THRiVE! July August 2011 by Kyle Patterson

Robert Rich/Buffalo Business/Buffalo Culture

pg. 30

Habitat For Humanity/Fishing Holes/Brothers McClurg/Pizza

THRiVE! YOUR CITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

the

AGARA REGION

best neighborhoods in town

JULY/AUGUST 2011

$4.95

8 -

THRiVE! Where we live says a lot about us. As Buffalonians we truly have a wide selection— from downtown living to waterfront living to the cultural experiences of Elmwood and Allentown districts to the emerging neighborhoods of the West Side and the booming Ellicott District entertainment hub. From lofts to apartments to homes, condos and townhouses. Restorative projects to new builds, green homes to old homes, new homes and community homes, Buffalo has it all. In this issue we give you just a taste of some of the many options one has for living in Western New York. Our article is a sampler if you will of some of the great communities Buffalo has to offer, an appetizer of sorts to wet your appetite for all our city has to offer. There is so much more to cover and that is where you come in. What do you like best about where you live, what needs to change, how can your neighborhood work together to make it one of Buffalo‘s best? These are questions that I hope you will ask when you read about what other neighborhoods and districts are doing around town to make Buffalo the beautiful and attractive city we know it to be. I love writing and hearing about the many things that locals are doing to make our community thrive. From biking, to music, to water, to jobs, to houses and neighborhoods, to our Buffalo Culture pages with the things Buffalo loves including pizza, waterfront dining, architecture, men‘s fashion, sports—Buffalo Bills, people—Bob Rich, fishing holes, arts—Queen City Prints, and faith, this issue is nothing short of packed full of Buffalo love. I have to say through all the demands and work of making THRiVE!, I absolutely love sharing with our readers the beauty of our city and the stories within. The fact is there are so many good stories and the more you cover, the more you realize there is so much more out there. Special thanks again to all our contributors who made this issue possible and of course our advertisers whose faithful support keeps us going. We would so appreciate it if you share THRiVE! with a friend and join us online as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Again thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from you. I also warmly welcome you to visit our website at thrivebuffalo.org, with (almost) daily updates and briefings from ―Around Town,‖ THRiVE! brings you the best news from around our region. Thanks for reading.!

Kyle Patterson, Publisher and Editor

Buffaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Biggest Fan People, Places, Food, Charity, Sports, Faith, Pictures, Columns, Fashion, Fun. The Magazine covering all good things Buffalo.

join us at www.thrivebuffalo.org

Western New York has plenty of options for bike trips— near or far. You could actually go so far as to say that going green and riding your bike is absolutely possible in our town. Starting at Buffalo‘s Outer Harbor, it is completely possible to bike clear to Rochester while remaining on official designated bike trails the majority of the way, all while enjoying a scenic urban tour. Here are a few ideas on where to get out and get going to enjoy a beautiful ride:

Buffalo & Erie County Riverwalk: This 13 mile ride through Buffalo actually extends to Northern Erie County and provides a great way to get out and enjoy the city. Taking you past landmarks like La Salle Park and others along the riverfront. The Riverwalk has provided the basis for Erie County's effort to link existing recreation areas and the bicyclist/pedestrian trails an additional 7.2 miles from Riverside Park to the Barge Canal in the City of Tonawanda. The Riverwalk link now provides public access from northern Erie County to downtown Buffalo and features plant life, birds and water life. The trail is open to bicycles, fishing, rollerblading, joggers, walkers, bird watching, hiking and ice fishing in the winter. In addition, there is a Canadian artery that intersects from the Peace Bridge over to the Canadian Niagara River Trail.

Scajaquada Path: Taking you from Delaware Park straight down to the Riverfront, a 3 mile easy ride on asphalt to get the blood flowing and enjoy one of Buffalo‘s beautiful summer and falls days. Open to runners, bikers and rollerbladers.!

It‟s kickoff time in Buffalo as the Bills prepare for their season and hope that the new uniforms give them a new boost this season. The team suffering from a few bad seasons is due for a great year. Plus the new family friendly rules are bound to disrupt much of the riff-raff that has been a plague on the team for years. Frankly, that is a win in and of itself and a great way to start the season. Ryan Fitzpatrick inherits the starting QB job after throwing for 3,000 yards and 23 TDs in relief of Trent Edwards. He spread the ball around well – eight different players had at least 10 catches last year.

After studying national trends, Chris Reilley, locally-known photographer and designer, has developed a new business to showcase our area‘s many fine artists. Queen City Prints at www.QueenCityPrints.com, will give Western New Yorkers the opportunity to see and order local artists‘ work, both originals and prints, from the comfort of their own homes.

“Macy‟s is committed to giving back to our local communities. Our annual Shop for a Cause Program, which has raised more than $38 million for local and national charities in the past five years, is meaningful for us because it gives our customers and associates an opportunity to give back to the local charities, schools and non-profits that matter a great deal to them,‖ said Martine Reardon, Macy‘s Executive Vice President of Marketing. Macy‘s 2011 Shop for a Cause will take place on August 27, 2011, The Buffalo City Mission hosted its 5th Annual Ride for the Homeless, August 27 at Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda. The event raised money for the City Mission's 10 month after school program that runs annually from September through June. The program works with children in grades 1-8 who reside at Cornerstone Manor (corner of North and Michigan) or within the community surrounding the building that provides emergency shelter for up to 16 single women and 5 families seeking protection from city streets or an abusive relationship.

Sustainable, Plyboo walls. Floor tiling made from recycled soda bottles. Man-made ponds designed to capture rainwater before it enters an overloaded sewer system. Electrical outlets high enough to be easily accessible to wheelchair users. Classrooms and lounges suitable for educational programs and social gathering are a few of the features of the new Greiner Hall at UB.

The Grand Opening celebration of the Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley‟s Sky High Adventure Park was held on Saturday, August 20th at 10 a.m. The Mountain Coaster is located in the Tannenbaum (western most) area of the resort and is next to the Aerial Adventure Park that opened earlier this summer. According to Holiday Valley‘s President Dennis Eshbaugh, ―The addition of the Mountain Coaster is an important piece of the whole resort that attracts visitors to Holiday Valley and the region on a year ‗round basis.‖

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) hosted a special Congress on Your Corner titled: “Expanding Your Market: A Small Business Outreach Event” at his Alma mater Buffalo State College this August where local business owners were invited to hear from experts in the business development field. The event was free and open to Western New York businesses of any size.

will make recommendations to the ECHDC board of directors in November. The 2012 season will run from May 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. ―The tremendous influx of people visiting Canalside this summer demonstrates the wisdom of expanding our events calendar,‖ said Maureen Hurley, Chair of the Canalside Cultural Advisory Group. ―By Labor Day Weekend we expect to have nearly tripled the numberof visitors over last year. The people of Western New York have awakened to the unique asset that we have in our waterfront, and it is our goal to ensure that they have interesting and exciting ways to enjoy it.‖ Mohamed A. Mohamed is back in town after his six month term as Prime Minister in Somalia. The Department of Transportation employee in New York achieved significant results in his short term, helping to bring a level of peace to a country war torn and suffering intensely from famine and drought that is killing thousands. During his brief time as Prime Minister Mohamed helped reorganize the government army, implement a new budget and fight against terror.

World on Your Plate, a food forum that seeks to restore the earth by promoting sustainability for farmers, farm workers, and consumers alike; advance education and action on issues of food safety, security, and sovereignty; and create a table where all are welcome is gearing up The Erie Canal Harbor Development for its 8th annual event, October 14-15, at Corporation (ECHDC) this August issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Daemen College in Amherst, NY. More than 300 members of the WNY events and programming for the 2012 programming season in order to activate community who are passionate about the existing features, public spaces and locally-grown and raised food, health, water at Canalside. Program funding will sustainability and other food issues will fall into three categories: General gather this year to hear world-class Programming, ―Story of Buffalo‖ Prospeakers, attend workshops and engage in gramming, and Special Programming. ways and means to restore the earth by ECHDC has set a deadline of September 23 for submissions. The Cultural Advisory promoting sustainability for farmers and consumers, advance education and action Group (continued) on issues of food safety and enjoy a couple of good meals together in the process.

The Statler Ice Ball this December will officially kick of the re-opening of the famed Statler Tower, now owned by Mark Croce, December 31, 2011— Buffalo's Spectacular New Year's Eve Celebration.

2011 National Buffalo Wing Festival is being held Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd and 4th at Buffalo‘s Coca-Cola Field. Hours are 12-9 pm on Saturday and 12 to 7pm on Sunday. Last year alone, chicken wing lovers came from all 50 states and 36 countries to be part of this incredible celebration Over the course of nine previous events, the National Buffalo Wing Festival has drawn more than half a million visitors, served some 2.9 million chicken wings (more than 200 tons), raised $200,000 for local charities, and received extensive national and international media attention. Drew Cerza founder of the National Buffalo Wing Festival has promoted the Festival, and Buffalo, on CNN, The Today Show, The View, Live with Regis and Kelly, the Travel Channel, and five different appearances on different Food Network programs, including a victorious appearance on the competition show Throwdown! with Bobby Flay in 2007 (interestingly, Cerza won with a New Orleans–style bourbon wing sauce in lieu of the classic Buffalo).

. Brothers McClurg in partnership with Integrity Music announced the August 2 release of ―Alive‖, a digital EP and the debut recording from rock/folk-influenced worshipers Brothers McClurg, formerly Relevant Worship, a band that has organized and inspired a grassroots following among young people in the region. The Alive EP offers six new songs including ―Just Say,‖ a co-write with Dove Award winning writer Paul Baloche. It also includes two co-writes with the band‘s label mates All Sons & Daug ters (David Leonard and Leslie Jordan) on the title track and ―Psalm 23‖ and features Leonard and Jordan as guest vocalists. Brothers McClurg actually began as two separate bands fronted by brothers Anthony and Chris Hoisington but became a group of Christian brothers from various church traditions who share a desire to see lives changed through worship. Until recently, this six-piece group from Western New York were known as Relevant Worship, the name of their community-wide ministry. With

their signing to Integrity Music, the band decided to embrace their musical heritage by taking the name Brothers McClurg. The name pays homage to Anthony and Chris‘ greatest influence, their maternal grandfather Pastor Bill McClurg, who led the southern gospel group The McClurg Family Singers. ―We see it as a way of continuing the legacy and ministry while giving it a fresh vision,‖ says Chris Hoisington. ―As young kids, my grandfather instilled within us an understanding of the power of God through music ministry. And he‘s still going strong… at age 85, he‘s still on staff at a local church and he ministers in nursing homes every single week.‖ That family tradition of music is something that has made Hoisington‘s family proud and is somewhat of a fulfillment of dreams for the band who had their starts as a rock band 14 years ago while leading their youth group at Evangel Assembly of God in Amherst. ―That is kind of where it started, in the basement of Evangel and hearing people believe in us and sharing with us that maybe someday we could do what we are doing today,‖ recalled Chris

Their mission is to carry Jesus‘ message of life, hope and forgiveness to a city that has been told for years that it is dead, hopeless and forgotten. The Brothers work to reach their community through prayer and acts of service, blessing the Church and uniting the body of Christ in worship. ―We want to spur one another on, lifting up the name of Christ inside the church, as well as in the streets,‖ adds Anthony. ―Our goal is to rally the church to action, loving one another and also loving the ‗unlovely‘ and replicating this passion in every city and community we encounter.‖ Joining the Hoisingtons in Brothers McClurg are Matt Poulsen (guitar), Dan Swain (bass), Justin Michau (guitar) and Peter Bordin (drums). On occasion, they are also joined by their sound technician Karl Maciag filling in on lead guitar or their friend Ed Chilungu on keys. Chris Hoisington explains, ―Brothers McClurg is a traveling version of your church‘s worship team, with many players and faces each adding to what God is doing in times of worship.‖ Pick up their latest release ―Alive‖ on iTunes and look for a live performance near you.!

Mayor Brothers Cider Mill on Seneca Street and Transit Road in West Seneca attracts 10,000 visitors each fall for fresh cider, donuts and other homemade local goods.

Each autumn, the corner of Transit and Seneca Creek Road in West Seneca comes to life as the Mayer Brothers Cider Mill begins its season. Because of its wonderful growing climate, orchards across Western New York and southern Ontario supply some of the finest varieties of apples to be pressed into renowned Mayer Bros. cider. Mayer Bros. Cider Mill strives to feature the goodness of Western New York by featuring other products made right here in our own back yard like the delicious Parkside Candy - fudge, sponge candy, and other sweet treats from a variety of local farmers and local food companies. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t forget to try their own Pies, Donuts, and other bakery items made fresh daily as well as fresh baked apple strudel fall jellies and jams, syrups, and candy. Plus stop in for one of their all natural apple cider slushies or a great cup of Green Mountain coffee.

The long, rich history of the Mayer Bros. Cider Mill began nearly 150 years ago, in 1852, when Jacob Mayer purchased the current building and set up a cider mill to custom press apples for area orchards. The reputation was established immediately for quality juice at the Mayer site and it has grown since. Today, the company is run by the fifth generation of family leadership. With a variety of products, services and large operation in West Seneca, right off Transit Road, the mill is somewhat of a historic hidden treasure among the troves of Western New York history. Though the company employs over 200 people and annually presses more than 30,000 tons of apples for its cider production, they now make all of their products available to you right at their Mill Store, open August 17 through the fall. The Mayer Brothers Cider Mill is especially proud to feature the area's premium display of apple gift items. It is the delight of apple collectors, and once you see the variety, you may want to decorate with apples. Students and teachers alike find the "teacher" gifts a genuine treasure. You will find a full complement of other quality Mayer Bros. juices - premium apple juice, cranberry juice blends, and fruit punch. Of course, many folks still travel great distances to visit the Mayer Bros. Cider Mill to get gallons of famous Mayer Bros. cider. Team it up with a pie and doughnuts and enjoy one of the great Mayer Bros. "Harvest Pak" specials for a genuine value. You may not realize how much of their products you actually consume on a regular basis. Not only do they produce their own label of products sold at nearly retailers across the country, they also private label for many of the leading retailers who market products under their own brand name. More than 10,000 people visit the historic Mayer Bros. Cider Mill during September through December where they can taste samples of the delicious cider, and purchase a variety of other products including doughnuts, pastries and apple pies (baked fresh daily at the Mill), natural jellies, maple syrup, and cheese candies. There are few companies that say more about their commitment to a sustainable and growing local economy than Mayer Brothers, another local company contributing to our local economy. !

“I see life as both a gift and a responsibility. My responsibility is to use what God has given me to help his people in need.” Millard Fuller, Co-Founder of Habitat for Humanity International Tom Splain, 76, is not completely sure how he ended up spending the last fifteen years helping to build homes for those in need. After retiring from more than three decades of work as a high-school teacher in East Aurora, Splain found himself, to put it simply, a bit bored. ―I had been retired for about six years,‖ he said, ―You need to find some outside interests [after you retire]. I knew I liked this type of work and so I thought I‘d try it to see if I would fit in.‖ And fit in he does. So much so that Dan Gallagher, the young Americorp volunteer who was working as the site manager at a house on Buffum Street in South Buffalo on a warm June day introduces the modest, elderly man to me as ―the boss.‖ Splain smirks quietly and walks back up the three flights of stairs to the attic hallway where he is working diligently to fit a

piece of drywall into an angular wall section with his friend (and former co-worker) of 46 years, Harold Boniface. When I catch Bonfiace and Splain in the hot attic hallway it is evident that these guys enjoy both the meaningfulness of their work and the camaraderie with the other volunteers. They joke and tell stories. I attempt to take a picture of the two men, but Harold‘s back is facing me. ―It‘s your better side anyways,‖ Boniface says to him. They laugh and then pose, somewhat hesitantly, for the picture. When I talk to Splain several weeks later and mention the apparent jovialness of the job site he says, ―That‘s the way it usually is. It‘s casual. If you don‘t finish a job someone else will.‖ He adds that the people he works with are one of his favorite parts of the job. Many Hands Make Light Work Splain and Boniface are just two of thousands of volunteers who volunteer some bit of their time helping to build houses for Habitat for Humanity. They all come for different reasons, with different backgrounds and with varying skill levels. Habitat will take anyone who is over 16 and ―has a desire to work.‖ This past summer Habitat benefitted from the able hands of corporate groups like HSBC, Merck Pharmaceuticals and M&T Bank, to name a few, as well as a number of work groups from around the country (often teen church groups) from places as far

away as Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island and Lincoln, Nebraska. Then there are the local church and community groups as well as the ―regulars‖, people like Splain, Boniface and a number of other friendly faces I met on Buffum Street, who come weekly, often several times a week. Volunteers are so essential to the work that is done that members of the organization refer to the time it takes to build a house not in days or months, but in volunteer hours. ―It takes about 4,000 volunteer hours to build a new house and about 8,000 volunteer hours to do a re-hab,‖ says Margaret Tolboys, co-founder of Habitat for Humanities, Buffalo affiliate. Tolboys recounts a conversation she had with a businessman several years ago who commented in awe about the amount of work completed by a work force made up almost entirely of volunteers. ―This is the only business structure I know of,‖ he said, ― in which you don‘t know where your workers are going to come from on a day to day basis and yet the work always gets done.‖ Tolboys almost laughs as she shares this story. She finds it amazing too, even after 26 years on the job, that the work always seems to get done. Despite the massive coordination of thousands of individuals (often as many as 1,000 people in one month alone), working on several different projects, under varying project managers the work always gets done. Daily. Weekly. Monthly. For 26-years now. 217 houses later. With close to 1,000 people having been put into Buffalo homes (including over 500 children) since Margaret and her husband Ron began this endeavor in 1985. It‘s really quite amazing. Margaret Tolboys is pretty modest about it all. If you ask her why she has committed the last 26 years to Habitat or how it all gets done, she says, in the most casual way, that it is ―simply what we are supposed to be doing‖ and that when they first started they took it ―one house at a time.‖ A Match „Made in Heaven‟ Margaret and Ron met when they were teenagers doing similar types of service projects through their own church together, and have been together ever since. Perhaps it was a ‗match made in heaven‘, literally, that these two found each other as teens, got married and were

eventually presented with an opportunity to start Habitat here in Buffalo (they have been married for 48 years). ―Doing this kind of work, starting the affiliate,‖ she says, Several years later Fuller convinced ―was just a continuation of what we had several businessmen to make an been doing in our teen years, which was investment in his work and in 1976 doing service and helping others. We do Habitat for Humanity was officially it because of our faith in God and his born. direction to help those in need.‖ It was just nine years later, in 1985 And, while the Tolboys efforts have that some Habitat workers approached impacted and blessed thousands, Margaret and Ron Tolboys, asked them Margaret feels that they have, in fact, to come to Americus, GA to see what been the ones who have been blessed. was happening and start their own ―It all just comes under God‘s affiliate in Buffalo, NY. blessing. You never know where things When they started out Ron was will take you…I have met so many working as a manager at General wonderful people who give of Motors leaving him to work on houses themselves. We stand in amazement at and coordinate volunteers in his spare how dedicated people are. I probably time, mostly nights and weekends. would have never met most of them if it When asked how they started such a wasn‘t for Habitat.‖ successful organization while raising How it All Began children, and with her husband working Ironically, it was a husband and wife full-time, Margaret says, ―One house at team that started Habitat for Humanity a time.‖ International in the 1970‘s. Millard Indeed, in the beginning, Habitat Fuller, the organizations founder, was an built one new house a year. Eventually, incredibly business savvy entrepreneur as their volunteer power grew, as the who had become a self-made millionaire Tolboys began to have more time (as by the age of 29. Unfortunately, his their two sons grew older) and eventuhealth and marriage both suffered as a result of the time and energies he had poured into his business pursuits. According to Habitat Humanities website, the Fuller‘s decided to do some soul searching. They eventually agreed to sell everything they owned, give all of their money to the poor and find a more meaningful way to live. Their journey took them to a small-town, Christian farm community outside of Americus, GA (the current home to Habitat Tom Splain and Harold Boniface, both 76 years old International). Through talks and regular volunteers for Habitat with like-minded people in the ally with Ron retiring from General community they started several ministry Motors, they were able to focus more projects, one of which was building and more of their time and energies into houses for the poor. Habitat for Humanity. Following a biblical passage that says And, unlike Boniface who had a someone lending money to the poor longing to find something to do with should not charge interest (Exodus his newfound free time after retirement, 22:25), they chose to build houses on a Margaret jokes that that was never an no-profit, no interest basis, therefore making the homes affordable to families Continued page 27 with low incomes.

COVER STORY

the

best neighborhoods in town

ur region is defined as the sum of its parts. Tying together neighborhoods and working to redefine our city at the micro- level provides many avenues forward to a city on the rebound as Buffalo is. While many point to urban flight and other issues affecting our region, there are handfuls of neighborhoods and towns in Western New York that standout as not only great places to live, but great sub-communities to be a part of. The local flavor presented here is truly unique to our area. As the City of Good Neighbors, we are redefining ourselves as the community of people, places, organizations and businesses that care about our city. Starting at the neighborhood level and growing out, we are influenced, defining to a degree and changing the perception of our region. From downtown to Elmwood, Allentown, East Side, West Side and everything in between, Buffalo offers a diverse and eclectic offering as to where to live. Our hopes here is to highlight some of the best areas and what they are doing to make a difference and make their neighborhood a great place to live and work.

Elmwood Village Stretching from Forest to North Street and accompanying everything in between the Elmwood Village has garnered a reputation as being one of the marquee progressive urban neighborhoods in Buffalo. With the mix of artists, good restaurants and amenities including grocery, shopping, housing availability, schools and churches, the Elmwood Village (EV) continues to attract attention and investment. While the area needs no introduction, some of the successes of the neighborhood need to be highlighted. The village has a handful of resources that are causing the work to continue to grow and make the community a high profile neighborhood in our region. Included in those resources are the Elmwood Village Association and a handful of block clubs throughout the village that make connecting with other people in the neighborhood an easy process making it a community that cares and connects. With coffee shops like SPOT Coffee, food availability from Lexington Cooperative Market, churches and even its own news sources like BuffaloRising.com which covers much of the beat of the neighborhoods in the EV, the Elmwood Village has become a meeting place for many locals. Justin Azzarella, Executive Director of the Elmwood Village Association, a non-profit organization that works with businesses and residents to improve the quality of life for the entire community says, ―Elmwood Village has a unique sense of place and community; there is no place like this place anywhere else in the world! Take a stroll down Elmwood Avenue and discover 200 locally owned shops, galleries, restaurants, pubs and coffee houses. Elmwood Village is made up of quiet tree-lined streets, Frederick Law Olmsted designed parks and parkways, beautiful Victorian homes and stately apartment buildings. There‘s always something to do in the Elmwood Village; from our weekly Farmer‘s Market and free Summer Concert Series to holiday shopping and the annual Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. We welcome you to explore this unique urban enclave filled with artists, young families, high culture and trendy fashions!‖

“Couple that with the constant flow of things to do like First Friday Gallery walks, affordable housing, diversity, walkability and historic aesthetic of the area and it is no wonder it is a top neighborhood for people to live, work and play.”

Allentown The Allentown Historic Preservation District—bound by North Street to the north, Main Street to the East, Edward Street to the South, and Plymouth to the West is walking distance from downtown Buffalo, the West Village, the Elmwood Village, the Fruit Belt neighborhood, and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. This neighborhood described as ―simultaneously high society and bohemian‖ by the Allentown Association makes up some of the richest history, architecture and culture in our city and is proud of it, showcasing a bit of their culture every year in the now 55 year old Allentown Art Festival, attracting tens of thousands of visitors yearly. In reality the neighborhood needs no introduction and boasts of some of Buffalo‘s best culture, food and entertainment. Allentown Association President, Lura Bechtel explains one of the best parts of the neighborhood is the community feel, where you know your neighbors and generally speaking people are friendly without being intrusive. Couple that with the constant flow of things to do like First Friday Gallery walks, affordable housing, diversity, walkability and the historic aesthetic of the area and it is no wonder it is a top neighborhood for people to live, work and play. Included in this community pride is the growing fight against city crime, something Allentown prides itself in combating and keeping out of the area by partnering with local police and keeping an eye out for your neighbors, an age old adage, that still speaks today. In the end though, Bechtel explains it all comes down to the people, ―You can't help but meet people in Allentown, I would love to see someone move here and not meet people right away.‖

Buffalo’s West Side

Amherst & Grant Streets A neighborhood on the rise, Amherst and Grant Street on the West Side is attracting a lot of attention of late as businesses continue to open and serve the local community. Led in part by the GrantAmherst Business Association and the Block Watchers who have for years now promoted the area through their annual Rediscover Amherst Street Festival, taking place in June, the neighborhood is attracting investment from artists, restaurants and cafes taking advantage of cheaper rent, a growing cultural scene and close proximity to Buffalo State College. Though some things take a while to catch on, this neighborhood admittedly a work in progress is becoming known as a growing cultural center and one that does not tolerate crime. Defined by Buffalo Rising as an picture of urban progress the neighborhood continues to thrive in part due to anchor tenants and resources provided by the likes of Wegmans and an upswing in their local art scene that continues to flourish and attract visitors and businesses alike. Cultural Ambassador, Doreen DeBoth of Artsphere Studio & Gallery, 464 Gallery's Marcus Wise, Jill Hart and local recording studio Starfield‘s Production combine to create a number of resources for the creative type. Marcus Wise who has invested in his gallery— 464 on Amherst Street says that the influx of news businesses and the steady population uptick accounts for the fact that nothing happens without someone knowing about it in the area. ―If people consider moving here I would suggest buying a house rather than renting because of the types of homes and the prices available. Homes are inexpensive and have so much character. For artists there are networking opportunities at 464 and of course Burchfield Penny and the Albright-Knox so close.‖ With the proximity to the growing population at Buffalo State College, neighborhood businesses are betting that the neighborhood will continue to turn and existing businesses continue to invest in revitalizing their current locations. The areas rich architecture and history only serves to add to the possibilities for the area that continues to attract places like Delish—who just moved locations to 414 Amherst Street, between Grant Street and Wegmans.

Buffalo’s Elmwood Village

“The name Rocco Termini has become synonymous with restorative re-use. His work of converting abandoned properties to high end loft living in downtown Buffalo is a sign of hope. While the neighborhood scene is utterly unique in some of Termini’s properties the quality of the build and re-use is something that has caught the attention of many locals.”

Downtown Living The name Rocco Termini has become synonymous with restorative re-use. His company, Signature Development‘s work of converting abandoned properties to high end loft living in downtown Buffalo is a sign of hope. While the neighborhood scene is unique in that the properties are right in the middle of what was traditionally office towers, Termini has pioneered a new market for urban living that has caught the attention of many locals. Termini has six properties on the market right now to rent with his biggest project in the works at the Hotel Lafayette making him a leader in downtown residential living. Termini has coined the term ―Genesee Village‖ for his string of properties on Oak and Washington Streets just north of Genesee. Included in his investments are the IS Lofts, Ellicott Commons on 461 Ellicott Street, Webb Lofts on Pearl Street, IS Lofts, Oak School Lofts, Ellicott Lofts and the recently finished AM & A‘s Warehouse Lofts. The IS Lofts‘ name Termini explains was inspired by the fact that many people look at Buffalo‘s past instead of what is now, ―So many people in Buffalo keep dwelling on what was instead of what IS,‖ said Termini. ―What was is gone. We've got to think of what IS.‖ All Termini‘s projects are higher end lofts for rent and include custom modern amenities like stainless steel appliances, fireplaces, exposed brick walls, oversized doors, air conditioning, and access to storage, laundry room, gym and patios with great downtown views. Termini‘s company, Signature Development spared no expense in providing the finest finishes including hardwood floors, daycare and roof playgrounds on some properties and even a business program including answering service and conference room time in the Ellicott Lofts. Many of the lofts also feature indoor parking and beautiful views of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, located just minutes from HSBC Arena, Dunn Tire Park, and the Downtown Theater District. Additionally the Ellicott Commons are a combination of residential and commercial space. There are restaurants, hair salons, and retail outlets at the Commons which helps create critical mass necessary for a self-sustaining neighborhood. The Oak School Lofts at 362 Oak Street Buffalo are listed on the National Historic Register which ensures it has preserved much of the original 1915 luster. Everything from the wide brick halls to the translucent glass numbered doors to the original auditorium have been preserved during the conversion from traditional classrooms to 29 modern apartments. Together with the rest of the city, it is places like these that are pushing Buffalo forward.

The properties in Waterfront Village have attracted people relocating within downtown, people from the suburbs and those involved in the medical field explained Tom Fox of Ellicott Development, ―It made sense for us to build there, it‘s a beautiful area, it has been very successful and it was a great opportunity. It‘s a beautiful spot, secluded and a lot of great amenities. We went vertical with it to create a nice common space for all the units in our development.‖

University Heights The Pasquale at Waterfront Place in Waterfront Village

South Side The South Buffalo neighborhood, traditionally Irish-American, centers along the south side of the Buffalo River extending to Lackawanna on the south, South Park Avenue on the west and Cazenovia Park on the east. The residential neighborhood grew in response to the commercial success of the industrial development in the First Ward. The neighborhood retains its Celtic flavor in area restaurants, churches, and social clubs. Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and Trocaire College are important community centers. Cazenovia Creek, a tributary of the Buffalo River, winds through the neighborhood and the beautiful Olmsted Park— Cazenovia Park. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are also located in South Park. Among South Buffalo‘s claim to fame are hockey stars, Patrick Kane, Tim Kennedy, Peter Ratchuk, and Mike Ratchuk as well as Tim Russert, a journalist, recognized for his long-time role on NBC's Meet the Press, grew up in this neighborhood and many times told stories of his Buffalo experience. He has been honored throughout the area with a variety of parks and tributes.

Waterfront Village Waterfront Village, located off of Erie Street as you make your way to the Erie Basin Marina is a community of high end residences along Buffalo‘s waterfront including numerous condos, townhomes and private homes along Buffalo‘s outer harbor. The views to start are absolutely stunning and within Waterfront Village are numerous micro community developments including Waterfront Place Townhomes and The Pasquale at Waterfront Place both developed by Ellicott Development and both include the best of Buffalo‘s fine living with luxury units and custom amenities. The Pasquale at Waterfront Place which is a new build as of 2008, feature 1-3 bedroom units, all for sale with 35/49 units sold to date. 13 of the remaining units are rented until sold. The property also includes private indoor parking, and a range of options from one bedroom to penthouse suites. Features include designer kitchens with custom cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, luxurious baths with jacuzzi tubs, steam showers and ceramic tile, private central park, and a building attendant.

While University Heights doesn‘t necessarily have the brightest reputation, located in the area surrounding UB South Campus, leading organizations along with the help of the University of Buffalo are working hard to turn around some of the not so bright spots. The recently started University Heights Collaborative (UHC) is a community-based group of residents and other interested people working together to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all in the neighborhood. The committees include: Beautification, Business Involvement, Communication, Neighborhood Watch, and Landlord Outreach. The collaborative works with residents, property owners, University at Buffalo staff and students, law enforcement officers, business owners, elected officials, and other community leaders in order to coordinate resources and co-create the future of the neighborhood. The Collaborative also serves as an umbrella organization for Block Clubs and Neighborhood Watch groups in University Heights. UB has also partnered and started numerous task forces helping to create a ―problem properties‖ task force to address safety and quality-of-life issues that arise in and around rental properties.

West Side The West Side runs west from Elmwood Avenue to Lake Erie and north from Porter Avenue to Buffalo State College and by area is one of the largest neighborhoods in the city. The West Side neighborhoods have gotten a lot of attention in the past couple of years as neighborhoods like Massachusetts Avenue and organizations like PUSH continue to get attention for their work toward more sustainable housing and better jobs in a part of town that historically has been plagued with violence and drugs, and now is beginning to glimmer with new hope for the future. Community organizations and people that care are doing their part to begin turning the neighborhood. The imprint from Extreme Makeover is still lingering, work projects and suburban youth from Breakout and Love Buffalo continue to invest time and resources into neighborhoods each summer, creating an environment for change. PUSH and organizations like MAP– Massachusetts Avenue Project are working toward change through creating a sustainable model for a food ecosystem and re-use of vacant lots turned into urban farms. More non-profits continue to serve the growing refugee population creating a diverse cultural scene and a need for education and services that can help break the cycle of poverty and dependence that are still plaguing the refugee community. The West Side is also home to important architecture like the Buffalo Psychiatric Center designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, Kleinhans Music Hall & Symphony Circle and Grover Cleveland High School.

North Buffalo Covering a little over six square miles with a population of just over 32,000, North Buffalo is a stable residential community typified by older duplex homes. Hertel Avenue is the main street through the neighborhood and is populated by numerous restaurants, antique shops and Buffalo's most noted movie theater for independent films, the North Park Theatre. Within North Buffalo are numerous outdoor activities and attraction including golf, rollerblading, biking, walking, basketball and the Buffalo Zoo. The area is served by the NFTA bus system as well as a wide variety of excellent restaurants and small markets offering a diverse selection of foods. Within North Buffalo is North Park a neighborhood adjacent to Frederick Law Olmsted's Delaware Park. Tree-lined streets carry the park like setting throughout this neighborhood of beautiful residential properties. The entire park system, designed by Olmsted is an attraction for numerous reasons and as such attracted the investment of numerous home owners enjoying city living in style with some of the most attractive and distinct properties anywhere in Buffalo. Served by Nichols School (private school) on Amherst Street, Bennett High School (public) and private school Holy Angels Academy (Catholic, college preparatory, secondary school for young women) the area was the site of the PanAmerican Exposition of 1901. The Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society building (25 Nottingham Court) is the only remaining building from the famous fair and exposition.!

I love New York (City). I left my heart in San Francisco. I still miss my Sweet Home Chicago. There‘s nothing like the moon over Miami. And what about those beaches in LA? But, I live in Buffalo, having recently moved back home from Chicago, and Santa Fe before that. I wouldn‘t live anywhere else now, especially given the fact that I came back to start a company dedicated to helping others do the same. The numbers tell the story Numbers are what keep people from starting the business they always dreamed of, or spell doom for ventures that are under-funded. You can‘t argue with what the numbers say about the difference between starting a business here versus any of the large market towns I just listed (all of which I‘d enjoy living in if I had all the time and money in the world). $68: The going rate for class A office space in New York and DC (with other major cities just slightly less) is $68 per square foot. $18-30: The rate for the most expensive class A space in Buffalo is $30, and it can be had in some downtown buildings for as little as $18. Retail space in downtown Buffalo goes for $15 per foot. Class B space in the city can be had for $10-15, class C (and warehouse space) starts at $5, occasionally less. But your business space is just one piece of the mosaic. How about housing? $67,900: I bought a great arts & crafts house with only minimal rehab needs, within blocks of Buffalo‘s best and most expensive neighborhoods, for less than $68K. It has five bedrooms, two baths, three floors, around 3,000 square feet. I can walk easily to the subway, the bus, and one of Buffalo‘s most chic strips for great boutiques and restaurants. $1: You could call my house pricey compared to some aspects of the housing market. People are buying houses with great bones for as little as a dollar in Buffalo, and after rehab, have a beautiful home for $10-50K. $515: If you prefer to rent, Buffalo‘s median monthly rent (including apartments, condos and single family homes) of $515 is second best among major metro areas in the country. $1,300: Compare Buffalo‘s median rent of $515 to the Bay Area and similar costs in Southern California. That‘s an extra $800 per month you don‘t have to have, just to live, when you start or grow your business in Buffalo. 20 Minutes: Another number that matters is time. Commute

time and ease are also key. Unlike any of the major cities I cited, Buffalo‘s maximum commute is 20 minutes. You can literally go anywhere in metro Buffalo to anywhere else, by car, absent bad weather or accidents, in 20 minutes. In Chicago it often took 20 minutes just to merge onto the Kennedy Expressway. But here‘s another number. <2 Hours: In the amount of time it takes for an average suburb-to-downtown commute in Chicago or LA you can travel by car from downtown Buffalo to downtown Toronto, Canada‘s largest city. In fact, within a half-day drive of Buffalo or less than an hour flight, one can travel to most of the largest U.S. cities from Buffalo. Buffalo is within a half-day‘s drive of nearly 70% of the total population of Canada. 3: If sports stats are your favorite numbers, you‘ll have the opportunity to see three major league franchises (hockey, football, women‘s soccer) and enjoy some of the lowest costs for tickets and concessions in the NFL, NHL or WPS (Women‘s Professional Soccer). $5: If you like the idea of keeping box scores at ―American‘s Pastime,‖ you‘ll love our retro downtown stadium, Coca Cola Field, home to Buffalo‘s Triple A Bisons, and home to the 2012 Triple A All-Star Game, and– recently named ―America‘s Coolest Minor League Ballpark‖ by Complex magazine. It‘s baseball like it used to be, the way it was meant to be, some would say. If you take advantage of numerous promotions, you can get a ticket for as little as five bucks. <$11: For Sabres hockey games at HSBC Arena or Bisons baseball at Coca Cola Field you‘ll seldom spend more than $10 to park nearby. When you‘re downtown on business you can park for as little as a half-dollar an hour on the street or in some lots. 9th: People with children are concerned about the numbers ranking schools in the area. We will be honest. Buffalo Public Schools as a whole have their problems, but many of our magnet schools and charter schools in the city are among the best in the state or the nation. City Honors, a public magnet school, has been ranked 9th in the nation by the Washington Post and 16th on Newsweek’s top 500 high schools. Buffalo‘s private schools such as Buffalo Seminary (secular all girls‘ high school), Nichols School, and Nardin Academy (Catholic all girls school) routinely score even higher than City Honors. 50%: If you‘re interested in private schools, tuition costs around half what you‘d pay in the major cities listed above. ##?? Then there are numbers related to natural disasters: categories for hurricanes or tornadoes, (Continued page 26)

There are a number of organizations in Western New York that have their hands, their hearts and heads involved in Sierra Leoneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this tiny little country half way around the world. We brought everyone together and asked what each was doing and they shared their expertise and the resources they had and how each organization complimented each other, as a result something unique was birthed. This Alliance was formed to say we collectively want to make a difference on behalf of the faith community of Western New York for the betterment of the country and the entire nation of Sierra Leone. Each organization involved in the Alliance bring to the table a different aspect of what we would say is the full representation of the gospel. One being more focused on Christian education, one being more focused on micro-finance development for sustainability, one having skill and ability in bringing in and installing clean water wells, another in medical and another in pastoral training and church planting. When you bring all these things together we can drop all that in a single place and really have a significant impact in a village. As a result, we started strategizing in discrete areas of Sierra Leone around releasing those assets and mobilizing around seeing the transformation in their communities. The Alliance itself is about two years old but these partners have been there much longer. A number of things have been facilitated through the Alliance since it was formed including upwards of 30 new water wells have been drilled, several schools have been expanded, a large hospital is in the process of being rehabilitated, many churches have been started and supported and many people have gone to Sierra Leone

to give of their time and talent to train and support indigenous leadership there all along the same vision of looking at the entire community and figuring out how to not only meet the needs physically but also spiritually.!

hopeless

by stuart harper

hopeful

I made a decision to try to stop my alcohol and drug addiction and entered a 28 Day rehab facility. I found myself the first night lying in bed wondering if I really had a problem or was this something I have to do to get back in the good graces of my family? I guessed it was a little bit of both. I quickly found out that I was there because I had a real problem and when I figured that out I had never been so scared in my life. For me that was 23 years ago and I have been clean and sober since July 27, 1988. July 27 was also the date of my youngest daughter‘s 8 th birthday. Can you imagine missing your daughter‘s birthday because you were in rehab facility for alcohol and drug addiction? I was so ashamed, but that shame started me down a road I never thought I would survive. As an FYI , while on vacation this July, I celebrated my daughter‘s 30th birthday with her husband and my wife and my two little boys. That‘s the real payoff. I wasn‘t there for her 8 th, but

I have been there ever since. Recovering from addiction is not something you get cured of; it is something you learn to manage and live with. For me it has only been through the grace of God that I survived—by His direct intervention and through people He put in my life to help me along the way. No one gets clean and sober on their own. You know the old saying, ―… its takes a village to raise a child…‖ that‘s true for an addict to get clean also. It is also complicated by the fact that addiction manifests itself differently in every person. I have talked to hundreds of addicts over the past 23 years and no two stories are the same. Some addicts grew up in a nice ―Father Knows Best‖ household while others grew up in single parent or no parent homes. Some started with alcohol and progressed to hard drugs while others started through friends for the first time.

If there is one thing in common among addicts it is they love the feeling they initially got from their drug of choice; we loved the place our drug took us. I used to watch my dad come home everyday after a long day at work and pour himself a scotch, turn on his jazz music and take a seat in his favorite chair and zone out or relax as he called it. After twenty minutes or so he would get up pour himself another and as he said ―unwind from the stress of the day.‖ He loved the place his drug of choice took him and so did I … until I didn‘t. That‘s when you can‘t stop even when you want to, even when you know you are hurting other people you love, you can‘t admit to yourself or anyone else that you have a problem. You are experiencing the big ―D‖ – DENIAL. I can get up and go to work and no one knows what‘s going on and I can control it, and why should I stop; I deserve this, I‘m just having fun. I used to play in a 30+ hockey league with a guy who was a salesman for one of the big beer companies. He used to ―go on the wagon‖ on January 1st every year until January 31st just to prove to himself that he wasn‘t an alcoholic. It didn‘t matter that the other 334 days of the year he was drunk when he went to bed. I can remember thinking he had a real problem. How easy it is to see someone else‘s problems and how blind we get to our own. This denial starts to manifest itself in lies, first small ones and then big ones to try and explain away missing meeting, appointments, family gatherings, etc. the void between the addict and the family and friends starts growing and trust is slipping away. I am going through these examples because it is necessary to try and understand the challenge that faces an addict as they go through recovery. Prior to recovery most addicts have burned or severely tested every relationship they had and now they are trying to recover, their family and friends are suspicious at the least. An addict is trying to live clean but the only people who understand what they are going through are other addicts. That‘s one of the reasons why organizations like AA are so powerful. They put the addict in positive contact with other addicts who understand what they are experiencing. In AA you listen to other experiences and learn how other people have dealt or not dealt with their addiction. They also give the newbie some real life tools to help. One of the tools that seemed overwhelming to me at the time was attending 90 meetings in 90 days. I was told by a man who I respected I can have a successful recovery as long as I do what I am told by recovering addicts I trust, so I did what I was told and he told me to go to 90 meetings in 90 days and I shut up and did it. At the end of 90 days I was so much better prepared to start

living life then I would have been without the meetings. It also gave me a place to go every night and it helped me to stop feeling sorry for myself. Wise advice from a wise man. I titled this column Hopeless or Hopeful because that is the real dichotomy that presents itself every day to an addict recovering. ―Should I be hopeful about my recovery or is it hopeless?‖ Working with recovering addicts is a tremendous challenge and being at the Mission I have seen true miracles performed by God. I am sorry to say many don‘t make it, but some do and that‘s where the joy and hopefulness stem. If you have a friend or family member who is dealing with recovery from an addiction, tell them you love them, and get them to a place that knows how to work with addicts. For you personally, listen to their actions, not their words. In early recovery I did four things – went to AA meetings, worked as hard and as often as I could at any job I could find, exercised everyday (to start feeling physically better) and spent as much time with my kids as I could … period. Recovery is a long term process and I am sorry to say the addict is never cured; once an addict always an addict. The good news is that the addiction can be channeled into good things and through learned skills over time can be channeled into very positive and productive areas. Five years into my recovery I was running international sales for a hundred million dollar division of a Fortune 500 company with responsibility for hundreds of salespeople spread around the world and I also my wife of now 16 years. Again focus on the actions, not the talk; at a minimum it will keep you from getting your expectations to high early on in their recovery. If your addict falters remember they are human and by definition will make mistakes; be there with a hug and tell them they know what to do to get back on track and if they don‘t get to an AA or NA meeting drop them off. There is a tremendous amount of compassion among recovering addicts and they can see through every smoke screen know to man. Most of the recovery successes I have seen have been Jesus Christ based or as AA puts it ―Higher Power‖ who you come to know as God. Addicts need a new foundation to underpin their new lives and Jesus Christ provides that true and real underpinning. With a foundation in Christ centered Gospel, hope is possible. I see that Hope everyday in the eyes of recovering men and women who have truly put Jesus Christ as the driver of their lives. Try to remember that there was something you loved about the person in your life who is struggling with addiction recovery; during the difficult times try to focus on those good memories. The Lord can solve any problem we have as long as we let Him.!

(Continued from page 21)

Richter scale readings for earthquakes. You know Buffalo is not on the tornado, hurricane, mud slide, flood or earthquake list. Even assuming we have a bad snowstorm every now and then, snow melts, and normally leaves everything it covers intact. The same can‘t be said for the effects of disasters and severe weather experienced in some of the country‘s ―best‖ cities, such as the Bay Area, LA, & Miami. Inches. Lets start with inches of snow. The weather in Buffalo is grossly misunderstood outside of the area. Actually we have some of the best weather in the world for three of four seasons, and our winters (in the city proper) are quite average, for a northern city. The piles of snow you hear about attributed to Buffalo are actually in our southern suburbs, where the wind off Lake Erie dumps snow made from the effect of freezing wind on water. Except in what we call the (suburban) snowbelt, we don‘t have any more snow in the city of Buffalo than in New York or Boston, and the last couple of years, we‘ve had less. Feet: But, where the snow falls deepest is in some of the best ski country east of the Rockies. It‘s less than an hour‘s drive from downtown Buffalo to several feet of fresh powder. It makes a great compliment to the tremendous quality and variety of opportunities for water recreation all over Western New York, on two Great Lakes (Erie, Ontario) and the Niagara River, between ski seasons. Degrees: It seldom gets hotter than 90 or colder than zero. Having lived in Chicago for many years before returning to Buffalo I can tell you that winters are normally worse in the windy city than in Buffalo, especially where temperature is concerned. I was amused to hear the spokesperson for the company that makes the electronic parking pay stations used in Chicago express his confusion over the machines freezing up. ―I don‘t get it,‖ he said. ―We tested them in Buffalo and they worked fine.‖ Of course. Chicago is colder!

Too Many to Count: There are many other numbers that indicate why it might be worth considering moving from your major market city to Buffalo to start a business, or just to find a better life. Numbers such as 27 colleges and universities in the region, such as 23 professional theater companies, such as two world class art museums, such as 75 years of our world class Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, such as numerous hundred year old architectural gems designed by Burnham, Richardson, Wright, and Sullivan et. al, and so much more that makes the quality of life, as well as the numbers of life very favorable in Buffalo, New York. 1:7 And of course there‘s one of the original seven wonders of the world just 2o minutes (sound familiar?) up the Thruway: Niagara Falls! We never get tired of seeing this awesome (in the true sense of the word) natural wonder, though it is only one of many attractions in and around Buffalo that can take a weekend or a full week (or more) to enjoy. Zero! Here‘s one more number. That‘s how much members of our program pay in their first year in Buffalo to launch or grow a business. Our company, nxtARROW, can arrange a free first year for out of town startups and companies that come to Buffalo to launch or expand. There‘s an admission fee to our program that is a reasonable percentage of the value of what you will receive at no charge for the first year here. You just have to agree to stay, and to pay market rates for local services and benefits that are a huge bargain compared to what you‘re used to paying now. So if you‘re thinking of starting a business but have been intimidated by the cost, consider Buffalo. If you have equity in your home in a major market, you might be able to own a home in Buffalo outright with what‘s left over from your sale, or use that equity to pay your living expenses until your business starts to support you. The rent is certainly low enough to make that work. There‘s certainly a lot to consider. Why not give it some thought? !

(Continued from page 13) issue for her husband Ron; it was as if Habitat had been waiting all along for him to come on board full-time. I asked Margaret how working together on such a large effort has impacted their marriage. She laughed and said it isn‘t always easy, but that they have enjoyed it immensely. ―Ron is an phenomenal leader,‖ she said, ―He was at GM and he is at Habitat. I see things differently than he does sometimes, but it enhances what we do, what we present to the board. Because we can talk about things and talk them through our combined thoughts often amount to something better than either of us would have come up with on our own...sometimes quietly and sometimes not so quietly. As you struggle through things though, you understand yourselves, each other and often the mission even better…you become more convinced of it.‖ The Strength of Buffalo and Its People Tolboys says that the city of Buffalo has been quite supportive of their work, often selling Habitat vacant lots (according to Habitat‘s website) for a mere $1. She says that the people of Buffalo are also a hard working and dedicated breed. ―There is a dedication to physical work [here in Buffalo] because we are a blue collar area,‖ says Margaret. There is also still a real commitment to the religious life. A lot of volunteers come because of their faith commitments. That faith life propels people to come out and work. Buffalo is a big-hearted community.‖ In addition to the traditional hand-on, carpentry type work Habitat also needs volunteers at its two ReStore locations in Buffalo. ReStore offers new and used furniture and appliances, household items and building materials at a low cost with all of the proceeds being put right back into the building of new homes in the community. To find out more about Habitat for Humanity and how you can get involved visit their website at www.habitatbuffalo.org. In addition to the Buffalo affiliate others have developed in the last several years, those communities include nearby Lockport, Attica, Batavia and Medina, all in need of volunteers.!

Introducing good news in Buffalo,

Smile.

join us at www.thrivebuffalo.org

Features: Thin Crust (some locations), great dining areas, selection of complimentary products in the store. Recommends: Greek Pizza, need I say more?

Features: Fine Italian Dining, quick service Recommends: White Pizza, a taste of Italy.

Features: Crispy Crust Old fashion, local feel Recommends: Cheese and Pepperoniâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; the basics never tasted so good.

Features: Custom Designed Pizza, great variety, delivers anywhere in the United States. Recommends: Hawaiian Pizza fresh and delicious.

Features: Sweet sauce, combo deals. Recommends: Chicken Finger Pizza with bleu cheese.

Features: Over 75 Varieties, 11 locations Recommends: 3 Cheese Steak is best I have tasted.

AcQua Restaurant and Banquets 2192 Niagara Street, Buffalo

Templeton Landing Restaurant 2 Templeton Terrace, Buffalo Located right outside of the Erie Basin Marina, Templeton Landing has become one of Buffalo‘s premier fine dining experiences with a stunning view of the inner Marina and related waterfront activities. Templeton‘s exquisite menu features their World Famous Lobster Pot which includes lobster, clams, shrimp & mussels and is served with corn on the cobb and potatoes. Add to that the incredible sunsets and stunning views and Templeton Landing is truly a waterfront treasure. Open year round.

AcQua Restaurant and Banquets (formerly Harry‘s Harbour Place Grille) boasts one of Buffalo‘s premier patio bars and restaurant. Enjoy waterfront dining on the river in a beautiful setting, located on Niagara Street on Buffalo‘s West Side Black Rock district with a waterfront view of the Niagara River. AcQua offers an upscale dining experience including fresh seafood entrees including Salmon, Shrimp and Scallops, as well as Steak, Chicken, Beef Tenderloin and much more. Starters include crab cakes, New England Clam Chowder and a variety of salads. The entrees may come with a higher price tag, but AcQua is a fine dining experience that is hard to match. .

Bedrock Eatery 4038 Hoover Road Hamburg An all-American seasonal eatery in Hamburg, the Bedrock Eatery offers a variety of food—grab and go or eat in American classics including burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and kids meals. The family friendly joint is best for a quick bite to eat on the way home from a day at the beach or after a country waterfront drive on Old Lakeshore Road. Open 11am until dusk with waterfront access and a small beach, Bedrock is a great spot to catch a sunset and enjoy a quick swim. The food is served quick and fresh with friendly customer service. With their true waterfront décor, and condiment bar, the Bedrock Eatery is the perfect quick stop meal that doesn‘t break the budget. Bedrock gives you yet another excuse to enjoy our waterfront and a hot meal. Located right off of Route 5 in Hamburg at 4038 Hoover Road, Bedrock is open April 1 and closes at the end of October weather permitting.

Doug’s Dive 1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard Buffalo Celebrating its fourth year in business Dug's Dive is the perfect spot to showcase Buffalo‘s waterfront while enjoying a tasty meal that anyone could enjoy. Offering an array of meals to get the taste buds churning, from their famous Uncle Dug‘s Black Angus Burger to their high end N.Y. Strip Steak stuffed with Crab and Shrimp, Doug‘s offers it all, and if you still aren‘t sure what to order, try the The Fisherman‘s Wharf—a sampler platter of sea scallops, haddock and shrimp beer-battered or lemon butter broiled and served with choice of potato, corn on the cob and slaw.

By Sarah Kuziomko It‘s been 100-years since the Buffalo Electric Tower first turned on its lights in 1912, but now it has become as much a part of Buffalo‘s history as it has Buffalo‘s skyline. Each night for almost 100 years its 300-foot tower has lit up the sky, making it one of the most recognized buildings in the city. Similar to the Empire State building in New York City, Buffalo‘s Electric Tower celebrates holidays and special events along with the city by lighting up in colors. It even lit up in blue and gold during the NHL playoffs. The building also hosts Buffalo‘s New Year‘s Eve ―Ball Drop‖ each year, in which tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers turn out for the event. And all this started with one bright idea. In the early 1900‘s Buffalo was just beginning to learn how to harness the hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls, although the public remained skeptical. Would electricity really become an integral part of their future or was it a passing fad? Decades before three men believed in the power of electricity and what it could offer so they formed what would become known as the Buffalo General Electric Company. Their intention was to show people what it could do and how it could affect their lives. So their unofficial motto became: build it and they will come, or in this case, they will see. So before commercials and pop-up ads, companies had to take more of a direct approach to selling a product. In 1912 the building went up and to the amazement of the people—the lights were turned on in the tower. Shortly thereafter GE moved in and set up its headquarters. Buffalo GE would later go on to become responsible for distributing and promoting electrical power from Niagara Falls to all the residents and businesses in the city of Buffalo.

The tower itself was modeled after the electric tower at the Pan-American Exposition and designed by local architects Esenwein and Johnson. The building‘s façade was done in white terracotta and featured a cupola, or dome inspired by the Pharaohs lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt. It consisted of 14 stories plus its iconic tower. When it opened, GE occupied the bottom four floors while stories 5-13 served as office space. The 14th floor held a men‘s lounge and steam room. Additions were made twice during the 1920‘s to provide more office space as well as display areas for the latest appliances and fixtures. The tower was also expanded during this time. In the 1930‘s the building was bought by the Niagara Hudson Corporation and renovated in the Art Deco Style. With this style brought black ornamental glass, stainless steel, chrome trim and ceiling medallions. For the next 6 decades only minor changes were made, with most of the renovating being done to help ―update‖ the office spaces. Many say this is the period the most damage was done with neglect taking a toll on the outside, and renovations inside that covered up the buildings unique personality. Then in 2003 the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation put the building up for sale and in 2004 Iskalo Development became the proud new owners. The company went in with the intention of restoring the building to its former grandeur and preserving it for the future. Since its purchase, Iskalo Development restored its two-story lobby space and tenant office suites. Part of the renovation included removing a drop-ceiling to reveal the 2-story lobby again. Wood, stone, lighting and inlay floors dazzled visitors when the building was rededicated in August of 2007. These renovations cost approximately $18 million. This past June, the Electric Tower‘s lantern section went dark and will remain so until the fall as Iskalo Development completes the final phase of renovation on the buildings upper

exterior. Crews will be reinforcing the tower‘s façade and restoring it to its original magnificence. This includes repairing the terra cotta, re-pointing mortar, applying sealants and fixing the roof where necessary. The work is expected to be wrapped up before the winter. ―The Electric Tower is a highly visible piece of Buffalo‘s history and we take pride in being good stewards of this important community asset,‖ says president and CEO Paul B. Iskalo. Today the building has a variety of tenants. There are state and federal agencies, a law firm, and an environmental services firm. There are still suites available for less both in the Main Building and Tower floors. In 2008 the tower was named ―Building of the Year‖ by the Greater Buffalo Building Owners and Managers Association and recipient of the 2008 Brick by Brick award for ―Best Historic Restoration‖. This coming January the Electric Tower will celebrate its 100th anniversary.!

Urban Threads 736 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo www. urbanbflo.com Located in the heart of Buffalo's Elmwood Village Urban Threads stands at the crossroads of unique and fashionable. The trendy boutique offers hard to find elswehere items for both men and women including Buffalo Jeans, Ben Sherman, French Connection, Miss Sixty, 1921 Jeans and Levi's are just a few of the clothing brands that fill the store, which has been voted the #1 men's and women's clothing boutiques in Buffalo. Other brands for men include Zoo York, Sanuk, Levi‘s and Fender.

Riverside Men’s Shop 3063 Sheridan Drive, Amherst www.riversidemens.com Famous for their exclusive ―Buffalo line‖ of clothing and accessories including the Buffalo Polo, tie, belts, t-shirts, vests and flip-flops, Riverside Men‘s Shop has a reputation for some of the most stylish and widest variety of men‘s clothes in Western New York. Carrying business casual clothing like Blazers, Sport Shirts, Khaki‘s and Top Coats by top brands including Hart Shaffner & Marx and Bernhard Altmann along with Ralph Lauren and Gionfriddo Shirts and Sweaters. Their professional clothes include the likes of Hart Schaffner & Marx Blazer, Austin Reed and Ralph Lauren Chaps. Riverside‘s ―Out on the Town‖ line features leather jackets, hats, scarfs and sweaters. Riverside caters to the classy Buffalo businessman who loves good fashion and looks to make a good impression. With reasonable prices and good taste Riverside has been catering to fashion minded Buffalo men for over 80 years.

Tony Walker & Co. Men’s Shop 5110 Main Street, Williamsville www.tonywalker.com/mens A new addition to the Tony Walker line of stores in Williamsville, the men‘s shop features top denim by Paige, Premium Denim, Agave and others. Another locally owned store carrying some of the top brands in men‘s fashion makes Tony Walker & Co. Men‘s Shop a must see new addition to Western New York fashion for men.!

One meaningless preseason game. That appears to be the final casualty toll of a lockout that flooded the National Football League offseason. The labor dispute between players and owners cast a pall over the draft, threatened training camps, shortened the period in which free agents could shop their services on the open market and generally just wreaked havoc on the NFL‘s entire hot stove cottage industry. As spring stretched into summer with no deal in place, uncertainty reigned. Fans began mentally preparing themselves for the worst: Would there even be a 2011 season? Ultimately, the two sides broached a compromise over how to share the $9 billion in revenue the league draws each year, as well as a few lesser issues. Though, when you‘re talking about $9 billion, everything is a lesser issue.

The deal didn‘t happen soon enough to save this year‘s Hall of Fame Game, easily the most expendable of the bloated exhibition season, but it did ensure a full decade‘s worth of labor peace. However, there is still some question what the abbreviated camp schedule and free-agent period will mean this season with the NFL‘s cellar, or the explosive as teams scurry to finalize their rosters and and opportunistic bunch that put up 514 players cram to learn new playbooks and get yards against Baltimore and became the first team in NFL history to win by at least 18 points (a 49-31 pasting of the Bengals) after trailing by 17 or more at the half? Hard to tell. But one thing‘s for sure. This team will look markedly different. And not just because of yet another uniform redesign. Gone are mainstays Paul Pusluszny, Donte Whitner and Lee Evans. Among the new faces are linebackers Kirk Morrison and Nick Barnett, who was a member of last year‘s Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, and enormous defensive end Marcell Dareus, the No. 3 pick overall this past April. ―We feel we have upgraded our football team since the end of last year,‖ said Gailey. ―That‘s what you do; upgrade your football team every opportunity you get. From last year to this year, we think we have taken the steps to get that done.‖ in game shape by Sept. 11. The Bills hope the addition of Barnett, If uncertainty is still the name of the game Morrison and third-rounder Kelvin in the NFL, perhaps no team exemplifies that Sheppard will improve their run defense, more than the Buffalo Bills, coming off a which ranked dead last in the NFL last strange 4-12 season under first-year head year, giving up 169.6 yards per game. coach Chan Gailey. They‘ll also count on former Bears and The Bills weren‘t particularly close to Dolphins head coach Dave Wannestedt, winning any of their first five games last who joined the team as assistant head year, getting outscored 161-87, but they were coach with responsibility for the inside a different team for a nine-game stretch after linebackers. their Week 6 bye. Even though their winless ―The number one priority is for us to streak reached eight games before they be able to come up and stop the run. It‘s finally broke into the win column, the Bills not necessarily about yards for me. It‘s went 4-5 during an inspired two-month run about effectively stopping the run,‖ with three – count ‘em, three –overtime Gailey said. ―I think that we can line up, losses to AFC playoff teams, including a hit people and run to the ball the way we heartbreaking loss to the Super Bowl-bound (Continued page 42) Steelers (the infamous Stevie Johnson drop). So, which team will the 2011 Bills most resemble – the snakebit ten group that flirted

Bob Rich Jr., chairman of Rich Products Corp. and owner of the Buffalo Bisons, launched his new book, ―The Right Angle – Tales From A Sporting Life.‖ The book offers ―insider‖ information on key moments in Buffalo sports history, including: the birth of the Buffalo Sabres; the first-of-its-kind deal that lead to naming of Rich Stadium; how the movie ―The Natural‖ came to be shot in Buffalo and what it‘s like to go fishing with the President of the United States. ―Buffalo is a town that loves its sports teams, it‘s a part of our identity, and I‘ve

been in love with sports of all kinds since my sandlot days growing up in North Buffalo. I have also been fortunate to have been involved in some the most interesting moments in local sports over the years and I thought I had some stories readers would find enjoyable,‖ Mr. Rich said. ―This is a book about great sports, good friends and a wonderful life in Buffalo.‖ While best known as owner of the Buffalo Bisons Triple-A baseball franchise, Mr. Rich was also one of the founding owners of Buffalo Sabres and last year became a key sponsor of the Bedlington Terriers, a British

semi-professional soccer team, a rag-tag ―football‖ club that is becoming of a symbol of rebirth for the impoverished city of Bedlington. Never satisfied to be spectator, Rich had an ill-fated try-out for the 1964 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, put together a Team Handball squad that led to establishing the sport as an Empire State Games event, had a short-lived, injury-filled polo career, and his recent efforts to become a competitive swimmer. ―My family built our company in Buffalo and kept it here, and I‘ve worked to do the same to keep our sports teams here. It‘s been a very interesting ride and we‘ve had a lot of fun along the way,‖ Mr. Rich said. All proceeds from sales of the book, priced at $27, will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. Mr. Rich kicked off the fund-raising campaign with an invitationonly book signing at the organization‘s Masten Club, at 397 Northland Avenue. He also presented the club with a $5,000 check, representing the first installments of the sales. ―This partnership is a true testament to Bob‘s commitment to the City of Buffalo, and his love for our community,‖ said Diane L. Rowe, Chief Professional Officer of The Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo. ―Bob‘s generous support will enable us to enhance our sports, fitness, and recreation programs, in conjunction with instilling sportsmanship and fair play to the youth who need it most. We are grateful that Bob has chosen the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo as the beneficiary of this endeavor, and look forward to many years of humanitarian efforts together,‖ Ms. Rowe added. Founded in 1926, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo is a non-profit, privately-funded organization that depends on private donations and volunteers to accomplish its mission. The Clubs annually serve some 7,000 youth. ―The Right Angle‖ is available at local Barnes & Noble, Borders and their websites, as well as Talking Leaves bookstores, and amazon.com.!

Tillman Nature Preserve

Devil‟s Hole (Lower Niagara)

10101-10355 Tillman Rd Clarence, New York Fish to catch: Blue Gill, Sun Fish, Large Mouth Bass Type of fishing: Mainly spin casting but you can fly fish. Gear to bring: Light weight rod/reel combo, light weight net. Artificial or live bait. Fishing license. Other Detail: Perfect for kids. Lot of bobber fishing here.

Devils Hole State Park Niagara Falls about 1 mile from Niagara Falls Aquarium. Fish to catch: Small Mouth Bass/Rock Bass/Carp/Perch/Pan fish Pike during the summer; Salmon/Steelhead/Trout during fall thru spring. Type of fishing: Fly fishing (tricky to cast) or spin casting. Gear to bring: Medium/Heavy rod/reel combo, medium weight net. Artificial or live bait. Fishing license. Other Detail: You have to walk down a lot of un-even stairs and rocks to reach the shoreline. Probably a 10 minute walk down the stairs (longer to get back up). Not recommended for little kids. Adult supervision strongly suggested. It‘s also more of a sports fisherman area.

Gratwick Riverside Park River Road Tonawanda (along the river) Fish to catch: Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Sheepshead Type of fishing: Mainly spin casting. Gear to bring: Light weight rod/reel combo, light weight net. Artificial or live bait. Fishing license. Other Detail: Perfect for kids. Lot of bobber fishing here.

Burt Dam Route 78 (Lockport-Olcott Road) about 1 mile from mouth of Lake Ontario Fish to catch: Bass/Pike during the summer; Salmon/Steelhead/ Brown Trout during fall thru spring. Type of fishing: Fly fishing or spin casting. Gear to bring: Light to medium rod/reel combo, light to medium weight net. Artificial or live bait. Fishing license. Other Detail: OK for kids but not really good for bobber fishing. It‘s more of a sports fisherman area. Gets really crowded in the fall. Easy access from the main parking area.

Fisherman Platform (Lower Niagara) Fishermans Platform (Robert Moses Hwy – New York Power Authority) Fish to catch: November – March Rainbow/Steelhead; April – June Kings/Lake Trout/Brown Trout/Coho Salmon; June – July Smallmouth Bass/Walleye/Lake and River Steelhead /Salmon/ Browns/Muskie Fishing; August – November Kings/Smallmouth/ Walleye. Type of fishing: Mainly spin casting. Gear to bring: Medium/Heavy rod/reel combo, medium weight net. Artificial or live bait. Fishing license. Other Detail: You have to walk down incline and stairs but not too bad. Safe for kids but not the best for newbies. It‘s also more of a sports fisherman area.! Additional information can be found at outdoorsniagara.com

fter studying national trends, Chris Reilley, locally-known photographer and designer, has developed a new business to showcase our area‘s many fine artists. Queen City Prints at www.QueenCityPrints.com, will give Western New Yorkers the opportunity to see and order local artists‘ work, both originals and prints, from the comfort of their own homes. ―This area is home to a number of excellent artists, but to see a broad sampling of their work you would have to travel from Niagara to Wyoming Counties,‖ Reilley said. ―Queen City Prints is unique in that it eliminates the travel, exposes many people to local art who may not have seen these artists work at all, and gives a broad audience a chance to own either a print or an original piece at a reasonable price.‖ Queen City‘s collection ranges from paintings and illustrations to photography. All of the work is original, and new pieces are added to the collection as they are created by the artists. The scope of the gallery includes all genres, mediums and styles -- from traditional landscapes to abstract paintings. In addition to creating a one-stop-shop for purchasers of art, Queen City Prints is a novel outlet for artists to display their work and reach a wide range of potential buyers. ―Our goal is to provide something for every taste and budget. For example, Queen City Prints may be of particular interest to businesses looking for affordable decor for their space,‖ Reilley said. Buyers can order the original artwork from the artist through Queen City Prints, or, for those who do not want original pieces, affordable museum quality prints are available in a number of finishes. ―The site is worth looking at even if you aren‘t in the market for a piece of art right at the moment, because you will get an idea of what Western New York artists are up to and are capable of producing. It‘s a great showcase for their work,‖ Reilley said.

Artwork (top) Cargill Pool Grain Elevator by Christopher Reilley (bottom left—rotated sideways) Sunflower Horizon by Marcus Wise (bottom right) OLV Basilica by Christina Laing

The site offers a range of artistic expression including photography, mixed media, illustration and paintings. Queen City Prints goals is to provide affordable, original artwork by some of the area‘s finest artists including Bruce Adams, Mary Begley, Philip Casilio, Donna Evans, Chuck Tingley, Richard Tomasello and Marcus Wise among others. The site is always looking for

other talented artists to join the team and submissions are welcome and can be emailed to artists@queencityprints.com The Queen City Prints‘ Grand Opening Celebration and Charity Event (artforms) benefiting the American Cancer Society, was be held at one of the premier residences in Uniland‘s showcase Avant Building. During artforms, original artwork from Queen City Prints‘ collection of local artists were on display amongst the breathtaking views from the 16th floor of Avant. In addition to the art exhibit, the event featured delectable appetizers and an exquisite chocolate experience from Oh Pour L‘Amour Du Chocolat. All proceeds from both ticket and art sales went to benefit the American Cancer Society September 15, 2011, 5:30 p.m. from 9:30 p.m.!

Reading the Bible is an adventure for me. Sometimes it's like an amusement park where I soar in the adrenaline of the roller coasters. Other times it feels like a hike up a mountain - the air gets thin and I get a bloody nose. Still other times it is akin to a middle school dance: I unashamedly love the music but feel really awkward on the dance floor (plus, I still have have some "space dust" crackling in my mouth and sticking to my last remaining baby tooth). But reading Philippians 4:8 today was more like a tour of an art museum - you have to see and think beyond what you saw and thought. The Scripture is art - beautiful in and of itself. But this Scripture before us tells us not to think about the Scripture before us, but instead to think about other things. Beautiful things. So often, we miss these types of invitations in the masterful artwork known to us as Scripture. We often memorize it and read it and teach it. Sometimes we just forget to do it, and that is the greater thing indeed. Paul tells us in this passage not to memorize what he says here. Nor are we specifically told to teach it (though, of things.

course, that is fine). What we are told to do is to think about some things - beautiful things. Pure things. Lovely, admirable, praiseworthy things. So I started thinking about beautiful things. And lots of things came to mind. My wife on our wedding day. My wife every other day since. The artistry of both of my boys when they are playing baseball. The taste of apple pie. The feeling I get sitting on blankets with family and friends watching a show in shorts and flip-flops weather. The smell of babies after they have taken a bath. The sound of Eric Clapton's guitar. The lyrics to "Make You Feel My Love." The connection my heart feels to a cello. The view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. Switzerland. The smell of books. I could go on and on, and so could you. So, why the exercise? Why does Paul tell us to think about such things? Well, I don't know precisely. Presumably, there is layer upon layer of reasons - many of which you could articulate. But the one that resonates with me the loudest is the one that I have asked many times in my life, even from times of adolescence. What makes these things beautiful? Where did all the beauty come from? Obviously, I know the answer to that question. But that is not the point really; important for sure, but not the point. Intellectually understanding that all the beauty comes from God and is a gift of God and is tied up in God doesn't satisfy us completely. It is an incredible thing to see the beauty - incredible indeed - but there is a desire, a longing, for something more. At this point, I must yield the floor to the great C.S. Lewis: We want so much more - something the books on aesthetics take " little notice of. But the poets and the mythologies know all about it. We do not want merely to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words - to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it."(The Weight of Glory). This beauty that we see, we want to enter into. Humanity's secret is exposed by beauty - the longing of our hearts that we attempt to articulate but cannot describe. We want to be where the beauty is - where the light is; to live in it and breathe it in. We sense a resonance with beauty far beyond us, yet it feels like home - as if, for some inexplicable reason, we were made for it. Again, Lewis: It was when I was happiest that I longed most...The sweetest " thing in all my life has been the longing...to find the place where all the beauty came from."(Till We Have Faces). This, I suspect, is the invitation of beauty: To find the place where all the beauty came from. The road of beauty is designed to lead to God. Think about such .!

Jerry Gillis is Lead Pastor of The Chapel at Crosspoint in Getzville.

CHUCK SWINDOLL

“Ryan Fitzpatrick inherits the starting QB job after throwing for 3,000 yards and 23 TDs in relief of Trent Edwards. He spread the ball around well – eight different players had at least 10 catches last year – but by far his favorite target was Stevie Johnson, whose emergence as both a possession receiver (82 catches) and a deep threat (11 catches of 20+ yards) made Evans expendable.” (Continued from page 35) need to in order to stop the run.‖ Dareus, playing at a very athletic 340 pounds, and Shawne Merriman, who had 17 sacks in 2006 but has been limited just 18 games in the past three seasons because of injuries, should help the Bills pass rush immediately and allow a deep and experienced secondary to improve on their total of 11 interceptions a year ago. Offensively, Fred Jackson, who has rushed for 1,989 yards in the past two seasons, should get the bulk of the touches, but he‘ll be pushed by second-year pro C.J. Spiller. Ryan Fitzpatrick inherits the starting QB job after throwing for 3,000 yards and 23 TDs in relief of Trent Edwards. He spread the ball around well – eight different players had at least 10 catches last year – but by far his favorite target was Stevie Johnson, whose emergence as both a possession receiver (82 catches) and a deep threat (11 catches of 20+ yards) made Evans expendable. Donald Jones, Roscoe Parrish, David Nelson and Marcus Easley will give Fitzpatrick plenty of other options. And speaking of options, Buffalo‘s most notable offensive acquisition is Brad Smith, who can line up as a receiver or as a QB in the Wildcat formation, giving the Bills added play-calling flexibility in short-yardage situations. ―I see him being used in a similar role as I used Kordell (Stewart) in Pittsburgh,‖ Gailey said. ―He gives you a lot of versatility. He can play special teams, cover kicks and return kicks. He can do a lot to help a football team win games.‖ The Bills will need the help. NFL schedule makers did the team no favors by giving them the second-toughest schedule in the league, according to opponents‘ 2010 won-loss record.!

2011 Predicted Finish: 6-10

Quick Facts 2010 Record: 4-12 (4th in AFC East) Offense: 304.9 yards per game (25th in NFL); 17.7 points per game (28th) Defense: 361.6 yards per game (24th); 26.6 points per game (28th) Key New Additions: ILB Nick Barnett (Green Bay), DE Marcell Dareus (3rd pick overall, Alabama), QB/WR Brad Smith (New York Jets) Notable Departures: ILB Paul Posluszny, WR Lee Evans, S Donte Whitner Players to Keep an Eye On: OLB Shawne Merriman – Three-time Pro Bowler had an NFL-leading 39.5 sacks in his first three seasons (20052007), but had just four over the last three seasons. RB C.J. Spiller - Aside from a 95-yard kickoff return for a TD, Bills still waiting to see the big-play explosiveness that made Spiller worthy of the ninth overall pick in 2010. OL Erik Wood – moving to his natural position of center full time this year after making a successful shift from guard at the end of 2010. DT Kyle Williams – team‘s only Pro Bowler from a year ago was rewarded with a six-year, $39 million contract extension in the offseason.

Games to Watch: Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 11, 1 pm: @Kansas City (CBS) – Season opens against the defending AFC West champs. Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 18, 1 pm: OAKLAND (CBS) – 39th home opener at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 9, 1 pm: PHILADELPHIA (FOX) – Philly‘s so-called ―Dream Team‖ is the favorite to knock off Green Bay as the NFC‘s best team. Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 30, 4:05 pm: WASHINGTON in Toronto (FOX) – Bills are 0-3 when playing ―at home‖ at the Rogers Centre. Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 pm: @New England (CBS) – season finale vs. AFC‘s top regular-season team in 2010.