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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
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DEC09
CONTENTS JAN10 REGULARS
FEATURES
4 Letter from the Editor
10 Pioneering a New Buffalo
The Launch of THRiVE! Media Group, via helicopter. By Kyle Patterson
5 THRiVE! is online Follow THRiVE! online at www.thrive.org, on twitter, or facebook.
6 Partners The organizations that keep THRiVE! alive.
8 Upcoming
A risky venture, the new downtown high-rise blazes a trail. Carl J. Montante shares his thoughts. By Kyle Patterson Find out how Jason and Emily Long can help you this New Year—or sooner! By Sandra Arcadipane Did you know Buffalo has a portable art gallery? By Dan Bogdan
38 Poverty
17 Shop Local
40 Global Vascular Institute A world class health care system By Matthew L. Brown
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16 No Mag Like Nomad
Three must-see events this holiday season. Working with the poor By Stuart Harper
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14 Weight, Weight…
Celebrate Christmas. Support local businesses.
32 Rain in Masailand A personal journey. By Mary Beth McCune Compiled by E. Hogenmiller
36 10 Ways to Give Back in 2010
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Plug into the community Compiled by E. Hogenmiller
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EXTREME MAKEOVER SPECIAL SECTION 20 Extreme Makeover Design Team Meets City of Good Neighbors By THRiVE!
22 Paige Exclusive Interview One on one with Designer Paige Hemmis.
24 Powell Family Account The family who united the city.
26 Word for Word
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Capturing the moments of the makeover.
27 Community Spotlight A look at the 373 Normal Avenue Project.
28 Picture Page The Makeover in photos. By Matt Brown ON THE COVER: Extreme Makeover Home Edition Designers, Michael Moloney, Paige Hemmis, and Eduardo Xol were catalytic in revitalizing Buffalo’s West Side this past November. THRiVE! photo by Matt Brown.
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
The Launch While Buffalo’s West Side recently went through a huge makeover, conincidentally so did THRiVE! Magazine. Our new designer, Marinette Kozlow, along with the other members of THRiVE!’s team have worked together to bring you a magazine with a new look and feel just in time to cover the transformations in Buffalo, initiated by ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. In just seven days, Buffalo saw 50 home improvement projects completed, 85 tons of food donated to feed the city’s hungry, and so much more. The sound of Ty Pennington’s megaphone launched the people of WNY into action, and THRiVE! was there to capture it all. Having secured exclusive one-on-one interviews with each member of the design team, the executive producer of the show, and local contributing leaders, THRiVE! devotes a large portion of this issue to the Makeover with more to come in the next. To view THRiVE!’s extensive photo coverage of the Makeover, become a fan of THRiVE! Magazine on Facebook or visit our website at www.thrivebuffalo.org. Another exciting development at THRiVE! is the official launch of THRiVE! Media Group, a division of our company that offers creative, quality services in print and online design, advertising, marketing,
video, and photography. When the ABC production coordinator for Extreme Makeover asked if THRiVE! could find them a helicopter, we said, “Sure we can.” When ABC told THRiVE! they needed aerial footage for the show, we said, “We can do that.” And so, ironically, THRiVE! Media Group was launched in a helicopter. And now, we are ready to serve you like we did ABC. I’d like to send out a special thanks to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for providing the people of WNY the opportunity to channel their hearts of service and generosity. Momentum on such a scale would have been very
THRiVE! MAGAZINE Founded in 2007 PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Kyle Patterson VP OF OPERATIONS: Julianna Patterson MANAGING EDITOR: E. Hogenmiller ASSISTANT EDITOR: Sandra Arcadipane ART DIRECTOR: Marinette Kozlow PHOTOGRAPHY: Matt And Angela Brown Dan Hutchens Caroline Bronkers PHOTO EDITOR: Jennifer Santora CONTRIBUTING: WRITERS: Matthew L. Brown Stuart Harper Sandra Arcadipane Dan Bogdan Mary Beth McCune
THRiVE! Magazine is a production of THRiVE! Media Group, a Buffalo, NY based media company. THRiVE! operates through subscriptions, bulk subscriptions, and advertising. Please visit www.thrivebuffalo.org or call 716-668-1072 for more information on how you can receive THRiVE! and help spread THRiVE! across Western New York and beyond! THRiVE! is associated with the Niagara Covenant Community of Churches (covnet), a network of several individual networks of churches throughout the world, under the spiritual leadership of Bishop Tommy Reid.
COMMENTS? Please E-mail: kyle@thrivebuffalo.org THRiVE! Editor Kyle Patterson with Mark Croce, owner of Buffalo Development Corporation and several restaurants in Buffalo including The Buffalo Chophouse.
difficult to generate without their help. I would also like to specially thank my business partner and spouse, Julianna, who worked harder on this edition than any other I can remember. All the best,
Kyle R. Patterson 4
THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! www.thrivebuffalo.org/subscribe Phone:716-668-1072 Rates: 1 year (6 issues) $19.95
DISTRIBUTE THRiVE! If you are a church, ministry, or business looking to get bulk copies of THRiVE! for your congregation, employees, or as an outreach tool please contact: Julianna Patterson THRiVE! Magazine Julianna@ThriveBuffalo.Org Visit www.thrivebuffalo.org for news, articles, teachings and video coverage. In addition you can subscribe to our free monthly E-Zine and receive breaking news and teachings in your inbox every month. You can subscribe by going to our website, thrivebuffalo.org or by emailing us at info@thrivebuffalo.org . Advertising opportunities are available for online and print. Contact us today for more info. 716-668-1072
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Check out our video of the week Interview with Eduardo Xol of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Get the inside scoop about his thoughts of the makeover, Buffalo, and the hero family.
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THRiVE! photo journalist Matt Brown captured the moment during the Extreme Makeover. See the complete slideshow @ www.thrivebuffalo.org and become a fan on facebook.
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Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
PARTNERS CLARENCE CENTER UMC Pastors Chuck and Kim Smith 741.2410 www.thewayonline.net
TRUE BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Darius Pridgen 895-8222 Truebethel.org
LOVE ALIVE CHRISTIAN CATHEDRAL Overseer Jeffrey Bowens 893-7067 www.alivecathedral.org
WESLEYAN CHURCH OF HAMBURG Pastor Greg McClain 716-649-6335 www.wchamburg.org
PRIMERA IGLESIA METODISTA UNIDA DE BUFFALO Pastor Alberto Lanzot 845-6097
ALL NATIONS HOUSE OF PRAYER Pastor Sean And Pastor Tammi O’Brien 462-6300
ZION DOMINION GLOBAL MINISTRIES Pastor Roderick L. Hennings 716-250-7040 www.ziondominion.org
PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE Pastor Matthew L. Brown 716-852-5502, www.pentecostaltemplechurch.com
THE CHAPEL AT CROSSPOINT Lead Pastor Jerry Gillis 631-2636 www.thechapel.com
BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kevin L. Wright 688-8668 www.bethel-nab.org
THE TABERNACLE Pastor Tommy Reid 716-675-2888 www.thetab.org
MY FATHER’S HOUSE Pastor Randall Smith 655-1389 www.myfathershouseministry.net
NORTHGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Jon Hasselbeck www.northgatebuffalo.com
EAGLES’ WINGS MINISTRY Robert Stearns 759-1058 www.eagleswings.to
ELIM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Bishop Troy Bronner 716-832-7698 www.elim-world.org
THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH Sam O. Pulliam 408-7400 www.tpc2.org
GRACE FELLOWSHIP Pastor Richard Giano 716-681-2059 www.gracefic.org FAITH WORD FELLOWSHIP Pastor Mark & Cheryl Roberson 381-9408 www.faithwordfellowship.org TEEN CHALLENGE OF WNY Rev. Walter Thomas 855-0602 www.buffalotc.org LOVEJOY GOSPEL CHURCH Pastor Ron and Judy Burgio (716) 651-0400 www.lovejoy.org SWORD OF THE SPIRIT Pastors John and Barbara Burkholder 716-832-6791 www.swordofthespiritministries.com
UPCOMING PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BPO
BPO Director JoAnn Falletta makes her Holiday Pops debut, leading the ensemble in all your holiday favorites like Suite from The Nutcracker and Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah.
BPO: DEC 18-20 The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s First Niagara Holiday Pops is Friday, December 18 at 8 pm, Saturday, December 19 at 8 pm and Sunday, December 20 at 2:30 pm at Kleinhans Music Hall. Music Director JoAnn Falletta makes her Holiday Pops debut, leading the ensemble in holiday favorites like Suite from The Nutcracker and Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah. Two local singers with national reputations join the BPO for the Holiday Pops –American Idol’s John Stevens and Broadway star Michele Ragusa. The Orchestra is also joined by the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and Buffalo Niagara Youth Chorus. Tickets for Holiday Pops and Classical Christmas start at just $30. Call the box office at 716.885.5000 or visit www.bpo.org
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: THRU JAN 2 The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg, NY is showcasing a brand new light display stretched across a two mile drive. The festival will be featuring the all-new indoor animated Winterific! show, Kandy Kane’s Holiday Show, indoor kiddie rides, a unique North Pole Village, and other family-friendly attractions.
FIRST NIGHT: DEC 31 Bring in the New Year at the 21st Annual First Night Buffalo with activities for all The event runs Thursday through ages including rides and amusements, a storybook forest, live theater, music, dance Sunday from November 27 to January competitions, roller skating, exotic reptiles, 2. Gates are open from 5:30-9:30pm. The festival is open daily between explosive science experiments, and, of December 10-23 but will be closed on course, the grand finale balloon drop. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. The family-friendly celebration takes place from 5 to 10 pm, Thursday, Dec. Admission is $18 per carload which 31 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention includes light displays and all enterCenter. “The Independent Health tainment. A portion of each carload Foundation, Western New York United admission will be donated to the Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and Variety Kids Telethon. the City of Buffalo are pleased to present this fun, affordable and safe Enjoy the beauty of Christmas at Fairgrounds Festival of Lights event for area families to November 27-January 2nd in Hamburg, NY celebrate the New Year. We have many great activities planned this year, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of area families,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation.
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
Pioneering BY KYLE PATTERSON
a new Buffalo
INSIDE AVANT. A look inside one of the 28 condos that rests within the top three floors of the 16-story multi-use luxury development in downtown Buffalo. RIGHT: Avant is a vertical community offering residential and commercial units, as well as a full service hotel, three restaurants, salon, spa, and pool under one roof. 10
THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
Taking a chance What started as an $83 million gamble on success in Buffalo, Avant, now finished, is a symbol of hope for what is to come. “If this was a project I was doing in a city that wasn’t my hometown, we probably wouldn’t have done it,’’ said Carl J. Montante, President and Managing Director of Uniland Development Company, a Buffalo based development firm that has built over 12 million square feet of properties, “but because it’s Buffalo, because my children live here, and hopefully my grandchildren will grow up here, we have to provide these opportunities.” With Avant, Uniland has pioneered a new market in Buffalo for what is called a vertical community. Though common in major cities, Avant is the first of its kind in Buffalo. Living up to the meaning of its name, Avant brought something so fresh to Buffalo that the city had to rewrite its building codes in order to accommodate the new structure. “I love the old architecture in Buffalo; I love
the restoration,” says Montante, “but there is also a place for good solid architecture that is new, refreshing, and exciting. It raises the spirits of all.” Avant was Uniland’s largest and most risky venture in their 35 years of business. The transformation of the Dulski Federal Building into the 3-dimensional Avant started in the summer of 2007 without a single tenant or buyer lined up. Compounding the risk, not a year later the economy tried to call their bluff by laying down a full recession. Despite nationwide economic troubles, however, Uniland’s project actually finished ahead of schedule. “In the development business speed is money,’’ explained Montante. Reflecting on the process, Montante said, “The city of Buffalo did back flips to make this project happen.” City building inspectors showed up every day during construction. Their faithful presence served to accelerate the project towards completion. Full-scale marketing for Avant began in January 2009. By November of the same year, well over half the condos had sold with several sales over $1 million each. “This says something about the underlying strength of the residential market in the WNY area,” Montante said. Though only advertised locally, Avant is attracting out-of-town buyers. One buyer from Toronto who bought a condo after seeing an ad for Avant in a program at a Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concert took interest in Avant’s condos because of the cultural opportunities in this area. The first condo residents are expected to move in this December. “There is a certain synergy that exists among all three uses of the building. One use assists in marketing the others,” Montante points out. The hotel can be used for business guests, Avant business tenants have the convenience of renting the hotel’s large meeting rooms instead
CARL J. MONTANTE is President and Managing Director of Uniland Development Company headquartered in Amherst, NY. Montante has been developing in Western New York for the last thirty-five years and has been involved in the development of over 12 million square feet of properties, the most recent project being Avant in downtown Buffalo. Avant is a mixed-use building complete with Class A office space, 28 luxury condos, and a Hilton Embassy Suites Hotel. The extremely
“…Our hope at Uniland is that what we are doing spurs on other developments in the city.” successful businessman believes in making a future for the next generation of Western New Yorkers. Listen in on some of his thoughts: “In our community it’s easy to dissect all the mistakes and catalog shortcomings, but it is so much more satisfying to work daily with people and institutions that see the positives in our community today and the possibilities that we share with many others for the future. We have a great community here, and the more I travel, the more I realize that.” “You have to provide opportunities, and we also have to continue working through the issues we have and see the bright side of things rather than the negatives. Our hope at Uniland is that what we are doing spurs on other developments in the city.” 11
Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
“It raises the spirits of all.”
of having to spend the money to build their own conference room. Condo residents can take advantage of fine dining, a pool, spa, and work out room without ever leaving the 475,000 square foot building. The building features a glass curtain wall system that welcomes abundant natural light and beautiful views of the city and Lake Erie. Among Avant’s first occupants are the law offices of Damon Morey LLP and Embassy Suites Buffalo. Also serving the downtown community from inside Avant are Capello Salon and Spa and Della Terra, a new restaurant featuring Northern Italian cuisine open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. Avant’s excellence and avant-garde qualities, has caught the attention of experts in the field. The Upstate New York Chapter of NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Association recognized the building with its Award of Excellence at its Annual Awards Dinner on November 12. Winning projects were credited with changing the economic climate for the better in the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Avant was also recognized by The Greater Buffalo Building Owners and Managers Association this September as the real estate development of the year. Citing an interview he’d heard on NPR, Montante shares why architecture is so important. He said, “The interviewee was saying that other art forms—music and painting—you can turn off or look away, but architecture is always there. You’re stuck with it. That’s why it is so important to have buildings and architecture we can be proud of. My hope is that what we’re doing spurs other developments downtown, and it has. Mark Croce, (owner of Buffalo Development Corporation and several restaurants in Buffalo including The Buffalo Chophouse) has announced a new hotel will be built within a block or two of Avant. People ask me about the competition but in my mind ‘a rising tide lifts all ships,’ and I think it will be a great addition.”
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ABOVE LEFT: The elegant entrance into Avant at 200 Delaware Avenue. ABOVE RIGHT: Della Terra is a new restaurant featuring Northern Italian cuisine open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. BOTTOM RIGHT: Embassy Suites hotel rooms offer business guests comfort and style.
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WEIGHT…
PHOTO BY KELLY JANKOWSKI
WEIGHT,
BY SANDRA ARCADIPANE
TREO Sports and Fitness weighs in on getting fit in the New Year What is your New Year’s resolution this year? Wait, wait…don’t tell me. We have all done it before. We make a New Year’s resolution to drop some pounds only to give up after the first two weeks. We read book after book, article after article about how to lose weight. We try every diet known to man from the Cabbage Soup Diet to the Lemonade Cleanse. Some of us buy a 12-month membership to the gym, attend for one month, and essentially donate the 11 remaining payments. Nothing seems to work.
“Jason and I are both passionate about improving people’s quality of life.” Then recently I spoke with the owners of TREO Sports and Fitness who say they offer hope. Emily Long of TREO Sports and Fitness knows that the lack of a plan and education prevents many people from reaching their weight loss goals. Many people do not attain their New Year’s goals of losing weight because they are not educated on the subject. Trying to lose weight and get fit on your own without related education is somewhat like trying to cut your own hair when you never went to beauty school. In both cases, you probably would not get the result that you were envisioning. Trying to accomplish goals without having the proper tools and education can be very frustrating.
In order to provide these very things, Jason Long began TREO Sports and Fitness in December Emily and Jason Long, co-founders of TREO Sports and Fitness. 2008. After obtaining a Masters Degree in Boot Camps at TREO are designed to Exercise Science from the State get people into the best shape possible. University of New York at Buffalo Sessions are held for women in the and completing training in California, morning, and co-ed sessions are offered Jason decided to take his knowledge in the evenings. Sessions run for four and experience and devote himself to weeks and focus on metabolic and fat working with individuals who are ready loss training. Again, TREO does not to get healthy, improve their sports just give their clients a workout but performance, lose weight, or accomplish educates them on how to live a healthy whatever their fitness goals might be. lifestyle. Boot Camps are for people of He believes in educating his clients on all ages and fitness levels. how to achieve their sports and fitness goals. Motivation along with a resultsJason and Emily love what they do. They driven training environment are key love to help people and watch them as factors in reaching those goals. they learn that they are capable of so TREO Sports and Fitness offers Personal Training, Sports Performance Training, and Boot Camps. Whether young or old, never exercised a day in your life or played college football, a personal trainer would be helpful for you. When I asked Emily why she enjoys being a personal trainer she said, “Jason and I are both passionate about improving people’s quality of life. We are 100% concerned with people feeling good about themselves and being confident.” TREO Sports Performance Training offers comprehensive service for athletes of all ages. The Longs don’t just tell an athlete what to do, they actually educate them on the things related to their fitness and performance, including nutrition and the mental aspects of training.
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much more than they could have ever imagined. Seeing results and getting feedback from their clients is the best part of the job for both of them. Jason and Emily continually keep themselves up-to-date and educated on the latest in fitness and sports training in order to have the most effective tools to pass on to their clients. So are you one of the millions of Americans who wants to get into shape or lose weight? If so, Buffalo21dayfatloss.com is the website to find how you can get a head start on the New Year. Starting December 11th for $21 Emily will take you through a Boot Camp with the goal of burning off the maximum amount of fat possible in 21 days! To see more of what TREO Sports and Fitness has to offer visit online at treosportsfitness.com and Buffalobootcampsforwomen.com.
NO MAG LIKE
NOMAD BY DAN BOGDAN
One of the telltale portents of a dying culture is the abandonment of aesthetics. A people whose spirit has departed has little use for impracticalities, and artistic appreciation is often one of the first, yet ultimately ruinous, sacrifices made. Erica Eichelkraut, founder and editor of NOMAD Magazine, seems well aware of the revivifying effect that art can have upon a culture and is committed to proving that Buffalo’s cultural scene is very much alive. A native Buffalonian herself, Eichelkraut is dedicating her efforts to expose art birthed right here in Buffalo.
When asked to comment on the magazine’s moniker, Eichelkraut explained that the Webster’s entry for “nomad” reads “one who travels from place to place, following the buffalo.” Hence, Eichelkraut chose the appellation in light of NOMAD’s role as a documentation of the city’s evolving art scene, chronicling the changes and trends that occur within the mercurial art world. NOMAD’s goal is to represent artists who cannot afford to have their work displayed in a gallery, thus giving voice to those who would have otherwise gone unheard.
Eichelkraut, a photographer by profession with a degree in fine art photography from RIT, believes that Buffalo is replete with talented, inventive artists and has taken it upon herself to provide them with an influential medium in which to display their abilities. NOMAD Magazine is Eichelkraut’s attempt to
The 750-copy run of the first issue was strategically placed throughout Elmwood and Allentown, in coffee shops and various galleries; for future issues, Erica hopes to print more copies. The not-for-profit magazine is solely dependent upon its advertisers for support. The last several pages of NOMAD contain ads for local businesses, and Eichelkraut is always looking to add (preferably, but not exclusively) local supporters.
illumine Buffalo’s oft-overlooked art scene; only two issues old, NOMAD is already generating buzz with its creative showcase of fresh artists. Submissions from the west coast have even come in from people eager to publish their work in the “portable art gallery.”
Because financial constraints preclude printing more copies of NOMAD, the best way for interested persons to ensure obtaining a copy of NOMAD would be for them to attend the NOMAD release parties. Like the one held on December 11th at the Starlight Studio and Art Gallery on Delaware Ave., NOMAD plans to coordinate release parties every time a new issue comes of the press, which is currently anticipated to be about three times a year. NOMAD’s release parties serve as a microcosm for the magazine’s ethos—artwork from featured artists is on display for sale, with all proceeds going to benefit the Buffalo City Mission. NOMAD desires to enmesh artistic endeavors with organizations existing for community benefit.
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If you are unable to secure a print version of the magazine, NOMAD’s issues are available in PDF format in their entirety at NomadBuffalo.com. Anyone interested in submitting their photography, artwork, poetry, or prose should email copies of their work to NomadBuffalo@gmail.com with information on formatting and specifics as noted on the NOMAD website. Even in its beginning stages, NOMAD shows incredible inventiveness and class. It is an invaluable menagerie of local artists. NOMAD’s decidedly communityoriented vision is refreshing, and any Buffalonian (aesthete or non) would benefit from checking it out.
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CLAYTON’S GIFTS & TOYS, INC. 5225 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221 716.633.1966
Children’s dreams come true at Clayton’s Gifts & Toys. That’s what Clayton’s believes and their shoppers do too! Located right off the 290 on Main Street in Williamsville, Clayton’s is one of those stores that keeps you coming back. At Clayton’s you’ll find creative games and crafts for kids plus classic toys from brands like ALEX, Melissa & Doug, and many others. Aisles full of wonder will please the kids, and mom and dad will love the sleep they get on Christmas Eve knowing that the presents they bought are sure to be family classics.
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STEREO ADVANTAGE 2 5195 Main Street
PREMIER GOURMET 5 3465 Delaware Avenue
B IS FOR BOOKS 8 6562 E. Quaker Street
Williamsville, NY 14221-5387 716.632.8038 • www.StereoAdvantage.com
Kenmore, NY 14217 716.877.3574
Orchard Park, NY 14127 716.667.2383 • www.bisforbooks.com
For those of you with electronics and gizmos sitting on your Christmas list, Stereo Advantage is the place to go. From home theaters to smart phones and every premium gadget in between, Stereo Advantage has it all. Established in 1978, Stereo Advantage has grown from a small retail store to a leader in technology-based solutions for consumers, businesses, and hobbyists. Besides carrying top-notch brands like Canon, Samsung, and Blackberry, Stereo Advantage offers lifetime support and service at their independent service center on Wehrle Drive where their entire interest is in serving you.
Life is too short for the ordinary! With hundreds of items you’ll find only here, Premier Gourmet is Western New York’s destination for unique local products. Great gift baskets, fancy foods, cooking tools, and entertaining accessories make it a must stop for the holidays. Choose from a fantastic selection including more than 1,000 of the world’s finest beers, 300 cheeses, 250 hot sauces and mustards, and 90 types of coffee all roasted right in the store. Premier Gourmet houses the area’s finest selection of cookware, appliances and accessories at a great price. Stop in and let their expert staff help you select the perfect gift.
B is for Books is not your average children’s bookstore. The locally owned store hosts free weekly crafts, author visits and signings, music classes, art shows, parties, and story time read alouds by local elementary teachers. Little ones will also enjoy the spacious play area with rocking horse, train table, and dress up box. Beyond book sales, B is for Books works to build community in the suburban sprawl of Orchard Park. B is for Books has all the character and charm as You’ve Got Mail’s The Shop Around the Corner!
EVERYTHING ELMWOOD 3 740 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222 716.883.0607 • www.EverythingElmwood.org
Everything Elmwood, situated in the heart of the Elmwood shopping district, has the goods to go with the name. They really do have just about everything! The eclectic array of gifts available includes pottery, handbags, home décor, jewelry, funky accessories, and more. Once you’ve found your gifts, check out the card corner for just the right card and wrap up your shopping with Everything Elmwood’s complimentary gift-wrapping. With your shopping finished, enjoy the raw juice, smoothies, homemade soups, wraps and other delicious treats at the in-house Organic 3 Café at the Main Street location in Snyder.
THE TREEHOUSE, INC 4 793 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222 716.882.1322 www.TheTreeHouseToystore.com
With an amazing collection of toys displayed in every corner of the store, The TreeHouse offers something for kids of all ages from classics to the latest releases. With a focus on inspiring children to grow in creativity and use of their imagination, The TreeHouse hand-selects every toy they sell. Don’t be surprised to see the owners joining in to play! The TreeHouse is set up to accommodate Internet shoppers who like the convenience of shopping from home. Visit ww.thetreehousetoystore.com to check out their wares and get free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
THE WOOLLY LAMB 6 712 Main Street
East Aurora NY 14052 716.655.1911 www.WoollyLambYarnShop.com
Make it an original. The Woolly Lamb Yarn Shop, located on historic Main Street in East Aurora has everything a knitter could want. You’ll find wall-to-wall choices of the best yarns there are, plus supplies, patterns, and classes to inspire the artist in you. The friendly atmosphere makes you feel right at home, and a knowledgeable staff makes shopping a breeze. With so many textures and colors to see, we guarantee you won’t want to leave! So get started on your next project, or plan for a Friday night knit-in to share your ideas and even make some new friends. Ewe’ll absolutely love it!
EXPOSURE BUFFALO 7 www.exposure-buffalo.com
Caroline and Edwin Bronckers of Exposure Buffalo are photographers and digital artists based in Western New York. Exposure Buffalo focuses on architectural, commercial, industrial, infrared, aerial, fine art, and real estate photography and specialize in providing custom, large format artwork for display in residential and corporate spaces. With skillful attention to color, texture, light, and detail, they create a feast for the eyes. Exposure Buffalo’s photography has been published both locally and internationally in various media. The couple regularly exhibits their work in galleries throughout WNY and Toronto.
HEAD OVER HEELS 9 662 Main Street
East Aurora, NY 716.655.1811
For the love of...shoes! Head Over Heels shoe store opened October 10th 2008, with an array of stylish yet affordable shoes, handbags, lingerie, jewelry, and other accessories. So shop ‘til you drop, then invite your friends back to do the same at a Head Over Heels shoe party where you’ll get the whole store to yourself while you update your wardrobe. Store owner Rachele Pfister, prides herself in the unique inventory of her store. She loves when people leave happy because they found something one-of-a kind. And while you’re in town, stop two doors down to where Rachele’s sister recently opened an adorable boutique for little ones called Sassy But Sweet.
BENDER’S PARABLE 10 CHRISTIAN SUPPLY
8550 Sheridan Drive, #1 Williamsville, NY 14221 716.633.5757 • www.parable.com
Discover a little bit of everything at Bender’s in Amherst. The leading retailer of Christian books and gifts in Western New York since 1953, Bender’s has a gift for every member of your family. Though famous for a complete range of options in Christian literature, Bender’s also sells magazines, CDs, DVDs, audio books, clothing, jewelry, cards, and other unique gifts. For the kids, Bender’s carries the beloved Veggie Tales whose witty humor and catchy tunes are sure to spark your children’s interest. Located on Sheridan Drive just past the Eastern Hills Mall, you are sure to find a great selection at a convenient location.
MAKEOVER
DESIGN TEAM MEETS THE CITY OF
GOOD NEIGHBORS
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
BY THRiVE!
EXTREME
The neighborhood was surrounded. Police officers, security guards, and yellow caution tape enclosed a two mile radius around Massachusetts Avenue on Buffalo’s notorious West Side. This time, however, the commotion was not due to crime, disputes, or drug raids but to the excitement surrounding ABC’s selection of one fortunate family to be on their hit reality TV show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. People gathered on every corner, on front porches, balconies, and sidewalks waiting excitedly to see whose house— and lives—would be transformed. In just moments, the famous bus seen by millions of viewers around the world every Sunday night would be pulling around the corner carrying Ty Pennington and the design team to announce by megaphone that one family’s dream had come true. The buzz by this time was all over the community. David Stapleton, President of David Homes was chosen to partner with ABC in making the production in Buffalo a reality. Just a few weeks before, he had announced to the community that five finalists had been picked in the Buffalo area and one of those five would be chosen to be on the show. Early on the morning of November 7, Dolores Powell and her four children waited anxiously. It had been two years since ABC received their application to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. According to Powell the family had been waiting patiently and praying fervently. Periodically, ABC would contact Powell to tell her they were still reviewing the thousands of applications they receive daily but that she was still being considered for the show. Without any way of knowing what the outcome would be,
Powell continued her passionate efforts to improve Buffalo’s West Side and had become known for her community activism. Powell’s work with the grassroots, non-profit community organization PUSH Buffalo, an organization that works to rebuild and improve the West Side of Buffalo, earned Powell respect within her community.
excitement. Their excitement was understandable. It’s like David Stapleton said, “Let’s be honest, they won the lottery.” By the end of the week, I don’t think anyone could disagree. With the unbelievably warm weather and perfect days of golden sunshine for filming, it seems we even had donations from above.
As the sole provider for her family making only $100 per week as a home health aide, Powell struggled to make ends meet. When Powell bought the house on Massachusetts Street, she didn’t know it was on the city’s demolition list. The family tried to bring it up to code, making all sorts of repairs. Yet despite the family’s efforts, the house remained barely livable with no heating system even after years of work.
With the cameras and volunteers in place, the Braveheart March began. To make the march even more interesting and meaningful, Extreme Makeover had instructed everyone to bring an extra pair of shoes with them but didn’t tell why. At the site, volunteers were told that the shoes they brought would start off a citywide shoe drive for people in Jamaica who needed them. Volunteers could be seen waving all sorts of shoes, from sneakers to stilettos, up in the air as they marched to the Powell’s house.
As the clock struck 9:00 A.M., the thousands of volunteers who had pledged their service for the week were waiting to find out what family they would be helping. That morning the volunteers were waiting for an e-mail announcement that would be sent to just 1,000 of the 4,500 registered volunteers to participate in the Braveheart March. The Braveheart March is what ABC calls the parade of volunteers in blue shirts and hard hats who march up to the house that is to be made over. When the Powell family heard Ty Pennington’s megaphone outside their doorstep, the five of them came running out of the house with uncontainable
The charitable response to the project surpassed everyone’s expectations. Stapleton and his team from David Homes, along with 500 of his subcontractors and skilled tradesmen, were responsible for donating the house, mobilizing volunteers, and securing supplies. According to Stapleton, “This was the largest volunteer effort ever on the show.” The community spirit in Buffalo touched Brady Connell, Executive Producer of the show. He said, “I have never seen more gratitude, graciousness, and charity than I have in Buffalo,” a compliment that means even more coming from someone who spends his life traveling from place to place assembling volunteers around the country. Buffalo isn’t called the City of Good Neighbors for nothing!
continued on page 23 21
Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
EXCLUSIVE
PAIGE INTERVIEW THRiVE!: Thank you so much for taking a couple minutes to talk with us!
THRiVE!: What do you love most about working with the family as a designer?
PAIGE: No problem! Sorry to make you wait, I have been working on the other houses.
PAIGE: I love the fact that we are able to change people’s lives. At first I remember thinking that just because we are giving them a house doesn’t mean we are changing their lives. But what I have seen over the years is that a new house takes away the worries about that so they can excel in other areas. Kids get better grades. They can spend more time as a family because mom and dad aren’t working on the house. On weekends they are spending more time with their children. So it increases the quality of life, and that is pretty amazing to be a part of.
THRiVE!: Have you really?
PAIGE: Yeah, is that what you are doing the article on? THRiVE!: Yes, we will be covering the whole makeover and many of the projects that have been going on. So… what has been most unique about this show and project?
PAIGE: We’ve only done this one other time where we’ve taken on a whole neighborhood. But that was just 15 homes, and we were, like, really overwhelmed with that. What is really unique is that WNY Americorps has stepped up and allowed us to be able to not just fix a few houses but to really get into the neighborhood. We heard when we were coming to this town, “Oh, this is a rough area, this is going to be hard.” From what we have seen, it has been the opposite: people have been opening their arms, been so loving, and the whole community has stepped out; it has been wonderful. Everywhere we go around here people tell us this is the City of Good Neighbors, and I believe it. This is the City of Good Neighbors; they are amazing.
THRiVE!: Do you do a lot of follow up with the families?
PAIGE: We’ve done quite a bit in the past. Actually, the last two shows we did, I am still e-mailing the daughters, and I have a family that I am really close with from Season Two that I am still in touch with. I send them Christmas presents every year. THRiVE!: What sort of process do you go through when designing a room for the hero family?
PAIGE: You really just have to listen to the kids, especially with little girls. I will get a lot of girls that like princesses. But what makes it different is that you really find out what they like. For instance, what do they like about
princesses? Do they like the castle? Do they like Prince Charming? Every child is different. Therefore, every room is different. So, I really listen. Like these girls, one of them loves music. She loves to sing, but she is older. I am going to include elements so that she can express her creativity through song and things that she can use to record… all that kind of stuff. The other girl really likes reading. She is quite a little scholar, but she is also older. So, I am giving her kind of a really pretty romantic room. I am just trying to think of what would be story book for an older child. Really it’s just listening to what the kids want. THRiVE!: Which did you get into first, acting or design?
PAIGE: I got into remodeling homes. I had a real estate business in California. I had been doing that for five years. I had a rent-to-own business where I would help first time home buyers get into their first homes and that was really, really rewarding. I was also helping out with Habitat for Humanity, and then when I got on this show it was like, yeah, this is kind of what I am doing anyway but now it’s going to be on TV, which is really cool. THRiVE!: Yeah, that’s awesome. Well, thank you so much for talking with us.
PAIGE: Thank you. Nice meeting you!
continued from page 21
Buffalo is a small city with a big heart. This is what we are all about. When Western New York Americorps heard about the opportunity to do what they do best—serve in needed areas of the community—they were in. When David Stapleton contacted Jim McGinnis of The Tabernacle in Orchard Park to rally volunteers, hundreds of people signed up. When person after person, company after company, organization after organization was asked to step to the plate and help with the project, they did. Time, money, sweat, labor were all given freely. Some volunteers took time off of work in order to contribute. Some worked at their own job all day long and came to work on the project after that. Others pulled the night shift, working the whole night through. Extreme Makeover chose one house. The community of Western New York led by Stapleton chose many more. Stapleton told ABC that he couldn’t, in good conscience, build a house for one needy family and ignore the thousands of other needs around them. Apparently he wasn’t the only one who felt that way; when volunteers heard of the expanded plan they were right on board. By the end of the week, the total was up to fifty projects. When asked what had made them come out to help, some volunteers said they just had a desire to make a difference. Others believed they were carrying out a mission from God to help the poor. A group of volunteers working on Normal Avenue said they believed they were alive and in Buffalo for a reason. One of those reasons was to do good to people who are in need.
A volunteer from Florida came out because she happened to be visiting friends in Buffalo at the time of the makeover. She believed that it was no accident that she was in Western New York when the project was taking place. This young woman had survived cancer and also lost both parents in tragic circumstances. Through her difficult experiences she has come to believe that there is a bigger purpose for her life. She believed Extreme Makoever: Home Edition was part of that purpose.
“Extreme Makeover chose one house. The community of WNY led by Stapleton chose many more.” Joshua Randle, Chief Operating Officer for WNY Americorps believed this cause was worthy enough to restructure his entire organization to make these projects happen. They are continuously working on projects throughout the community but decided to concentrate all their resources on this project for the week. Daryl Boss of NorthGate Community Church served alongside WNY Americorps leadership and was instrumental in organizing and managing the numerous community projects. He didn’t mind putting in 16-hour days. The cause was worth every minute. Boss counted it a privilege to serve the community and make a difference. He said, “So many times we get caught up in our own lives and busyness that we miss opportunities to serve. Then
something like this comes along and wakes people up. It awakens that desire people have to help someone else.” If the people from Hollywood were impressed the first day with the biggest Braveheart March in the history of the show, they must have been completely blown away by what they saw on the last day. The “Move That Bus!” day was open to the public and the public sure showed up to show their support. People poured onto every open space down the entire street. The empty lots across the road were packed. People adorned roofs and climbed trees in order to see. With instructions to arrive between 9A.M. and 12 P.M., the people of Buffalo waited patiently for more than four hours to welcome the family home. With Ashanti, Ty, and the design team on the bus and multitudes of people waiting to cheer the Powell’s home, that day was a day to remember. Eduardo Xol, one of the show’s star designers, thinks that the show could serve as a catalyst to push things forward and get things moving in Buffalo. Boss, Stapleton, and the other leadership involved in the makeover agree. Our community is moving forward. According to Boss, a foundation is being established to raise money for continued rehabilitation efforts. Stapleton committed his support and labor to Mayor Brown and the city of Buffalo to continue the efforts to transform Buffalo. “My goal now is to figure out how I can continue to grow my business in this economy so that I can continue to give back,” said Stapleton. The challenge to keep the momentum going is before us.
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Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
POWELL FAMIL
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
LY ACCOUNT As a single mother trying to make ends meet in Brooklyn, Jamaican-born Dolores Powell knew it was time for change. In 2002, Powell found refuge in Buffalo, a place she said she loved from the moment she drove through it.
“Oh my God, are we going to win?” “[Buffalo had] such beauty. We went to the Japanese Garden. Everything was so beautiful; it reminds me of back home. The trees, the water, everything,” said Powell. Buffalo became the Powell family’s promised land, and though they struggled to keep their home at 228 Massachusetts up to code, they never gave up. When Powell found out that Extreme Makeover was going to do a house in Buffalo, her heart lurched. “Oh my God, are we going to win?” she remembered thinking. “I asked my church to pray that God would choose us,” Powell said. When the knock came on the door that Saturday morning, Powell was overwhelmed with emotion. People spoke that morning of Powell’s service to the community and her loving, generous heart. Then addressing the crowd in her rhythmic Jamaican accent, Powell shared her thoughts about why she was chosen. “I believe I was chosen today not because I am the best person…and not because I have done the most good… but because of the graciousness of God.” Powell was so grateful to have been chosen. Standing in front of her old house with Ty, Powell’s true community spirit came out when she told the
crowds that she would rather stay and help alongside her neighbors than go on vacation. The Powells did go on vacation to Disney World—their first family vacation. Powell had always dreamed of going to Disney World, the reality never within her reach before that day. Powell described her experience at Disney as magical, unlike anything she’d experienced before. For Powell it was true what they say, that Disney is the place where dreams come true because while there, a new house, a new neighborhood, a new life was being prepared. When they returned, the Powells stepped through the front door of their miracle home with custom designed rooms and a chic urban look. So much had changed in such a short time. Everything was new, even the sidewalk
down the whole street. In one week, thousands of people they’d never met had played a huge part in their lives. Lives changed forever. Dolores’s prayers had been answered—and then some! Dolores Powell plans to continue her work with PUSH Buffalo, the not-for-profit organization that nominated her for the show. PUSH organizes initiatives to address poor housing conditions and the lack of living wage jobs on Buffalo’s West Side. It was a unanimous vote for PUSH to nominate the Powells. Jennifer Mecozza, Chairman of the Board for PUSH said, “She is such a wonderful person, and unfortunately her struggle is so common around here. This is what she deserves.”
Clara Ward Maybe some of you are wondering what a Hero Family, a family chosen for a home makeover, feels like after time has passed. We asked Clara Ward from Erie, PA who received an Extreme Home Makeover by ABC this past June. Ward runs a non-profit youth development and family center from her home, and she believes that the Extreme Makeover significantly benefited the underprivileged and neglected children she works with. “I get a rush every time I think about it. I still feel like I’m in a dream,” Ward told THRiVE!. Ward herself is confined to a wheelchair and appreciates ABC so much for helping her and making her job easier through their design and usage of space. Now she can focus on what she does best: cooking, teaching, and loving the children who come to her door. 25
Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
FOR
WORD WORD
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MAKEOVER. WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY.
“Buffalo and Western New York, you always come out for a great cause.” – Mayor Brown
“I had the most amazing time, the weather has been fantastic, the people are phenomenal, the city is beautiful and the architecture is amazing.” – Michael
“I just had this feeling that this is where I want to be. This is it. I want to be here. This is the closest to home. I look around and everything is so beautiful.” – Dolores Powell
“This has been a surreal experience. This is the Extreme Makeover: Neighborhood Edition.” – Mark Lazzaro, CEO of WNY Americorps
“Failure was not an option.” – David Stapleton, David Homes “There is an organized effort to get out here and do the best for this family and put Buffalo on the map in a really positive way.” – Eduardo
“What we did for a short period of time was breathe new hope and vitality into the streets of the West Side of Buffalo, and it’s our hope that the individuals that served this week would gain a new appreciation for the transformation that can take place, not only within this community but within themselves through service.” – Joshua Randle, COO of WNY Americorps
“I have never seen more gratitude, graciousness, and charity than I have in Buffalo...This has been the most impressive, compelling, and rewarding week, and it is because of the heart of Buffalo.” – Brady Connell, Producer
“Buffalo is not the ice capital everyone says it is. The weather has been great and so have the people. The architecture is amazing and I had a chance to see one of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses. ” – Ty Pennington “Everywhere we go they say this is the City of Good Neighbors, and I believe it. This is the City of Good Neighbors. They are amazing.” – Paige
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT “I see a lot of enthusiasm about paying it forward. I think a lot of people are recommitted to the neighborhood because of what’s happened,” said James F. Strach, one of the many homeowners on the West Side of Buffalo who benefited from
the volunteer efforts of the thousands who came out for what is being nicknamed the Extreme Makeover: Neighborhood Edition. Strach has lived in Buffalo for 67 years and felt compelled five years ago to purchase his current home on Normal Avenue despite the rough shape it was in. Strach has been chipping away at work projects on the home for the last five years but was beginning to find the job bigger than he could handle. Just about that time, Strach received news that thousands of volunteers were coming down with ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to revitalize the community. James F. Strach, one of the many homeowners on the West Side of Buffalo who benefited from the volunteer efforts of November 7-14. Volunteers hard at work on Strach‘s home. The team of about 60 people worked diligently for four days sanding, priming, and painting his home.
“I think a lot of people are recommitted to the neighborhood because of what’s happened.”
Walter Crowe of Buffalo and a team of almost 60 Extreme Makeover volunteers, including professional painters, six carpenters, and others of varying skill level, began work on Strach’s home at 373 Normal Avenue. Work started Monday and lasted until Thursday. Before work began, the outside of the home was faded, paint was chipping, and the porch was rotting. Crowe explained, “Our goal was to restore the home. We didn’t try to make it look pretty at the expense of compromising the owner’s goal of restoring the original look.” Strach’s property now resembles a residence in quaint, polished East Aurora with its new coat of paint, accents around the windows, and a new front porch. Michael Moloney from the Extreme Makeover design team said, “Jim has been a beacon for what it’s all about. I was just grateful I got to meet him and play a small part in making his life a little better.”
Two volunteers work on restoring the front porch of Strach‘s home at 373 Normal Avenue, just a 1/4 mile from the Powell family‘s home.
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Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
PAGE
PICTURE
EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION BUFFALO
A human chain is formed as boards are moved during the home's deconstruction.
Buffalo Firefighters casually survey the site and soak the left-over debris with water to minimize the amount of dust.
The Powell family is surrounded by hundreds of volunteers eager to begin the “Extreme Makeover� of the Massachusetts Avenue home.
Lead designer Ty Pennington takes a moment to update the Powell family via video.
People of all ages and backgrounds came out to help. Crews were hard at work throughout the week.
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
A neighborhood homeowner expresses heartfelt thanks.
THRiVE! MAGAZINE PHOTOS BY MATT BROWN – TO SEE MORE PHOTOS VISIT THRiVEBUFFALO.ORG.
Volunteers install new gutters on a neighborhood home. Volunteers, including those from WNY Americorps, work on landscaping and cleanup projects on a neighboring street.
Volunteers beautify the neighborhood with a mural.
Thousands gathered on Massachusetts Avenue to be a part of the big reveal.
While not quite old enough to volunteer, these kids lean over the fence to get a closer look at the action.
THRiVE! VP, Julianna Patterson, with the design team from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Extreme Makeover designer Michael Moloney filming a fun segment about the new home‘s energy efficiency. 29
Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
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RAIN IN MASAILAND By Mary Beth McCune Compiled by E. Hogenmiller
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
I don’t really know why I went to Kenya this summer. I do know that now when I wash my dishes and watch the water pour down the drain, I pray for rain in Africa. I never did that before. I guess seeing and experiencing something new can change a person. I encountered so many amazing sights, from millions of flamingos painting a pink ring around Lake Nakuru to thousands of Masai dancing for joy in a cloud of dust.
-On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Pastor Mike’s church. He lives in Nakuru and has a church/orphanage where he cares for 300 orphans. The kids ran out to meet us doing flips and cartwheels out the gate. We hugged them, danced with them, and loved on them. I am so happy, at rest, at peace with myself and my soul in this place.
–I’ve never been in an arid climate before. The dust was incredible—it fell down the windows of the bus like rain. As we looked out, there were huge clouds that looked like smoke in the distance. After awhile we realized they were just dust clouds and that we were making similar ones as we drove. A couple times I saw the wind swirl dirt like a cyclone. It whirled around collecting things in its funnel.
I went on this trip thinking it might help me gain some perspective in my life. I had just finished graduate school and was in the process of a job search. I thought that seeing and experiencing life in a new way by traveling to another country would make things clearer. I desperately hoped that the trip would bring me more answers, would give me direction in this new season of my life. However, I was left with more questions than answers, more mysteries and imponderables than before. These mysteries were much bigger than me and my future. Much bigger.
The purpose of the trip was to help with a teaching conference in the middle of Masailand. The Masai are a semi-nomadic people who live in the area of the Great Riff Valley of Kenya and Tanzania. Masailand of Western Kenya has been in drought for over three years. Thousands of villages lack any kind of water supply. Pastors and teachers in our four-day conference spoke to the Masai people giving them hope and encouragement that God can and will provide for His people.
-Oh, I forgot to say how utterly disgustingly dirty we got. I got it worse than the others because I sat in the dust with the children. It was so worth it. I really didn’t mind, except that my hands are still not free of dirt. I was excited about being part of the team, but I was unsure what my role would be. After all, I was the youngest person on the trip, and I wasn’t a pastor or a great person of prayer like the others. I wondered if I would have anything to give. Then I got to play with the children and – oh – my heart came alive.
-God, all I can think is, “It’s not fair!” Why do we have so much rain in WNY and they have none here? God, we complain about having to cut the grass. We even gather cut grass in bags and throw it away while the Masai walk their cattle constantly in search of food to graze. We have so much rain it floods. But here, no rain, no crops for three years. I don’t get it. Why? Why is it so unfair? Why can’t they have some of our rain?
I wish I could describe the land I saw and the people I met. How to explain Masailand in words? 33
Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
-Sometimes I wish I could paint using vibrant brushstrokes to convey the overwhelming emotions I feel because a photograph doesn’t seem to capture the deepness of color and feeling a scene holds for me. We just left the conference site on the last day (will I ever return?). The vice president of the country came—it was amazing. Now he, along with the other leaders and pastors of the trip are christening a new well/pump house to bring water to a nearby village. Oh glorious water! They need it so badly. We’ve been praying for rain fervently these past few days. It is amazing that God does respond to those who earnestly seek him. I saw God respond to the Masai people as they prayed for their children, their herds of cattle, and their land. In a strange way, I know God responded to my prayers and many of my questions and ponderings. Small things—like having the chance to serve the Masai children—remind me that God knows the talents and gifts he has given me, and He will give me places to use them. I still don’t know what is ahead on my road of life. I don’t know when I’ll be back in Africa (though I hope it’s soon). Some questions are not yet answered, but the still, deep water of assurance running under each tells me that it’s okay.
-Guess what? As we stand here at the well after days of ardent prayer, the clouds are rolling in! I really do believe it is going to rain in Masailand! God hears the cries of his people. I know God is in control and He knows the answers. I know He will protect the orphans, care for the hungry, and provide for the needs of His people. Two days after we left, it started to rain on the very spot where we held our conference—and it continued to rain for over seven days! If God can provide for the Masai people, I believe he can also provide for me. I feel so privileged to have witnessed His miraculous response to this small group of people in a corner of this beautiful country so far away from my own. Why me? Why this trip? I don’t know. What I do know is that I’m grateful; I am changed, and for right now, that’s enough.
Photos by Mary Beth McCune
New Year’s Eve
Candlelight Service Thursday,
Dec. 31, 10PM Praise, worship and the word of the Lord for 2010 SWORD OF THE SPIRIT MINISTRIES 300 Kensington Ave, Bflo
Pastors John & Barbara Burkholder
www.SwordOfTheSpiritMinistries.com
2
photo Š exposurebuffalo.com
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
2010: 10 GIVE BACK WAYS YOU
CAN
With the recession on, I know money is tight. Fortunately, giving money is not the only way for us to make a difference. Unlike wealth, time is distributed evenly. Years don’t shrink like savings or paychecks; everyone has a 24-hour day. So for anyone with a bit of time to spare, here are a few ideas (in no particular order) about how you can give back.
Change the course
1
Take away the pang
FRIENDS OF THE NIGHT PEOPLE FriendsOfNightPeople.com Friends of Night People prepares and serves meals to the hungry of Buffalo. Besides serving over 50,000 meals a year, FoNP also provides health and legal services to those in need.
Blessed are the cheesemakers STOP THE VIOLENCE FOUNDATION
5
HelpStopThe Violence.com Join in the effort to bring peace to our region.
4
3
BUFFALO NIAGARA RIVERKEEPER
BNRiverKeeper.org Working to keep our rivers clean. Jump in and help!
Welcome the tempest-tossed
Alter someone’s story LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY, INC LiteracyBuffalo.org
2
LV/BEC provides free, one-on-one literary services, helping people learn to read in order to improve the well-being of families in Buffalo and Erie County.
VIVE, INC. ViveLaCasa.org VIVE, Inc., the largest refugee shelter in the United States, provides food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and legal services to refugees as they await permanent asylum.
Extend a hand extend a life
9
HUNTER’S HOPE FOUNDATION HuntersHope.org Lengthen the lives of children and give the gift of hope when you volunteer at Hunter’s Hope.
Spread O2 Joy
RE-TREE WNY 8 Re-TreeWNY.org Re-Tree WNY has a mission
to plant a tree for each of the approximately 30,000 trees destroyed in the October Storm of 2006. You can join them as they bring fresh air and beauty to WNY.
“Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish…”
10
NEW TO YOU otjministries.org
New To You is a thrift store specifically designed to give underprivileged young people an opportunity for job Be a hero in training and job experience your own home that could transform Saturday GREATER BUFFALO CHAPTER, Shenanigans AMERICAN RED CROSS their futures.
6
BuffaloRedCross.org Maybe you are unable to leave your home but would still like to volunteer. You can give aide around the world volunteering as an Emergency Communications Worker for the Red Cross.
7
BUFFALO ReUSE BuffaloReuse.org Check out the Buffalo ReUse website to see how you can help at Saturday Shenanigans. 37
Decemeber 2009 / January 2010 THRiVE!
have no place to live or have little to no food at home, are poignantly truer. Let’s zoom in and view poverty through the eyes of a single person.
With an estimated 30.3% of its population living below the poverty line, the City of Buffalo holds tight in its position as the third poorest large city in the United
Unless you have lived in poverty, it’s hard to understand what it’s really like. States, behind only Detroit, MI and Cleveland, OH. The percentage of Buffalo’s population living in poverty has increased by 1.6% since 2007.1 Unless you have lived in poverty, it’s hard to understand what it’s really like. I come into contact with poverty-stricken people every day through my role as Executive Director of the Buffalo City Mission. Even so, I don’t truly know what it’s like to be poor because I have never experienced it for myself. Often we hear about poverty in the impersonal form of statistics: Buffalo is the 3rd poorest city in America, 42% of Buffalo’s children live in poverty, 1/3 of Buffalo’s adult population lives below the poverty line.2 The numbers are true, but the individual men and women coming to our doors who
Cynthia, a single mother, works hard to take care of her family but still lives below the poverty line. Cynthia depends on food stamps each month to buy groceries and tries hard to ensure her family is able to eat nutritionally balanced meals. Immediately after she gets her stamps, Cynthia rushes out to the supermarket to buy fruits and vegetables, both fresh and frozen, as well as meats and dairy products. Like many of the low-income parents in the area, Cynthia knows it is wise to buy these types of products with her food stamps because she is sometimes able to supplement her grocery shopping with a monthly trip to her local food pantry where she is given mainly nonperishable items like pasta, rice, and canned goods. Usually this prudent use of her resources meets the basic monthly needs of her family. However, one month when Cynthia had gotten behind on her utility bill due to her son falling sick and requiring medicine, she awoke one morning to find her power had been cut. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, Cynthia knew the refrigerator would be off and subsequently the food inside would go bad. What could she do? She tried calling the utility company and the Department of Social Services to see if anyone could help her get her power back on. By the time the power was restored about six days later, the family had lost a month’s supply of meat, cheese, milk, and other perishable items with no resources to replenish them.3 Her children would suffer. The worst part of it is, Cynthia’s story is not unique. In Buffalo alone there are thousands of stories like this one or even worse.
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
BY STUART HARPER
POVERTY Do you think about it?
Spending time among the men and women who come to the Mission, I see a different America than the one I know. I am filled with an immense sense of gratitude for all the things with which I have been blessed, but that’s not all. I also feel a great sense of responsibility. My dad always called our good fortune “the luck of the draw,” but I call it God’s design for the following reason. I know the Lord put me in the position I am in today, to do the things I am doing because He knows that if I use the gifts He gave me, I can achieve God’s change among the people I touch. We are all blessed with gifts that God wants us to share. Each of us has to find out what those gifts are. Whether you are gifted in music, art, design, architecture, sales, marketing, politics, leadership, childcare, nursing, parenting, or any other area, the Lord blessed you with gifts to share with others. This is a great time of year to reach out and touch someone with your gifts. Be blessed. Stuart Harper is executive director of the Buffalo City Mission since March of 2008 and prior to that sat on the Mission’s Board of Directors as secretary. Harper held executive posts in Buffalo, Boston, Dallas and New York for large national and international companies. A resident of Elma, harper lives with his wife Laura and they have three grown children Ben, Lindsay and Anna who live in California and Vermont respectfully and two children at home Stuart Jr. and Macuen who attend Christian Central Academy. His wife Laura is an RN at Buffalo General Hospital. The family attends Crossroads Christian Church where Harper and his wife are on the management team. [1] American Community Survey at the Census Bureau (2008), provided by the Western NY Homeless Alliance. [2] Statistics from ProjectHomlessConnectBuffalo.org. [3] Stories of people living in poverty from www.ccrcda.org
GLOBAL
BY MATTHEW L. BROWN
VASCULAR INSTITUTE
World Class Global Vascular Institute & Clinical Translational Research Center to be constructed in Buffalo, New York The effort to transform Buffalo into a world-class healthcare destination took a major step forward as Kaleida Health and the University at Buffalo broke ground for a new 10-story global vascular institute and research building. This initiative will make the City of Buffalo a destination place for those who seek superior medical treatment. Furthermore, the employment and business creation sparked by this new regional health phenomenon could really help bolster our local economy. The $291 million facility to be located next to Buffalo General Hospital will bring Kaleida Health physicians and UB researchers together in a collaborative effort to deliver state-of-the-art clinical care and produce major breakthroughs on the causes and treatment of vascular diseases. As a result of this development, there will likely be an increase in biotechnology businesses and jobs in the area. “This groundbreaking marks a new era for healthcare delivery in Western New York,” said James R. Kaskie, the president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “Through a physician-led process, we have delivered on reform and just as important, set the stage to build the preeminent flagship medical center in upstate New York. Our new Global Vascular Institute is destined to be the heart of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.” In 2007, the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, also known as the “Berger Commission,” ordered the closure of Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital. Kaleida Health decided to shift the hospital’s cardiovascular and stroke-related services to the soonto-be-built facility next to Buffalo General on the
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THRiVE! Decemeber 2009 / January 2010
Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Among other things, the building will house UB’s $118 million Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) and a UB Biosciences Incubator. Construction is expected to take approximately two years to complete, with doors opening in late 2011.
JAMES MACDONALD
CHARLES STANLEY DAVID JEREMIAH
JAMES DOBSON
JOHN MACARTHUR CHUCK SWINDOLL
STEVE BROWN DAVE RAMSEY WEEKDAYS 1-3 PM
MARTIN DEHAAN
ALISTAIR BEGG J. VERNON MCGEE
CHARLES PRICE NEIL BORON WEEKDAYS 3-6 PM
WOODROW KROLL
JUNE HUNT
BUFFALO 99.5 FM WDCX Radio, www.WDCXfm.com 625 Delaware Avenue, Suite 308, Buffalo, NY 14202, (716) 883-3010, (716) 883-3606 fax ROCHESTER 990 AM WDCX Radio, www.WDCXam.com 625 Delaware Avenue, Suite 308, Buffalo, NY 14202, (716) 883-3010, (716) 883-3606 fax