U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District procurement technician Jean Brockner and her friend, Cory the Tugboat, visited the Bornhava school's Vehicle Day, July 26, 2018, educating kids and adults on water safety.
Bornhava is an early childhood center for children with developmental disabilities, and this year's Vehicle Day provided an opportunity for approximately 200 kids and adults to experience and learn about different modes of transportation and their functions.
Throughout the morning, Cory roamed around Bornhava's backyard meeting groups of curious children and their guardians. Cory grabbed their attention by not only being the only talking tugboat in town, or by spraying a jet of cool water on a hot day, but by teaching vital water safety skills that save lives.
"I'm here to teach girls and boys how to be safe around water," said Cory. "I tell them to be sure there's an adult around at all times, make sure you always wear a flotation device on a boat, check that the water isn't too deep, and if they need help, to tell their parents or call 9-1-1."
"Cory loves to talk to kids about water safety," said Brockner, who provides the voice for Cory. "She explains the importance of wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), covers who to call in emergency situations, and always reminds kids how much their loved ones want them to be safe."
"The safety messages that Jean and Cory related were very valuable," said Pat Cammarata, Bornhava event coordinator. "Since we had teachers and parents participating it was very much appreciated."
Sunny weather highlighted the day's activities filled with curious schoolchildren learning more about the world around them, interesting vehicles that serve different uses, and how to be safe navigating it all.
"Having Cory the Tugboat come for the first time was wonderful," said Cammarata. "Both the children and adults loved the new addition to our Vehicle Day celebration."
Cory successfully got her message out and even had time to introduce herself to all the other vehicles at Vehicle Day: the Twin City ambulance, Mercy Flight Western New York's replica helicopter, two town trucks provided by the Town of Amherst, an Amherst Police Department motorcycle and police car, a friend of Bornhava's kayak, the Erie County Sheriff Department's two mounted policepersons, and an ice cream cart, among others.
"The Army Corps of Engineers in Buffalo were nice enough to bring me here to this beautiful place," said Cory. "It was the best day ever! I'm very thankful to the Army Corps of Engineers."
"Jean and Cory the Tugboat were amazing," said Cammarata. "Having Cory made the Vehicle Day extra special! We would love to have them back next year."
To see Cory the Tugboat in action at Bornhava, visit this page:
The Buffalo District can supply speakers to clubs, organizations, educational institutions and special interest groups within the Buffalo District Area of Operation. For more information about Speaker's Bureau, please contact:
Dr. Michael Izard-Carroll
USACE Buffalo District Public Affairs
Desk: 716-879-4150
Cell: 716-368-2060
Michael.D.Izard-Carroll@usace.army.mil