ShamRock & Roll fundraiser will support Batavia Depot expansion
I am a fourth generation Batavian. I live in one of the oldest homes in town, built by the VanNortwicks, the family that built our city.
The history of our home and the families who have lived here led me to the Batavia Depot Museum for research.
I found that our little town has a rich and illustrious history and our museum is a testament to that history.
Sadly, many in our community have never visited our museum. Most have only done so in an effort to help their kids with their third-grade report.
So it shouldn't have come as a surprise when one person recently said to me, "Why give money to build something to house old stuff?"
My heart sank.
You see, even our recent history is important. Will it be forgotten that Dick Ernzen with a wink and a smile convinced service clubs and members of the trades to build the Valley Sheltered Workshop?
Will we forget how many Scout troops, church groups, and members of the general community showed up every Saturday morning to lay the bricks for the Riverwalk? And will we remember how many bakers brought baked goods and restaurants donated food for the workers?
Will people remember that in addition to winning state championships, Batavians filled the stands in support of the teams?
These are just a few of the stories of our generation. Stories like these let future generations know what type of community we are - and I am so proud of who we are.
A little over a year ago, the Batavia Historical Society announced plans to raise money for the expansion of the Depot Museum because the museum is running out of space for preserving and displaying the Batavia artifacts. Members of the Expansion Committee began the difficult task of asking for money.
The first organization to offer help was the Batavia Rotary. They pledged $15,000.
Now, the Woman's Club is getting involved.
On Saturday, March 17, the club is sponsoring a ShamRock and Roll at Island View Banquets (the VFW) with a portion of the ticket price benefiting the Depot Museum.
It will be from 6 to 11 p.m. at Island View Banquets, 645 River St. in Batavia. Cost is $50 per person. For tickets, visit www.BataviaWomansClub.org.
"This is going to be such a cool event," said Cynthia Kieckhefer, who calls herself the Batavia Woman's Club resident leprechaun. "There will be fun raffles and several chocolate Guinness cakes. We will have a bagpiper, pot-o-gold raffle, the whole Irish-themed works. It'll be fun."
Corned beef and cabbage will be the menu choice. Chicken will also be available.
There will be a DJ for dancing and a 50/50 raffle so you might go home with some additional money.
Kieckhefer added that there will also be a number of fun auction items and baskets to bid on. Whiskey Acres is donating an aged whiskey barrel, some bottles of rye and bourbon, along with a tasting party for eight.
"Various nonprofits in our town are joining forces for this benefit," said Kieckhefer. "In addition to the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis will be lending a hand."
Can't make the fundraiser? It's easy to donate to the Batavia Depot Museum Expansion. Just log on to www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org and highlight the Expansion Project.
It's great when service organizations come together for the benefit of the community. I've seen it happen before. It's history in the making.
If you go
What: ShamRock and Roll, a benefit for the Batavia Depot Expansion
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 17
Where: Island View Banquets, 645 River St. Batavia
Cost: $50 per person
Includes: Dinner, music, DJ, dancing, raffles, games, 50/50
For tickets: <a href="http://www.BataviaWomansClub.org">www.BataviaWomansClub.org</a>