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There’s always two sides to the story

The OBSERVER editor has assured me that I can use this column to write about whatever I like. And while it may be a bit risky for some writers to pen a column criticizing their employer, I’m not all that worried about it. I do not get paid to write these articles. The OBSERVER gets to print these priceless and entertaining words of wisdom absolutely free of charge. I realize the difficulties that must come with managing print media in this day and age of electronic communication. I understand that headlines are meant to be attention grabbing and the language used in articles is ...

Getting involved can help combat loneliness

Last month’s article on loneliness was OK, but I feel I didn’t give the readers everything they expected. So, in addition to last month’s, this month’s will put the cap on loneliness. As stated, “feeling lonely from time to time is a part of life.” However, for many seniors and older adults, loneliness is all too common. More than 50% struggle with it. When these feelings linger, they can contribute to anxiety and depression. Last month I left out talking to a therapist, which can help you make positive changes in your life. Someone asked me if I take my own advice, and ...

Using care in recruiting challenges

Few things are more important than access to high-quality health care services. Although most local concerns have recently been focused on facilities, as some have closed or required renovations or replacement, the necessity of adequately staffing facilities that continue to operate can’t be overlooked. Serious challenges in healthcare staffing have been growing nationwide for a long time and are likely to persist. Recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals can be especially difficult in more rural counties, like Chautauqua, for many reasons. In addition to concerns ...

Securing elections hinders cheating

Let’s suppose. Let’s suppose you went into a bank and tried to open an account or take out a loan without proving your identity. Let’s suppose you tried to get a hunting or fishing license without proving your identity. Let’s suppose you tried to buy a gun legally without proving your identity. And the list goes on and on. Let’s suppose that, without proving your identity, you tried to: — Start a new job. — Get a marriage license. — Get a driver’s license. — Rent a vehicle. — Lease a vehicle. — Buy a vehicle. — Register a vehicle. — Get ...

Securing elections hinders cheating

Let’s suppose. Let’s suppose you went into a bank and tried to open an account or take out a loan without proving your identity. Let’s suppose you tried to get a hunting or fishing license without proving your identity. Let’s suppose you tried to buy a gun legally without proving your identity. And the list goes on and on. Let’s suppose that, without proving your identity, you tried to: — Start a new job. — Get a marriage license. — Get a driver’s license. — Rent a vehicle. — Lease a vehicle. — Buy a vehicle. — Register a vehicle. — Get ...

Our nation contributes to Mideast mayhem

People in Gaza are still starving and dying. The Israelis are not allowing in enough supplies to feed everyone or to house everyone. Since the supposed ceasefire, the Israelis have shot and killed 615 Palestinians and injured an additional 1,651. That is not an effective ceasefire. Keep in mind that we are paying for the bullets. The United States is directly responsible for making 2 million people homeless, 70,000 dead and 170,000 wounded. There are no working hospitals left in Gaza. The Israelis are only allowing a few people to leave for medical care. This misery is something we ...