2007-2008 Program

Patty Amidon as she speaks to AAUW members in September

Patty Amidon, Coordinator of Health and Peer Education at the State University of New York at Alfred spoke to the Alfred-Hornell branch of the American Association of University Women during a recent meeting at Marino’s Restaurant in Hornell. An Arkport native, Amidon returned to her hometown after several years in the Middle Atlantic States, purchasing her childhood home as her ideal place to continue raising her family. Upon graduation from Arkport Central School, Amidon attained an Associates degree from Corning Community College, then a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education from George Mason University, and a Master of Science degree from the State University of New York at Brockport. In her current capacity at SUNY Alfred, Amidon coordinates a number of exercise, diet, and healthy living programs for faculty and students alike. Lean more about the counselling services at SUNY Alfred: http://www.alfredstate.edu/student-services/counseling-services

During her presentation, Amidon put an interesting twist in Health Education, with humor, through interesting and little known health trivia. Although she focused primarily on women’s health issues, the evening included plenty of important fact for men and child development too. The topic was divided into six specific and important subjects, including our five senses and modern alternative medical practices. Amidon presented interesting health trivia related to our senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. The alternative medical practices discussed during the presentation were aromatherapy, holistic medicine, homeopathy, reflexology, massage, and reiki. These practices are considered to be more natural, less invasive, and are more spiritually based than traditional medical options. Many members of the group shared their success stories surrounding their personal experiences with various alternative medicine options.

Heather Meacham, Vice President and Program Chair coordinated September’s program for the Alfred-Hornell branch of AAUW. Marino’s Restaurant was the perfect setting for the evening’s event. The meeting opened with a recap of summer activities in which members of the group participated while regular meetings were on hiatus.

Several members of the branch took part in supporting Hornell’s Relay for Life, an annual event in which participants team up with friends, family, and co-workers to raise funds in support of the American Cancer Society. Hornell set a new record in fund raising for the local event, with a grand total over $106,000.00 toward the fight against cancer. Branch Secretary and Communications Director, Becky Shick, recounted the poignancy of the sight of the walking paths lined with luminaries as both a visibly beautiful picture yet each candle representing a loved one that has been lost or has been impacted by the horrible disease. Discover how you can help the fight against cancer by supporting the Relay for Lifre at: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/

Patti Soper-Oakes, Vice President of Membership of the group was honored over the summer with the distinguished Paul Harris Award. This award identifies the recipient as an advocate for the Foundation’s goals of world peace and international understanding. Soper-Oakes is past President of the local Rotary and has served a number of offices in the group over the past several years. Currently she, as Youth Exchange Chair, and her associates are coordinating the student-hosting program, which locates and monitors host families to allow students, ages 15-18 years, to experience different cultures from our own. For more information on our local Rotary, click on: http://www.hornellrotary.org/

Heather Meacham was honored with the Golden Hot Dog Award at Alfred’s Hot Dog Day. The award is presented annually to the winner of the 5K walk during the summer celebration. Read more about how Hot Dog Day provides support for local charities in Alleghany county: http://alfredny.info/Home/tabid/61/mid/690/newsid690/43/Default.aspx

Mary Jane Lloyd, President of the local branch of AAUW was honored with AAUW’s Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF) award. LAF aids students and faculty in challenging discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment, pay inequity, and inequality in women’s athletics programs. Learn more about this program at: http://www.aauw-nys.org/laf.htm

Patricia Soper-Oakes discusses the student hosting program, administered by the Rotary as interested attendees look on.