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2 • • Thursday, July 23, 2026 PERSPECTIVES

EDITORIAL MOOSE LAKE http://mooselakecartoons.com

It’s time to address

youth violence in WNY

The recent outbreaks of youth violence in Buffalo and its surround-
ing communities should concern every resident, regardless of neigh-
borhood or background. Incidents on Buffalo's East Side during the
Fourth of July, followed by troubling scenes on Chippewa Street and
in Cheektowaga at the Walden Galleria or Town Park, are more than
isolated disturbances. Together, they paint a sobering picture of young PERSPECTIVES
people.
Summer has long been a season of celebration, family gatherings,
neighborhood festivals, and community pride. Yet for many this year, Celebrating our nation’s history
those traditions have been overshadowed by images of fights, large
unruly crowds, and a growing sense of unease. Parents are asking
whether public spaces remain safe. Business owners worry about the across Erie County
impact on customers and employees. Law enforcement officers and
first responders continue to shoulder enormous responsibility while This month our nation cele- Cemetery is the final resting
facing increasingly volatile situations. brated its 250th birthday, with place for notable figures, includ-
While individuals must be held accountable for their actions, events commemorating this his- ing veterans from the Revolution-
lasting solutions require looking beyond the immediate incidents. toric milestone held across Erie ary War, President Millard
Youth violence rarely emerges from a vacuum. It often reflects broader County. Many of these celebra- Fillmore, groundbreaking politi-
challenges, including fractured family support, limited opportunities tions were led in part by the Erie cian Shirley Chisholm and many
for constructive recreation, untreated mental health needs, economic County Historical Commission, a more historic Americans. The
hardship, social media-fueled conflicts, and a lack of positive mentor- group dedicated to preserving the cemetery is open to the public
ship. rich history of our region. daily. Docent-led walking tours
Parents, schools, faith organizations, neighborhood centers, athletic The celebrations continue are also available on select dates
programs, employers, and civic leaders all have roles to play in creating Sunday, August 2 when we rec- Deputy County Executive for $20. Or jump on the Famous
environments where young people feel valued, challenged, and con- ognize one of the most important Lisa Chimera Sunday in the Cemetery Trolley
nected. but least celebrated days in our Tour for $30. For more informa-
Parents and guardians also face an increasingly difficult task. Tech- nation’s history, that in which 56 mark 125 years since Buffalo tion visit forest-lawn.com.
nology allows disputes to spread instantly, drawing larger crowds and members of the Second Conti- hosted the Pan-American Exposi- Erie County also plays home
escalating tensions before adults even become aware of them. Conver- nental Congress began signing tion. In 1901, Buffalo became the to many historic books and arti-
sations about responsibility, respect, and consequences cannot begin the Declaration of Independence. center of culture, design and in- facts. You can experience the
after a crisis; they must be ongoing, reinforced at home and throughout “716 Celebrates: Stars, novation as crowds gathered to nearly 500,000 unique materials
the community. Stripes and Signers” is a free, see great displays showcasing the in a behind-the-scenes look at the
Violence should not define our parks, entertainment districts, or family-friendly event featuring new power of electricity, giving Buffalo & Erie County Public
neighborhoods. Visible police presence may help restore order in the live entertainment, historical re- Buffalo its nickname, the “City of Library’s Special Collections De-
short term, but public safety is strongest when prevention and opportu- enactors, family activities, mili- Light.” partment at the Central Branch
nity work alongside enforcement. tary heritage, food, exhibits and This historic anniversary will Library on the fourth Saturday of
Every young person diverted from violence represents not only a more, all culminating in a major be recognized on Saturday, Au- each month. Registration is sug-
safer community but also a life redirected toward promise instead of waterfront fireworks spectacular. gust 1 with a walking tour hosted gested but not required. To learn
tragedy. Buffalo and its neighboring communities deserve nothing less, I invite all to join us from 4:00 by The Buffalo History Museum, more visit buffalolib.org/whats-
and neither do the young people who will shape their future. p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Buffalo the only structure from the expo- happening.
and Erie County Naval & Mili- sition still standing. Walk along Lastly, I remind everyone to
tary Park for this great celebra- the streets of Buffalo while learn- save the date for “Doors Open
PERSPECTIVES tion. To learn more visit ing about the grounds where over Buffalo,” presented by Explore
buffalonavalpark.org/event/716- 8 million people from around the Buffalo. This annual choose-
Making the most celebrates. world enjoyed exhibits, shows your-own-adventure event will
Visit Buffalo is continuing to
take place on Saturday, Septem-
and feats of design. Cost is $20
sponsor events across Erie Coun- per person and includes a souve- ber 26. Get excited about our re-
of the season ty recognizing America 250. nir map. To learn more and to gion’s architectural and historical
Check with your city, town or register visit significance. More details coming
ummer in Erie County is village to see what’s happening buffalohistory.org/event/pan- soon!
about much more than near you, or go to american-walking-tour-3/. I wish everyone a great rest of
Swarm weather. It is a sea- eriecounty250.com. Year-round there is much to their summer, one that we will
son when families reconnect, This year is also a very spe- explore and learn about our re- surely remember for many years
neighbors gather, and communi- cial one for our region as we gion’s rich history. Forest Lawn to come!
ties come alive through a wide
variety of programs and events
that make our region one of the Quinn Simple Scenes – My favorite sport
best places to spend the summer. District 3
From our award-winning
county parks to neighborhood Erie County Legislator by Rix Quinn
libraries and community festivals, Michael H. Kooshoian t’s a crisp March morning. I
there truly is something for ev- Ican’t wait to get to baseball
joy quality time together camp. We nine-year-olds meet
eryone. Erie County Parks offers
throughout the season. today to split into teams at the
a full schedule of free and afford-
These programs do more than park’s recreation league.
able programming throughout the
entertain. They strengthen our There must be 50 guys out
summer, including guided nature
communities by bringing people here at the park. A man holding a
walks, educational programs led
together across generations and clipboard checks off each name
by park rangers, outdoor recre-
neighborhoods. Children make as we sign in.
ation, and family-friendly activi-
new friends, seniors remain en- One of the older coaches sep-
ties. Whether you’re hiking a
gaged, volunteers give back, and arates us into three groups: bat-
scenic trail, enjoying a picnic, or
local organizations showcase the ting, fielding, and pitching. Each
introducing children to the out-
incredible work they do year- of us will get a chance to demon-
doors for the first time, our parks
round. Every event, no matter strate all three.
provide opportunities to stay ac-
tive while appreciating the natu- how large or small, contributes to I first go to the pitcher group.
building stronger, healthier com- We stand on the pitcher’s mound,
ral beauty that surrounds us.
Our Buffalo & Erie County munities. and look toward home plate. My
Summer programming also first throw goes over the back-
Public Libraries also transform
into vibrant community hubs dur- provides valuable support for stop. I adjust for distance, and my
working families. Day camps, second throw bounces twice be-
ing the summer months. The an-
nual Summer Reading Program youth enrichment programs, and fore it gets to the catcher. Pitch-
recreational activities offer safe, ing is not my gift.
encourages children, teens, and
adults alike to keep reading while structured environments where Next, I go to the batting area,
children can learn, play, and grow where a father stands patiently on
school is out. Beyond books, li-
braries host magic shows, animal while parents continue their daily the mound and lobs balls to the Image by Jan Haerer from Pixabay
routines. Erie County’s partner- young hitters. One kid is great.
presentations, crafts, educational The coaches then divided us and every kid got a little trophy
workshops, and countless free ships with organizations like Say Another keeps gripping the bat on that said “Baseball Star.”
Yes Buffalo and the Boys & Girls the wrong end. into five teams, and we spent a
activities that help prevent sum- couple months in competition. In high school, I showed that
mer learning loss while creating Clubs help ensure that opportuni- I get ten pitches. I swing and trophy to a girl I wanted to date.
ties remain accessible for families miss the first five. Then I make During that time, I learned impor-
lasting memories. These pro- tant terms like bunt, hook slide, She just laughed.
grams demonstrate that learning across the region. contact, and dribble a grounder Would you like to write the
As the days grow longer, I that nearly reaches the pitcher. and homer.
doesn’t end when the school year There was only one minor story of your life, your experienc-
does. encourage everyone to take ad- Then I tell the pitcher I’ve had es, your dreams? Here is a mem-
vantage of what Erie County has enough. injury, when a runner tripped
Of course, summer in Erie over third base and fell on top of oir company you might want to
County also means festivals, con- to offer. Visit a park you’ve never The fielding group is my fa- use: https://checkout.memory
explored. Attend a free concert. vorite. We boys stand out in the a melted ice cream cone.
certs, farmers markets, and cul- At the end of the season, the gram.com?sca_ref=6530088.7uK
tural celebrations. From outdoor Sign up for the library’s Summer field, all wearing gloves about TOCraQU
Reading Program. Support a local twice too big. We each field a coaches gave us a big banquet,
performances in our parks to
neighborhood festivals celebrat- festival or farmers’ market. Every combination of grounders and
experience helps strengthen the flies. Most of us did OK, and one
ing our rich heritage, residents
have countless opportunities to fabric of our community while kid just throws his glove at each
creating memories that will last grounder.
support local businesses, enjoy
live entertainment, and experi- long after summer comes to an
end. Erie County continues to
ence the diversity that makes Erie
County so special. Weekly con- demonstrate that when we invest
in quality programming for resi-
certs, fitness classes in the parks,
and community events offer af- dents of all ages, everyone bene-
fits. Here’s to another safe,
fordable ways for families to en-
active, and memorable summer
across Erie County.
Published by Buffalo Standard Printing Corp.
Roger Puchalski - Editor
Roxie Harbison - Sales & Marketing
Printed in Buffalo by Buffalo Newspress
E-MAIL rrtimes@pm.me
(716) 835-9455
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reflect the views of the RiverRock Times. Letters to the editor are
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