About 13 years ago, I met Amy Maxwell when she headed up “Revitalize Buffalo”, a civic group that sprung out of a series of articles in the Buffalo News that amounted to a Generation X “what’s next” for the region.

She was a tireless worker, organized, strong, smart, but above all, she was relentlessly positive, a great friend, and filled with love. Anyone who knew her, loved her. She was one-of-a-kind; an original. She also wasn’t a self-promoter creating a brand. She was a citizen helping to make her city better, without seeking out accolades or fanfare. 

All of the good thoughts and feelings people now have about Buffalo got a big boost from Amy Maxwell a decade ago.

I had the privilege of working with her through Revitalize Buffalo, and she and I helped keep the SantaLand at Chestnut Ridge Park up and running for two years after county budget cuts eliminated it. She later helped to spearhead a centennial revival of Buffalo’s ”Old Home Week”, which has since morphed into Citybration. 

Amy’s death was sudden and unexpected. Buffalo could use a lot more Amy Maxwells, and we should honor her memory.

Visiting hours for Amy will be on today, June 6th from 5-7 pm at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Lockport, NY. Funeral services will follow at 7pm.

Please keep Amy and her family in your thoughts.