By Julia Foy:
We've all seen what a healthy block club can do for a neighborhood. Some clubs have been around for years and consist of just one sole block, while others are relatively new and spread over entire neighborhoods. Block Clubs can vary in diversity and mission scope, but they all bring together neighbors to identify shared goals, while creating a bond between people living in close proximity. I recently learned of a particular block club that exemplifies why such groups are so effective and important.
About two years ago the PLDG West block club was started by concerned neighbors looking to make positive changes in their neighborhoods. The name PLDG West stands for the area that it represents: Parkdale, Lafayette, West Delavan, and Greenwood. Currently membership approximates 20 people, with a strong board consisting of two co-chairs, a treasurer, and a secretary. Kim Pellegrino and Jennifer Silverman serve as co-chairs, while Kea Rusch acts as secretary and Richard Martin is treasurer. Rusch is a founding member of the block club and Martin has lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years, making them effective additions to the board.
PLDG West is comprised of upbeat members who are determined to affect change in their neighborhood through new ideas and a willingness to take action. In the short amount of time they have been an operational block club, their presence has already been felt throughout their residential area. Thus far, PLDG West has hosted two area cleanups, the first of which produced thirty bags of garbage. They have plans to execute another two cleanups within the next year. This past fall members planted daffodil bulbs in the hopes of adding some color to the West Side landscape in the spring. Presently, PLDG West is working through the Livable Communities Grant Program to install a neighborhood 'Welcome' sign and create a decorative garden at the corner of Parkdale and West Delavan. They are also looking to create a community garden on Parkdale if funding allows.
With the help of David Rivera's office, PLDG West has created t-shirts to kick-start a fundraising effort for these projects. Selling for only $10 each, all proceeds fund the aforementioned beautification projects.
To support PLDG West by ordering a t-shirt, you can e-mail Jennifer Silverman at js433@buffalo.edu, or find them on facebook. If you are interested in having your block club featured on BRO, send an email here.
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We've all seen what a healthy block club can do for a neighborhood. Some clubs have been around for years and consist of just one sole block, while others are relatively new and spread over entire neighborhoods. Block Clubs can vary in diversity and mission scope, but they all bring together neighbors to identify shared goals, while creating a bond between people living in close proximity. I recently learned of a particular block club that exemplifies why such groups are so effective and important.
About two years ago the PLDG West block club was started by concerned neighbors looking to make positive changes in their neighborhoods. The name PLDG West stands for the area that it represents: Parkdale, Lafayette, West Delavan, and Greenwood. Currently membership approximates 20 people, with a strong board consisting of two co-chairs, a treasurer, and a secretary. Kim Pellegrino and Jennifer Silverman serve as co-chairs, while Kea Rusch acts as secretary and Richard Martin is treasurer. Rusch is a founding member of the block club and Martin has lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years, making them effective additions to the board.
PLDG West is comprised of upbeat members who are determined to affect change in their neighborhood through new ideas and a willingness to take action. In the short amount of time they have been an operational block club, their presence has already been felt throughout their residential area. Thus far, PLDG West has hosted two area cleanups, the first of which produced thirty bags of garbage. They have plans to execute another two cleanups within the next year. This past fall members planted daffodil bulbs in the hopes of adding some color to the West Side landscape in the spring. Presently, PLDG West is working through the Livable Communities Grant Program to install a neighborhood 'Welcome' sign and create a decorative garden at the corner of Parkdale and West Delavan. They are also looking to create a community garden on Parkdale if funding allows.
With the help of David Rivera's office, PLDG West has created t-shirts to kick-start a fundraising effort for these projects. Selling for only $10 each, all proceeds fund the aforementioned beautification projects.
To support PLDG West by ordering a t-shirt, you can e-mail Jennifer Silverman at js433@buffalo.edu, or find them on facebook. If you are interested in having your block club featured on BRO, send an email here.
I love my block club! Yeah PLDG West!