Buffalo Rising Online

Great recognition for Michael and Buffalo. Out of all Buffalo's assets (architecture, location on the water, Olmsted Park System, etc.) I've often felt that the greatest is the active, progressive individuals and groups which have been working to revitalize the city. From what I've read of Buffalo's history, her people were sorely let down by their leaders in the 20th century - but the new crop of emerging leaders gives much reason for optimism, and pride.

Well deserved recognition for some great work by Michael and the others mentioned above. Let's not forget the thousands of other, less ego oriented, volunteers who make great things happen every day. Buffalo has a deep and diverse pool of volunteers from all walks of life working for small and large groups throughout the area. You are correct in saying that these people are making a real name for themselves.

For some reason BRO seems to focus on a few individuals and post about them over and over again. These tend to be the same individuals who are out to make a name for themselves (posted about it here, for example). The question is, why doesn't BRO give time to the other organizations around the area? Maybe focus on some of the faith based groups that are helping to fund mortgages of disabled residents, or the group of volunteers who helps to run the City Mission or Haven House? What about the countless volunteers who staff the phones at Crisis Services? There are thousands of them out there, but most aren't looking for credit or recognition.

This is nothing against Michael Gainer, he is a tremendous person who is doing tremendous things for the area. This is just a general comment for BRO.

Thnks to Michael and many others like him who are making a difference in Buffalo.BRO featured an article on Buffalo Reuse and I was able to procure some antique floor pine to finish the restoration of one of my floors.Thanks Michael.

@Magnum...He is looking at a butter Lamb.

There are a lot of volunteers but the people that get the attention here, rightfully so, are those that helped to start a movement. They were not just people volunteering for a cause but were actively a part of the causes creation. Does that set them apart from the rest of the people who volunteer? It sure does because when something goes wrong it is their neck or name on the line. It isn't the person that volunteered to help them. Thats extra responsibility and therefore extra acclaim. I don't think I deserve the same attention as the Olmsted Conservancy or ReTree NY just because I help them out and volunteered.

I do agree there are other organizations that should get their fair attention but maybe they are in the works, more difficult to get a hold of. Who knows, but I don't think BRO goes out of its way to promote the same people, it just happens across news releases or events as they come. It shouldn't be their fault some people and groups are more proactive than others.

I like these start-up nonprofit companies that Michael Gainer has created. It's not just about creating jobs in Buffalo, we also help the environment by saving house parts in a demolition. Hopefully the Buffalo News will be kinder to Buffalo ReUse than in Emma Sapong's article was to Buffalo Architectural Salvage Committee. I know these new groups have had similiar problems with insurance, storage and "theft" of abandoned items.