered around the idea of paying it forward one small act at a time. Begun in 2021, Kindness Buffalo started as a means of brightening local Kim Borkowski’s days in light of her leukemia diagnosis and has quickly spread to promoting random acts of kindness in the Buffalo community! Sweet Buffalo 716 is highlighting sweet stories worth sharing: a local seventh grader made his classmate’s day in a way you may not expect.

While Valentine’s romance is sweet, self-love is just as important as romantic love. Stephanie Genco, local wellness coach and blogger is sharing tips and tricks for creating a life you love with selfcare. Healthy and creative plant-based recipes also give your year a boost! Looking for a fun way to boost your self-esteem? Genco is hosting a Self-Love Challenge centered around positive self-talk, celebrating your wins, and nurture what makes you you!

With so much to see and do and so many ways to celebrate, a new year gives us a chance to renew, refresh, and put things into perspective. However you choose to ring in the new year, thank you for joining us at Home as we kick off 2023!

585.226.8111 | team@gvpublications.com www.thehomepublications.com

LAURIE ABBOTT | CARMEN CAMPBELL | CHRISTINE WHITE | COLLEEN MANN MANUEL KARAM | CRISTIE LEONE | KAITLIN DONNAN | JENNA BARIE | SARAH CHRIST | KARA IVISON

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: TRISH PINO | JODY LYNN GREER | MARIE RACHELLE PAZYCH

@agateandbirch

Kindness Buffalo Kindness Buffalo

Paying it Forward One Small Act at a Time with Kindness Buffalo

By Marie Rachelle, Edited by Kaitlin Donnan

Over the past decade, National Random Acts of Kindness Day is a fun, unofficial “holiday” on February 17th that has been steadily gaining traction. Originating in New Zealand, the day is meant to celebrate doing small, selfless acts for others such as holding a door, complimenting a co-worker, or even something as simple as offering a complete stranger a smile as you pass them by.

was honored to perform random acts of kindness, but also wanted to share it with both her and the Buffalo community. What they didn’t know was that it would grow to more than 1,400 people.

“Kim is a ray of sunshine and everyone who knows her has been touched by her generous spirit,” said Trish Hudson, friend, colleague, and co-founder of Kindness Buffalo.

Acts of kindness aren’t purely limited to February though, as there is nothing to stop anyone from making a stranger’s day year-round. Research shows that kindness has a number of benefits, including a better sense of well-being, reducing isolation, and allowing us to put things into perspective. While giving us the opportunity to be more social, kind acts also help improve our self-esteem with lasting impacts.

ete s ut pective. p -esteem with wski

Kindness Buffalo was created for Kimberly Borkowski in light of her leukemia diagnosis, stating that “[her] friends and family couldn’t do a lot for [her] but do a lot for others.”

Borkowski was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia 2021. After sharing the news with her family and fr created a Facebook group called “Kindness Buffalo.” This group

“I’m not one to think of what other people think of me, but what other people think of me is what my kids are going to hear after I’m gone,” Borkowski said, referring to her three children: Alyssa, Savannah, and Henry. “That’s my legacy and I wanted that legacy to be kindness.”

s Borko to her thr Savannah a pl an an sha group me create som Borkowsk

If you visit their Facebook group, you’ll find that it’s a place for kindness and positivity in honor of Borkowski. The purpose of the group is two-fold: to perform an act of kindness and not only share your cause for group members to see, but to create somewhat of a diary for Borkowski to read when she’s feeling blue or during her treatments.

At first, some members of the group didn’t want to go online just to brag about the kind act they just performed. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not just sharing your kindness for you, but to inspire others and remind Borkowski just how far her request for kindness has truly gone. Kindness Buffalo has become somewhat of a hub for the Buffalo community to share opportunities as well, as small acts of kindness for strangers have ripple effects.

At first, some members of th

In her own words, Borkowski is proud to report that her health is going “as good as it can be.” Truly living her legacy, Borkowski and her children handed out 100 carnations following her 100 days post-transplant, and on her 1-year “transplantaversary” she performed 365 acts of kindness–with help from her family and friends, of course.

In honor of one Buffalo woman turning life-changing news into something so incredibly light, fun, and kind, it is only fair to celebrate Kim, Trish, her children, her co-workers, and all of the members of Kindness Buffalo who make an impactful difference for those around them.

365 Acts of Kindness

Since Kim was restricted from most public places due to being immunosuppressed, her friend Krista Lipczynski executed the 365 Acts of Kindness on her one-year “transplantaversary” while Kim drove. They left quarters at the laundromat, took donuts to the police station, took hot dogs and washcloths to the SPCA, handed out lunches to homeless people, and passed out gift cards to Roswell’s cafeteria to patient families. They also dropped off bags, crayons, coloring books, socks, toothbrushes, and underwear to child and family services, and stocked the Buffalo community fridge with canned goods and feminine hygiene products.

Krista Lipczynski talks 365 Acts

How did you come up with the ideas?

Kim is the most incredible person I have ever known. She planned the random acts of kindness in their entirety and I was lucky enough to be the sidekick!

What emotions did you feel that day?

I can’t really explain the feeling. Grateful… I am so grateful she’s here for me to do things with her. Inspired… that she still chooses to find the light and help others even though dealt an unfortunate hand. Everyone we interacted with that day was so grateful and so kind.

What was your favorite act of kindness that day?

Walking through Roswell and passing out the gift cards was what hit me the most. Not too long ago she was there being treated for what seemed like an eternity and I couldn’t even see her. That day we were walking the halls and trying to put a smile on someone’s face. I was so happy to be next to her, and, again, so grateful for that time and to Roswell and to her donor for making it that way. I’ve thought about it every day since.

““As I was doing my 7:00 a.m. run to the grocery store this morning in preparation for stormy weather, I stopped at the café in Tops to pick up a large coffee. While I was there I bought coffee for everyone working in the café. It was a great way to start my day.” – Mary Beth A.

“A homeless man was quietly standing, humbly, and just looked beaten down and sad. I turned around and gave him a $ bill he probably doesn’t get often. He was surprised and grateful. I’ll never forget his smile and what I think was a little sparkle.” – Ann S.

...

“I wanted to gift back the number of days I had been gifted.”

“I wanted to gift back the number of days I had been gifted.”

Join the Kindness Buffalo Group on Facebook for more acts of kindness & to share your own!

YOU DESERVE IT!

CHOCOLATE & WINE PAIRINGS

Join us for an afternoon of chocolates and award-winning wine with renowned chocolatier, Norman Love. Experience artistry in chocolate with multiple courses of delectable pairings, bringing out the finest nuances and flavors.

PREFER SAVORY OVER SWEET?

Try our wine & mead pairings with all-natural Amish cheese and locally made cured meats. Call to reserve your tasting today!

AN AFFORDABLE AND UNIQUE SETTING FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT!

Open year-round, our tasting room and winery grounds can host a variety of events and occasions. Book us for your next event!

SEVENTH GRADER SEES CLASSMATE GET PICKED ON FOR HIS SNEAKERS, USES HIS ALLOWANCE TO BUY HIM A NEW PAIR

Bu�falo seventh grader Romello “Mello” Early was tired of students picking on his classmate Melvin Anderson about his shoes, so Mello used his allowance and surprised Melvin with some new Nikes at school.

Dean of Culture at Bu�falo Creek Academy Char�er School, Bryant Brown Jr. heard about the kind gesture from Melvin and decided to take a photo of the two boys. He posted the photo on social media and it went viral! CBS Evening News “On the Road” with Steve Har�man even came all the way to Bu�falo to cover the story.

Mello believes no one should ever be bullied for their appearance. He didn’t expect anything in return for his kind gesture, but Sweet Bu�falo thought both he and Melvin deserved to see some goodness come their way!

On our Sweet Bu�falo segment (on News 4 Bu�falo on Monday nights), we surprised Mello and Melvin with Air Jordan 1 sneakers, a gi�� from our friends at Sole High Sneakers, Billsthemed merch from the Totally Bu�falo Store and two PS5s from Niagara Nightmares! The boys had no idea about any of the gi��s and Mello was moved to tears when he received his PS5!

Mello also recently received the Jr. Community Quar�erback Award from the Bu�falo Bills! The award honors an individual who exempli�ies leadership, dedication and commitment to improving the community in which they live.

We are so proud that Mello received this award and we are grateful to the Bills for recognizing children who exhibit acts of kindness like this.

Go Mello & Go Bills! ...

You

acts

kindness to SweetBu�falo716.com

watch us on Monday nights on WIVB Channel 4 News at 7pm.

dedicated to helping women l�k & fe� fabulous

Introducing Delonix Women’s Boutique – nestled inside of our Spa in Tonawanda, NY. LINGERIE | PAJAMAS | SWIMWEAR | SHAPEWEAR SKIN CARE | WELLNESS PRODUCTS & MORE!

As the only women’s boutique in WNY, we specialize in providing wellness products for women’s intimate needs with personalized education and attention needed to help you select the best products. We have certified wellness experts who understand women’s bodies and can help you find the results you’re looking for. We provide an exclusive and discrete place to shop when looking to enhance your sexual wellness.

High-end lingerie, sleepwear, robes, quality hosiery, or that perfect vacation swimsuit and more can be found at Delonix. From the bride-to-be’s wedding night to swimwear and shape wear (including our BeWicked Shapewear), we offer a large selection to choose from and sizes ranging from X-Small to 3XL and never mark up clothing for larger sizes. Try on in-store instead of buying online and dealing with returns.

Our skin care line is top notch, with the latest in moisturizers, masks, and anti-wrinkle creams. Don’t forget your after services care with ingrown hair treatments and quality exfoliating brushes! If you can’t get to the Spa to work out that tension as often as you’d like, then bring home some CBD muscle cream or specialty massage wands and canes.

Delonix Women’s Boutique has all of your intimate and wellness needs in one location. Let our certified wellness experts provide you with education and recommendations on specifically selected products and various lines to promote your and your partner’s sexual wellness and enhance your relationship.

Can’t decide or looking for your partner to get you the right gift? Check out our gift cards to shop at a later time and have the gift you’ve always wanted.

We LOVE a Good Party at Delonix Spa and Boutique! Call us today to book your next bridal or bachelore tte party, ladies night, birthday or corporate wellness event!

As a wellness coach, blogger, and host of the weekly podcast “Be Well With Steph,” what Stephanie Genco really loves the most is helping others build healthy habits. Like so many, Genco tried multiple weight loss and fitness methods before finding the right approach. Growing up in a family that suffered various health ailments, she knew how important it was to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. What she discovered became her lifelong passion.

“I have always thought, ‘how can I learn more and how can I try more?’ I tried a lot of different fitness hobbies and diet plans while I was in college,” Genco says. “I found there was no one answer, no quick fix — it was more about how I continued to care about myself every day. So many people are focusing on the next trend instead of focusing on little things they can do every day that can make a difference.”

ATION OF WELLNE S S

Stephanie Genco loves long walks in the sunshine, avocado toast so loaded you can’t pick it up, a great cup of coffee, & a nice glass of wine. She loves adventures both “out on the town” and out in the woods. She loves meeting new people and trying new things. She loves routines: the way she practices gratitude, fuels her body, and the way she moves it in a celebration of strength.

Educating others is a skill that comes naturally for Genco, a fifth-grade teacher at a local middle school. It wasn’t until watching the documentary What The Health that Genco transformed her life six years ago, deciding to share her knowledge with others and become a wellness coach. She’s realistic about what a balanced, healthy diet should resemble – after all, no one is perfect all the time.

“One of the things I did was remove animal products and consume whole plant-based foods. Within a few days, I was feeling great,” Genco says. She is quick to point out that weight loss is not the only advantage of plant-based eating: it has also been proven to boost cognitive functioning, decrease risks of cancer and diabetes, lower inflammation, and aid in treating a variety of chronic conditions.

Genco is passionate about happy, healthy living and the notion that we have the power to fend off disease and illness by changing what we put in our mouths.

...

A plant-based approach is not about what you must give up, but what you can eat more of in your everyday life.

...

“A plant-based perspective is more about what you should include,” Genco explains, “such as nutrient-based plant foods that contain vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and water, which are all things that are going to help without being restrictive."

For those looking to drop a few pounds in the new year or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, Genco has a few tips to offer that she has learned along her wellness journey.

“I would always say to avoid anything that feels too restrictive or anything you’re not going to enjoy doing for an extended period of time. Try not to dive all-in on something you’re not planning on finishing,” Genco emphasizes. “Also, avoid anything that puts the whole focus on weight loss without health. There are so many programs that guarantee us certain amounts of loss without knowing what is going to be healthy for us.”

Genco also advises to avoid any plans that insist you cannot eat a certain nutrient or include heavy restrictions on fats, proteins, or carbohydrates that the body requires.

By pursuing her fitness journey, Stephanie Genco gained control of her life and a renewed sense of wellbeing. Now, she focuses on teaching others about the benefits of a holistic lifestyle and how impactful small changes can be over time. Her selfimprovement journey has come full circle, but she takes pride in helping others start their wellness journeys with practical and sensible advice.

You can catch her podcast, “Be Well With Steph,” on Monday mornings or visit her blog at bewellwithsteph.com for more

"IT'S LOOKING WITHIN, LISTENING TO YOUR BODY WITH LOVE, AND TREATING YOUR BODY LIKE AN ENTIRE PERSON.

IS YOUR BODY GETTING ENOUGH NOURISHMENT IN OTHER AREAS OF LIFE.... LIKE SPIRITUALLY? CAREERWISE? RELATIONSHIPS? CREATIVITY? SERVICE? FUN? LEARNING? REST?

IT'S NOT JUST WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY OR WHAT EXERCISES YOU GIVE IT. IT'S ALL AREAS OF LIFE THAT AFFECT YOUR WELLNESS!"

PUT INTO YOUR

-Stephanie Genco

In the Kitchen In the Kitchen

Try these creative plant-based dishes that Stephanie recommends!

Ingredients

• 2 cans jackfruit

• 1 package silken tofu

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried dill

• 1 tbsp dried parsley

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot hot sauce (more or less, depending on heat preferences)

• 1/2 cup dairy-free cheese, if desired

Steps

1) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Lightly spray a baking sheet. Put cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside.

2) Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Chop it into small pieces and spread on the baking sheet. (I like to lightly season with salt, pepper, and paprika, but you can also bake plain.) Bake about 20 minutes or until the edges start to get crispy, stirring occasionally.

3) Blend all remaining ingredients together!

4) Add cashews and blend until smooth.

5) Lower oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 glass baking dish.

6) Combine jackfruit with the rest of the mixture and spread evenly in the baking dish.

7) Top with dairy-free cheese if you’d like, or just an extra shake of nutritional yeast. Bake until the cheese melts or top starts to lightly brown.

9) Serve this dip hot with your favorite crackers or tortilla chips. I also love to eat it with raw vegetables!

MY VERSION OF A GREEK FALAFEL SALAD

Ingredients

• Trader Joe’s fully cooked, frozen Falafel

• Bag of salad mix (with so many options out there, choose your fave!)

• Diced tomatoes or cherry tomato halves

• Pickles (because why not?)

• Fresh herbs (parsley in this)

• My one splurge: plant-based feta crumbles

• Your favorite dressing (I went simple with olive oil & fresh lemon juice)

Recipe

1) Cook falafel according to the box instructions.

2) Dump bag of salad into bowl.

3) Chop your tomatoes & herbs.

4) Add everything together (except dressing).

5) Here’s the best part: Separate into containers so you have lunch / dinner ready to go!

6) Make your bowl & add your dressing / fixings to your liking!

7) Assemble, take a picture, & enjoy!

Make sure to tag me ;) @bewellwithsteph

HEALTHY & DELICIOUS VEGAN BUFFALO WING DIP

Create a Li fe You Love Create a Life You Love

Valentine’s Day Self-Love Challenge

This February, Stephanie would like to motivate and inspire her followers to a “free self-love challenge.” During the week of February 7th – February 13th, participants are welcome to join Genco on Instagram to learn methods of self-love and self-acceptance.

Without self-love there can be no self-improvement, and negative self-talk is a common mistake among those looking to lose weight. During the month of love, Genco promises to offer tips to combat negative selftalk and scrutiny along with positive affirmations and some fun surprises.

Self-Love Tips

• Create your morning affirmations. How we talk to ourselves matters and can set the tone for our day. Speak to yourself with encouragement, confidence & self-love today. (Maybe write them in a journal or on a note where you can see them: “I am enough. I do enough.” “Today I will do my best to serve others.”)

• Celebrate your wins! Pause today to notice things that are going well. Notice where you’ve grown & appreciate your own accomplishments, big or small. Be proud! (Did you take a risk and make a new meal? Stick to your workouts all week? Push through a hard day? Stand up for yourself or someone else? Wash, dry, fold and put away your laundry in the same day?)

• Stop comparing. We’ve heard it for years: what we see online and read in some magazines is not reality. Unfollow any person or account who makes you feel anything less than amazing. (The picture-perfect world of social media can sometimes be rough; it can leave us looking at the picture-perfect lives of complete strangers, feeling like we don’t measure up. It’s time to clean up your feed and protect your mental health, out of love for yourself.)

The exper t s at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Galler y are here to help create a home that ’s as ex traordinar y as you are.

Any projec t , any st yle, any dream— bring your inspiration to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Galler y Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.

Shedding some light on home solar

Consumers shopping around for home improvement projects may be leaning toward overhauls that can reduce energy consumption and save them money in the long run. This is often a driving factor behind a growing number of homeowners investigating solar energy for their residences.

What is

climate change mitigation?

How does solar power work?

Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity that can be used in homes. Many people are familiar with photovoltaics (PV), which are the panels that absorb sunlight and create an electric field across their layers. Another solar technology, known as concentrating solar power, is primarily used in large power plants and is not appropriate for residential use, according to Energy.gov.

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, hundreds of thousands of solar panels have been put in use across the United States since 2008.

Costs associated with solar

The upfront expense of solar panels is significant, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $14,000 for initial installation. However, comparatively speaking, homeowners can spend $1,500 or more per year on electricity, so solar panels will pay for themselves over time. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on energy needs and how many panels will be required to service the system.

How much electricity can I expect?

The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice says that the amount of power generated from a solar energy system depends on a few factors:

· The average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets each year;

· The pitch (angle), age, and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces;

· The size and strength of your system; and

· Environmental factors such as snow, dust or shade that may cover the system.

Save even more money

Consumers can contact their utility companies to find out if they provide homeowners who produce solar power with “net metering.” This program pays the homeowner money or gives credit for excess power the system produces and returns to the electric grid. Individuals also may be eligible for energy tax credits or other benefits.

Homeowners may find it worthwhile to explore solar energy, particularly if they consume a high amount of electricity.

Scientists have long since recognized that the planet is growing warmer. A changing climate poses significant challenges, not the least of which is what can be done to prevent the most negative consequences of global warming.

For decades, climate researchers have urged policymakers to embrace strategies designed to limit global warming to between 2.7 to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit during the 21st century. But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that realizing that goal is unlikely without dramatic action in the next couple of decades.

If limiting global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit over the next 80 years is increasingly unlikely, then additional strategies to confront climate change must be considered. One such strategy is climate change mitigation. According to the UN Environment Programme, climate change mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases. Such efforts could help in the fight against climate change.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) supports the work of developing countries as they look to address the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Mitigation is a valuable tool in that fight, and the GEF provided support for 940 climate change mitigation projects in the organization’s first quarter century. GEF support was directed toward projects that aimed to mitigate emissions related to the production and consumption of energy, which the organization noted is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Individuals interested in climate change mitigation should know that they can play a part. Some ways for individuals to support mitigation include:

· Retrofit homes and offices to make them more energy efficient;

· Invest in solar paneling for your home or business;

· Support legislation that aims to safely integrate renewable energy sources like wind and solar;

· Invest in electric vehicles;

· Support legislation that promotes sustainable use of land, including forests.

• BE READY – give us a call. We can help your home stay heated both now and in the future with our FREE Estimates! • BE SURE – of your existing fireplace, insert, stove or log set. AAA Timberline is currently scheduling Chimney Sweeps & Fireplace Inspections that help homeowners keep their homes’ secondary heating system working for them all winter long.

VISIT US at the Buffalo Home Show; March 3-5 & March 10-12 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center to find out more!

BRINGING PEACE DURING A TIME OF CHAOS.

— Jessica R. found AAA Timberline to be extremely flexible and admired their honesty.

Jeff from AAA Timberline was the first to suggest a log set instead of an insert for a fireplace I wanted to maintain rather than completely change. The log set was a more economical option, as my main goal was aesthetics rather than heating the entire house (but I can if need be). These changes solidify the comfort of my home. This was the first true blizzard that I ever experienced in my entire life, and I felt prepared with a truly functional fireplace that provided needed warmth. It was something to bring peace during a time of chaos.”

Our customers talk about their experiences with being prepared before the storm!

I was so impressed with their attentiveness to my concerns. They managed my expectations from day one and what the process would entail for me as a brand-new homeowner. There were no surprises, which I really appreciated, and the final outcome was everything I had envisioned it to be. This fireplace gives me something to really look forward to at the end of a long, cold, winter day here in Buffalo. It was an absolute life-saving experience during the winter storms that we experienced in November and December, and I am not sure what we would have done without it. - Jillian R.

KEEPING FAMILIES WARM IN THE WINTER.

The blizzard that hit our community on December 23, 2022 was devastating. Many homes were left without power and heat for days, and Buffalo looked like a scene from a movie rather than the community that we know and love. Knowing how much Buffalo can be impacted by weather, customers reached out to AAA Timberline for a solution to their needs that were both aesthetically pleasing, but also provided a second source of heat if a disaster were to occur.

When we moved in a year and a half ago, we had to replace everything the previous owner had done to the house and we couldn’t even use the chimney. Working with AAA Timberline was a breeze! They came and knew what the problem was immediately. It took them less than a day; they were in and out, and the next afternoon we had our first fire going in our new fireplace. It’s nice to have the fire burning in the background and it’s always a comfort knowing it’s there when we need it, especially when the storm hit. We had our backup generator going because we lost power, and the fireplace did about 90% of the work in heating our whole house. – Kyle T.

PROVIDING COMFORT & SECURITY TO OUR CUSTOMERS.

— Jim C. was looking for something aesthetically pleasing but would provide warmth for him and his family.

I was very pleased with the overall experience I had with AAA Timberline. They were able to get me scheduled and completed the week before Christmas –which, as we know, turned out to be extremely helpful timing. The job was completed just days before the historic blizzard, where I was left without power or heat for two separate twelve-hour occurrences. The work that AAA Timberline did was able to keep my family safe during the storm. Had they not been so flexible in scheduling, I do not know how we would have weathered the storm that affected so many of our friends and neighbors.

“

Visit us at the Buffalo Home Show March 3-5 & March 10-12 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center!