Summer programs set at community centers

The school year is quickly coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of time to turn in applications for one of the many West Side summer youth programs. 

After late June, The Belle Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, and West Side Community Services among a few will be offering summer youth programming to students from ages 5 to 18 until school resumes. 

 The Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo  will offer activities such as, sports, arts, educational services that are intended on keeping West Side youth occupied, and off the streets, said Jennifer Mickens, Executive Assistant and Human Resource Administrator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo.

 The West Side Community Services located at 161 Vermont St. has had over 100 students attend their summer program in the past. Offering separate hours for age groups, 6 to 12 and 13 to 18, said Danette Porto, Human Services Coordinator of West Side Community Services. 

“Eighty five percent of our children are right here on the West Side,” said James McNeil, K-5th grade program director of The Belle Center. “Our main focus is getting each child to the next level of higher learning; we want every child to reach their full potential.”

 The Belle Center located at 104 Maryland St. had over 150 registered students at their summer camp last year, ages 5 to 12, and offers some full or reduced cost scholarships for parents of low income households, said McNeil. “The most important thing is providing an enriching and secure environment, promote tolerance and recognize diversity,” said Porto. By Mackenzie Clarke, Stepahnie Delaunay and Cheri St. Croix

OLMSTED CLEAN UP -  Abi Echevarria, near zone gardener for Olmsted Parks, gives insight on spring clean up for West Side fparks and traffic circles. Video by Katie Anderson and Danielle Wayne

Greenhouse owner rents plots for gardens

  A little over a century after being built, the oldest surviving commercial greenhouse in Buffalo is now being revitalized thanks to its new owners.

  Vincent Kuntz, who bought the greenhouse back in 2004, is now remodeling it for personal use.  He originally purchased it to keep it out of landfill.  However, with the abundance of space behind the greenhouse, he has been able to rent out plots to members of the community.  

  Kuntz also collaborates with businesses in the area, like Sweetness 7, collecting compost for the greenhouse and the plots behind it.

  Connected to the greenhouse is West Side Stories, a used bookstore owned by Joe Petri.  Petri looks forward to this time of year when he gets to see the excitement that goes on behind his business.

  “It’s slowly, but surely coming along,” says Petri. 

  The greenhouse is now in its eighth year of being open.  Many renters take advantage of this space. 

  “We moved in the neighborhood about four years ago, and Vincent was renting the plots even then.  I think they are actually almost all filled,” Petri said. By Ann Hendricks and Miranda Ruckdeschel

    

Rich gives scraps to MAP farm for composting

 Rich Products Corp.is lending a big hand to small farms on the West Side.
  For the past year, Rich Products has donated food waste to the Massachusetts Avenue Project for use as compost on its Growing Green Urban Farm. This currently consists of 13 lots.
  “Rich's has been a great partner,” said Diane Picard, MAP executive director. “We will continue to pick up food scraps for the composting efforts at our farm over the next year, twice a week.”
  MAP’s affiliation with Rich Products highlights a recent trend in urban farming. Since many residents have limited access to fresh produce, MAP has been working to bridge that gap.  Along with donating compost for MAP’s farm, Rich Products also provides secure parking for MAP’s Mobile Market vehicle. This Mobile Market offers fresh, locally-grown, organic produce at affordable prices for the community. By Jacob Becker and Edward Mazzu

IN DEPTH: Somali community questions surveillance

 It’s been two months since a leaked document emerged detailing the NYPD’s surveillance of the Somali community in Buffalo, and members of that community are still wondering why they were being watched. Full story by Michael Canfield and Jacob Tierney

DESPITE THE WEATHER - Students from Leonardo da Vinci High School, from left, Zach Howard, Charbel Mansour nd Brian Trinh, practice at Front Park on Monday, April 16, despite irregular spring showers and high winds that swept the region. The Dragons have yet to lose and will travel to Burgard High School for their next match. Photo by Jacob Becker & Ed Mazzu

STORYTELLING TIME - Kathy Goodrich of the Niagara-Branch Library, 280 Porter Ave., takes part in a storytelling event for young children.  The event uses props as well as books to entertain the children as part of a weekly program in which any children are welcome. Photo by Richard Cumpston and Mike Tellier