March//April 2024 WNY HOME Magazine

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Tips from Sarah Pavia on how to create a stylized themed party with thrifty finds

from the home team

SPRING BLOSSOMS IN WNY

Asspring

begins to bloom, I can’t help but think about all the wonderful things to enjoy here in Western New York. I’m fortunate to be nestled between two lively cities, both offering a variety of unique attractions and activities to explore. My family and I love trying out new locally-owned food spots, and there are plenty of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops to check out.

From leisurely strolls along Schoen Place in Pittsford, enjoying an iced lavender latte (my springtime favorite!), to admiring the blossoms along Canalside in Buffalo, there’s always something to see. WNY boasts an abundance of excellent spots to grab a bite, like the Genesee Brew House with its stunning view of High Falls or the charming Taste café in East Aurora. Our go-to local favorites are

Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn and Capish Italian Restaurant, conveniently located just a short walk from our home along the picturesque Oatka Creek.

Personally, I love taking walks in Rochester’s Highland Park, especially when the lilacs are in full bloom, or soaking in the scenery at Hoyt Lake in Buffalo. And there’s no shortage of fun things to do, from catching a Red Wings game at Innovative Field to attending a show at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo! However, as a mother of two active teens, my time is often divided between the baseball field and volleyball court.

As winter fades away, I’m getting excited about brightening up my home and opening the windows. We’ve been lucky with a few amazing days already! It’s time to trade my heavy blankets for light throws, trade the pine garland for pastel accents, and invite the outdoors in with fresh blooms from local farmers’ markets. It’s amazing what a few simple changes can do to freshen up the place!

And I can’t wait to do some thrifting at The Lucky Flea in downtown Rochester, or hunt for unique décor finds at the Antique World & Flea Market in Clarence. There’s just something so exciting about finding hidden gems!

So here’s to soaking up all the goodness that Western New York has to offer, enjoying life’s little pleasures, and diving headfirst into this awesome spring season!

-Sarah

JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

fresh blooms

“Spring flowers are nature’s most fragrant charms.”

- Angie Weiland-Crosby EDITOR

Do you love WNY? Join us as a freelance writer to create inspirational, uplifting content about the cities we love. Email a cover letter and two writing samples to our content manager at: suziew@featuredmedia.com

iced lavender lattes

A springtime hug in a cup! I love the calming lavender aroma and the subtle hint of floral. It’s a refreshing pick-me-up in the afternoon and my go-to order at any local coffee shop!

local boutiques

There are so many amazing small businesses throughout WNY! I love knowing that each purchase brings a smile to the store owners’ faces! Plus, many of these businesses offer online shopping options too!

WHAT ARE YOUR SPRING HOBBIES?

SALES

BRITTANY WALKER

CARMEN CAMPBELL

CHRISTINE WHITE

JENNIFER COOKE

LAURIE ABBOTT Marketing Consultants

EDITORS

Golfing Spring cleaning, decorating and planting my garden

SARAH CHRIST Designer + Photographer

KARA IVISON Designer + Digital Specialist

WRITING

SUZIE WELLS Lead Content Writer

KAITLIN DONNAN Proofreader/Content Writer

HELANA SHUMWAY

JAYME BRESCHARD

SARAH PAVIA

Contributing Writers

MANAGEMENT

STEVE HARRISON

MANUEL KARAM

COLLEEN MANN

CRISTIE LEONE

Tidying the yard, prepping the garden, and of course, hiking

585.226.8111 | sales@featuredmedia.com

www.thehomepublications.com

BOOK A STAY AT OUR LUXURY INN ON MARKET STREET IN CORNING!

Lodging at the Ga�fer Inn is a 4-room boutique hotel located on historic Market Street in the heart of the Ga�fer District in the city of Corning, NY. It is conveniently located within walking distance to many shops and restaurants (directly above Burgers & Beer of Corning) and to the Corning Museum of Glass.

Reservations can be made at: WWW.GAFFERINN.COM

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE REST AND RELAXATION ON KEUKA LAKE?

Book a getaway to MoonSwept, a cozy 5-bedroom home located on the west side the lake, which can accommodate a max. of 11 guests (pet-friendly too!). Across the road from the house is a private dock located on 47 feet of waterfront. �e house is located on cli�f property, so there are 117 steps to the dock, but once you are there you can stay all day! �e dock has a gazebo with furniture, a mini fridge, and even an “outhouse” with a composting toilet!

Reservations can be made at: WWW.MOONSWEPTKEUKA.COM

fall in love with our beautiful gardens

A family-owned & operated business, Sara’s Garden & Nursery began as a small farm wagon offering homegrown vegetables and flowers. Today at their family-run nursery, there is nearly 20,000 sq.ft. of greenhouse space where they grow all of the annuals, vegetable plants and hanging baskets that are offered.

Designer Flooring from pioneer millworks

ARTICLE BY HELANA SHUMWAY PHOTO BY TIM WILKES

For over thirty years, Pioneer Millworks has been a national leader in manufacturing reclaimed and sustainable wood flooring, paneling, siding, and decking with a focus on utilizing high-quality natural materials and finishes. Founded by Jonathan Orpin, Pioneer Millworks has two mills, one locally here in Farmington, NY, and one in McMinnville, Oregon.

Their sister company, New Energy Works, is a well-known sustainable Design + Build company with a focus on timber frame and high-performance construction. The two companies together are a powerhouse partnership that has crafted several innovative, stunning residential and commercial buildings throughout the region.

As of 2022, the two companies became 100% EmployeeOwned as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), which, according to Pioneer Millworks General Manager Alan Lamparella, means employees more equitably share in the successes that result from their hard work. It also allows the company to offer their team more competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, which fosters longterm careers in domestic manufacturing and skilled trades.

Over the past 30+ years, Pioneer Millworks has maintained its strong reputation as a leader in the building materials industry because of their focus on crafting some of the finest environmentally friendly wood products made in the U.S.A.

Most recently, the company partnered with celebrated interior designer David Senise of Spectrum Design Group for their new Natural Expressions Collection, which is a perfect example of the company’s ability to meet high quality standards while remaining committed to their triple bottom line ethos of people, planet, and prosperity. The European style wide plank designer flooring collection is the quintessence of natural beauty and has been extremely well-received in the Finger Lakes region and beyond since its release last fall.

Natural Expressions Collection

Like many beautiful things in life, the Natural Expressions Collection developed organically. The process started a little over a year ago when renowned interior designer David Senise was working on two large residential homes in the Finger Lakes. He approached Pioneer Millworks, whom he had worked with extensively in the past, to explore the best hardwood flooring options available for the projects. “As a designer, I was looking for a unique product, because everything on the market was the standard, typical hardwood flooring in showrooms – they all had the same look and color,” David says.

His vision for the projects was to use a European style wide plank White Oak flooring, so he went to visit Pioneer Millworks’ Farmington mill to explore options. Together, they worked with different stains and finishes, tested them on samples, and selected two unique custom color finishes for David’s projects.

The results were extraordinary, and the team at Pioneer Millworks knew that the marriage of David’s vast interior design skillset with their sustainable White Oak flooring finished with these new colors could be groundbreaking for the design industry.

Inspired by these early results, David soon returned to the Farmington mill and worked closely with the Pioneer Millworks team to develop twelve proprietary finish colors that have come to define the Natural Expressions Collection

As its name suggests, the Natural Expressions Collection focuses on incorporating elements of nature into the interior design world. The blend of the stunning natural finishes and dynamic wood grains of the collection are designed to inspire scenes of dense forests, flowing wheat fields, and enigmatic thunderstorms rolling in over a landscape. With names like Nantucket Fog, Toasted Wheat, and Warm Umber, each unique color option in the collection takes on a life and personality of its own.

be

in any room. The wider floor planks of White Oak offer a sense of continuity and scale from one room to another, and with more surface area comes a greater diversification of natural wood grain patterns, grounding the space to the surrounding landscape.

Sustainable Choices

Do not be fooled – this flooring collection is much more than just exceptional appearance. Staying true to their roots, the Pioneer Millworks team diligently worked to make sure the Natural Expressions Collection is as sustainable as possible, because to them, sustainability is not only a priority – it is a fundamental part of their ethos.

From an environmental perspective, sustainability at Pioneer Millworks means making as little impact on the environment as possible. The wood for the collection is made with their sustainably harvested Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) Certified Casual White Oak, which ensures overall responsible sourcing and forestry practices. The casual grade of White Oak utilized in the collection is milled from the upper section of the oak tree, which creates a signature character look for the flooring, but also importantly maximizes yield and reduces waste during the production process.

Sustainability also means durability and longevity, which, for the team at Pioneer Millworks, is also essential. When David first approached the team for his projects, he had a particular request: The owners of the house he was designing had a large dog, and they needed a flooring option that would not be easily scratched and worn down.

The collection utilizes an 8” wide plank European style format, which, according to David, allows for the flooring to

the main character

AJ Henion // Deanna Varble // David Senise // Dave Crouden // Chip Hormess

Pioneer Millworks Natural Expressions Collection Team

Photo by Tim Wilkes

“Design has always been a reflection of the times in which people live. Today, people are more environmentally conscious and have an innate desire to bring nature into their daily lives. This collection gives designers a palette of colors that convey a connection to the natural world that highlight the beauty and simplicity of the wood.”

- DAVID SENISE

As a result, the Natural Expressions Collection features a plant-based, allnatural UV Cured Hard-Wax oil finish, which is highly durable and can be easily maintained over time.

Additionally, the collection’s oil finish is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is always a prime concern for the company, to minimize offgassing of noxious fumes and maintain healthy indoor air quality. This way, sustainability means creating a healthy work environment for the team and those installing their products, as well as a long-term healthy living environment for the homeowners.

A Collection to Discover

According to Deanna Varble, Creative Director at Pioneer Millworks, the best way to really get a sense and feel of the wood from the Natural Expressions Collection is to see it in person. “It’s hard to represent the finish and its complexity with photos alone,” she explains. “We would love for people from around the region to come in and see the collection in our Farmington showroom, or order a sample online from our website. The colors have nuanced character that changes within the grain of the wood and in different lighting conditions.”

Every detail has been thoughtfully examined and purposefully chosen by David Senise and the Pioneer Millworks team for the Natural Expressions Collection. From the larger width of the boards to twelve innovative designer finish colors, the collection masterfully combines elements inspired by nature to bring thoughtful sophistication and grounded aesthetics from the natural world into commercial and residential spaces.

Made here in the U.S.A., this high-quality designer flooring collection is about more than just delivering a consistent, beautiful product. It’s about helping homeowners’ dreams become reality. In Deanna’s words, the process feels “lifegiving,” and the Pioneer Millworks team puts heart and care into every step of the process.

Photo by Tim Wilkes

rochester life

pg. 19 Styling Your Home with Secondhand Finds - Tips from Holly Garritano

Candles: Bayberry Fairport

// Lilac Cards: Nikki Bittner

// feature your photo #LoveHomeMag

Join us for a unique fundraising event where planners and other creatives will be on hand to wow us with fabulous tablescape designs. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while strolling among these amazing creations. Later we’ll sit for decadent desserts and have an opportunity to raise much needed funding so more families in need can feel like “there’s no place like home.”

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Oak Hill Country Club - Pittsford

Doors open at 12:00 $125/pp

EXCLUSIVE VIP EVENT

Limited to Just 50 Guests • 11AM Gourmet Pastries, Mimosas & Insider Designer Tips! $175/pp

Purchase tickets and learn more: homestarthope.org/tablescapes

RSVP by April 28, 2024

HOME START HOPE SUPPORTS WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THEIR TRANSITION FROM HOMELESSNESS TO INDEPENDENT LIVING

Creating BEAUTIFUL SPACES with you!

What would you do with the feel-good colors, patterns and rich textures of these fabrics, trims and wallcoverings? Upholster an heirloom chair, frame a lovely view with drapery panels, or wallpaper your powder room?

Come in and let us introduce you to the lively collections from Thibaut, Anna French, and others you can order by the yard.

“Crafting a home with secondhand pieces takes time. Make a list of potential items, and when it starts to come together, your intentionality will pay off. It will feel like there’s a story to tell, and that’s what makes a house feel like a home.”

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Embarking on the journey of thrifting is a passion that has become synonymous with Holly Garritano, curator of Seeds of Home. After the birth of her third son, Holly found herself spending more time at home and looking for a creative outlet that started out as changing around décor. She quickly learned thrifting offered more unique and affordable pieces as well as a means of getting out of the house.

With five kids (four boys and one girl), thrifting has become a family affair, from her Seeds of Home Etsy shop, the booth she rents at Whistle Stop Antiques in Ontario to showcase some of her finds (“My teen boys help lift things!” she says), and the weekends she and her husband spend antiquing as fun getaways. What began as a creative outlet has blossomed into a means of making their home theirs as well. Holly says, “Our house is 95% secondhand finds. I can count on one hand how many items were bought new.”

In this guide for shopping secondhand, Holly shares insights to elevate your experience, turning each discovery into a piece that weaves into the fabric of your home.

Regular Check Ins: Make thrifting a regular part of your routine, taking consistent trips to stores. The landscape changes on a regular basis, and multiple visits improves your chances of finding unique treasures and staying on top of the rotating stock.

Local Estate Sales: Research and view photos online so you know what you’re looking for going in. Much like Facebook Marketplace, this may also be more viable than buying new and gives items a second life.

Antique Malls: Another great go-to with a ton of variety, antique malls are a perfect balance of options and quality, as the vendors offer a curated selection of items without overwhelming clutter. “You’re still shopping secondhand and supporting small business—a win, win!”

Scour Online: eBay and Etsy are two of Holly’s favorite online avenues for finding specific secondhand treasures. “Not only am I still buying secondhand, but I’m supporting a small business, and it’s much easier to find what I’m looking for.” Facebook Marketplace is also a gently used treasure trove, as items sell for much cheaper than buying new, and it’s more sustainable.

“My all-time favorite find is an antique dog portrait painting that I purchased from a friend on Etsy. It’s an old, tattered piece that brings an unexpected whimsical twist, and the wear and tear that time brings really gets me. It brings character and soul.”

“I’m drawn to anything that’s old, no matter the style. The imperfections tell a story so much better than reproduced décor that’s made to look old.”

YOU HAVE NEW TO YOU DÉCOR… NOW IT’S TIME TO STYLE IT!

Vintage Plates as Wall Décor: Plate hangers are inexpensive, allowing you to swap out plates for a timeless look.

Layered Look with Old Books : Place a small bowl or other statement piece on a small stack of books to create shelf styling with a layered, lived-in look.

Pair Pottery & Quirky Finds: “No two pieces are the same, and it allows you to make a space that’s uniquely you.” These can lean into an eclectic look, allowing individuality to shine through.

Give Old Books New Life: Use pictures from books as artwork! Carefully remove the pages you like, frame them, and you’re done. This is perfect décor for children’s rooms or filling in wall space you aren’t sure what to do with.

Dressed Down Dressers: They aren’t just for bedrooms—repurpose them for family rooms or dens, which create a homey feel and are great for storage. Use them for puzzles, games, craft supplies, and other odds and ends you don’t want on display day to day.

ITEMS FROM A HAUL DURING

MADISON-BOUCKVILLE ANTIQUE WEEK, NEW YORK’S LARGEST ANTIQUE SHOW IN MAY AND AUGUST!

buffalo life

pg. 26 Dotty Mayle: The Art of Spreading Local Love

pg. 30 Sweet Buffalo: Football Fans Around the World Support Ten Lives Club

pg. 34 Creating Smiles One Costume at a Time with WNY Superheroes

Mural by bunnie reissJoe’s Deli at 1322

Creative Storage designed a beautiful home study complete with floor to ceiling bookshelves, storage, filing cabinets and work spaces. Working with their team was a very positive experience. Time was taken to ensure we chose the best design and colors. Installation was right on time and done perfectly.

- Barbara H.

dotty m ayle

the Art of Spreading Local Love

What can be more fun than opening up a bag or basket full of locally sourced, hand picked goodies? That’s exactly the thought Dotty Mayle had when she first had the idea for her small business, Oh Goodie!, that focuses on custom-designed goodie bags and gift baskets.

BY JAYME BRESCHARD

It was Dotty’s then-five-year-old son (he’s now 16!) that initially spurred the thoughts. At the time, he attended various birthday parties and brought home a lot of little plastic pieces… remnants of party favors that made their way to the trash. Dotty was inspired to create party favor bags featuring more useful items.

Dotty, being an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, knows all the behind-the-scenes secrets to kid crazes and trending toys! She has always been on the hunt for prizes and rewards for use in her third and fourth grade classroom, so this venture made sense. Dotty has expanded her small business from kids goodie bags to “weddings, basket raffles, corporate and teacher gifts, and customized gift baskets for all occasions,” all completely sourced from Buffalo vendors!

Dotty is a graduate of the International Center of Creative Studies in Buffalo, which focuses on the development of creativity, leadership, decisionmaking, and problem solving skills. Creativity is essential to wholehearted living for Dotty.

Her networking and brainstorming foundations led to her collaboration with many other woman entrepreneurs interested in creating specialty items. The importance of supporting working moms while creating affordable, quality products for clients is paramount!

Soon after Oh Goodie! was launched, Dotty was asked to participate on the Board of Directors for a local sports club, the Delaware Soccer Club. “Soccer is an international language,” she says, “You can pick up a ball and play with anyone; you don’t have to speak

English.” Helping kids participate in the home program at Delaware Park by providing scholarships through her fundraising efforts is what makes the intersection of her teaching, small business, and volunteer efforts so special and valuable.

Dotty admits this success did not occur overnight, instead it involved hard work and many mistakes made through the years. Dotty calls this work “the third shift;" long after her children go to bed, she dives into her communications and assembly for Oh Goodie! Her family has been lovingly supportive.

One of her favorite stories was an order she received from her first corporate client, Elderwood. In response to the COVID-19 shutdown, the project aimed to thank skilled nurses for their dedication, care, and support of

older adults in assisted living facilities across the country. Through a friend, Dotty connected with Elderwood and showcased her unique goodie bags, collaborating with local vendors to make specialty Elderwood branded lip balms and plantable seed paper. Having a national account allowed Dotty to work with a local chocolatier to broadcast Buffalo’s famous sponge candy. Dotty’s children helped create and prepare the 4,300 gift bags, and she laughs as she recalls bringing all the bags to the post office in her truck. “Kids are like sponges… they understand how to run a business, they understand how to give back, they understand the importance of communications and community—so, it’s amazing life-lessons I’m proud to teach them.”

Family and community are interwoven through the fabric of Oh Goodie! as Dotty is a first-generation Vietnamese American. Her parents were refugees who immigrated to Buffalo after the fall of Saigon. Dotty understands the obstacles and challenges of business ownership, and she attributes her work ethic and dedication to her parents. So not only is this story about a local woman entrepreneur, but this is a story about living the American Dream.

Dotty shares about when they crafted gift bags for 748 members of a Jewish congregation throughout New York State during Purim. The bags contained kosher items such as grape juice, hamantaschen, and chocolate. With a great deal of logistical planning and mapping out routes, Dotty and her daughter hand-delivered as many of the personalized bags as they could. The best part, Dotty says, was the proud look on her daughter’s face as she placed bags on each doorstep.

Let’s take a cue from Dotty’s creativity, compassion, and dedication to community and help in our own. We can make a meaningful impact, one goodie bag, gift basket, or act of

FOOTBALL FANS AROUND THE WORLD DONATE $400,000 TO TEN LIVES CLUB IN SUPPORT OF TYLER BASS

If there’s one thing the world knows now, it’s not to mess with a man who loves cats. When Bills kicker Tyler Bass received criticism and threats for a missed field goal during extreme winds at the playoffs, fans were quick to come to his defense in the form of donations to Ten Lives Club, a no-kill cat rescue in Blasdell, N.Y.

The phones at Ten Lives Club were ringing off the hook from Bills fans wanting to donate $22 in honor of Tyler Bass. So the cat rescue made a post on social media with a photo of Tyler Bass holding one of their rescue kittens that said “We stand with Tyler Bass. Don’t bully our friend.”

Donations began pouring in from football fans around the world, including Chiefs fans and Swifties in support of Tyler Bass. Ten Lives Club was also featured on the Today Show, Inside Edition and Good Morning America.

Tyler Bass had deactivated his social media accounts during that time, but upon his return to Instagram he made sure to thank his teammates, Bills fans, and, of course, Ten Lives Club, for their support.

“The toughest moments teach you the best lessons in life. The love and support from my teammates, Bills Mafia, and @10livesclub is something I will never forget and always cherish! Grateful for another season — see you for year 5!

Go Bills, Always.”

Ten Lives Club will use the donations to support the 3,000 cats in the rescue they save a year.

As a thank you to Tyler Bass, the fans, and the community, Ten Lives Club teamed up with nationally-known artist Eric Jones to create a Tyler Bass snow sculpture outside of the shelter. The sculpture depicted Josh Allen putting his arm around Bass after the playoff game.

Eric also sculpted a cat next to Bass in memory of “Big Red,” a special needs cat saved by the founder of Ten Lives Club.

Tyler Bass poses with Harley the kitten from Ten Lives Club. The photo shoot was made possible by Show Your Soft Side, a non-profit that teams up with celebrities and athletes to combat animal abuse.

We highlight local artisans and inspire the transformation of the places we live to the spaces we love. Home.

Our Home team does everything we can to feature great “small” businesses, unique non-profits and local creators to add a positive spin on your day-to-day. Hopefully, we will see you out and about at a pop-up shop, farmer’s market or event.

Your local business will get its place to shine in our Buffalo & Rochester Home Magazine. Contact us today, we cannot wait to meet you!

www.thehomepublications.com

LAURIE ABBOTT

CREATING

BY SUZIE WELLS

ONE COSTUME AT A TIME

Step into a world where everyday heroes are wearing colorful capes and masks, where smiles are the currency of change, and where the spirit of giving knows no bounds. Meet Mark Mendola, the visionary behind WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers (WNYSAC), whose extraordinary journey from inspiration to action has touched countless lives across Western NY. From hospital wards to charity galas, Mendola and his band of merry cosplayers bring joy, hope, and a dash of whimsy wherever they go. The power of imagination meets the love of compassion, all in the name of making the world a brighter place, one heroic costume at a time.

Mark Mendola’s journey with WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers (WNYSAC) began in 1984, inspired by his sister’s joy when her favorite player, Gilbert Perreault, visited her in the hospital during her battle with cancer. Despite her passing the following year, Mark cherished that memory, and in retirement, he founded WNYSAC to bring joy to children in hospitals and to support various causes through cosplay and fundraising events across Western NY.

WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers, an all-volunteer nonprofit, brightens the lives of individuals facing challenges, from children battling cancer to families rebuilding after tragedies. They refuse payment for visits, instead encouraging donations to

charities. They support numerous local charities, including the Variety Club, Fantastic Friends, Snuggled and Loved, and the WNY Perinatal Bereavement Support Network, and have a vast list of regular organizations they support each year.

Thirty-five members strong, with some 70 different costumes between them, designed and/or approved through their costume committee (these aren’t your average Halloween costumes!), WNYSAC is an inclusive organization, and Mendola says members come together to put smiles on people’s faces. Members spread joy as they welcome people at event doors, help serve food or sell raffle tickets, or simply pose for photographs with kids, young and old. He laughs that adults seem to enjoy photo opps in his Mario Kart even more than the kids do.

"THE SMILES ARE WORTH IT ALl. WHEN I DO AN EVENT, I FEeL THIRTY YEARS YOUNGER. IT’S AN AMAZING FEeLING KNOWING YOU’RE HELPING SOMEBODY. I’M IN IT FOR THE PLEASURE AND THE JOY IT BRINGS TO THAT SICK KID’S FACE LIKE MY SISTER GOT.”

Mendola insists everyone can make a difference in their community, no matter how big or small the effort. He says one of their members even dresses up in character to pick up trash around Niagara Falls (though he notes she is sure to wash the costume before other events). Mendola says, “You help someone and they’ll help other people. And through them, you’ll make connections with other people to help. The reward you feel when you help another is just wonderful.”

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Invulnerability because I have so many aches and pains at my age. To be able to walk into a situation and resolve anything like Superman, take care of everything, that would be great.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SUPERHERO?

HOW DOES THEIR CHARACTER INSPIRE YOU PERSONALLY?

Roselyn Kasemire

WHAT CHARACTERS DO YOU PLAY?

Batman because he has no powers but uses his wits and intelligence to affect change. My favorite superhero is Captain Marvel (known today as Shazam).

WHAT CHARACTERS DO YOU PLAY?

The cosplay superhero of my choice is Supergirl. She’s a fantastic role model for young girls for several reasons: She’s incredibly powerful, which empowers young girls to see themselves as capable of anything; she’s compassionate and stands up for justice, teaching important values like kindness and fairness; her journey often involves overcoming obstacles and embracing her uniqueness, which can resonate deeply with young girls navigating their own identities and challenges.

Mario, The Shadow (1930s radio anti-hero), The Skipper (Gilligan’s Island), The Red Skull, Cobra Commander, Nurse Joker (Heath Ledger), Santa Claus, Bebop (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Gandalf the White (Lord of the Rings), Man-Thing, Mr. Freeze, The Penguin (Burgess Meridith version), Super Mario, Pikachu, Captain Obi (from the anime Fire Force), a Dragonborn mage (Dungeons & Dragons), the Dread Pirate Roberts (The Princess Bride) and King Richard the Lionheart. My favorite is both The Penguin and Super Mario.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO PARTICIPATE WITH WNY SUPERHEROES AND COSPLAYERS?

The opportunity to bring joy and positivity to others, especially children. Seeing their faces light up when they see their favorite superheroes come to life is incredibly rewarding. Making them smile and helping them forget any challenges they might be facing, even just for a moment, is truly special.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING OF EVENTS?

Mark Mendola, President

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The power to heal someone of whatever affliction they may have.

WHAT CHARACTERS DO YOU PLAY?

I play several characters, such as Robin GO!, Rocksteady, Deathstroke, Luigi, and The Mad Hatter. I love all the characters I play, but The Mad Hatter is a fun and whimsical character that seems to appeal to all ages. Luigi is extremely well received and seems to be a favorite no matter what event I’m at.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO PARTICIPATE WITH WNY SUPERHEROES AND COSPLAYERS?

s

Probably the physical discomfort that comes with wearing elaborate costumes for extended periods. From dealing with heat and restricted movement to ensuring everything stays in place, it takes dedication to maintain the illusion of being a superhero while also staying comfortable and safe during events. But the joy seeing the impact we have on people’s lives makes it all worth it.

I really enjoy putting smiles on people’s faces. Life is difficult and to have people forget their troubles, even for as little as a few minutes, is completely worth it.

Anthony Provolone, Vice President

OVER 25 Years’ Experience WE FINANCE!

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oh happy day

Venue: The Daily Refresher

Photographer: Mary of Fever Dream Photo

Models: Aubre Fox, Deanna Kenyon, Madhvi Bansal

pg. 38 Your Guide to Throwing the Perfect Event in Western New York

pg. 43 Styling Your Party with Thrifty Finds with Sarah Pavia

Nothing Makes a Suit Look Better Than the Perfect Fit

Nothing can match the charm and dignity of a customtailored suit

Add hats, silk ties, and pins to put your outfit over the top

Our full tailor shop is on the premises, whether you are a size 38 regular or a 56XL, expect a professional, quality fit

Rent tuxedos for your wedding from our huge selection

“Eat to your heart’s content... then eat a little bit more.”

STYLING YOUR PARTY with Thrifty Finds

FROM SECOND LOOK STYLING

When planning a party, most of us consider the following: guest count, location, and, of course, the theme. Sarah Pavia of Second Look Styling loves a good theme, and her trademark is planning events and décor mostly from her finds at thrift stores. Weddings, baby showers, birthday parties – you name it, Sarah has used her thrifty skillsets to style décor that is within her customers’ budget and still has a luxurious effect. Her tagline is “living thrifty doesn’t mean living less” – and she certainly showed that at this themed birthday brunch she styled!

Sarah is the thrifty face behind @sarahsecondlook, a platform that showcases how to live a life through thrifted and secondhand items, all while looking upscale and chic. Sarah often shares her thrift store finds on her page and helps her followers see how they too can build secondhand into their everyday lives. She leans on her many years of styling knowledge of wardrobe and home to put together fashionable events at any cost.

PRODUCED BY SARAH PAVIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY OF FEVER DREAM PHOTO

DAILY REFRESHER

WWW.THEDAILYREFRESHER.COM

VENUE: THE

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MODELS: DEANNA KENYON, AUBRE FOX, MADHVI BANSAL

To showcase a thrifted event, Sarah styled this birthday brunch with a vintage tea party theme at The Daily Refresher in downtown Rochester. The Daily Refresher is the perfect backdrop for your unique event needs, and especially for a vintage aesthetic. (If you haven’t checked them out before, you should!) The furniture is largely from antique stores and estate sales, again going along with the theme of the shoot. For the table spread, all the glassware, dining, and display stands were from a local thrift store. The color palette was cream and rose gold, with touches of floral and color splashed in. Sarah found each of the items on different trips to Goodwill and brought them together for a themed display. The girls wore secondhand pieces that could ebb between a 1940s vintage tea party to an everyday brunch with the girls - it was a throwback tea party with a modern brunch feel!

To style your own event, here are some of Sarah’s tips for hosting with a thrifty eye:

HAVE A COLOR SCHEME, DESIGN, AND THEME IN MIND BEFORE YOU SHOP

When throwing any event, a base understanding of how the event will look is important while shopping secondhand. You may not find multiple items in likeness, but if you know how you’d like the event to look you can start picking up pieces as you visit and build a collection from there. Is your palette gold? Great – start looking for gold dining pieces, drinkware, and statement art. You can also get creative and use fabric as tablecloths – as seen here, a piece of cloth found at the thrift store was repurposed into the drapery down the center of the table. I also used glass stemware as floral vases to give a height variance on the table. Don’t be afraid to repurpose items to fit your event needs!

CREATIVITY AND PATIENCEIT’S A THRIFTY VIRTUE!

To find each of the pieces you need, you must visit a thrift store with the idea you don’t know what will fill the shelves. After all, that’s what makes it the thrill of the hunt! Sure, you could easily purchase modern items, but having unique pieces you can’t find anywhere else elevates your scene even more. It adds a special touch to have handpicked items that you took the time to seek out. No matter the event, knowing the pieces were selected with care makes the day more special. (And you’re giving items with prior stories a new life – sustainability for the win!)

Anyone can organize an event. But to plan an event with secondhand items makes the planning that much more exciting. The birthday brunch turned out beautifully, and the birthday girl loved the vintage pieces that gave her day a special touch.

FB @SECONDLOOKROC //

WWW.SECONDLOOKSTYLING.COM

SHOP LOCAL!

The nice thing about thrifting and secondhand shops is they’re based locally, and you can get clothing, homeware, and more right within your community. Bring your girlfriends along and make a day of it; they can flex their creative muscles as well in helping you select the best designs for your event! Our area has national thrift store chains such as Goodwill, Savers, and Salvation Army, but there are also many local vintage shops, antique stores and more that are fun to explore. You can also search local garage and estate sale websites in your zip code to see who’s selling what and when. The possibilities are endless!

THE LITTLE DETAILS SAVE YOU MONEY

Be creative with what you find – all the details count! At this birthday brunch, I used small clothespins I found in the craft aisle at Goodwill and attached flowers to them on the side of the thrifted stemware. It elevated the theme and cost me $2 to do so! When you’re buying your event supplies at a thrift store, you’re spending less, decreasing your carbon footprint, and can add more unique touches because you can expand your budget. Sustainability and savings? Win-win.

SECOND LOOK CLOTHING SWAP

Have you ever been to a clothing swap? Sustainable fashion is where it’s at, and at a swap you get the chance to part with items you no longer want in exchange for things you do! Plus, enjoy bubbly and snacks!

Saturday, May 18th

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self-care

pg. 46 Your Guide to Health & Wellness in Western New York

pg. 49 Celebrating Nature and Sustainability with Tips from Christy Ledebur

Celebrating

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CHRISTY LEDEBUR’S FLORAL JOURNEY CELEBRATING NATURE & SUSTAINABILITY

story by suzie wells

Christy Ledebur’s journey into the world of flowers began in her childhood, where her love for gardening and flower arranging blossomed. She loved picking wildflowers and making arrangements. Then, when she was eleven, her mother gave her a French Perfume rose bush with beautiful pale-yellow roses with pink edging. She says, “It smelled heavenly. I would cut every rose that bloomed and either bring it in the house or give it away–it gave me so much joy.”

This love deepened as she dove into gardening and sustainable choices. Christy spent college summers with AmeriCorps on Buffalo’s Massachusetts Avenue Project, helping youth grow vegetables and learn about local food systems. She began growing her own urban vegetable garden. She says that as a culture, people are heading slowly but surely toward local food, with CSAs and farm markets becoming more prevalent, and with people understanding more about where their food comes from. However, she says, people often don’t think to focus on local flowers.

Christy’s affinity for Buffalo and her dedication to sustainability and seasonal blooms led her to establish Nickel City Floral. The more she learned about the flower industry, the more she wanted to work with local, sustainable, seasonal offerings, focusing on helping make a beautiful difference in her own community.

In her approx. 1/10-acre space, Christy grows fresh cut flowers during spring and summer. She explains her process as using closed loop resources, making her own compost or sourcing it from Buffalo’s Farmer Pirates, raising worms for vermicompost, and avoiding as much plastic as possible with a zero-waste mentality. She also uses attic space at Five Loaves Farm to dry flowers, allowing her to use every stem and continue her passion even in winter.

Christy’s business model is similar to that of a farm CSA or subscription box, with flowers instead of veggies. Customers choose from several options to buy a month or up to a whole season’s worth of bouquets. Each week they pick up a bouquet made with flowers at their peak at the time. Christy’s bouquets are ever-changing throughout the season and filled with fragrant, unique flowers not found in the grocery store.

She offers classes on flower arrangements, making flower crowns, and creating art from dried flowers. Check Nickel City Floral’s website and social media for upcoming events at Five Loaves Farm to learn more. You can also meet Christy at the Buffalo Botanical Garden’s Fairy Fest on June 15, 2024!

sustainable floristry?

What is GROWING AND HARVESTING BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS WITHOUT THE HUGE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN RESOURCE IMPACT.

Referencing a Washington Post article on the topic, Christy says, “We want to bring a little beauty into our houses, but at what cost?”

The article points out that nearly all imported cut flowers go through the same emissions-intensive journey — climatecontrolled greenhouses, refrigerated trucks, and a long, chilled flight. And that doesn’t even mention the chemicals workers are exposed to as many flowers are drenched in herbicides and fungicides to survive the journey to florists or supermarkets.

edible flowers

Christy’s favorites:

After all Christy’s learned, she doesn’t recommend burying your face in a store-bought flower bouquet. Unlike the cherished roses from her childhood, many store-bought roses don’t have much of a fragrance because it has been bred out of many commercial varieties in exchange for qualities that withstand shipping and refrigeration. “I’m not saying you should never buy flowers from a store, but consider the true cost of the flowers, that’s all.”

By choosing to not work with imported flowers, Christy watches what blooms and harvests at just the right moment. She doesn’t have to throw away massive amounts of plastic and packaging or work with gloves to protect her skin from pesticides and herbicides.

PANSY: NEUTRAL TASTE, ENDLESSLY COLORFUL & PATTERNS

NASTURTIUM: SPICY – SO STRONG, DON’T PUT ON DESSERTS

BORAGE: LEMONY CUCUMBER TASTE

STOCK: SPICY CLOVE FLAVOR

A few ways to use edible flowers:

ICE CUBES: My kids and I love dressing up our drinks! Tip for clear ice cubes: Begin with distilled, pure water. Boil the water twice. After the first boil, allow the water to cool to room temperature, then boil it again and let it cool slightly. Pour the warm water into trays and add edible flowers.

COOKIES & CAKES: Another favorite of ours is incorporating edible flowers into cookies or cakes, transforming them into stunning, whimsical treats.

When adding flowers to your food or drinks, you MUST ensure they are fresh, local, and preferably organic to avoid pesticide contamination.

Create Your Own Sustainable Arrangement With

locally sourced seasonal blooms

Try to buy from a local flower farm or a florist who uses locally grown flowers. To find locally-sourced flowers near you (or near the destination you’d like them delivered, such as to an out-of-state friend or family member), visit Localflowers.org, and enter the desired zip code to find locally-sourced flowers.

Be mindful of what is emerging locally – bring in branches from a budding tree or bush and try your hand at forcing the blooms by putting the branch in water and placing it in a sunny window. “Bringing in something blooming right now is a richer, more satisfying experience than bringing home a large bouquet from the store.” Don’t be afraid to go to your own backyard, especially for the filler and greenery. Even the most conventional vines and leaves can look amazing in a bouquet or arrangement. Take a walk around the block, but be sure to forage responsibly. Repurpose containers. Christy says, “There are so many beautiful things in the world, you don’t need to buy new. As part of my efforts to reduce waste, I don’t buy many new vases. I always search thrift stores for beautiful vessels or use what’s given to me.”

Avoid floral foam products because they’re not biodegradable and dangerous chemicals from it reach our waterways. Instead, try these creative ways to give an arrangement structure and control where things stay:

• Include branching stems within the arrangement.

• Use clear floral tape to make a tic-tac-toe horizontal grid across the top of the vase to help keep everything in place.

• If doing a larger structured arrangement, ball up and tape in place chicken wire so the stems have a place to stick into, and this gives great structure.

Consider using dried flowers to add color to your life in winter. Dried flowers are making a comeback. Unlike the dyed eucalyptus swags from the ′80s and ′90s, dried flowers are colorful, natural, and a zero-waste alternative to fake flowers. Dried flowers are even becoming more popular at weddings for a longer lasting floral touch. Christy uses dried flowers to make wreaths, tapestries, and flower crowns.

for the home

pg.

pg.

BY KAITLIN DONNAN

A LOOK INTO T� COSMOS

THE ���� TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

WNY is in the path of totality for a once in a generation event! Between 2:07 PM and 4:33 PM on Monday, April 8th, get ready to witness a celestial spectacle unlike any other. This will be our first total eclipse here since 1925, and we won’t have another until 2144. Since 2022,

Dan Schneiderman’s sole focus as Eclipse Coordinator at the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) has been meticulously planning in preparation for this once in a lifetime event—that’s how big this is!

“Eclipses are extremely predictable,” Dan says as excitement for the event grows. “They follow very similar paths, and there’s one in Rochester every 100-120 years. There was even a 1925 article in the Democrat & Chronicle mentioning the 2024 solar eclipse.”

With the moon beginning to cover the sun around 2:07 PM and during totality, viewers can look directly up at the sun (with viewing glasses, of course!) to find it completely obscured by the moon. “It will last for threeand-a-half minutes total,” he says, and you can remove your glasses for this brief window, but be forewarned that when the sun comes back from behind the moon, “it is an icepick of light.”

Dan highlights that totality will be a very visual and physical experience: “The temperature will drop ten degrees, and it will be dark, like a deep dusk and not quite midnight. It will be like a 360º sunset on the horizon.”

With such a huge marvel on the horizon, there is no shortage of events planned in the area. If you plan on staying home with family as opposed to going out though, Dan suggests “really lean[ing] into the puns and have themed snacks: Sunny D., moon cookies, moon pies, Milky Way Bars… have fun with it.”

“Plan ahead; be with your loved ones, because you will always remember who you were with,” Dan says. However you choose to observe the eclipse, it will be one of the biggest positive shared experiences you’ll have in this lifetime.

Read more from our chat with Dan and the 2024 eclipse

ROC The Eclipse Festival

April 6-8, 2024 Price varies Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester

HofBräuhaus

Buffalo

Eclipse Party

April 8, 2024

HofBräuhaus Buffalo, Buffalo

LivCo Sol:

2024 Total Solar Eclipse

April 6 - April 8, 2024

Visit LivCo (Livingston County Tourism, Inc.)

Sunlight and Shadows: A Solar Celebration

April 1 - 8, 2024

Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, Mount Morris

Solar Spectacle:

2024 Total Solar Eclipse

at GCV&M

April 6 - April 8, 2024

Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford

DAN SCHNEIDERMAN

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