OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen The next community conversation, presented by the Ahira Hall Memorial Library, will be at Brocton Central School. The focus is on the importance of voting.

BROCTON — The next community conversation presented by the Ahira Hall Memorial Library will include several prominent political figures ahead of the upcoming elections to discuss the importance of making your voice heard.

This upcoming Tuesday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Brocton Central School cafeteria, Ahira Hall Memorial Library presents Voting: Our Privilege – Our Right – Our Responsibility. Expected guest speakers are State Senator George Borrello and outgoing Assemblyman Andy Goodell, while Assemblyman candidate Michael Bobseine has also expressed interest.

The event flyer states, “Help make a difference in our families, neighborhoods, and the Brocton-Portland community. Open, honest and respectful conversations are encouraged.”

Library Director Julie Morrison Putcher described the forum as not designed for candidates to pitch their own agenda to entice voters, but rather to stress the importance of voting. Putcher described the educational purpose of the event as “trying to get the community to understand why their vote matters, how their vote matters,” as well as answering any questions about registering to vote. How to determine which candidate is right for a voter, ways to identify misinformation, and how to bring issues forward to elected officials will also be discussed.

“We appreciate everything the Library does for the community,” Mayor Craig Miller said. He also complimented the Library’s summer concert series at Ryckman Park.

The Park will be busy again on Saturday, Oct. 5 when the annual Arch Festival kicks off at 10 a.m., through 4 p.m. that afternoon. More than 30 local artisans and vendors are expected to attend. The community event features entertainment for all ages, including live music, a bounce house, and a car show. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chili will also be available, which was well-received at the summer concerts. Another similar event will be held indoors at Brocton Central School at a later date.