Daemen College will celebrate the grand opening of its newly named Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability and Civic Engagement at a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m. Sept. 7 in Duns Scotus Room 226.

The ceremony, which is a part of Daemen’s inaugural Founders Celebration, will include the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the naming in honor of an historic $1 million gift from the Paul A. Saffrin Foundation. Remarks will be given by Daemen President Gary A. Olson, Paul A. Saffrin, and Dr. Maureen Millane, associate vice president for community engagement. A reception will immediately follow the dedication ceremony, which is free and open to the public.

Love without words. If your family has experienced the impact of autism, you already know the pain behind that brief statement.

Clarence residents Molly and Matthew Pitman are the very fortunate parents of two beautiful children, Donovan and Charlotte. Now 14, Donovan was diagnosed with autism at 23 months old … and their lives were changed forever.

“When our daughter Charlotte was about three years old, she asked me why Donovan did not respond when she said, ‘I love you.’ While I was caught off guard, I used her bond with our family dog, Makeo, as a teachable moment,” said Molly. “Makeo plays with you. He gets excited when you come home and he even lets you cuddle with him. Makeo shows you his love without saying a word. Charlotte seemed to have a better understanding, and so did I.”

Three local organizations will receive a portion of the proceeds from a first-time event to be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, in the Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road, Buffalo.

One hundred percent of admission collected at the door for the Collectors’ Expo will be donated to Dog Ears Bookstore & Cafe, South Buffalo Alive and the Buffalo Irish Center. Additionally, all money raised through antique appraisals during the event will also be donated to the three South Buffalo organizations. Admission will be $2 per person while antique appraisals will cost $2 each (maximum three items per person).