Giving big thanks to those with big hearts

Ruth Johnsen e-mailed me to let me know that Batavia's Toy store was a huge success. Not only did Batavians come forward to help purchase toys for 400 kids who have families that are going through tough times, but they had enough to give each child a small and large toy, a game a puzzle, a scarf and mittens and two stuffed animals. There were also items for parents to choose for stocking stuffers.

"Luckily, we had some strong men volunteer to help this year," said Johnsen. "They helped the parents load the toys in the cars."

Before Christmas, I wrote about the need for the toy drive to help a large number of kids this year, up from 300 last year to more than 400 this year. A big thank you to the many volunteers, including members of the Batavia Mothers Club, Roy, Jeanie and Brittany Bailey and Bonnie Hines.

Also, thanks to Ruth and her husband, Don as well as Mildred Bailey and Marilyn and Rudy Dubis. These dedicated volunteers tirelessly set up the toy store each year.

Big Girl Pants: Maureen O'Brien has self published a new book "Get Your Big Girl Pants On and Sell Something -- A Handbook for Women (and Really Progressive Men) In Sales". O'Brien is an accomplished sales woman who owns her own exterior siding business.

The book is $21.95 plus shipping and handling. shipping and handling and is available through Maureen's Web site www.maureenobrienspeaks.com.

No hammer needed: Many Batavia churches have had members volunteer to build Habitat For Humanity homes. It is amazing how people with very little construction experience can work together to put up a home for a deserving family. You can help without even lifting a hammer. Just head on down to Aurora Advent Christian Church at 905 N Edgelawn in Aurora this Saturday and enjoy a great breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and juice for only $7. The breakfast takes place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and all proceeds benefit the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Celebrating the arts: Finally, A big thank you to Becky Hoag and Maggie Soliz who dreamed that Batavia would one day celebrate the arts. They kept the dream alive and now, not only do we have a very successful art show in the summer but also a new permanent gallery and an amazing new mural by Joe Gagnepain. Joe has been a blessing to the Batavia Arts community as well. As president of the Batavia Artists Association he has worked with local artists to lease most of the open space at 160 Water Street for classes and studios. He has also been instrumental in getting the gallery going. And a big thank you to Batavia Enterprises for working with the artists and making the space available.

Public art displays give all the opportunity to view the works of artists in our area. Thank you so much.