Batavia retiree exhibits, sells artwork
I am always amazed at some of the talented artists living at the Holmstad retirement community in Batavia. Sculptors, woodcarvers, and fine artists have displayed their art in the display area outside the Creative Arts Center. The current resident, exhibiting is Chuck Taylor, a retired applied research physicist, who started out as a self-taught artist. It's hard to believe that this artist got his start by practicing with "how to" painting books. He was motivated to continue painting when he placed second at the Durham County fair in Connecticut.
"I got 48 out of 50 points, two points away from first place," Taylor said. "I lost points because of my frame. And I made the frame!"
Taylor became interested in art because he enjoyed working with model railroads.
"I enjoyed creating the backdrops for the train layouts," he added. "That led me to fine art."
Taylor works in a variety of media and describes his style as impressionistic realism. He has exhibited at a number of art shows through the Fox Valley area and sells notecards along with his paintings. A portion of the profit from the sale of his cards benefits the Holmstad Benevolent Fund.
Operation Warm Toes:
Sophie Lindstrom is a pretty amazing young lady. Sophie wanted to do a reverse advent calendar last year, meaning she would give something each day rather than receive. At first, she was considering food and then decided to collect socks.
"Homeless shelters and the Batavia's Clothes Closet are always in need of socks because it is one item that cannot be donated used. They go out and buy them," Sophie said.
The enterprising fifth-grader started Operation Warm Toes at Alice Gustafson School. After getting approval from her principal, Sophie wrote announcements and made posters to get the word out to students and AGS staff. Her goal was 300 pairs of socks. The AGS family was very supportive as well as friends and family outside of school.
"Journeys Shoes donated 180 pairs of socks and then Bearded Villains of Chicago donated another 120 pairs of socks, It's not how it sounds, they are really a nice bunch of guys," added Sophie. "That was like the sock bomb!"
Her final total collected was 1,275 pairs of socks. And yes, she already has plans for Operation Warm Toes to go with her to middle school.
That giving spirit:
That giving spirit doesn't stop at the elementary level. The Batavia High School Cheer Team collected items for CHIP IN Welcome Baskets that are given to families when they move from homelessness to an apartment or their first home. Included in the baskets are cleaning supplies and things a family might need to move in.
They also collected food for Fox Valley Christian Church's Friday food backpacks program. In need students, identified by District 101, are given food for the weekend through this program.
"I am always so proud of the cheer team and their willingness to step up and help," said Jennifer Melendez, head varsity coach for cheerleading. "It is important to give back for the benefit of our community."
This is the second year the cheer team has been working with CHIP IN.
"We emphasize that we are Cheer-LEADERS," added Melendez. "We encourage them to lead positive, spirited lives throughout our community."
Be a part of history:
Speaking of community, don't miss the opportunity to get involved in the Batavia Historical Society's Depot Project. Be sure to attend the Kickoff Celebration, "History Happens Here" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, at the Batavia Public Library. This family-friendly event will show how exciting Batavia's history is and how you can be a part of its future.
Hope to see you there.
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