Cure for summer boredom
Rec programs keep youth occupied
by ELIZABETH TAUFA AND ANDREA KIMBRIEL Reporters
Because young people often have time on their hands during the summer, area recreation departments are providing programs that keep children busy.

Mike Puntillo, left, Jim Spellman and John Podvezko work on their roller hockey skills at the Amherst Pepsi Center. Roller hockey is one of many programs offered to residents by the Amherst Recreation Department during the summer. While the programs help to keep kids out of trouble while school is out, they also contribute to high quality of life, according to assistant recreation director Eric Guzdek. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The Town of Amherst Recreation Department offers a wide variety of activities, from roller hockey to swimming to tennis to golf.

"We see a very significant increase in the summer," said Anne Schiferle, director of recreation. "The open registration lines are all the way out the door."

Because of the large numbers of people interested in Recreation Department programs, some have been split into sessions that will accommodate more residents.

"It also allows for the opportunity to do other sports and activities," said Eric Guzdek, assistant director of recreation. "You have to keep kids stimulated, and they may become bored with one activity every day."

What Schiferle and the Recreation Department offer are "an affordable opportunity for people to recreate their kids."

Guzdek said the reason most youths get into trouble during the summer is the extra time without parental supervision.

Kenneth J. Kopacz, director of the Cheektowaga Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Services, agrees that community programs are needed to relieve some of the boredom.

"I think any organized activity helps kids stay out of trouble - anything that occupies kids' time - other programs, volunteer activities," he said. "But we're not the be all, end all."

He said parents need to take responsibility for teaching their children right from wrong.

Kopacz admits that it's hard to tell whether at-risk youth are actually coming to events organized by the department or if they are slipping through the cracks.

"We can offer the activities, but if the child/teen doesn't want to get involved, it's their choice," he said.

If youth do decide to participate, they will have plenty of options. The town offers gymnastics and soccer programs, children's concerts, field trips and other activities.

The department hosts a Wednesdays in the Park program in conjunction with the Cheektowaga Police Department.

It's one way to be proactive about preventing youth crime, said Lt. Mark Petruniak of the Cheektowaga Crime Prevention Unit. Police come to hand out food, play games, and interact with children between the ages of 11 and 15.

"Our approach is to keep kids out of trouble by educating them early and getting them involved. It sounds hokey and corny, but I think it works," said Petruniak.

The Town of Amherst not only offers programs for youths, but for the whole family, including the Recreation Concert Series at Bassett Park, the Family Concert and Entertainment series and the Jazz in July concerts.

"We're giving parents the opportunity to recreate children and realize that there are other opportunities available," Guzdek said. "That way they don't have time to look for and find trouble."

Programs are available for all age groups from toddlers to adults.

Schiferle noted that many groups use the playgrounds, parks and trails throughout the town for events such as walk-a-thons.

The Recreation Department is constantly reevaluating the program schedules in an effort to bring the best programming at convenient times for residents, Schiferle said.

"It's a win-win for families," she said.

Guzdek agreed.

"We want to help the kids and families develop," he said. "Our motto is, 'You name it, we provide it.'"