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The OBSERVER’s View

AIR TRAVEL: FAA must start to address worries

Until the midair collision that claimed 67 lives on Jan. 29 near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, followed soon thereafter by a number of other incidents involving planes, some of those incidents also resulting in fatalities, members of the flying public generally had exuded great confidence regarding their safety while using that mode of travel. Now, however, many of those same travelers do not feel quite as secure, due to what has been happening during recent weeks on the air travel front. It is clear that the level of confidence that had existed in the past will not ...

SUNY FREDONIA: Getting a grip on fiscal picture

It appears as if the State University of New York at Fredonia has found the right person to right the financial ship. During the recent College Council meeting this month, Wayne Lynch spoke frankly about a troubling deficit that is being whittled down. “Current expenses are not reflective of current enrollment,” said Lynch, vice president for finance and administration. “Expenses are probably more aligned with about 1,000 more students, give or take. We have to right-size the expenses to the revenue line, there should be no mistake about that. If not, we will lose faith from ...

BEMUS POINT: Hotel gets chance for a rebirth

Recent news that the court-disputed sale of the Hotel Lenhart is, we hope, a good development for the village of Bemus Point and those who look forward each summer to spending lazy summer evenings on the iconic rocking chairs of the venerable lakefront hotel. The Hotel Lenhart has has been a major fixture on Chautauqua Lake since the summer of 1882, when the hotel opened. An 1891 fire destroyed the original building with the current hotel built in its place. Since then hotels on the lakefront have come and gone - but the Lenhart and Chautauqua Institution’s Athenaeum have remained. ...

FREDONIA: Ovation perfect farewell for director

Before the State University of New York at Fredonia commencement celebration Saturday, a smaller — yet significant — ceremony was held before the Commencement eve pops in the King Concert Hall. Prior to an excellent performance of the “Sound of Music” by students and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, a longtime fixture was honored. Friday’s show was the finale for Jefferson Westwood as executive director of Rockefeller Arts Center. He announced his retirement in December after 42 years in the position. Westwood received a standing ovation once he took the stage. ...

Silver creek Collaboration puts community first

Silver Creek’s efforts to help those in need continue to grow. While the village holds a monthly mobile food pantry that is highly utilized, another organization is pitching in. Last week, Anderson-Lee Library announced it has partnered with FeedMore WNY to host The Farm Market every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon. Located behind the library, the truck will have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices for all community members. This is one example of an area library thinking outside the box. As a location where the community gathers, this weekly venue has ...

DEVELOPMENT: Projects brighten future in Hanover

For all the troubles facing some north county municipalities within the last year, it has been good to see some bright moments for two entities. Last week, the town Hanover and the village of Silver Creek were the recipients of positive happenings that will assist residents in the coming years. For the town, the completed sale of the former Lake Shore Hospital on Routes 5 and 20 to New York Medical Center will bring services that are greatly needed. The property is currently undergoing extensive renovations to transform it into a modern behavioral care center. It will be staffed and ...