As we plan for the upcoming season, we look back on a year

that was exhilarating, challenging, and thanks to you, wildly

successful! The BABEL audience was our largest to date, with

500 more attending. Literary superstars Colum McCann,

David Henry Hwang, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and

Patti Smith also attracted one of our most diverse BABEL

audiences ever. Gathering together to hear from these great

writers of such insight, intelligence, humor and global

perspective was an enlightening and life-affirming experience

for readers, writers and dreamers from all walks of life. Our

newly developed Studio events were a hit, featuring visits

from celebrated national poets as well as a Publishing Panel

that provided a forum for writers to discuss their work and

learn from each other. Finally, this past year, we were busy

launching a new Writing Center, hosting a Statewide literary

arts convening, and working steadily with donors, members

and advisors to build the future of Just Buffalo through JB40

(read more about JB40 on page 4). Throughout, it was your

participation, feedback and donations that helped us rise

to the challenges of this eventful year and to finish strong.

We thank you! Read on for more news from the year and a

glimpse of great things to come.

Thank You!This year, your support was especially important

“BABEL is one of the best things going in Buffalo. We love meeting young writers/students in the lobby. We’ve found that subscribing to the series is the best way to ensure that we get out to see the writers you bring in.”

— Bill & Molly Gray (05/15)

“I loved his message of peace as an ideal, optimism being superior to cynicism, and how literature can change the world” — Student attending BABEL event featuring Colum McCann

NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2015

BABEL fan with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Writing is a calling for some, a struggle for others. While Just Buffalo remains strongly committed to providing its award-winning In-School writing programs, there are many students who wish to improve their writing over the longer term, or who need some targeted extra help outside of school hours. In response to this need, in April 2014, the Just Buffalo Writing Center was opened to students aged 12-18 as a haven for expression and learning. Twice each week, the Center offers specialized writing workshops led by a variety of teaching artists and is staffed by a Writer-In-Residence who provides additional guidance and one-on-one attention. These services are provided at no cost, thanks to your support. In the first year, the Writing Center has served nearly 300 young people, and attendance is growing steadily. We are amazed by the emerging talent, improved skills and supportive friendships developing within this diverse group of teens. Already, a wonderful difference has been made in the lives of many of these students, as heard in testimonials, both public and very personal.

Writing Center Exceeds ExpectationsHelping young people find their voice

“Love Notes” from Just Buffalo Writing Center Students:

“The JBWC is like the place I’ve always wanted to make when I grew up…and as an added bonus, there are snacks.”

“I wanna see this group grow larger and other centers to open up so other kids and young adults can connect to their peers”

“The JBWC helped me by letting me meet other people with similar interests…I actually have people who will listen to all my crazy ideas”

The Writing Center is “home base” for all of Just Buffalo’s programs

The Just Buffalo Writing Center has proven to be more than an extension of our In-School and community Education programs (like our work with Buffalo Promise Neighborhood and Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology). The Writing Center is our “home base”- a welcoming place for friends, families and community leaders to visit and see firsthand the power and possibilities created through the literary arts. The Writing Center has already begun to inspire more partnerships, expanded program possibilities and support for literary offerings. If you haven’t visited the Writing Center yet, we hope to see you soon!

“This was extremely helpful and very well-done. Nice diversity in panel. Professionally moderated. The JB space is great! It’s my first time here.”

“…enlightening to hear how the authors go about their careers.”

– Studio Publishing Panel participants

Sharing the Stories40 Stories goes globalJust Buffalo’s 40 Stories project documents the powerful impact Just Buffalo has had in people’s lives and how it has transformed the literary landscape in Western New York. To date, 25 people have shared in brief video testimonials their personal stories of deep connection to literature, poetry, and the profound need to express themselves through writing. Recently, one of our 40 Stories videos went global, viewed 360+ times in the US and over 70 times across the UK, Europe, and Asia! You can view these beautiful testimonials as we release them on our website justbuffalo.org. We thank all those who shared their stories with us. If you have a story to share, please let us know!

Expanded Programs for AdultsJust Buffalo programs serve writers of all agesWhile serving writers of all ages has always been a priority to Just Buffalo, the feedback from adult writers is that they want more and faster! This past season, the Studio Publising Panel was added in response to the demand. Thanks to the leadership of committed volunteers, a pilot writing program for seniors was held at Stadnitski Gardens. The Writers’ Critique Group is going strong, the Studio poetry series is expanding, and the Literary Buffalo Calendar of Events will be easier to use when our new website launches this fall. We are also working to get adult workshops back into the mix.

Have you seen our “Just Buffalo Is” video at North Park Theatre?

Spotlight on the Literary Arts and Just Buffalo A new Interactive Timeline will be launched on Just Buffalo’s website as the refreshed version goes live this fall. 40 Stories and the Timeline highlight our community’s rich literary heritage, resources and programs. They vividly bring to life the many ways people can participate in Just Buffalo and other literary programs to experience the joy and powerful benefits of reading great books, listening to the words of skilled writers, and learning to write well. 40 Stories Participants at video unveiling

For more information, contact info@justbuffalo.org or call (716)832-5400 or visit our website www.justbuffalo.org

Laurie Dean Torrell, Executive Director Barbara Cole, Artistic DirectorNoah Falck, Education DirectorKris Pope, Director of Finance and Development

2015 marks Just Buffalo’s 40th anniversary. JB40 is a celebration of the past and a bridge to the future. The JB40 fundraising campaign provides a solid financial base for growth, innovation and sustainability. We need the support of many friends who understand the importance of fostering a thriving literary arts community and providing the highest quality literary arts programs right here in Western New York. Donations are being gratefully accepted now, and can also be made during our year-end campaign this fall. Please know that your generosity builds a bright future for our community of readers, writers and dreamers. Every extra dollar helps.

Support for the first phase of JB40generously provided by:

Michael C. AngelucciAnonymousDr. Arjang A. AssadThomas G. AurelioJames and Pamela BachwitzPaul A. BattagliaBaumgart FamilyJudy and Tom BeecherDianne Bennett and William GraebnerMark Chason and Mariana Botero Chason

Building a bigger and stronger community of readers, writers and dreamers

With You, Making it Happen

Just Buffalo Writing Center is located at 468 Washington Street Buffalo, NY 14203

Please direct correspondence to our business office:Just Buffalo Literary Center, Inc.617 Main Street, Suite 202A

Buffalo, NY 14203-1400

Adele and George DeTittaMiriam and Peter DowGayle and James EaganMary E. FaralloRobert J. & Martha B. Fierle FoundationFriends of Just BuffaloRobert J. GencoGeri Grossman and Jimmie GilliamEdwin P. HartThomas and Sharon HewnerDr. Olga KarmanJanet Kaye and Dan KushelLucy KoglerJohn N. Lipsitz and Maria ScrivaniRita Lipsitz and Richard Lipsitz, Sr.Patrick J. LongNYS Regional Economic Development CouncilThe John R. Oishei FoundationJulian R. and Varue W. Oishei FoundationElizabeth PascalBryan RolandRichard Schroeder, CFP ®Anne and David TaylorTimothy Vukelic and Shelby DeckThe Western New York Foundation

THANK YOU!

Just Buffalo Literary Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization