Building and Strengthening Communities Neighborhood by Neighborhood
By Annette Pinder
Linda Gale Gellman is a local artist, creator, leader of the Ashland Avenue Block Club in the Elmwood Village, and a Buffalo Block Club board member. Linda explains that a series of frightening neighborhood incidents prompted residents to meet with councilman David Rivera, city hall representatives, and local community police officers to address safety issues and ways to strengthen their block club.
“Then, when the pandemic hit, the block club took on even more importance,” said Linda. Concerned for her neighbors, especially the elderly and those living alone, Linda created a personal information sheet for residents to share with their closest neighbor. The sheets listed the names and ages of adults, children, and pets in the home, medications, emergency contacts, and phone numbers. She also spearheaded a mask-making effort for distribution to elderly residents in public housing with the help of 16 volunteers and donated materials.
In early spring, with the pandemic still raging, Linda again contemplated how to make the world a better place. Thus, began Garden Story Time, an event during which neighborhood children ages five and under, their parents, and caretakers gather each Saturday at 10 am to listen to stories in Linda’s peaceful home garden. Linda says, “Not only do the kids love it, but so do their parents and caregivers. Once I had to put the adults in time out for talking so much. The kids thought that was pretty funny!”
The families participating in Garden Story Time are diverse, and the books Linda reads are gender neutral and foster inclusion. The children also share their own favorite books. Recalling her own childhood, Linda says, “I know how special it is to have a friend living right next door or across the street when you’re very young. It’s so joyful to see adults, children, and neighbors connecting with one another. It warmed my heart recently when I heard one three-year-old little girl asking another if she would be her friend.”
Connecting people and giving back to her community is what Linda does best. Buffalo Citizen Services and the Buffalo Board of Block Clubs have held weekly zoom community meetings every Friday at noon since the start of the pandemic, which are open to anyone. Meetings also include guest speakers who educate participants about agencies, services, and resources available to city residents. Linda calls block clubs “the glue to creating healthier connected communities, neighborhood by neighborhood.”
Meanwhile, Garden Story Time has proven so successful, that The Buffalo Block Club Board is looking at ways to bring Garden Story Time to other neighborhoods. Linda says, “Taking an idea and watching it unfold has been wonderful. What’s better than helping to foster loving, safe communities, and strengthening the future for the next generation? I believe that decades from now, there will be grownup childhood friends who recall the lady with the labyrinth who used to read to them.”
For those interested in strengthening or creating their own block club or Garden Story Time, or becoming a guest reader, visit www.facebook.com/bobcbuffalo. You can also call 716-406-7230 or email bobcbuffalo@gmail.com. Follow Buffalo Block Clubs on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bobcbuffalo.
