Dog Ears Bookstore recently completed another summer of reading and writing camps for children, and Thomas McDonnell, executive director of the nonprofit community bookstore, would like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who made the camps possible.
“Obviously, we would not be able to present this amazing summer program without the help of all our incredible community partners and local businesses,” said McDonnell. “Their support amazes and humbles me. With their efforts and the continued support of South District Councilman Christopher Scanlon, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and the Erie County Youth Services department, these camps bridge the summer educational gap and bring to the surface this community’s emphasis on constant learning.”
Community partners who visited the bookstore during the summer camps include John Gilmour, local defense attorney and candidate for the Erie County Legislature; Lissa Marie Redmond, retired Buffalo Police detective and local author; Laura Lawless from South Buffalo School of Music; Chet “The Breadman” and Marina Fery from Bread Time Stories; and Elizabeth Carey from AAA Western and Central New York.
Hosting walking field trips were the Brick Oven Bistro & Deli (John Glavey and Mike Interlichia), Queen City Cycling (Jill McMahon), Imperial Pizza (Jim Bouris and Dave Powers), Park Edge Sweet Shoppe (Anna Hartog and Maggie Mulvaney), Abbott Ice Cream (Matt Smith and Ron Morris), KupKates (Kathleen Cunningham), and the Buffalo Fire Department and the crew from Engine 4.
The summer camps were open to children of all reading and writing levels and consisted of an activity each morning such as music, sports, animals, drama, literature, arts, community awareness and more. After lunch, the children broke into small groups to reflect upon, write about and share thoughts on their morning experiences and achievements.
For more information on Dog Ears Bookstore & Café, located at 688 Abbott Road, please visit dogearsbookstore.org or call 823-2665.