www.martinsfantasyisland.com• Free parking, visitors can bring their own food

Four experts joined together last Wednesday at Canisius College to discuss the past and the future of the Larkin District. Chris Hawley, a preservationist and an urban planner with the City, offered an in depth look into the history of the Larkin Company as well as the area before Larkin. Dr. Jack Quinan, one of the leading Frank Lloyd Wright scholars and distinguished professor at UB focused on Wright's magnificent Larkin Administration Building.

Dr. Howard Stanger, management and history professor at Canisius College, discussed the success and ultimate failure of the Larkin Company. The presentation wrapped up with one of the key developers of the Larkin District, Howard Zemsky who discussed the immediate future of the district.

Hawley kicked-off the presentation beginning with the history of the neighborhood starting in 1827 as it developed into the Hydraulics, Buffalo's oldest manufacturing district. By utilizing waterpower through the construction of the Hydraulic Canal, it quickly became an industrial center and was home to many German and Irish immigrants.

Development in the neighborhood was spearheaded by Reuben Bostwick Heacock who Hawley dubbed the "Father of Buffalo Industry." For many years the identity of the Hydraulics was lost to history, but currently Hawley is working to bring the history to light in a book which he is authoring.

Dr. Quinan delved into one of his favorite topics, Wright's Larkin Administration Building. He is the author of countless articles as well as books including, "Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House: Architecture as Portraiture" and "Frank Lloyd Wright's Larkin Building: Myth and Fact."

Although Quinan never saw the actual building, he offered insight into what employees experience working in the building. "The light court raised the feeling of working in the building to almost a religious one" explained Quinan. He also provided a guide for different options in remembering the building, one of which was an archeological dig on the former site. When the building was demolished the basement was supposedly covered over and it's rumored some artifacts may remain buried at the site.

After Quinan's insightful piece, Dr. Howard Stanger took over to discuss what made Larkin so successful and why it failed. By offering premiums with orders and encouraging consumers to partake in the Larkin Club, the company quickly became successful in the mail-order business. Unfortunately due to mismanagement of the company by the descendants of the original Larkin family and the unwillingness to adapt, the company ultimately folded in the early 1940's.

The final speaker to take the stage was Howard Zemsky of the Larkin Development Group who discussed the challenge they faced reinventing the district and the bright future in store. Zemsky talked about how most people essentially thought the idea of rehabbing the mammoth Larkin at Exchange building was near impossible and no tenants would be interested in a non-traditional office location.

After years of hard work and uncertainty, the building is a stunning example of the group's determination and is completely filled. He went on to explain the rehab had to get started before a tenant could be secured. "It was important for us to just do it. If we had waited for somebody to say to us, yes take this abandoned 600,000 square foot building and we'll commit to being a big customer of yours, we would still be waiting," he said. The massive floor plans coupled with sections of deterioration and crumbling concrete on the interior required too much imagination for a potential client, but not people like Zemsky, Swift, and their partners.

In the immediate future for the Larkin District, there are plans to construct a period-style building at 111 Hydraulic on the site of  a former brownfield (right). Capital Management Services, Inc. will occupy the building.  Zemsky even had a backstory for the design which is made to look like a commercial building from the 1920s that could have expanded with a warehouse addition in the 1930s. Young + Wright Architectural is the firm that designed the building and recently moved their offices into a rehabbed building on Seneca and Emslie streets.

The Larkin 'U' Building will soon be occupied by First Niagara, the old filling station will be rehabbed and used as a unique food venue, and the property around it will be improved with seating and landscaping. Larkin Development Group also has plans to bring new residential units to the neighborhood.  These are just a few of the many projects by Larkin Development and others either underway or soon to begin in Buffalo's oldest manufacturing district and up-and-coming neighborhood. 

Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Avenue, has received a $178,615 grant from the Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) through the Save America's Treasures (SAT) grant program, for the preservation/rehabilitation of this historic church. Sixty of these grants totaling $14.3 million were are awarded in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). With these funds, organizations and agencies conserve significant U.S. cultural and historic treasures, which illustrate, interpret and are associated with the great events, ideas, and individuals that contribute to our nation's history and culture.

This grant fulfills the matching requirements of an earlier announced Environmental Protection Fund grant of $526,796 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation awarded To Trinity Church, in addition to well over a million dollars the Congregation has invested in these historic treasures over the last ten years.

Built between 1884 and 1886, Trinity Episcopal Church is one of Buffalo's historic Delaware Avenue churches that reflect the city's late-nineteenth century transformation into a major industrial city. It is significant for art and architecture, and for its association with major designers and artists who produced the existing buildings on the church campus.

The church complex is nationally significant as the site of a seminal program of opalescent glass and interior decoration by American master John La Farge. Trinity is a designated local landmark and is also listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.  Trinity Campus is composed of three buildings: Christ Chapel, Trinity Episcopal Church (Sanctuary), and Trinity Place, constructed in 1870, 1886 and 1905 respectively.

"Western New York is home to fantastic architectural and historical features and over the last several years the federal Save America's Treasures program has benefited several including: the Richardson Complex, the Darwin Martin House and the Historical Society's Pan-Am Building," said Congressman Brian Higgins, Co-Chair of the Congressional Revitalizing Older Cities Task Force.  "Trinity Episcopal Church, beautifully designed and rich with history, is the latest and sadly could be the last site to receive these funds which ensure our regional and national irreplaceable structures are preserved."

The awarding of this grant is bittersweet, as the National Parks Service has just announced the end of the Save America's Treasures Program - a victim to the new Congress and the ensuing budget battles. For the past twelve years, Save America's Treasures has been one of the country's most important and effective historic preservation efforts, bringing hundreds of millions of dollars for restoration to nationally significant historic sites and special collections in all parts of the country.

The specific elements of the grant to Trinity Church include:
•    The installation of a new drainage/grading system to alleviate flooding and water infiltration
    and the repair of the exterior foundation at these locations. 
•    The replacement of the Trinity Place roof, repair of the Christ Chapel roof, and repair of roof
    sections over the Alter/Apse areas of Trinity Church.
•    Glass protective covering for the front stained glass window of the tower
•    Exterior window and eaves repair/painting
•    The restoration of the Undercroft (basement) to update mechanicals and correct interior
    water infiltration problems.

The Undercroft, representing approximately 65 percent of Trinity's program space, has been unusable for several years because of extensive water damage and poor ventilation. As the Trinity outreach mission continues to expand, there is a need to better utilize this wasted space for growing ministries of the parish and the surrounding community.  Therefore, the project aims not only to stop further deterioration of Trinity but also to fully utilize a major interior space of this historic inner-city church.

There were some tense moments for passengers aboard a Southwest flight inbound to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Sunday. Airport officials say a mechanical failure caused the plane to land at a much higher rate of speed than normal. YNN’s Kaitlyn Lionti spoke with passengers about the experience.

By Thea Hassan:

The emerald ash borer beetle has reached Erie County. Discovered last week in South park, the arrival of the invasive species could be bad news for Buffalo's ash trees.

You may have read the Buffalo News article on the subject, "Tree lovers gird for beetle invasion." If you are not a tree lover, do not fear. This beetle may be destructive enough that even those with ambivalent feelings about trees can be concerned.

First discovered in Michigan in 2002, the invasive species can now be found in 14 states and has claimed at least 50 million ash trees. Predicted to be as devastating as the Chestnut blight and the Dutch Elm Disease, the city of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Conservancy, and the NY DEC had been bracing for the arrival of this bastardly beetle.

"We knew about the coming of the beetle for many years," said Kevin Hanna, director of operations at Buffalo Olmsted Conservancy.

In fact, one day before the sighting, Shane Daley, arborist for the Buffalo Olmsted Conservancy, held a training class on the Ash Borer Beetle for Olmsted employees. The following day, Olmsted's volunteer coordinator Steven Nagowski was walking with a group of volunteers. Nagowski noticed markings of the beetle on an ash tree, unique holes the beetle leaves behind when boring out of the bark to exit the tree.

The DEC was called in to confirm the infestation. Though the infestation was luckily caught when still light, with less than a dozen trees infected, action must be taken quickly to save the healthy trees. The ashes must be inoculated with a treatment which can prevent infestation for up to two years. The inoculation kills any larvae that try to burrow into the tree. This prevents the tree from being infested and also helps contain the spread of the beetle by keeping populations at bay.

Inoculation for South park is estimated to exceed $10,000, according to Hanna, and Olmsted is footing the bill through private donations. About 1,200 percent of the trees within the Olmsted park system, equivalent to about ten percent of the total tree population.

The city of Buffalo had also been preparing for the beetles arrival, with ash having been taken off its list of trees planted in the city. Only two percent of city trees are ash.

In addition to the inoculation, Olmsted, the city of Buffalo, and the DEC are working together to keep a close eye on the ash trees to monitor for any further signs of beetle infestation.

With no natural resistance to the beetle, ash trees have a 100 percent mortality rate if no human intervention is taken. Beetle larvae tunnel into the bark of the tree, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. The tree will starve to death within two to four years of infestation.

Officials believe the beetle made its way to America via ash wood shipping pallets from Asia in 1990s.

Interview by Tara Sasiadek:

The Buffalo Expat Network, the Emerging Leaders in the Arts and HandsOn Greater Buffalo are pleased to present the echo: Art Fair which connects experienced collectors and first-time buyers with emerging local, regional and international artists in a centralized and creative environment; the Buffalo Central Terminal. echo: Art Fair will showcase a broad scope of fine art disciplines, including painting, photography, sculpture, print, works on paper, video and combined-media. echo will commence with a VIP Reception on July 8th, 2011. On July 9th, the echo: Art Fair will run from 9:30am until 5:30pm. The After-echo party, also to be held in the Terminal, will take place shortly after the ending of the fair featuring live music from The Albrights, Alex Kelly, and will wrap up with a dance party featuring DJ Cutler and AVDJ PROJEX. Here is the next in a series of Buffalo Rising interviews with one of our featured artists, Joyce Hill:

Who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Joyce Hill and I do mixed media paintings.  My work is created on paper and canvas with acrylic, stencils, spray paints, and collage.

What are the most essential elements of your work?

My most essential element is the photos I have taken on the street and incorporated within the works.  These are usually what my street art paintings are based on.

If you had to choose only 5 materials or tools to work with, what would they be?
my photos, spray paints, collage elements, acrylic, and watercolor paper

Would you describe your artistic education as a guided or self guided journey?

Since graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in 1972 I have gone from jobs in a studio as a graphic designer after graduation to what I do now.  It has been a self guided journey with me learning from previous works what not to do.  I approach each painting with a basic idea and as I work it can go in any or many directions before I am satisfied with the results.

Do you have a connection to Buffalo?

Yes, I am originally from a suburb of Buffalo Grand Island.  My father a inventor started a business here  and my husband who is also from the area works there at the family company started in 1950.

How do you define success as an artist?

I have recently with my street art seen a great interest on the west coast in my art.  I have in the last year picked up  gallery representation in Santa Monica, Ca. .  I feel success to me is getting as many people as I can to view my work all over the country.  I hope to develop  a large client base for my work and continue to share my ideas on how street art is changing our environment in a good way.  If I can convince people that this form of art is "beautiful" I will feel I have achieved my goal as a artist.

Can you share with a us a harrowing tale of an artistic disaster?

I was once early in my career at a outdoor art show that got hit by a hurricane.  One time that I had to admit defeat and not put my work out there.

Do you have a set schedule for studio time?  How do you structure your creative life?

I paint every day in my studio connected to my house for at least six hours.  I being a mixed media artist it seems that just setting up all the elements of my work takes longer at times then the actual act of painting on canvas.  I take off on weekends to do tasks such as updating websites and sending out notices of exhibitions to clients.  I love to take trips to the west coast especially LA where my youngest daughter lives and works.  She is in the tv industry and a artist.   We often "bounce" painting ideas off each other.  I get many of my best ideas from the photos I take on the street out there too.

Can you tell us about where you find resources or inspiration for your work?

I am on the streets of cities as much as possible looking at the sidewalks, buildings and people.  These elements from broken glass, paint spilled, to graffiti are where my best ideas come from in my work.

What quote or mantra or words of wisdom do you have for other creative types?

The smallest things you see a mark, a discarded can, or a person waiting for a bus on a city street..... Always look at the little things the forgotten elements around us.  They tell a interesting story all on there own.

Where can we find more of your work?

My work currently can be seen at the Art Dialogue Gallery in Buffalo, NY, and the Jeanie Madsen Gallery in Santa Monica, Ca.

For full details on echo: Art Fair, visit the site at www.echoArtFair.com, or find us on Facebook
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Police arrested 17-year-old Joshua Nieves on Saturday. He’s charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Jay Amelio Nieves. The two are not related.

Buffalo police charge Joshua Nieves-Castro with second-degree murder

Second Chance Sheltering Network, Inc. is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit animal rescue group serving the Western New York area.  Their goal is to help place homeless animals while simultaneously helping interested individuals find a new furry companion.  Every Sunday, we run a homeless pet spotlight to help these animals find a good home with a loving family. Please consider adopting an animal...

Doesn't this face say it all??  Joey was found in the West Seneca area when his owner moved out and left him and many other cats to fend for themselves.  We were notified that there were cats galore at this location and the person had moved.  We went there to find Joey and his friends starving and scared.  After feeding and spending time there, Joey began to trust our volunteer and we were able to rescue him.  He has had a long road back to where he will trust "humans" again, but he has finally arrived.  He is shy at first but then warms right up and wants tummy rubs.  A quiet home with no dogs would be the best for Joey.  Joey is neutered, negative for feline leukemia/FIV, had rabies/distemper vaccinations, 1st deworming, flea control and comes with one month of free pet insurance.  Adoption donation required.  To put in an application for Joey, call 652-6051.  More wonderful adoptable animals can be seen on our website:  www.secondchanceshelteringnetwork.com.

Some see good value, but others worry about image problem

In a case of reverse brain drain, members of a New Jersey family now call the Buffalo area their home, and guess what brought them here. Jobs.

**This is not an exceptionally funny post-but I think it is an important one, thanks for your patience **

This past weekend was a historic one for humans all across NYS. Straight and Gay folks alike joined together and celebrated what will be on of the defining moment s in our country’s history.  Events like these don’t “just happen”. They are MADE- by people who work non stop,  for very little or no money, because it is the right thing to do. A LOT of people across the Empire State deserve recognition, I don’t know who they all are, so I will focus on our local heroes-Kitty Lambert, Brian Ball and EVERYONE at OUTspoken for Equality. They lobbied politicians, organized rallies, tirelessly working to INFORM those people in the position to make decisions. They did all of this with just the right balance of pressure. They allowed politicians the space to breathe and make their own decisions. They did this because at the core of this organization there are GOOD people. People who believe in trusting our politicians to be leaders (See Grisanti) The people I’ve met at OUTspoken for Equality  believe that there is good in everyone, if you can just give them the tools they need, they will make the right decision.  With every reason in the world to be cynical, they refused to be. They just kept working it.  And now here we are.

Now Kitty Lambert and Brian Ball have been invited to meet President Obama, and I think we should be Helping them. There is no way we can ever pay someone back for freedom, but we can pitch in and make this trip as enjoyable as possible. We as a community should make sure these people who have  given us so much, don’t have to pay for this trip out of their own pockets.

Listen Buffalo, I can drink with the best of them. I’ve probably done more than one shot with most of you…lets put some money towards something that really matters this time.

Also, I’m calling on every Queer Bar owner to drop some money to this cause.  Night after night gays poor into your establishment and drink their faces off.  It’s time to give back. You don’t have to like Kitty or anyone in the group, that’s irrelevant. Whether you like it or not, they just changed your life.   It is just the right thing to do. Give a little back to your community other than a pride parade (which was awesome this year, BTW). Give something that matters.  Give WNY, Particularly GAY WNY a reason to hold our heads up high and say WE DID THAT!  Let Kitty and Brian go to DC knowing that the community they fought so hard for, is willing to say thanks. And maybe a little extra so they can get a well deserved vacation

After all  we are Buffalo, The City of Good Geighbors.

Click below and donate to a GREAT CAUSE

State senator tells how he agonized over his choice

There is a lot wrong with this picture, and I am not just talking about what was on YouTube.

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Staff Review by Ann Kling:

This fourth book in the Lady Julia Grey series does not disappoint.  After an idyllic eight month honeymoon in the Mediterranean, Julia and Nicholas Brisbane are called by the eccentric March family to India to help solve the mystery of Freddie Cavendish's death.  Freddie was married to Jane, the former lover of Julia's sister, Portia.  Jane is pregnant and believes Freddie was murdered .  But why? For his brother Harry to inherit the tea plantation?  If so, are Jane and her unborn child in danger of becoming the next victims?  Or did someone else have another reason to do away with Freddie?

The cast of characters is unusual: the Reverend Pennyfeather and his wife, Cassandra, who was raised in a free love commune in the United States; their two unusual children, teenaged Primrose, who dresses like a much younger child and twelve-year-old Robin, a budding naturalist; the Indian governess, Miss Thorne and her sister Lalita, the cook.  Throw in some March family cousins who have been suspected of murder in a previous volume, and the very mysterious White Rajah who inhabits an abandoned monastery and you have quite a few possible suspects and several twists and turns to the plot.

This whodunit is easy summer reading, reminiscent of Elizabeth Peters' Peabody and Emerson series.

We're not just books anymore! Your free Buffalo & Erie County Public Library card is your ticket to millions of free resources - e-books, downloadable music, research databases, genealogical materials, our complete catalog, and of course, more than 3 million book titles. All of this is at your fingertips at any Library in Erie County or from your own computer - check us out at www.buffalolib.org.