Buffalo HOME - Jan//Feb 2022

JAN//FEB 2022

winter fun | a fresh start

AAA TIMberline Jeff Kramer and Ryan Gott share about what they love doing!

page 6

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APOLLO CONCRETE solutions BACK COVER

Wings Flights of Hope Warming Hearts in All Seasons Buffalo’s Winter Wonderland Robert Lowery Shares Smart Tips for 2022 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 1

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Buffalo!

Made up of 110 Buffalo area artisans, Rustic Buffalo offers a wide variety of goods and home décor, including candles, handmade soaps, custom pillows, wooden signs, custom glassware, metal art, wreaths, shabby chic and vintage décor, concrete art, Buffalo foods, and much more. Find everything Buffalo here at Rustic Buffalo! Take your time browsing every room, shelf, and corner of three buildings filled to overflowing with unique, locally made artisan goods and gifts. As a licensed NFL merchandiser, we are proud to offer licensed Bills products!

Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market is more than a SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, they are a DESTINATION!

Buffalo Gnomes

These gnomes are the best of the best from a quality and creativity standpoint. The detail given to each Gnome is unlike any other that you will find.

These artisans devote their lives to being kind and thus give back to the community by donating a percentage of their sales to worthwhile charities and causes across Western New York. We are proud to have Buffalo Gnomes as our exclusive Artisans on our Rustic Buffalo Campus.

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open year-round, 7 days a week!

PRODUCED BY GENESEE VALLEY PUBLICATIONS

on the cover 6 • AAA Timberline

Owners share their story on how they have been exceeding expectations for years!

features 9 • From the Artists’ Desk 2 1 • Buffalo is for Lovers

4 Sweet Spots to Visit with Your Valentine

2 8 • Wings Flights of Hope

Warming Hearts in all Seasons

winter fun 1 2 • Buffalo’s Winter Wonderland

a fresh start 2 2 • Health & Wellness Guide 2 4 • Start Fresh in 2022

7 Tips from Life Coach, Robert Lowery

CO VE R PHO TO G R A PH Y Sarah Christ, Rejoice Photography Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. will make every effort to see that all advertising copy, which is neatly presented, is correctly printed. We will not be responsible for print quality of any advertising not created by Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. personnel. We take no responsibility for statements or claims made in any advertisement. We reserve the right to refuse any and/or all advertising.

P HOTO GRAPHY Holiday Valley Ski Resort, Ellicottville THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 5

AAA TIMBERLINE: CO MPLETE FI REPLACE IN STALLATION & SERV ICE

It’s winter in New York, and that means your fireplace and chimney have been hard at work, warming your home and keeping the cold at bay. Full-service fireplace installation and service company AAA Timberline is your local service and maintenance expert to keep your fireplace running safely and efficiently. Still dreaming of your own cozy hearth? Now is the perfect time to call AAA Timberline and begin planning your future fireplace!

Ensuring only the highest quality service, AAA Timberline has achieved and maintained its CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification. Every three years, they have to be recertified. Taking the time to train all staff and technicians results in work and expertise which are bar none. “Quality, safety, and customer satisfaction are our top priorities. We hold ourselves to the highest possible standards.”

For AAA Timberline owners Jeff Kramer and Ryan Gott, fireplaces are their passion.

“We are thrilled to spend every day doing what we love.

We are hands-on with every project, creating incredible fireplaces and adding beauty and warmth to our customers’ homes.

We try to make people smile every day.”

“

Started as a family-owned business in 1978, AAA Timberline has been serving Western New York communities for nearly 45 years. From construction and installation of woodburning fireplaces, gas fireplaces, inserts and more to routine maintenance, chimney cleaning, exterior chimney inspections and 360-degree camera-led interior chimney inspections, as well as top-to-bottom fireplace and chimney care, AAA Timberline is the one-stop location for all your fireplace needs. “Whether you call us once or 100 times, we are always available and happy to answer any questions and resolve any concerns.”

Buying a home with a fireplace, a chimney, or both? Fireplace and chimney damage can be very costly, and problem areas are not always visible from the outside. Call AAA Timberline to inspect your future fireplace and chimney inside and out before closing. This simple step alone could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

AAA Timberline is growing and looking for a few outstanding people to add to our team! Consider applying if you would like to be a part of a successful, professional, and friendly team! Do you prefer brick, wood, mortar, and concrete to a keyboard & mouse? Do you value excellence and are excited to learn from trade leaders? We provide quality healthcare, competitive benefits & a 401k. Apply online at www.aaatimberline.com.

Visit us at the Buffalo Home Show March 4-6 & March 11-13 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center!

716.741.2400 • AAATIMBERLINE.COM 6670 HEISE ROAD, CLARENCE CENTER 6 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

PLAN AHEAD WITH AAA TIMBERLINE’S SEASONAL FIREPLACE TIPS! Spring Warmer weather means it’s once again time to check your draft as well as to inspect the outside of your home. Pay particular attention to any leaks and water damage. Water that has found its way into crevices may have damaged mortar and created larger cracks.

Summer Windblown chimney? Call AAA Timberline to repair damage after strong spring gales. We also repair or create your patio, front and back steps, home masonry and brickwork, windowsills, and pedestals.

Fall Before cool evenings inspire you to start your first fire of the season, have AAA Timberline inspect your chimney and fireplace inside and out. Our 360-degree, closed circuit camera will aid us in preforming a detailed inspection running the entire length of your chimney. It is also especially important to perform a draft check prior to your first full fire to avoid filling your home with smoke.

Winter As you more frequently use your fireplace, you may notice areas that could use refacing, refabricating, or other repairs. AAA Timberline is always available to restore your fireplace to excellent condition.

INSPIRED ?

If that nip in the air has you yearning for a fireplace of your own, don’t wait until next December to give AAA Timberline a call! Availability fills up quickly with the entire estimate, order, and installation time averaging 14 weeks based on the amount of time necessary to order and receive materials. Contact AAA Timberline today for a free, detailed estimate sent directly to your email!

CALL 7 1 6 .741.2 4 0 0 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 7

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- from the artists’ desk -

Happy New Year, dear readers! As we wind down from the holidays and buckle down for the winter ahead, here at Home we’re embracing ways to make the most out of our notorious Buffalo winter. Fans of fair weather and snow lovers alike will find something to love in this issue of Home.

We’re all familiar with New Year’s Resolutions, and 2022 is as good a time as any to begin anew! Ask the Expert, Robert Lowery offers 7 Tips to Start Fresh in the new year. And you’ll have no excuses this Valentine’s Day with our “Buffalo is for Lovers” 5 Sweet Spots to Visit with Your Valentine. Get ready for some Buffalo winter fun and tap into your inner child (who doesn’t miss the joy of a snow day, right?). It’s time to build a snowman with the kids, go ice skating at The Ice at Canalside, and even dine in an igloo with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. Here at Home we’re always planning ahead and gathering ideas to make the best of any season. We can’t wait to share them all with you. Remember, the chill won’t last, but the memories you make will. Enjoy!

585.226.8111 | sales@gvpublications.com

www.thehomepublications.com

LAURIE ABBOTT | BERTA LOVE | MANUEL KARAM | CRISTIE LEONE | COLLEEN MANN AMANDA DUDEK | KAITLIN DONNAN | SARAH CHRIST | KARA IVISON CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: JODY LYNN GREER | DANIEL LINSNER | TRISH PINO | LAUREN LEONE THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 9

serving you for over 70 years

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Yes, there are plenty of places where you can take a spin around the ice rink, but the Ice at Canalside has skating with a view! Ice at Canalside is located right on the waterfront of the Erie Canal in downtown Buffalo. Not only can you ice skate here, but there are tons of other fun things to do and sights to see.

Sign up for curling, take a ride on one of Canalside’s ice bikes, or hop in a bumper car on the ice! If you’re looking for a good spot to take a date, Canalside also has beautiful igloos available to rent for a more intimate and cozy vibe. The Outer Harbor also offers cross-country skiing if you’re in the mood for some exercise! Enjoy all the great eating and drinking options this area has after you’ve finished up your activities.

BY LAUREN LEONE

All the Brrr You BuffaLove! Though the weather outside may be frightful, there’s plenty of delightful winter fun to be had in Western New York! Having missed out on so many of our favorite local festivities last year, why not get the most out of the winter months this time around?

Get out of the house this season and embrace that lake effect snow. Whether you’re flying solo, taking the whole family, or searching for a fun date idea, Buffalo is the place to be for cold weather activities.

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As far as activities go, Ellicottville has so much to offer! Popular Holiday Valley features your favorite Winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Looking for a fun activity that doesn’t take place in the snow? Axe throwing is a great idea to get a group together and have some fun inside! If you’re in need of some more indoor options, there are a number of local breweries in the area offering libations to warm you up. This area also offers its Winter Blues Festival at the end of January where regional musicians fill the streets with entertainment and live music.

In the mood for some sight-seeing or in need of a good place to take out-of-town guests? Niagara Falls is the place to go! Not only can you see the frozen falls, but the Winter Festival of Lights takes place for 101 nights and is surely a spectacle worth seeing. Stay inside and admire the lights from the warmth of your vehicle or bundle up and get some exercise as you walk the festival route. The festival will have a luminous display of three million lights as well as live entertainment on the weekends!

If food is the name of your game, the Chandler Street Winter Market is where you want to be! Another great way to introduce someone to the area, this region is definitely known for creating some of the best and most unique dishes you’ll ever have. Take a tasting tour of Buffalo at this market, which has both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a huge variety of local food producers. Located in the Blackrock neighborhood of Buffalo, you’re sure to eat your heart out while supporting small businesses in the area. You’ll find everything from baked goods and local produce to fresh and hot prepared meals here every Saturday morning through the end of April.

Another great option if you’re in the mood to eat is dining in an igloo. Bring a date or get a group of friends together and cozy up in this fun and festive way! There are several restaurants and breweries around the Western New York area now offering outdoor igloo dining. This is such a unique way to enjoy the beautiful, snowy outdoors without having your fingers and toes go numb. Be sure to book your igloo ahead of time, as these will definitely fill up quickly!

All of these awesome opportunities at our fingertips encourage us to embrace the Great Lakes winter wonderland that so many don’t get to experience.

So, get out your cold weather gear and get festive because there’s fun to be had! Having so many amazing options makes it a bit easier to embrace the long stretch that is winter in Buffalo.

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YOUR VISION BROUGHT TO LIFE.

We will help you decide where to start and what to do to bring to life the vision of what your home or o�fice should be.

We can help you organize your life!

Whether it’s organizing your items to help with clutter, task planning, reorganizing, setting up your space or more, Organize Your Life provides full-service strategies for homes and workplaces. With affordable virtual and in-person options, specialized services for homes and families include dedicated help downsizing, decluttering, supporting transitions/ rehabilitation, and providing storage options to improve your daily life. Our commercial sites and offices include offerings such as space planning, paper retention policies, and recommending technologies and productivity tools to meet organizational goals. ...

We use proven strategies and techniques to help you with Home Selling and Relocation Services, including pre/unpacking, new home set up, decluttering, depersonalization for selling, and designing and implementing a personalized plan to provide greater peace of mind and a path to positive change. ...

Sherri Papich CPO-CD, CVPO is the Certified Professional Organizer, Owner & Productivity Strategist at Organize Your Life, LLC, Home and Office organizing. With Sherri’s compassionate support in facing your organizational, spatial and transitional challenges, you CAN organize your life!

We can help! Call today.

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Buffalo is for

lovers 4 O F B U F FA LO ’ S S W EETEST S P OT S TO V I S I T W I T H YO UR VAL E NTINE

The sweetest holiday of the year is right around the corner with delicious chocolates, candy hearts, and Cupid’s bow. Since early Christianity, the English and ancient Romans have dedicated February 14th as a day to gift cherished loved ones with passionate poetry, songs, and decadence. According to history’s famed English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romance.

Centuries later the tradition continues with savvy chocolatiers such as Cadbury, Hershey, Godiva, and others dedicating Valentine’s Day as the one day of the year to honor your own valentine with a sweet chocolate treat as a symbol of your love. One such chocolate manufacturer made their name in Western, NY one hundred years ago, and continues to honor their legacy today. That chocolatier was Fowler’s Chocolates.

01. Fowler’s Chocolate Shoppe was founded in 1910 by Joseph A. Fowler. Since then, Fowler’s chocolate sponge candy has been a Buffalo favorite. After attending the Pan American Exposition, a young and enterprising Joseph A. Fowler began selling a signature variety of chocolate candy known as “sponge” candy and other confectionary creations. After receiving notable praise for his brand, Fowler, with the help of his brother Claude, opened a small candy store in Buffalo.

02. In addition to sweet treats, Buffalo is also home to a variety of romantic sights to take in when planning a scenic night out. Try traveling Route 277 to view the aptly titled “Eternal Flame.” This natural gem will warm your heart and inspire you with its ethereal beauty. While this “flame” behind a waterfall can sometimes be extinguished, it is commonly reignited by caring passersby.

Located in the Shale Creek Preserve within Chestnut Ridge Park, the Eternal Flame Falls has been described as a natural wonder by locals and studied by geologists from across the nation. The reason for the flame is speculated to be the gas produced within the waterfall’s shale rock. While its composition has yet to be completely understood by science, it remains one of the most romantic destinations in Western New York.

Photography: James Neiss

by Jody Greer

03. Got a green thumb? Consider visiting the Botanical Gardens exhibit. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens recalls romantic Victorian England with its classically designed pristine glass windows reminiscent of the famous Crystal Palace in England. Also constructed during the turn of the twentieth century, the Botanical Gardens is the creation of Daniel F. Day, Frederick L. Olmstead, John F. Cowell, Frederick A. Lord, and William A. Burnham. Historically described as an “oasis under glass,” this conservatory was lovingly conceptualized by botanists and architects who gathered trees and plants from all over the world for the public’s viewing pleasure.

This conservatory has been widely considered one of New York’s unique gems by the public and a rich part of Buffalo’s cultural history.

As a nonprofit organization, they offer something fun for every age demographic from kids’ events and educational courses to “date night Thursdays” and February’s “Love Week.” During Love week, (February 12-19), you are welcome to bring your date during the day or night. During the day, guests can partake in scavenger hunts around the tropical gardens. At night, discover the gardens as rarely seen before, illuminated under soft lighting for a relaxed and majestic viewing experience.

04. After taking in the sights, you may be looking for the perfect photo-op to remember your evening out. Downtown Buffalo is famous for its uniquely designed street murals. From the vibrant and colorful, to dramatic and inspirational, Buffalo public art has been used as the perfect backdrop for proms, weddings, and so many other social engagements. Romance is brought to life on Old Falls Street with Casey Milbrand’s sensational, “Let’s Fall in Love” mural.

Additionally, Milbrand honors the city he calls home with “Greetings from Buffalo, NY” on Washington Street which depicts the Buffalo skyline with bright and bold pops of color as only he can. Discover other romantic spots for your couples’ selfies while making your way down streets like Hertel, Colvin, Allen, Old Falls and so many others.

This Valentine’s Day, treat your special someone with a romantic trip to Buffalo. From the Botanical Gardens to Niagara Falls, the “eternal flame,” and eye-catching murals, discover the Buffalo date night experience this Valentine’s Day.

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01. Pandemic life is unpredictable. How do I move forward when so much is uncertain? Try to look at the glass as half full. Throughout the pandemic, many people had the opportunity to slow down, take time for reflection, and find their identity. As a result, many people are evaluating their strengths and pinpointing the areas of their lives they want to improve. The current environment has forced changes in our routines, and many people have had life-changing experiences which often gives us a different perspective. It’s important to focus on what is most valuable to you, your family, and the community and make changes needed as a result.

A SK TH E EXPE RT

IN 2022 WITH

7 S MA RT TI PS

02. Health concerns, change, economics, and more are challenging. What are some effective ways I can handle stress and worry? Check in on yourself. Reflection paired with the extra time we’ve had allows us to look at our mental health and figure out what we need. Know it is okay to ask for help and seek expert advice, especially if dealing with conflict or trauma. Getting the help of a professional to get you through it and focusing on improving areas of your life can be extremely beneficial, as well.

FROM LI FE & LE A DE R S HI P C O A C H

RO B E RT LOW E RY

BY TRISH PINO

Life and Leadership Coach, Robert Lowery is on a mission to help people create the life and career they desire. As the founder and CEO of RL Experience, Lowery empowers people with life changing strategies by encouraging them to look within to find the answers they need.

He specializes in consulting for nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and youth development. Lowery was named to the Business First ‘40 under 40’ list, is a recipient of Buffalo Black Achievers Award, and was named the Boys & Girls Club’s Professional of the Year.

03. New Year’s resolutions are famous for being broken.

What are some steps for making lasting change? This is where S.M.A.R.T. goals come in. This acronym is a popular framework for setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.

Resolutions tend to die out quickly and should be avoided. Replace them instead with specific goals that are obtainable and action-oriented. Goals paired with an accountability partner such as a trusted friend or coach can also help you make meaningful progress.

04. You can’t hit a target you never set. What is your best goal setting strategy? Check in with yourself internally to identify what you see in your life, what makes you happy, and where you spend your time.

In my life, I set 4 key goals each November in areas such as personal life, family, career, and health. Categorize your strategies in each section. Then, use goals and measurements to track your progress. Being as specific as possible and measuring weekly or monthly can help keep you on track.

05. One of the hardest things to do is to move on from hurtful experiences. How do I let go of the past? Forgiveness is a huge piece of healing. Depending on the circumstance, you have to decide what you have forgiven and what you are holding onto. If it is related to a relationship, decide if that needs to be mended or not. Going through a process of forgiving is very difficult, so writing down what you would say to that person to get past it and expressing yourself in this way can help you move on. You can’t control what happened to you, but you can control how you move forward from it. That gives you the power to get rid of whatever you are holding onto from your past.

06: Describe three essential “fresh start” skills from which everyone could benefit.

Gratitude: Starting fresh means you have the opportunity to wake up the next day, turn the page, and start new. Writing down what you are grateful for and identifying the areas to start fresh can be a great place to start.

Forgiveness: Let go of hurtful past experiences to start fresh with a clean slate. Getting rid of past resentment or situations that are holding you back are key to starting over.

Goals: Identify a specific direction to take or a goal to achieve. Identify when you want to take action and start making progress immediately.

Starting fresh requires having a vision and a goal to aim towards.

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07: What is one of the best pieces of advice you have ever received about starting fresh? Just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and try not to overanalyze it. Also, don’t wait until the calendar rolls over; just jump in and get going. You will learn and adjust along the way.

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WINGS FLIGHTS OF HOPE

I

n his more than 17 years as the founder of Wings Flights of Hope, Joe DeMarco had seen his fair share of inspirational stories. However, one story really stands out. A few years ago, DeMarco was tasked with the responsibility of flying a young boy from Allentown to Cleveland in order to receive a special kind of cancer treatment he couldn’t get at home. Now, as a 20-year-old, the same young boy that Joe had flown all those years ago, still refers to DeMarco as “his pilot” whenever he has to fly him to get more cancer treatment. This story is just one of the many people whom Joe DeMarco has helped throughout his 17-year career as the founder and one of the pilots of the Wings Flights of Hope program based in Buffalo.

The primary purpose of the Wings Flights of Hope (WFH) program is to transport elderly or sick people to places where they can receive health care that they cannot receive in their local areas. The majority of WFH sponsored flights are based out of Buffalo, and the program flies to major cities mostly in the Northeast such as New York City, Cleveland, and Boston, among others.

“One of the most positive impacts of starting Wings Flights of Hope is seeing the impact I can have on people’s lives,” DeMarco said. “Working with elderly people and working with people with medical issues makes me realize that the problems in my life are insignificant compared to what my clients go through.”

When DeMarco started WFH in 2004, he was working full-time for DeMarco Masonry in Rochester, another company that he had founded. Although he was working a good job, DeMarco had been interested in flying since he was a child and had even received a flying license. However, he had decided to give it up to get married and raise a family.

The moment that made DeMarco decide to leave the masonry business and go back into flying was when he bought

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his own small airplane. After that, he started looking for ways to put his plane to good use. Helping fly sick or elderly people to receive urgent medical care was the perfect fit. “After the business was up and running for a couple of years, I started to see how grateful people were,” DeMarco said. “I didn’t notice this when I first started flying, but once I noticed…it really changed my perspective on the work that I do.”

Along with flying sick and elderly people, DeMarco also created a program called Wings Flights for Troops. This program, just like WFH, flies troops to receive life-saving care.

Additionally, DeMarco provides flights called “Compassion Flights,” which allows wounded soldiers to travel to be with loved ones during their time of need. “Being able to help out our troops is very rewarding for me,” DeMarco said. “One time, I had to take some troops down to the McGuire VA

Hospital in Virginia. Seeing some of those troops, especially those in the burn unit, really makes the troubles in your life seem pretty small.”

Like almost everything else in the past year and a half, WFH was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

There was a four-month period where Wings could not fly anyone, and after they were allowed to fly again, passengers had to obtain a negative Covid test in order to fly. “Luckily for us, Covid didn’t have too much of a negative impact for our company,” DeMarco said. “The hardest part was not being able to fly for that fourmonth period. It pains to me to think of all the people who couldn’t get the health care they needed because we weren’t able to fly them to it.”

One way that DeMarco has been able to pick up clients is through speaking engagements. After speaking at the LeRoy Moose Club on one occasion, DeMarco was able to take a couple of Moose Club members on flights to get critical health care. “That’s pretty impressive, especially considering I only showed them a PowerPoint and described what we do,” DeMarco said.

One of the most unique aspects of WFH is that they are funded entirely by donations; the people who fly with them don’t have pay a dime. All the flights given are free.

“If you have any questions about our service, just visit our website,” DeMarco said. “We have a long list of testimonials from people who have flown with us, and I think that should be convincing for anyone considering us.”

For more information about Wings Flights of Hope, or more information on how to donate, go to www.wingsflight.org

BY DANIEL LINSN E R

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