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ACCESS revival brings out volunteers, ideas

When Mayor Jeffery Schielke made the decision to revive Action Committee for Community, Environmental and Social Services he had no idea how many people would come out for a meeting on a snowy winter night.

“I would have been pleased with a group half this size,” said the mayor to the group of 50 people.

Mayor Schielke went on to identify the many community projects that ACCESS has accomplished in the past, such as the initial organization of the Interfaith Food Pantry, the fireworks, the Christmas Toy Drive and the building of the Riverwalk.

When he asked for some quick brainstorming, the ideas seem to flow rapidly from the group. The group identified a number of projects from helping with the windmill promotion to setting up a reception area for those who bike along the Fox River bike path.

One terrific idea came from Doris Sherer, who identified the need to build nesting boxes for the bald eagles along the Fox River.

After the meeting Scherer came up and introduced herself to me.

“I don't know if you remember me, but I was your mom's playground assistant at Walnut Street playground,” she said.

Even though it has been at least 50 years since I last saw Doris, I immediately recognized her from the days when kids hopped on their bikes and headed for the local playground to learn how to make a square, round and flat braids from plastic and amazing things out of Popsicle sticks.

“And most of those crafts were free,” she said.

Goodbye, Ona's: How sad to learn that Ona's restaurant has closed its doors.

It is difficult to open anything in a down economy but Dan Foelske not only offered great food but hospitality that was welcoming.

It was so heartwarming to see customers offer to share a table with someone who was alone.

One-stop prom shop: Girls who are attending prom this year are invited to Prom-O-Rama that takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at Shannon Hall at the Eastside Community Center.

Last years's event was so much fun and the fashion show, sponsored by Special Occasions, featured models of different sizes who all looked beautiful walking down the runway.

For more information, log onto downtownbatavia.com.