(click on the photos to see the rest of the story!)
Sunday was a beautiful, glorious day. The sun was bright, the snow on the field was brilliant and soft. The neighborhood was relaxed and still [insert lower timbered male voice over] but then a friendly game of wrap-up football turned into a BLOOD BATH the likes of which only the most seasoned slasher-movie fans could stomach. Blood and boogers GUSHED from Andy Murphy’s nose! (okay, there wasn’t really any snot). At first, Andy was all smiles and chuckled, “Oh it’s just a nosebleed.” But, since I could see his nose–and he couldn’t–I could tell there was a big welt and split at the site of impact! Andy sat down, a stream of blood splurted from his nose and he quickly lost all the color in his face. Every time he took his hand away there was a 1.5 second delay before the blood squirted again.

We were very alarmed. I overheard someone say they had heard the crunch when the ball hit the bridge of Andy’s nose. Tom and Michael rushed to get towels (and a hunk of pineapple upside-down cake?) and Dan instructed Andy to keep pressure on the upper lip to stem the bloodflow. Andy’s hands shook and blood trickled down his wrist. That finger under his nose really did the trick though. Soon, the blood and swelling subsided enough that he could get into Sherry’s car and head to the hospital. We applauded as the injured player left the field with a supply of towels and a cup of snow.
Andy returned after an hour–the verdict? He lived. His nose was broken, but there’s not much they do for treatment. It’s not all bad, perhaps Andy has traded a smidge of his boyish good looks for an ounce of rugged good looks.

I really can’t give a play by play of the rest of the game–I was too busy shelling and eating peanuts, but I think east-side lost to the west-side . . . drat. Maybe we need some cheerleaders or a mascot to rally the team . . . or just more practice! Feel free to chime in with more details–like captions or names–thanks.

Amanda and Kevin are knocking down the “rec room” walls as I write this–I know because I could hear Amanda sledge hammering while Kevin was talking to me on the phone.
The expansion has BEGUN–we got the all-clear to expand into the rest of the facility!
[insert crazed gleeful smirk and maniacal rubbing of the hands--like a dastardly villain]
We’ll need lots of hands all day Saturday for sure.
We’ll even be out working on Sunday before and after the noon football game to do some salvaging and pickups and lot cleanup!

If you’re interested in salvaging MONDAY, please rsvp with your phone number. We have 80 houses to run through!
As always, remember to wear thick socks and layers and boots!

We recently got an idea from Kathryn B about sharing all the creative ways reused materials get a new life.

Have you made an improvement to your home with materials from our store?
Are you currently working on the project?
We’d love to come photograph you installing your “new” wood flooring or arranging your garden stones or hanging you new bathroom sink! (or you can email us the photos if you don’t want me to see your messy house)

We’d like to share the projects you’re doing, like this one by Bruce Beyer at the Buffalo Cooperative FCU. Or, maybe it’s something like this headboard that Sherry and her brother crafted. As we get settled at the reSOURCE there will be opportunities for you to attend workshops and demonstrations so that you can do more of these projects yourselves!

Stay tuned . . .

As many of you already know, we get “new” merchandise weekly. We really found some special items during the Lafayette deconstruction like hand hewn beams and these ornate tin ceiling panels which you might use to cover a headboard or breakfast nook, or wrap over frames. Since items are so unique, it’s difficult to know how long something will stay in stock, so visiting frequently is a good idea. Stop by any Saturday from 10-4pm and check out the new stock or visit with us or plug-in to our volunteer and community programs.

Sunday, Jan 27th is another round of football and chili so come out at noon to play . . . and get another peek in the store! 298 Northampton between Main and Jefferson!

Buffalo ReUse has initiated a city-wide Neighborhood Peace Mural Project involving teenagers in the City of Buffalo. All area high schools and groups affiliated with local teens are invited to adopt-a-vacant-home within their neighborhoods as a canvas for peace . The planned activities coincide with Martin Luther King Jr activities and Black History Month events because it is a time when our nation honors heroes who have struggled against inequality. It is also a time when students learn about celebrating diversity and community; we hope to provide a hands-on lesson the city can cherish.
Securing vacant homes is an important task in keeping neighborhoods safe; but it does not mean boarded up homes must be an eyesore. Each adopted house could feature up to 20 images of peace, depending on its quantity of doors and windows. BRI will provide “mural kits” which include plywood boards, brushes and paint for each participating group. The groups merely have to supply their interpretations of peace–and the painters!
However, this ambitious endeavor involves more than just teens. BRI is seeking assistance from college photographers for digital documentation, as well as, neighborhood fire departments and Rotary Clubs to help secure the finished murals to the houses. Local hardware stores are encouraged to donate brushes and paints for the “mural kits.” Finally, we will exhibit a selection of the murals for one evening so that all the groups have a chance to connect with their fellow painters from all over the Queen City.
Click on the photo for a link to photos of a similar project from Fall 2007

There’s quite a few ways a group can help:

• members can assist classes that don’t have an art teacher–kind of coach the teens as they paint
• the group can adopt a house (paint 20 panels) preferably closer to downtown BFLO
• the group can help with the exhibition night (see below)
• the group can become one of the grown-up teams which will secure the completed boards
• the group can help run the drive for used and new artist paints/brushes
• members of the group can be The official digital documentary photographer for any of the schools.

Our Projected Timeline of Events:
Press Conference & announcement of participating schools= Tuesday, January 15, 10am
Deadline for school/group sign-ups is January 31st, 2008.
Feb 11-18th Delivery of materials to the participants
Feb 18-29 Participants paint the images on the plywood boards (in their class/school)
Mar 8 Exhibition of selected murals for the public 6-8pm at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Porter Hall, 453 Porter Ave. (free! light refreshments provided)
Feb 23-23 Mar Civic groups/PTA/firemen may secure the pre-adopted vacant homes using the pre-painted boards.

If you know a group that would like to participate or you would like to assist with this project, please contact Caesandra at 716-885-4131 or email us volunteer {at} buffaloreuse(.)org

One of my favorite things about working with Buffalo ReUse is working with women who like mud and tools and machines and clambering. I love working with women who don’t feel the need to apologize for hauling their hiney in and out of the driver’s seat or over the side of a dumpster. I love getting to practice the philosophy, “Hasn’t doesn’t mean Wouldn’t!” What do I mean?

I mean, that I hate when my guy friends won’t let me go on rafting or fishing trips because I’d never been! or wouldn’t teach me how to change my oil (I had to learn off the internet!) I mean, do I have to feel left out just because I don’t have . . . 5 o’clock shadow??!

“Hasn’t doesn’t mean Wouldn’t!” means giving me the chance to pull my weight! It means, just because Tysha never drove a forklift before, doesn’t mean she wouldn’t! or couldn’t!

I was very excited for Tysha today because she risked a little embarrassment to climb into the driver’s seat! Next time you see Tysha, ask her, “Tysha, have you ever driven a forklift?” and see what she says!

And I am so proud of Amanda who is one of our full-time DTechs because every time I see her, she is covered in dust, but has a contagious smile! Of course, I couldn’t get it on camera because she was concentrating on the task at hand–using a huge machine to move a wall panel to the dumpster!

I feel very lucky to have these kinds of experiences and share these stories with my other girlfriends.

And I know the boys did a lot of super cool, impressive stuff today too and I promise I’ll write more about it, but after all . . . ladies first.

Happy New Year Buffalo ReUSE Supporters!

When I reflect on several of the meetings that we’ve had already in this 2008, it’s easy to get excited about a new year of opportunities.

As you may know, the creation of a youth training component at Buffalo ReUse is one of greatest priorities in 2008. The goal of our reCONNECT program is to develop a network that provides: relevant and meaningful job training opportunities in our communities; holistic GED training; and supportive mentoring for out of school youth. As part of this program, Buffalo ReUSE is actively engaged in the creation of a new education coalition here in Buffalo. Currently, the main purpose of our discussions is establishing the framework for a new youth development and training program for young adults that are out of school. Additionally, we’re interested in building a coalition of organizations and individuals, committed to advocating on behalf of the needs of youth to ensure that public policy decisions are made that create more opportunities for the youth in our community.
So far, our collaborating has been inspiring! Individuals from the South Buffalo Education Center, New Directions, Growing Green, Stop the Violence Coalition, SEIU 1199, and Buffalo ReUse are generating the momentum necessary to expand on existing efforts.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments!

In other news, the reSOURCE, an educational and community destination, offering quality salvaged materials at an affordable price, is under development. We’re negotiating with the building owner to purchase the warehouse located at 298 Northampton St and creating plans for building out the space for full-time operation in late March. Currently, you can visit us every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm or by appointment by calling 716-885-4131.

Our BAR (Buffalo Action for Revitalization) Program will also commence in 2008. If you are a part of an organization or company searching for a community service project, please consider supporting the revitalization of Buffalo Neighborhoods. Volunteers will be involved in greening vacant lots and creating new community assets such as pocket parks and urban gardens. Most green space work will begin in the Spring, however, there are volunteer opportunities throughout the winter supporting the development of the reSOURCE, so give us a call. Email Caesandra at volunteer {at} buffaloreuse(.)org for more information.

Finally, we hope you will join us Tuesday, January 15th at 10am for our press conference to kick off the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project. Bennett Park Montessori is hosting the press event in their auditorium. This elaborate project is our first step at city-wide beautification, primarily in the communities that surround our schools. Each participating school (or group) can adopt-a-vacant-house within sight of their school and use the house as a canvas for peace. Students will paint their interpretations of peace on board-up materials which will be used to secure and beautify abandoned homes in their neighborhood.
We still need a lot of help in every aspect of this project. If you are a digital photographer, or connected to a school in the City, or a fire department, or a sponsor for materials, or part of any other organizations that would like to be involved or if you would just like to volunteer to assist with the project, please contact caesandra {at} buffaloreuse(.)org .

In addition to the efforts described above, you can tag along as we explore other ventures. We are in discussions with the Building Materials ReUse Association to host the 2008 Conference here in Buffalo next November. We’re exploring methods to preserve houses in the city by addressing community concerns of safety and blight–Heck, you may even cheer us on as Buffalo ReUse moves an entire house in 2008! There’s a lot happening, as always, we welcome your involvement and support! Check out our website or subscribe to our blog to become part of the action.

Onward and all the best to you in the New Year!
Michael
p.s. Join us for a football rematch January 27th, noon, at the reSOURCE!

I often wonder what archaeologists in 3007ish will think of objects they find. Will they think our Barbie and GI Joe collections–still immaculately preserved in their original boxes–were our fertility dolls? Will they still have need and an understanding of an 8piece coaster set? Will they understand our obsession with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Kermie?   What will they believe about a culture that immortalizes scenes from a movie through such clever marketing as a figurine for ???  Well, at least now Amy has a place to hang her jewelry–or is it for coffee mugs or is it for keys??

What theories will they revise about us “hunter-gatherers” after they uncover a CD player that plays smells. (I wish I were joking.) I think that was a gift that was all the rage 2 years ago–it’s a soundtrack of smells. Mike Pacifico will have to report back to us on how wonderful it is wake up to the “Smell of Romance” –or maybe Mike doesn’t like to sniff and tell.

Pickles, Sherry’s pooch, really seemed to enjoy all the petting and stole the scene a couple times. He kept eating things and Sherry kept having to retrieve them before they got too far down the digestive tract. I think a few people were quite satisfied with their presents. Dan really seemed to enjoy the delicate purple earrings (that I think Annette handmade?). Lexi was excited about the camping burner–the expression on her face is as though she always wanted one! However, I am not quite sure if Annette liked the winter squash she unwrapped. Dennis was puzzled by the set of glass ashtrays which turned out to be a candy or coin dish or something.

Michael opened an object that just about everyone played with throughout the night. Its exact function was unknown, but it certainly had a strange allure–it was full of glitter and little red hearts and it was squooshy like those stress relieving squishy-heads that say “boss” etc. Alas, we couldn’t keep it away from Pickles. He bit into the toy before we could rescue it and all the liquid drained out of it along with any potential mystery-solving experimentation which may have been performed on it night after night after night.

I hope future anthropologists will still understand this ritual of regifting for what it truly is–just a night of cozy fun with friends . . . and crappy presents.

From our WNY Media friend Chris Smith (“Buffalo Geek”):

My Buffalonian of The Year award goes to Michael Gainer of Buffalo ReUse, not sure if his inclusion in this list of rants is a good or bad thing for him. However, each time I get the opportunity to catch up with Michael, I am impressed by his enthusiasm, energy, leadership skills, and results driven organization. He leads a talented group of volunteers who are bound and determined to take the communal liability of vacant properties and turn them into a model for job training, community pride, leadership development, and sustainable reuse. He stays out of the politics and focuses on results. However you can, please support their mission with a tax deductible donation, purchase of building materials at their new showroom, or volunteering your time.

Thanks for the mention, Chris! Of course, it’s not like Mike needs more attention, being Buffalo ReUse’s official Cover Boy (I think he has another title, Executive something or other . . .).

We’d love for anyone out there reading this to support our mission in the ways Chris suggests. We accept online cash donations at www.BuffaloReUse.org/Donate, accept donations of used building materials either dropped off at our ReSource at 298 Northampton or we’ll pick up (just call 885-4131). And we’re glad to help any building project you might have by providing you with low-cost reused materials – our store at 298 Northampton Street is open every Saturday from 10 to 4. We’re most excited by new volunteers – check out our volunteer page at www.BuffaloReUse.org/Volunteer.

Many times in life people find themselves with a lot of stuff.  Like when you have to move and need to pack up all your belongings to store them in the basement, or you are pulling out the Christmas decorations and find old ornaments that never make it to the tree, or when you’re going to the Ice Bowl and you don’t know which pair of gloves to wear because you have too many pairs.

A lot of people tend to hold on to items in their closets, basement and attic, but not me.  I really like to throw things away and by that I mean ReCYCLE them.  I have no problem getting rid of stuff, I hate clutter and can spend any rainy day organizing the bookshelves and getting rid of unwanted items in the corners of the spare room.  You know what they say about having an organized, clutter free home, it’s just good feng shui.

But in my quest to minimize I find myself wanting to make use of items I need to get rid of.  I stand there and think “I can’t throw this out, somebody can use it, who can I give it to, how can I recycle it?”  Part of living an environmentally friendly life is to recycle, cut down on consumption, and live simply.

For example, I’ve got boxes of pens, but what do I do with them?  I’m not about to put them in the trash.  I wonder, can I donate them to a school, or some organization that may need them?  Or old records – I don’t want to spend time trying to sell them online, but come on – there’s original Olivia Newton John in there!  What about picture frames, furniture, tools, books, exercise equipment, dishes, items from the garage, what else is there that can be ReUSED?

I’d like to find places and organizations that will use stuff that is too good for the landfill, because they only take paper, glass and plastic in the recycle truck every Wednesday morning.  I’d like to have this list of information available at The Warehouse, as a resource for visitors, so that when you have something that can be ReUSED that we don’t sell, you know what to do with it.  If anybody has information on places that accept donations of items, let us know.  Keep in mind here at ReUse, we’re all about keeping it local.  I know about ebay, Amvets, the Goodwill Store, Buffalo Freecycle and don’t have time to try and sell items back.  I’d rather donate them someplace worthy, to somebody that needs a hand.  Don’t forget our retail store (where you can donate building materials for a tax deduction and buy them at a low cost, open Saturday’s 10:00-4:00), but I know Kevin will not sell cassette tapes from groups too embarrassing to even mention.

If you know of organizations that accept donations, leave us a comment about the place and what it’s all about.  You know, shelters and transition houses, GED programs, literacy groups, neighborhood groups, community projects, start-ups, anything, everything!  We can put more USE in …reduce, ReUSE, recycle…It really is a catchy phrase.