Jan. 1, 2020. One o’clock at the Arkwright Town Hall. The room was packed with smiling faces. There was so much to look forward to as five town officials were sworn in for the first time. Oh, sure. There was trepidation as well. Aren’t we all somewhat afraid of what’s new? But each knew ...
Volumes of complaints about Primary Election Day mismanagement are on the front page of newspapers across the entirety of New York state. We are glad to report that more than 200 county election inspectors and Mayville staff worked and again brought home a successful June 23 Chautauqua County ...
Last article, we met Jacob, a first-time walk in. Private counseling practices generally are found to schedule clients. Never say never. Walk-ins are welcomed. However, Jacob was my first walk-in client. My brief indulgence into a post-lunch siesta was interrupted. Time allowed for this ...
Nationwide protests and their opponents are debating how to respond to racism. The problem is that racism is such an unclear notion that the debaters are likely talking past one another. Recent anti-racism protests involve marches, speeches, arson, kneeling, looting, and pulling down ...
CHENEY’S POINT — On Chautauqua Lake between Stow and Ashville is a bay where the waters are generally calmer than elsewhere. Cottages face east, so the sun rises each morning from across the lake and sets each evening behind them. The view includes much of the lake’s southern ...
I try not to be personal in these articles, but, rather, discuss issues which affect the general public. I have made an exception here because this issue does affect an important segment of the general public — veterans. I am a Vietnam veteran and have benefitted from receiving medical ...
Independence Day will soon be here, and we shall not forget. It was George Washington who said on Jan. 8, 1790: “Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention, that of providing for the common defense.” We believe today that American exceptionalism is unique and is ...
The Village Board meeting that was reported in the OBSERVER (June 20) both surprised and disappointed us. It was stated that the Darren Manzella-Lapeira Memorial Run was unanimously approved by the board if approved by us. This was clearly done without any conversation with us and should ...
I was very disappointed to see the divisive and demeaning language used by a member of Westfield’s clergy in articles submitted to the OBSERVER. In discussing her reasons for organizing a protest in Westfield to support the Black Lives Matter movement, Pastor Shannon Smythe of the First ...
One of my many birdie joys is welcoming the returnees back in the spring. I presume most (at least) are as happy to be welcomed back for I know they hurry to settle down, build a nest and get on with rearing a new family. Do you suppose they give any thought to the earlier nestees? If birds ...
Doris “Dorie” Miller is an American hero. Born in 1919 in Waco, Texas, he was the son of Coney and Henrietta Miller who were African-American sharecroppers. Having grown to 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing over 200 pounds “Dorie” attended high school and played football at Waco’s A. ...
What has happened to civility in Dunkirk? I am often reminded of the age-old adage of treating others the way we ourselves would like to be treated. Too often that is what we expect of others – not necessarily what we ourselves practice. Such is the case today throughout our city. Once ...
What has happened to civility in Dunkirk? I am often reminded of the age-old adage of treating others the way we ourselves would like to be treated. Too often that is what we expect of others – not necessarily what we ourselves practice. Such is the case today throughout our city. Once ...
A human child is born ignorant of the world. Its mind is like unformed clay, which like clay can be molded many ways, depending upon the circumstances of his or her birth, and upbringing. If they are accepted and carefully guided, they can grow into a responsible adult. If they are left to run, ...
The degradation of law enforcement in our country is a disgrace. A terrible incident occurred in the state of Minnesota. It should have never happened. There is no reason to blame everyone who works in law enforcement for this incident. What we have now are some serious questions and ...
Tonight I’m thankful for my long commute home from work. That way my tears could dry by the time I pulled in the driveway so that my son does not see them. I’m still sitting in the car though trying to collect myself. I always keep an open dialogue with him. But tonight, for one night, I ...
Ants are doubly annoying because the minute I started checking, they taught me how dreadfully ignorant I am. Definitely on the subject of ants. Unless you too are in the habit of picking one up to squash it (there are spots shoes don’t reach), you might not know they bite — and sting. ...
I had just finished lunch at my desk and had time for a short siesta. I leaned back in my chair and placed my feet on the desk. Yes, I put my feet up on the coffee table sans shoes at home. I closed my eyes and then I heard a voice yell out “Hello, anyone here? Hello!” So much for the ...
Two claims drive the recent protests, riots, looting, and white people prostrating themselves before black people. First, racism today is causing blacks to do poorly. Second, the criminal justice system is racist. Both are likely false. Consider the first claim. Racism today is causing blacks ...
The other day I drove down the road which runs parallel to the lake in the town of North Harmony and saw what looked like surveyor stakes with small red flags attached. It tweaked my interest enough to call the sewer district to see if they were related to extending the sewer up the lake and ...