Volunteer Spotlight

Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Kanchalee Deganis-Librera discovered the Martin House during her first visit to the city a few years ago. Her now husband and his family had planned an exploration of the historic Parkside neighborhood. “I still remember the disbelief that I felt when told that the…

After retiring in 2015 from teaching high school and middle school science, Kathy Pudlak – our volunteer in the spotlight – began to research volunteer opportunities in the Buffalo area. “I’ve always had an interest in history, architecture, and travel,” said Kathy. “Suddenly I had the free time to explore…

Chris Estes recalls walking by the Martin House as a young girl growing up in North Buffalo, describing the estate as a “scary place.” Now having served as a volunteer for 22 years, our June volunteer in the spotlight is proud to have been part of a mighty team of…

Walk around the landscape on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, and you will notice a small but mighty group of volunteers tending to the more than 27,000 square feet of planting beds. There are two individuals leading the charge, and this month we shine a light on their dedication. Susan…

Shonnie Finnegan is University Archivist Emerita for the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB). For thirty years, from 1967-1997, she was instrumental in the development of the University Archives by collecting the earliest records of UB, as well as many of the important papers of former faculty, staff,…

About 15 years ago (and lucky for us!), Mike Osika was searching for a new opportunity to become more involved in his community. He discovered the volunteer program at the Martin House and was immediately attracted by the chance to meet and talk with visitors from all over the world.…

In 2006, Jeri Mazur and her husband attended a private party at the Barton House, which piqued her curiosity about the estate. Soon she was back for a tour to learn more, and this month’s volunteer in the spotlight was hooked. Docent training was just beginning, and she immediately enrolled.…

Debbie Houck, our volunteer in the spotlight this month, hit a special milestone earlier this year: 20 years of service to the Martin House. Even after all this time, the estate still takes her breath away. A lifelong resident of North Buffalo, Debbie taught in the Buffalo Public Schools for…

It was the late 1990s when Gail Sfeir attended her first Martin House volunteer meeting. She knew at that time it was going to be a significant project for the City of Buffalo, and today she’s proud to report that she's been a part of the team throughout every phase…

Cynthia Silverstein began volunteering more than eleven years ago when she recognized that the Martin House was a “jewel shining in the city” and in her own neighborhood. College studies brought her to Western New York, but the city’s potential for historic renovation, tourism, and community engagement kept her here…

It wasn’t long after settling into her new Parkside home when Rebecca Morris-Chatta arrived at the Martin House and raised her hand to volunteer. She started as a Chaperone but soon trained to be a Docent, eventually landing in the role of Education Docent – a perfect fit for the…

Mary Anne Rokitka thinks she might have been born with a red pen in one hand and pruning shears in the other. The red pen comes in handy as a member of the editorial board of a scientific journal, and she finds great joy in pruning, deadheading, and even pulling…