Center for the Arts

Local Business Spotlight: Niagara Hobby & Craft

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.  When you support our advertisers, tell them you saw them here.

Niagara Hobby & Craft
3366 Union Road at Walden Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14225
716-681-1666
www.niagarahobby.com

Immediately recognized by its fully restored big red 1949 caboose, Niagara Hobby & Craft is one of the most unique stores in Western New York.  It was founded by John Kavulich, Sr., in 1986 as an extension of his 1954 venture, Niagara Model & Train Distributors.  Both companies are now owned by John Kavulich, Jr., since his father's passing in 2003.

Home of the largest craft and hobby collection anywhere in the United States, Niagara Hobby offers everything from scale model trains and science kits to craft supplies and dollhouses.  With something for everyone, Niagara Hobby is the ideal place for families to continue traditions or to start new ones of their own.

Active within the community, Niagara Hobby awards two scholarships to promising entrepreneurs at Maryvale and Cleveland Hill high schools each year.  And, if you visit around Christmas, there is a good chance of spotting Santa on the back of the caboose!

Local Business Spotlight: Frey Electric Constriction Co.

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.  When you support our advertisers, tell them you saw them here.

Frey Electric Construction Co.
100 Pearce Ave.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-8741710
www.frey-electric.com

Founded in 1945, Freye Electric Construction Co. has established a reputation for quality within the business and industrial sectors.  Working on large-scale projects ranging from Ralph Wilson Stadium and the Buffalo Zoo to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Seneca Niagara Casino, Frey Electric is able to offer the same attention to detail and commitment to quality within the residential sector.

Offering a variety of services for the home, Frey specializes in security and safety installations such as fire alarms, home generators, burglar alarms, and communications systems.  Additionally, Frey can help upgrade the quality of your home experience with home theater installations, spa/pool/jacuzzi wiring, and new lighting systems.

Frey's 250 employees are ready to assist you with the benefit of their experience and provide emergency and service support 24 hours a day.  Many of the key electricians have over 20 years of on-the-job knowledge, and all employees are required to take a specialized course in safety designed by Frey's full-time safety director.

Conscious of the environment's well-being as much as their clients', Frey offers a recycling program to reduce the amount of hazardous waste and is currently working on the Noble Bliss Wind Park to install windmill power.

Local Business Spotlight: Cold Stone Creamery

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.  When you support our advertisers, tell them you saw them here.

Cold Stone Creamery
Three Locations in Western New York. Visit www.coldstonecreamery.com to find the one nearest you.

With 20 freshly made flavors, over 50 toppings, and an endless amount of combinations, Cold Stone Creamery fulfills their mission statement of making people happy with each dish they serve.
Cold Stone Creamery uses only the best ingredients, and their 'ice cream artists' are eager to help you design your own personal treat.  To help ensure that everyone is able to enjoy Cold Stone, it is certified Kosher and a separate stone is used for people with nut allergies.  Although the ice cream contains milk, the sorbets are not only lactose but also gluten free.

Since opening in Buffalo in 2005, Cold Stone Creamery has helped to serve the community through their work with SABAH, Center for the Arts, Children's Hospital and the Make a Wish Foundation among others.  Cold Stone Creamery has opened two more stores since their arrival, with a fourth planned in the near future.

Local Business Spotlight: Dick Stein Advertising

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.  When you support our advertisers, tell them you saw them here.

Dick Stein Advertising, Inc.
Dick Stein – 835-2202
72 Capen Blvd. Buffalo 14226
www.dicksteinadvertising.com

Founded 30 years ago upon the idea that “promotions create results,” Dick Stein Advertising, Inc. has helped a variety of companies in the Western New York area to develop commercial awareness, create interest, and add to revenue.

Working with different elements of the commercial, service, manufacturing, and non-profit sectors, Dick Stein Advertising works with and evaluates the individual goals of each organization it advises. Regardless of whether these goals are event specific or long term, DSA highlights potential challenges and proposes ways to overcome them, all while offering the benefit of their many business contacts.

Using a wide array of products and apparel such as caps, jackets, watches, clocks, mugs, and glasses, Dick Stein ensures that the name and message of a company is able to reach the consumer. Offering custom printing, art consultation, logo design, and custom made tradeshow booths, Dick Stein Advertising is willing to work with any organization to meet their goals, be they big or small.

Local Business Spotlight: American Academy of Ballet

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.

American Academy of Ballet
(716) 688-4774
491 West Klein Road, Williamsville
www.aab-buffalo.com

Founded in 1965 by Maris Battaglia, The American Academy of Ballet has graduates at such prestigious groups as the Royal Ballet in England, Hamburg Ballet in Germany, and American Ballet Theatre. Others traded in their ballet shoes for Broadway and television, with one former student, Neil Gaskell, even landing a spot on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

With literally thousands of alumni, it is no wonder that eight of the Academy’s fourteen instructors were former students who returned after successful individual careers. Drawing students from all around Western New York, the Academy currently instructs 611 students, ten of which are boys. Every year, a promising group of students under the name of Amherst Youth Ballet is selected to perform The Nutcracker at UB.

After 43 years in the business, Maris remains as passionate about ballet as its instruction. “The smile of a 4-year-old and the hard work of a 14-year-old can really warm your heart.”

Local Business Spotlight: Buffalo Seminary

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.

Buffalo Seminary
(716) 885-6780
205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo
www.buffaloseminary.org

After 156 years, the young women at Buffalo Seminary continue to affirm and embody the school’s mission statement every day: “To provide a superior education for young women within a vigorous and participatory environment which emphasizes development of character, intellectual independence, creativity, service and leadership for life.

Founded as the Buffalo Female Academy back when Millard Fillmore was president of the United States, Buffalo Seminary has had a long and outstanding tradition within the Western New York Community. Having graduated 4,863 young women since its inception in 1851, the current class of 174 participates in a curriculum that goes far above the Regents while also offering extracurricular programs such as sports and theatre.

Jo Ann Douglass, the 13th Head of School, will be a welcome addition to the Buffalo Seminary family as she maintains the proud tradition of the school while she creates an innovative and exciting future.

Local Business Spotlight: Lisa Hunter Jewelry

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.

Lisa Hunter Jewelry
(716) 634-5353
5350 Main Street, Williamsville
www.lisahunterjewelry.com

Interested in helping people celebrate or commemorate a special occasion, the designers at Lisa Hunter Jewelry take great pride in combining old world craftsmanship with new world aesthetics to produce truly unique works of art. Using inspiration to create new pieces of jewelry, the designers at Lisa Hunter also actively work with customers to give new life to old diamonds and gemstones by resetting them in new pieces of gold and platinum.

Although it might take the Earth millions of years to forge a diamond, it has only taken Lisa Hunter Jewelry 25 years to perfect the art of the jewelry business. Offering much more than just jewelry design and custom made pieces, Lisa Hunter also has antique pieces and fine European imports while aiding customers with expert jewelry repair and restoration

To truly appreciate all that Lisa Hunter Jewelry has to offer, come to their Williamsville location for a free consultation.

Local Business Spotlight: The Red Coach Inn

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.

The Red Coach Inn
282-1459
Two Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls
www.redcoach.com

Continuing its tradition as part of the honeymoon capitol of the world, the Red Coach has been a Niagara Falls mainstay since its founding in 1923. Dotting the water along with the other bed and breakfasts, the Red Coach offers a truly spectacular view of the upper rapids, all from the comfort and luxury of well-furnished rooms.

Guests of the Inn are offered a complimentary continental breakfast in their room and champagne with fruit and cheese upon their arrival. Visitors to the falls are also welcome to stop at the Red Coach for lunch or dinner, seven days a week. The Grill room is a cozy spot to eat during the winter while the Rapids room is a picturesque place to share a meal over a panoramic view of Niagara.

With an ever changing menu, daily specials, and an extensive collection of vintage wines, the Red Coach is also available to host meetings and receptions with seating for 12, 30, and 50.

Local Business Spotlight: Living Well Massage Therapy

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.

Living Well Massage Therapy
(716) 834-6001
2122 Eggert Road, Suite 1, Amherst

People who say that marriage can be stressful have obviously never met Ann and Andres Orffeo. Working side by side at their practice, Living Well Massage Therapy, Ann and Andres have been enjoying each others company while helping to make other people feel better since 1998. After starting with a home office, the couple moved to their new Amherst location in 2001 and expanded in 2004, adding another treatment room.

As New York State licensed medical staff with backgrounds in nursing and EKG operation, the Orffeos are concerned with helping people feel better physically as well as mentally. About half of their clients come in for injury and pain related treatment while the other half come in for relaxation and stress relief through Swedish, Hotstone, Belavi facelift and Aromatherapy massages.

Trying to dispel some of the myths about massage therapy, Living Well never requires clients to completely disrobe and they work with local insurers to keep their rates affordable and open to anyone who is in need of therapy.

Local Business Spotlight: A Best

The businesses that advertise in the Center's playbill are often local, WNY-based small businesses that value arts supporters.  In an ongoing series, we would like to spotlight some of our partners by telling you a little more about them.

A Best
(716) 692-4517
7 Payne Ave., N. Tonawanda
www.abestinc.com

With the proliferation of home improvement programming on HGTV, shows like “While You Were Out” and “Extreme Home Makeover,” the perception regarding the possibilities of your home has drastically changed. You can create an individual style that really represents who you are and the life you choose to live.

At A Best, they evaluate your needs, wants, and desires to create the living environment you choose. You can add dormers, columns, double decker porches, architectural roofing, siding with added scallops, and detailed decorative trim & moldings, just to name a few. Siding manufactures now offer an array of colors beyond belief. The variety and style of windows can alter not only the look, but the use of your home. You can change a dreary dark room into one with many uses.

For those who love the outdoors - decks, porches, and screened enclosure have taken on new meaning and appeal. Conservatories, sunrooms, and additions add new living space and often increase the value of you home. Your options are endless.

If your roof, siding, windows are old and need to be replaced, A Best is still the BEST company. Call today for a free estimate.