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More than a penny for your thoughts

Last Friday, it was yet another foray into the piled-up boxes in the garage. I am determined to get through the last of my mother’s stored items that landed here last fall… from her last rented storage unit. Friday was a success. A friend and I emptied, sorted, and dispatched a dozen boxes. Some of the boxes were light, some heavy, but there was one large covered laundry basket that felt like it was nailed to the floor. Each tug on it required a loud grunt. WHAT did she store in this thing? The answer was layers of glossy coffee table books, 3 and 4-pounders. Plus a porcelain piggy ...

Lay ministers can help with Catholic Church’s priest shortage

A recent article in the Buffalo News told the story of Catholic Churches in the Diocese of Buffalo whose parishioners are appealing the closing of their parishes. One of these parishes happens to be St. Rose of Lima in Forestville. Following extensive preparation these parishes appealed directly to the Vatican and recently received letters stating that their appeal will be considered by the Dicastery of the Clergy. The Dicastery of the Clergy is an office of the Holy See that among other duties studies problems resulting from the shortage of priests that could deprive Catholics from ...

There’s a slant in NPR coverage

I found that in reading Pete Howard’s article of April 5, there are some real discrepancies with reality. His claims that NPR and PBS are these semi-government entities are the “most fact-checked, researched, and thereby reliable sources of information America has at its disposal” implying they are not biased as their Leaders tried to present in recent Congressional testimony. Unfortunately, the facts do not bear this out. My focus today is on NPR. Here are a few quotes from Katherine Maher, CEO of NPR: — “Donald Trump is a racist” — “Donald Trump is a deranged, racist ...

Can the U.S. go it alone?

There has always been an isolationist streak in American politics. Among others, our first President, George Washington, in his farewell address, cautioned the new nation about becoming entangled in the affairs of other nations. But, the history of our country and the world changed. Whether we liked it or not, we were thrust into world affairs in the twentieth century by both World War I and World War II. America became the leader of the free world. In that capacity, we forged international agreements and alliances to keep the peace. We also encouraged international trade and ...

Opening some eyes in Brocton

I would like to include some missing comments I made at a recent Village Board meeting. The first of my questions was on the “parking law.” I asked if we are going to enforce it or “Keep kicking the can down the road.” The new parking law signs we approved by the board in the fall of 2024 were purchased and installed at all roads entering into the village. The mayor stated the law is enforced “as needed.” That is a funny comment as the amount of vehicles parking on the street overnight did not change with vehicles still parking on the street at Highland Avenue, ...

Staying the course in transformation

For nearly 200 years, higher education has been a cornerstone of life in Fredonia. From the original Fredonia Academy to today’s vibrant SUNY Fredonia campus, we have collectively shaped lives, strengthened communities, and contributed to the prosperity of New York state and beyond. That growth hasn’t always followed a straight path. Challenges have emerged along the way and we are undoubtedly facing one of them now. Like many public institutions across the country, SUNY Fredonia is navigating a period of financial strain. But let me be clear: while the circumstances are ...