"Russert among new honorees in Buffalo's Walk of Fame"

By Jake May - jmay@buffnews.com

The Buffalo News Staff Reporter Updated: 06/24/09 06:53 PM

Buffalo's "Cultural Walk of Fame" added nine more names today, cementing their place on an Elmwood Avenue sidewalk.

Each inductee has brought cultural significance to the city. Topping the list are Buffalo ambassador and journalist Tim Russert, Jack Benny screenwriter Al Boasberg and lyricist Chauncey Olcott, who wrote "My Wild Irish Rose" in 1899.

Charles Griffasi Sr., president of International All-Star Sports Council, founded the project in 2007, when he inducted the first nine candidates.

He said the project's aim is education for the community, but especially children, about Buffalo's historical cultural figures, those who have made a difference in how we view the world and considered at the top of their profession.

"These are the people that have made it big beyond Buffalo," said Griffasi, an 85-year-old North Buffalo resident. "It's rich in its history. A lot of people don't even know this. We really are a good cultural city; people just have to take time and realize it."

Rick Nice, a 41-year-old DeSpirt tile finisher, said the engraved granite slates not only act as city beautification, but as a vital rememberance of Buffalo's important natives.Nice said more projects like the walk of fame would bring more interest back into downtown, as well as help businesses.

Other 2009 inductees are: Melody Fair showman Lou Fisher, Kleinhans Music Hall founder Edward L. Kleinhans, drummer Angelo Brucklier, Big Daddy Blues singer Frank Brunson, "Little Women" stage writer Marian de Forest and Moe and Mark Mitchell, founders of the first U.S. movie theater.

Griffasi said the project will continue to grow, envisioning his most ambitious plan of a snaking 1.8-mile stretch of Elmwood from Summer Street to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery."I am doing something here that I believe in, but as great as that is, it's not really about that," he said. "It's recognition for the memory of all of these people. It's education. I don't want to see history lost.