Successful season
Brocton, Portland pleased with summer rec program
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BROCTON -- The Village of Brocton is thrilled with the success of its Summer Recreation Program. Cynthia Furman, Recreation Director, provided updates to the Village Board at a recent meeting.
Furman, a Physical Education Teacher at Brocton Central School, took over the program this year. The program is supported by the Village of Brocton and the Town of Portland. A total of 90 children were registered this summer, with an average of 45-50 children attending each day.
The program partnered with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office for a canine demonstration, as well as the Brocton Fire Department for a "summer cool-off day." The Brocton-Portland Little League provided slushies, and the program also partnered with a petting zoo and a clown for face painting.
The program utilized the school facilities, including the fields, playgrounds, and school pool with lifeguards provided by the school. A bake sale raised approximately $370.
An end of the season survey was offered to all of the families that participated in the program. Of the 25 families that took the survey, 23 gave the program 5/5 stars, and the other two families gave it 4/5 stars. The community feedback was very positive, with suggestions to provide more communication year-round, with more pop-up events throughout the year.
"We appreciated the support from the Village, from the Town. The kids loved it," Furman said.
"You did awesome. You did above and beyond," Trustee Drew Ransom said to Furman. "Thank you for everything you did."
During her report, Furman was asked to return next year. She said that she is open to returning in the same capacity, and spoke of her roots in the community. "My plan is to stay here and help give back to the community," Furman said.
Tammy Thompson, a Town of Portland Board member, said, "I loved what you did. I loved how you communicated it. As a community person, I got to see what they were doing, and I thought that was great."
Thompson said the program is a selling point for families to make the Brocton and Portland community their home.
"It was awesome to see it blossom. I think we need to keep the spark going," Trustee Kari Doino said.
Trustee Brandy Smith added that Furman "is a good person to keep it going" due to her relationships with the local children and connections with the school.
The Village Board also spoke highly of the FeedMore food truck visits throughout the summer, held in conjunction with the Ahira Hall Memorial Library. There are still two visits scheduled in September, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ryckman Park, Sept. 11 and Sept. 25. FeedMore accepts cash and credit/debit cards, as well as EBT and SNAP benefits up to 50% off. All food available is certified and locally grown, and all priced at $5 or less.