• creating small park areas
• refurbishing past parks
• removing graffiti
• cleaning general areas

This day was developed seven years ago by Dr. Howe and two other faculty members as a small clean -up effort that gradually turned into an annual community service event. Their goal was to find a way to give back to the community and give students a chance to participate in community service.

This year's Community Service Day will be held at several sites such as:

•  Mckinley High School

•  New Generation Ministries

•  Scajaquada Creek

•  Buffalo River- old Bailey Woods and Houghton Park

•  Olmsted Park

“There are a lot of vacant lots in the city for a variety of reasons, said Dr. Howe. “So we thought if we could put some small parks on those lots, that it would kind of make this city look a litter nicer.”

Volunteers will be split up into groups and sent to the work sites where they can work with the people of that community. Each spring, Dr. Howe and a small group of volunteers will return to each of the sites to see if additional work needs to be done.

“We're working well with the city and the mayor's office, said Dr. Howe. “So, for example, if we need heavy equipment of some kind to come in and clear things out, the city has that. They can bring in loads of top soil for us which helps.”

For the past several years Dr. Howe has received federal and state grants which were used to purchase equipment (gloves, rakes, brooms, garbage bags. . . etc.) and food for the work sites and the volunteers. The equipment, if in good condition, is then saved for the next years' community service day.

All volunteers will register at the west entrance of Buffalo State's Sports Arena from 8:30-8:45 a.m. and then leave campus at 9 a.m. on provided buses. The buses will return to campus at 12 p.m. for lunch and raffle prizes.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Dr. Howe at 878-5939, visit his office in Bacon Hall Room 312 B, or e-mail: howefc@buffalostate.edu . Students can also go to their instructors for information.

Email: Kitty0011233@yahoo.com