Volunteers sought in Amherst, Williamsville
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Taking the time to volunteer can help better the community, as well as brighten another person's day.

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Williamsville is seeking volunteers to fill empty seats on various boards and committees.

There are positions open on the Williamsville Water Mill Committee and the Historic Preservation Commission.

The mayor instituted the mill committee in 2006 to explore funding, use and preservation of the building, located at 56 E. Spring St. in Williamsville. Two volunteers from HSBC Bank have been transferred to a different branch, thereby leaving two vacancies on the committee.

Members of the Historic Preservation Commission have the power to enact site-plan reviews, as well as apply for grants and for state and national historic registries, and thus, are required to maintain certain standards and expertise.

The Village has more than 100 volunteers assisting the community.

"We have so many committees and so many volunteers that it is a testament to the atmosphere of village life that attracts these quality people," Mayor Mary Lowther said. "Everyone is busy, but seeing so many residents lend their time and expertise is a wonderful thing."

The Village also has a Planning and Architectural Review Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Traffic and Safety Committee, Environmental Advisory Committee, Historical Society, Glen Park Joint Board, Parks Committee, Tree Board, Youth and Recreation Committee and Senior Citizens Committee.

To inquire about any of the above, call Village Hall at 632-4120.

Hutchinson Hose Fire Chief Jim Zymanek is looking to fill positions in the department and on the Explorer Post.

The Explorer Post is designed to teach young adults about the fire service, allowing them the opportunity to learn about what firefighters do to help the community.

"It is a good program that can lead to many opportunities in life," Zymanek said.

For more information, visit www. hutchinsonhose. com.

In other opportunities:

The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association is recruiting capable stroke survivors and caregivers to serve as volunteer peer-to-peer visitors in the hospital setting.

Participants will be required to complete a seven-week training and educational series covering the different aspects of life after a stroke. Training will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, starting March 3.

For more information, call 614-1997 or e-mail Char maine.rech@heart.org.

The Alzheimer's Association is also seeking volunteers to provide in-home companionship for persons with memory loss.

Volunteers would visit in teams of two, for two hours each visit. Free training is available and the hours are flexible.

For more information, call 626-0600.