Town of Collins Recreation Director Cliff Wheeler says the concerts are a popular event for the program’s older group of participants, ages 12-18. An added benefit is that it provides an avenue for local high-school musicians to publicly display their talents.

     The bands are paid half of the $2 admission charge. The other half goes toward the purchase of prizes given out during the evening. The program runs from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

     On Friday nights and Saturdays, the recreation program keeps the L.K. Painter Community Center bustling with a wide variety of other activities that are free to Town of Collins residents in kindergarten through age 18. Non-resident guests pay 50 cents.

     Located in the old schoolhouse building at the corner of Main and School streets in Collins, the Painter Center houses a game room with video machines, pool tables, air hockey, bubble hockey, foosball and board games.

     There’s also a concession stand where the kids can purchase snacks, including pizza.

     Dodgeball, basketball, hockey, broomball and roller skating are options offered in the gymnasium. Those who don’t have their own roller skates can borrow a pair.

     Upstairs in the computer room, the kids can play computer games or use the internet. Another room is set aside for those who prefer to do crafts.

     These activities are open to children in kindergarten through age 12 on Friday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Those ages 12-18 can attend on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

     Wheeler also schedules many activities, ranging from coloring contests and talent shows to sumo wrestling in huge costumes. “We try to do new things each year,” he remarked.

     The Town of Collins Recreation program provides transportation for a number of field trips as well. Recent outings have included movies at Joylan Theatre in Springville, tubing in Colden and ice skating at Fredonia State.

     Wheeler notes that there are lots of counselors to supervise the activities. He says, “What makes this place successful is the counselors. They really care about the kids. The kids feel like they have someone to listen to them and a place to go.”

     Attendance averages 120 on Friday nights and 80 on Saturdays. “The kids count on this every weekend,” observed counselor Karen Moesch.

     Another counselor, Judy Andolsek, commented, “It’s a wonderful program. It’s a place that offers so many different activities. It has something for everyone, not just those interested in sports. People I’ve talked to from other towns wish they had something like this.”

     Andolsek adds that the program gives kids an opportunity to get to know others in their neighborhood better. “Friendships are formed,” she remarked. For further information about the Town of Collins Recreation program, call Wheeler at 532-4206.