A litter cleanup of the small park at the Ohio Street Boat Launch on April 26 will mark the third year of a Guild initiative to aid the Spring Shoreline Cleanup coordinated by Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.
The annual effort is conducted 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 the same location, and we’re looking forward to a good turnout again this year at the Ohio Street Boat Launch. 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 26. 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.
To get to the Ohio Street Boat Launch from The Buffalo News, take Scott Street to Michigan Avenue. Turn right on Michigan, left on South Park Avenue and then right on Chicago Street. At the end of Chicago, turn left on Ohio Street. The Boat Launch parking lot is located on your right near South Street, across the street from a softball diamond.
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 filled out online at bnriverkeeper.org.
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.
Anyone who wants to participate, contact Dan Herbeck, Editorial Dept., at 849-5548, or at tiptops@aol.com. His cell number is 348-1173.
Buffalo Newspaper Guild CWA Local 31026 