Volunteers needed for community project

Last year, Guild members cleaned up Red Jacket River Front Park.

A litter cleanup of the small park at the Ohio Street Boat Launch on April 20 will mark the second year of a Guild initiative to aid the Spring Shoreline Cleanup coordinated by Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.

We’re conducting this effort annually in memory of our late friend, reporter and Guild leader John “Jay” Bonfatti. Jay, who died in 2008, loved the outdoors and believed strongly in caring for the natural wonders of Western New York.

Last year, Guild members cleaned up Red Jacket River Front Park, and we’re looking forward to a good turnout this year. So, please join us in this worthwhile effort.

What: Buffalo Newspaper Guild’s annual cleanup event
When: 8:45 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 20. Please arrive on time
Where: Ohio Street Boat Launch near South Street and across from Father Conway Park
Who: Guild members and their families, including children 12 and older

We’re conducting this effort annually in memory of our late friend, reporter and Guild leader John “Jay” Bonfatti.

For the cleanup, please gather at 8:45 a.m. at the boat launch on the west side of Ohio Street. There is a small parking lot, as well as street parking.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting our major waterways. The cleanup involves more than 2,000 volunteers at 40 sites.

Gloves and trash bags will be provided. It’s advisable to wear waterproof boots and clothes that can get dirty. If some people bring rakes and shovels, that would be helpful.

Riverkeeper asks that each participant sign a medical release form before the event. Release forms can be found in a marked folder on the bookshelf by Henry Davis’ desk in the Editorial Dept. on the 3rd floor. Please fill out a form and return it to the folder.

The form also will be provided the day of the event or can be obtained by visiting http://bnriverkeeper.org (direct link to form).

This is an opportunity for students who need to meet community service requirements, but Riverkeeper asks that children be at least 12 and supervised by an adult.

A picnic for volunteers will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Delaware Park Marcy Casino, featuring raffle prizes and live animals from Hawk Creek Wildlife Center.

Anyone who wants to participate, contact Dan Herbeck, Editorial Dept., at 849-5548, or at tiptops@aol.com. His cell number is 348-1173.