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Peoples column

People’s column

Take the power out of Cuomo’s clenches Editor, OBSERVER: In just a couple of weeks children will be returning to school in New York state for in-person instruction. Restaurants have reopened and people are shopping in stores and malls. Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association are playing games on a daily basis throughout New York. The NFL season will begin in less than a month in Buffalo. In just over two months, millions of New Yorkers will be going to the polls to vote in the presidential election. New infection rates for COVID-19 are at or near a ...

People’s column

Unused NRG plant must be eliminated Editor, OBSERVER: In case anyone in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area has forgotten, the old NiMo and NRG plant has been dormant for more than a few years. As I drove by the lake the other night to admire the sunset as I turned to the right my view was blocked by this enormous black ominous ugly plant and acid rain producing smokestacks. You can picture the site. Government leaders are trying to help by investing energy, money and political capital into hope to convince another corporation to purchase an environmental hazard zone. We should face the ...

People’s column

Poppy sale means so much to VFW post Editor, OBSERVER: The Sheridan Memorial Post 6390 Veterans of Foreign Wars would like to extend a grateful thanks to Brad Balentine, manager of the Fredonia Walmart, for allowing us to sell poppies at the Route 60 store. We would also like to thank the many dedicated workers who were able to make this drive a success. We are especially appreciative to the many people who so generously donated during these trying times. We sell poppies to remember our dead by helping the living. The money we collected will help immensely. Many thanks to ...

People’s column

Columbus article insight appreciated Editor, OBSERVER: Dr. Ray Belliotti’s article about the establishment of Columbus Day is timely in light of the ongoing controversy over monuments honoring certain men who figured in the shaping of our country. Buffalo’s changing of “Columbus Park” to “West Side Park” is a close example. Each Oct. 12 has brought thoughts of Columbus, but also of my mom, born on that day and named “Isabelle” in honor of the queen who financed the famous expedition. But still, mom made sure her children were aware of the lack of humanity exhibited ...

People’s column

Caution lights needed for roundabout Editor, OBSERVER: This letter is in regard to the new roundabout at Routes 20 and 60 that was designed by the New York state Department of Transportation. One with foresight should have known there would be accidents. Caution lights should have been installed 300 feet in all directions. Not signs. DANIEL GABEL, Dayton In big picture, mask is an inconvenience Editor, OBSERVER: I wear a mask because I do not want the guilt that comes with knowing I might have infected someone with COVID-19. And, because of my ignorance and self ...

People’s column

Class misses out on golden event Editor, OBSERVER, Life has been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the call to return home endures for the members of the Class of 1970 at Fredonia High School. Our 50th class reunion, set for the last weekend of July, only has been postponed. Bonds created during our years of growing up together in a far different Fredonia are still strong. We graduated during a time of turmoil, with a futile overseas war and unrest at home. It was also a time of optimism for the future. Today, five decades later, work to create a better America ...