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Guest Editorial
Concerts aplenty around your town
On the last Monday in May we solemnly commemorate Memorial Day to honor members of our nation's armed services killed in war. Throughout the United States, Memorial Day is marked by parades, speeches, and the decoration of graves. Locally, our veterans' organizations sponsor these same events to encourage the community to remember and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I offer my personal thanks to them as well.
The Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer as well. When Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday in 1971, and changed the date of the observance from May 30 to the last Monday in May, it gave workers a three-day weekend, usually celebrated with the first family picnic of the year.
Three departments of our Town government that engage in seasonal activities have already made plans to provide the summer programs and facilities that our residents have come to expect over the years.
You will notice plenty of activity on the Town's ball diamonds already. Our facilities department employees are maintaining the fields, while also preparing the parks, playgrounds and pools for what we all hope will be many sunny and fun summer days of family outings. Park shelter permits are being issued to residents at the Facilities office at 500 Losson Road on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For shelter permit information, call 656-2280.
A few days ago, Ellen Fischer, senior recreation supervisor of our Youth and Recreational Services department, dropped off a supply of the department's "hot off the press" 2007 summer brochure at Town Hall. Along with the many program listings that the department itself will conduct, are the dates, times and locations for the various parades, festivals and celebrations that are held in Cheektowaga each summer and coordinated by community organizations.
One listing that a lot of residents wait in great anticipation for is the lineup of musical concerts that are held each summer. The Youth and Recreational Services and Senior Services departments have both come up with some real crowd-pleasers. The Creekside Concert Series, at Town Park, will include Carnival Kids Steele Orchestra, Back In Time, Sugar & Jazz, Bedrock Boys, Speedy Parker Blues Band and Buffalo Boomers. The Creekside Festival Family Concert Series, at Town Park, will include Glen Colton, The Hills Brothers and Magic Of Course By Ted & Corey. The relatively new Dartwood Park Concert Series has proven to be a popular neighborhood venue and will feature performances byRoadRunnersandJDSilverOldNo.38Band. Nottobe out done, the immensely popular Senior Center Concerts, under the gazebo, will feature Ramblin' Lou Family Band, The All Star Concertina Band, The Music Crew, Kokomo Time Band and Nickel City Notes.
We're already hearing that gas prices are expected to keep rising this summer. If that will be keeping you close to home this summer, make plans to attend the concerts for some good family fun. All of the concerts are free of charge. For dates, times and other questions regarding the concerts call Cheektowaga Youth and Recreational Services, at 897- 7207. Those with questions regarding the Senior Concert Series may call Cheektowaga Senior Services, at 686-3930.
Supervisor James J. Jankowiak
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