Volunteers needed for cleanup: Guild’s annual community project with Riverkeeper

A litter cleanup of the small park at the Ohio Street Boat Launch on Saturday, April 23 will mark the fifth 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.

Guild members, with volunteers from other groups, have helped clear tons of trash from this location over the years, and we’re looking forward to a good turnout again this year. So, please join us in this worthwhile effort.

What: Buffalo Newspaper Guild’s annual cleanup event.
When: 9:45 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 23. Please arrive shortly before 9:45 a.m.
Where: Ohio Street Boat Launch, 421 Ohio St., near South Street, 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 past Michigan Avenue. Turn right on Louisiana Street, right on South Street, and then right on 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 1,500 volunteers at 40 sites.

Gloves and trash bags will be provided. It’s advisable to wear boots or sneakers and clothes appropriate for working outside in unpredictable weather. Do not wear flip flops or open-toed footwear.

Important: Riverkeeper requires that each participant sign a liability waiver form and bring it to the event. A parent/guardian must sign the form for volunteers under 18 years old.

Visit http://bnriverkeeper.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Volunteer-Waiver-Form.pdf to download and print the form. Remember to bring it with you to the event. Guild President Henry Davis also has copies of the waiver form in a clearly marked folder at his desk in the Editorial Department on the 3rd floor.

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.

For more information, contact Dan Herbeck at tiptops@aol.com or 348-1173; or Henry Davis at hdavisguild@verizon.net or 849-5595 or 868-3593.