The Southern Tier Symphony

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T H E S O U T H E R N T I E R S Y M P H O N Y
JOHN WHITNEY - MUSIC DIRECTOR

From the left: Jesse Garon, Dr. M. Javed, John Whitney, Dr. M. Mortimer

Jesse Garon (Click Donate to Vote for J. Garon)

Jesse Garon is an Olean native and is best known for his work on local country radio station WPIG. Although his musical knowledge is planted firmly in the field of country music, he believes
in supporting all genres of music. He enjoys keeping the area music scene vibrant by helping to find bookings for local bands. Jesse is excited to be involved with the Southern Tier Symphony and the �Maestro for a Moment� campaign. �I have always been a big fan of Henry Mancini and John Williams, so I couldn�t pass up the opportunity to be involved with symphonic music on a local level�, Jesse said.

Jesse has been involved with many local non-profit organizations and charities throughout the years. He�s a supporter of the Red Cross, St. Jude Children�s Research Hospital, the SPCA, a board member for the former Olean Art Space and is actively involved with the Genesis House, where he organizes a jamboree every fall to bring attention to the homeless of the community. He is a firm believer in community enhancement at all levels and believes that the Southern Tier Symphony is a key ingredient in keeping culture alive in the area.

Jesse would like to encourage all his listeners from WPIG, his friends in the local music scene and others to please continue their support for this great organization.

Muhammed T. Javed, MD (Click Donate to Vote for M. Javed)

Dr. Javed is a practicing Nephrologist in Olean and Bradford. He completed his medical residency and nephrology fellowship at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. He moved to Western New York 10 years ago to become Medical Director of the Bradford and Olean General Hospital Dialysis centers. He was instrumental in establishing End Stage Renal Disease care at Olean General Hospital.

Over the years he has served in various capacities and on numerous committees at both the Olean General Hospital and Bradford Regional Medical Center. Most recently, Dr. Javed has served as president of the Olean General Hospital Medical Staff and as a member of the OGH Board of Directors. He maintains a very busy private practice in Olean and Bradford and provides care to approximately 130 dialysis patients.nts.

Dr. Javed also collaborates with the National Kidney Foundation to bring kidney screening programs and Chronic Kidney Disease Education to our region. He would like to urge his medical colleagues to support cultural activity in our area and counts on your support of the Southern Tier Symphony.

Michael D. Mortimer. O. D. (Click Donate to vote for M. Mortimer)

An Ohio native, Mike attended Denison University, earning a B.S. in chemistry and he spent three years as a tire chemist in Akron.

He attended Optometry School at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Coming to Olean in 1980, he continued the optometric practice on North Union St. that had provided eye care to Olean area for at least 75 years at the same location. Until recently, he also had a practice in Salamanca. In November of 2007, he joined a new office, Allegany Eye Associates, located in the old YMCA building.

Mike�s musical credentials began modestly. When it was time to choose an instrument in 5^th grade, he chose the drum. �I reasoned that I would only have to learn one note. Perhaps the same logic followed me later when I joined the church handbell choir. Surely, I would not be responsible for more than two notes. What a proud day it was when I was given three bells for one piece. Still, I only got two white gloves!�

Later, Mike learned the guitar and solved the problem of multiple notes. �I have also taken up the harmonica which has reeds arranged in a scale such that most any of them blend with the song being played. With such a varied musical background, certainly the next step is to direct a symphony orchestra. Wouldn�t you agree?