David Battini (2014)
“… Since moving to Greenville in 1967, his life has been one of working with youth and volunteering…. David’s life continues to be one of service, not only to the Town of Greenville but to all of Greene County.”
- Phyllis Beechert, in her nominating letter for Greene County’s “2012 Outstanding Contribution for Senior of the Year.”
David Battini was born in 1942 in Astoria, NYC, attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, before arriving in Norton Hill, at a house newly built for his parents, Joseph and Marguerite, in 1967 (where his parents permanently came to reside in 1972).
College majors in Political Science and History, college minors in Naval Science and Philosophy, and life-long hobbies of gardening, fishing, and hunting attest to Dave’s diverse interests in life.
Dave started teaching in 1968 at the Durham Central School, first teaching self-contained junior high classes and then, when Durham merged into Cairo-Durham, teaching high school classes for over twenty years until he retired in 1998.
It is, however, Dave’s other activities that earn this recognition, reinforcing and testifying to Dave’s belief that small town sensibilities allow and encourage people to come together, solve arising problems, and contribute to the welfare of the town.
Boy Scouting in Greenville is such a testament to Dave’s small town sensibilities. Starting as Assistant Scout Master in 1969, Dave became Scout Master in 1971 and has since devoted thousands of hours, leading boys and young men to the ideals of the Boy Scouts – character, citizenship, responsibility, physical fitness, leadership. The “Boy Scout” building next to All Arts Matter (the former Presbyterian Church) has seen many a lit window on a Wednesday evening over the past forty-some years, with Dave, and with the support of many other community members, leading this community endeavor.
Greenville Troop #42 has guided 54 Eagle Scouts, 53 of them with Dave as Scout Master. Over 100 merit badges await the scouts as they progress through the ranks, but it is the consistent week-to-week, month-to-month, year-to-year regimen that not only defines their attainment of goals but also attests to the consistent leadership Dave and others have provided.
Whether it be the fabled cross-country trips, with stops of military bases, churches, and other scout buildings; to the storied Philmont two-week hike at Cimarron, NM; to the ice-fishing forays to local ponds and lakes; to the ceremonies of advancement and achievement that connect young scouts, family, community, and life ideals, Dave is at the forefront.
The other significant effort that this community recognizes is Dave’s involvement in the Rescue Squad, a volunteer group that is still active (as of late 2013). Dave was one of about twenty founding community members in 1972 who helped “solved one of our community’s problems with local volunteerism.” Fundraisers have helped purchase new vehicles, the first one costing $13,000, compared to those today that cost $150,000. And then there is the training requirement which, depending of the level attained, requires a minimum of 200 hours.
But, Dave’s presence is especially felt, more so in his “retirement” years, when the call goes out for an EMT. And Dave responds to more calls than anyone else in Greenville—some 125 calls per year.
Dave’s other activities are not unnoticed either:
· Greenville Volunteer Fire Company, since 1970, usually as a Fire-Policeman; has served as Secretary and VP, at various times
· delivers NYS EMS training
· Greenville Republican Committee member (one of the earliest supporters of John Faso)
· Town of Greenville Board of Assessment Review (chairman)
· Greene County EMS Council and REMO Basic Life Support Provider of Year (in a six county region)
· member of Greene County Rural Health Network
· Greene County Paramedic program, treasurer
· Meal on Wheels, substitute driver
· American Heart Association certified instructor
· REMO Executive Board
Dave says he is satisfied with a small town like Greenville, where individuals can make a difference, where neighbors help neighbors, and all of it happening without an overarching bureaucracy.
And the Greenville Local History Group is more than satisfied, actually, so very proud, to recognize our small-town neighbor and friend from Carter Bridge Road.
by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian