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The West Seneca & Elma Sun / Saturday, December 27, 2014
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The season for animal adoption is here at SPCA
By Angela Rupp
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014
Burchfield Nature and Art gears up for next year
SUN CORRESPONDENT
It’s that time of year where many of us are in the holiday spirit of giving. For some, that means giving an animal a chance at a forever home through adoption at the SPCA. Many dogs and cats are in need of homes where they have a shot at a happy life with a caring family. Animals bring many benefits. Among those benefits are companionship, loyalty, security and they can be a calming presence in life. People go out and exercise their dogs and so they, in return, get exercise. People like to cuddle and play with their pets and it’s a mutual happy relationship. However, no matter how appealing it can sound to welcome a dog or cat into your home, there are certain things you must be ready for ahead of time. Director of Public Relations of the SPCA Gina Browning says people need to be aware of work and costs before they adopt. “First and foremost, people should never use an animal as a teaching tool,” she said when asked the question why she thinks many parents want to get their children dogs. “There is a lot that goes into owning a pet. You have to always be ready for emergencies, and take into account the monthly costs of owning an animal,” Browning explained.
By William Homan SUN CORRESPONDENT
SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY
There’s no better gift than the love of a pet. She said that the adoption process is open the entire month of December with exception to holiday hours. The SPCA will be performing adoptions well into the new year. In the recent past, Browning said she has seen more people are getting informed as to what specific animal would fit their needs and lifestyle before they come in. “When people do decide, we are seeing that they’ve done their research and know what breed they’re looking for,” she said. Included in the adoption of a pet through the SPCA, there are many benefits. The dog or cat is spayed and neutered. The animals
have their vaccinations and a microchip ID, and the first visit to the vet is covered along with 30 days of pet insurance. The SPCA offers another great benefit to the people welcoming a pet into their home: adoption counselors. These are people who are certified to talk to new pet parents about any adjustment or training concerns, and they act as a great support network for new owners. The SPCA has many outlets for adopting pets. They have stations at the Walden Galleria and the Eastern Hills Mall. They take in not only surrenders from families but also strays and
puppy mill rescues. For every person out there, there is an animal that needs a forever home and educating yourself on the animal that is right for you is the first step to take. The SPCA has all the knowledge and resources you need to make an informed decision. The center closes at noon on Dec. 24 and is closed for Christmas. They will resume normal business hours after the holidays. Adopting a pet is a great way to add happiness to your home, and saving an animal who would love you unconditionally is a wonderful gift, no matter what the season.
West Seneca Food Pantry thanks community for generosity By Kimberly Snickles WEST SENECA SUN EDITOR
It’s been a fantastic year of giving in West Seneca, and according to Mary Lou Dietrich, director of the West Seneca Food Pantry, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “The big part of running the pantry for me is gathering the food and donations and when people can help us with that, it makes the job a lot easier,” she said. Several volunteers, civic organizations, businesses, and even high school students contributed to making the food pantry a success this year. Students from both the public and parochial schools in West Seneca offered their services by hosting their own
THE SUN
food drives and collecting perishables for those in need. Neighbors were asked to donate food and the teenagers would pick them up the following week. “By having their own drive, it gave them a sense of how people reacted and the kindness of people when they went to pick up the bags,” said Dietrich. “It was a good learning experience, both writing the note and collecting the food.” Dietrich explained that the students were very surprised to learn how many residents were in need of food. After collecting the donations, they were given a tour of the pantry and shown how it operates. “Some of the students are taken aback when they find
out that kids in their school and their parents have to rely on someone else for food,” she said. “It’s a learning experience for kids that fortunately haven’t had to experience this.” Boys and Girl Scouts, real estate offices, chiropractic offices, businesses, and civic organizations also offered their assistance in collecting food and donations this year. Dietrich would also like to thank the local churches that collected food on a weekly basis and the pantry volunteers, who without them, the pantry would not be able to function. Having consistent donations allows the pantry to assist in unexpected emergencies as well. “We are so happy to have all of these gifts from the com-
munity, which also served during the storm. I worked with the West Seneca Emergency Operations Center in distributing food, not only to people shut in their homes, but also into local fire halls,” she said. “During these couple of days with this group, we worked hard to make sure that anyone who was in need received food and the people in the shelters benefited from the food that was given to us.” The West Seneca Food Pantry’s needs rose to 18 percent this year, but thanks to the community’s efforts, that need was met and even surpassed. Dietrich said she is overwhelmed by the generosity of her neighbors and is grateful for each and every donation received this holiday season.
Everyone could use a little rest and relaxation when it comes time for the holidays. Between the running around looking for the perfect gift and the holiday travel, this time of the year can be stressful for many people. If the holidays have taken their toll, visit the Burchfield Nature and Art Center as they wrap up a busy year with their holiday open house that takes place from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 28. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to take in everything that the center has to offer. Guests are encouraged to take a walk in the park or play in the snow, interact with other guests and volunteers, and warm up with cocoa and cookies- all provided free of charge. Burchfield Nature and Art Center volunteer Carol Yetter also spoke about the upcoming events taking place in 2015. “We’re completely booked,” Yetter explained. “It’s exciting.” Beginning Jan. 4 and running until Feb. 1, the center will play host to the West Seneca Historical Society’s “West Seneca Churches: An exhibit of historic photos and artifacts.” The exhibit will look at the various churches in the area and explore the role of these churches and faith in the development of the town. In addition to the exhibit, there will be a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 18, with a special presentation by Town Historian James Pace scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. According to the Burchfield Nature and Art Center’s website, at least nine local churches and the West Seneca Historical Society will exhibit pictures, historic documents, pamphlets, antique songbooks and Bibles, as well as a replica of the 1864 Fourteen Holy Helpers Church. Father Joseph Chavanne Sr. built the replica to scale from hand-carved wood bricks and shingles for the church’s diamond jubilee in 1939. The church originally served as a meeting room for the Ebenezer Society, the community’s first settlers. Following the nearly month long exhibit, the Burchfield Nature and Art Center will welcome the Cheektowaga Art Guild, as they feature works from Feb. 5 – March 1. For those looking to have a more hands on experience, photographer Ken Morgan will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. to host a photography class dealing with winter photography. The Burchfield Nature and Art Center also holds a number of other art classes. To check availability, contact the center. Yetter also advised anyone in attendance on Sunday, and in the coming year, to be on the lookout for splashes of color throughout the park, as artist Frank O’Connor continues to add pieces to his installation piece. O’Connor, who recently had his work titled “Serpent of Dreams’”on display at Artpark, brings a similar project to the Burchfield Nature and Art Center. “Frank is a tremendous artist,” Yetter said. “He’s taking old branches, stripping them down, painting them, and placing them in various locations throughout our grounds. So, if you’re at the park and see you a tiny spot of color, it’s a part of the work. He’ll continue to add to the piece throughout the year.”
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
PHOTOS .................................................... SECT. A PAGE 3
YEAR OF GIVING ...................................... SECT. A PAGE 7
EDITORIAL ............................................... SECT. A PAGE 4
SECT. A PAGES 8 – 10 SPORTS..............................................SECT.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
LOW INTEREST LOANS ............................. SECT. A PAGE 4
SECT. A PAGES 11 –13 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................SECT.
POLICE BLOTTER ..................................... SECT. A PAGE 5
COMMUNITY EVENTS............................SECT EVENTS SECT A. PAGE 14
www.westsenecasun.com editorial@westsenecasun.com
AWARD ..................................................... SECT. A PAGE 7
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