Shaping the Future: BuffaLUG’s 2024 Recap and Co-Founder Recognition
As we move beyond our fourth year, BuffaLUG is reflecting on a year full of growth, achievements, and milestones. With the signing of our bylaws earlier this year, our first ever elections in November, and a truly successful year of community engagement, we have not only continued to develop as a LEGO User Group but also strengthened our position within the greater Buffalo community. It is in this spirit of growth that I, as President, want to honor and officially recognize the Co-Founders of BuffaLUG.
Our Accomplishments in 2024:
Two Western New York Railway Historical Society Toy and Train Shows
Buffalo Geological Society's Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show
Brick Universe in Rochester, where we won an award for Best Train
Niagara Falls Comic Con
Nickel City Comic Con
BrickFair Virginia
Brick Erie
Nickel City Comic Con Fall Edition
Bricks in the Six
This year, BuffaLUG achieved significant milestones in both community engagement and partnerships. We hosted the BuffaLUG Block Party at the Walden Galleria Mall, our first event that we fully produced, marking a major step in establishing our presence in the region. We also debuted our Josh Allen Community Build, a project that captured the community’s attention and added to our growing influence.
BuffaLUG further cemented its place in Buffalo's cultural scene by securing a partnership with the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. We hosted a fantastic event there, Meet BuffaLUG: The Art of Bricks, which blended the world of art and LEGO to offer a memorable meet-and-greet experience for LEGO fans of all ages. The event gave people a chance to talk about building techniques while meeting our members. Additionally, we participated in Bridging Communities: A Creative Evening of Connection and Celebration, hosted by the Ralph Wilson Conservancy at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, where we completed a community build of the Ralph Wilson Park Bridge, celebrating Buffalo’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The Cowboys vs. Aliens group display was a defining project for BuffaLUG, marking our first major group build with a year-long development cycle. This ambitious endeavor brought together the talents and creativity of our members, with each contributing unique elements to the display. The collaborative nature of this build allowed us to showcase the diverse skills within our group, from intricate landscapes to dynamic scenes of cowboys and aliens engaged in a dramatic showdown.
Throughout the year, the Cowboys vs. Aliens display became a focal point at nearly every event we attended. Its recurring presence not only highlighted the dedication and teamwork of our members but also captured the imagination of viewers at events like Bricks in the Six and Brick Universe in Rochester. This project exemplified BuffaLUG’s commitment to creating engaging and memorable experiences, reinforcing our group's reputation for innovation and collaboration in the LEGO community.
As part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement, BuffaLUG proudly hosted our 3rd Annual LEGO Toy Drive in support of St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. This initiative reflects our dedication to giving back to the Buffalo community, and this year we successfully met our goal of collecting new, unopened LEGO sets for the students at St. Mary’s. The school serves children with a wide range of special needs, providing a specialized and inclusive learning environment for all students. By donating LEGO sets, we were able to offer students a creative and educational tool that enhances problem-solving skills, teamwork, and imagination. This drive exemplifies the spirit of BuffaLUG’s mission to not only celebrate LEGO building but to foster positive change within the community.
As we look back on these accomplishments, we also recognize the invaluable contributions of those who helped make these milestones possible. It is with great pride that we officially recognize these individuals as Co-Founders of BuffaLUG.
Keith Rowe
Keith Rowe was the first person invited to join the leadership team, serving as Vice President. His pragmatic approach and dedication to organization were vital in BuffaLUG’s early stages. Keith led our first group build project, setting the tone for collaborative work within the club. His efforts laid a strong foundation for the group, and his leadership has been indispensable in guiding BuffaLUG to where it is today.
Dan Easton
Dan Easton, our Treasurer, was crucial to BuffaLUG’s success, particularly during our first-ever public show. His logistical expertise, focus on operations, and unwavering commitment to the club allowed BuffaLUG to function smoothly and efficiently. Dan's contributions were integral in developing BuffaLUG's structure, and his continued involvement has had a lasting impact on our growth.
Jim Fik
Jim Fik played a critical role in giving BuffaLUG its identity. The name itself, along with the domain and other assets, were under Jim’s ownership prior to the group’s formation. When BuffaLUG was chosen through a group vote, Jim could have been a roadblock but instead chose to join forces with us. His decision to align with the group and join the leadership team as Trustee was a key turning point in our history.
Mark Mancuso
Mark Mancuso brought significant experience from other LEGO User Groups, which helped guide BuffaLUG in its early days. As our Events Director, Mark's deep understanding of LUG operations and his ability to build strong community connections were pivotal in shaping BuffaLUG’s event strategy. His leadership helped us grow while also respecting the need to create our own unique vision.
Jon Breidert
Jon Breidert, as our Secretary, was a dedicated member who ensured that BuffaLUG communicated effectively and stayed organized. His remarkable building skills and leadership by example inspired the group and helped motivate others to get involved. Jon’s attention to detail in his role as Secretary has been instrumental in keeping BuffaLUG running smoothly and ensuring a cohesive community.
Jeremy Killion
Jeremy Killion has been an essential figure in BuffaLUG’s success. A skilled builder, Jeremy’s contributions in helping create the foundational structure of BuffaLUG were invaluable. As a Trustee, his work on events has been crucial, as has his continued commitment to ensuring that BuffaLUG stays on track. His dedication to the group and his ability to deliver results have made him an irreplaceable member of our leadership team.
Jessica Male
Jessica Male has been an energetic and passionate advocate for BuffaLUG from its early days, playing a key role as a Trustee. She also founded Sebastian’s LEGO Club in honor of her nephew, Sebastian Bradley, who found comfort in building with LEGO during his battle with brain cancer. Inspired by his dream to bring that joy to other children, Jessica partnered with Oishei Children's Hospital to create a fund that donated hundreds of LEGO sets to young patients. Her unwavering enthusiasm for BuffaLUG and her commitment to both the club and the community have inspired many and played a crucial role in the club’s continued success.
These individuals helped lay the foundation for BuffaLUG and continue to inspire our community with their passion, dedication, and creativity. But none of this would be possible without the collective efforts of every member who has contributed to our success. Whether through collaboration on displays, sharing expertise, or supporting each other’s ideas, each of you plays a crucial role in shaping BuffaLUG’s journey. It is with great pride that we officially recognize these individuals as Co-Founders of BuffaLUG. Their contributions, alongside the commitment of all our members, have made BuffaLUG what it is today, and I am excited for what we will accomplish together in the years to come.
Eric Santiago
President, BuffaLUG
