giving

BMS students deliver thank-you goodies during holiday give-back to community

By Joanne Beck
Dec 22, 2023, 3:20pm

Students from Batavia Middle School give back to services in Batavia. Photo by Steve Ognibene — Students from Batavia Middle School stop to visit the City of Batavia Fire Department on Thursday.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Each year at Batavia Middle School, staff and administrators coordinate a Give-Back Day for students, and this year's event took them to several local places to spread a little seasonal cheer.

"Every student in our building creates gifts for community agencies and businesses that support our school, and then we personally deliver them the next week to show thanks and appreciation," Middle School Principal Nate Korzelius said. "It is a wonderful experience for our students and they enjoy this opportunity to give back."

They had a full itinerary on Thursday, dropping off thank-you treats, visiting and caroling at The Manor House, Richmond Memorial Library, the Department of Social Services, Tim Horton's, WBTA, the city fire and police departments, Probation and Child Protective Services, Family Court, STEP, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Pizza 151, YMCA, Mancuso Bowling Center, Genesee County Animal Shelter, Cinquino's Pizza, the city school's administration office, and Miss Batavia, which also included lunch.

Batavia Fire Department staff receiving gifts. Photo by Steve Ognibene — Batavia Middle School students deliver some thank-you goodies to City of Batavia Fire Department staff.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Fire Department staff receiving hot drinks. Photo by Steve Ognibene — City of Batavia Fire Department staff receive hot drinks from BMS students during the give-back day.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Caroling at Tim Hortons. Photo by Steve Ognibene — Students from Batavia Middle School break out their best vocals for seasonal caroling Thursday at Tim Hortons in Batavia. Photo by Steve Ognibene

WBTA 1490 staff excited that students stopped by to give back to community. Photo by Steve Ognibene — Staff members from WBTA in downtown Batavia, including new company owner Jim Ernst, center on right, share in the excitement of a visit from BMS students during their give-back tour throughout the community on Thursday.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Police department welcomed students who brought gifts. Photo by Steve Ognibene — Batavia City Police officers welcome BMS students Thursday as they deliver thank-you gifts to the police station.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Conversations with Calliope- Saying Thank You

By Joseph Langen
Nov 17, 2009, 8:43am

(Sharing a Meal)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What are you up to this morning?
JOE: Thinking about my column for Saturday.
CALLIOPE: Do you have a topic?
JOE: It's taking shape. I want to write something about Thanksgiving since this will be my last column before the turkey event.
CALLIOPE: What will you say?
JOE: I'm thinking of a theme of saying thanks by giving something of yourself.
CALLIOPE: Where did that idea come from?
JOE: I'm going today to discuss a new project I am considering about a free mental health center.
CALLIOPE: What do you mean free?
JOE: No fees. People with few or no resources can come for free counseling with mental health professionals who donate their time.
CALLIOPE: Sounds unique.
JOE: I think it is. I haven't heard of anything quite like this before. I am considering a book about them.
CALLIOPE: Let me know how it turns out.
JOE: You will be the first to know. Talk with you tomorrow.

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