Ungrateful officials hurt village festivals

Editor, OBSERVER:

Recently, in your Sept. 27 edition, there was an article concerning the Silver Creek Festival of Grapes. Village leaders there expressed joy and commendation for the festival committee and participants.

Nonetheless, not so in Fredonia where village officials exhibit disdain toward festivals with most resentment directed against the highly successful Farm Festival, which apparently has celebrated its last event following decades of exuberant participation by all but the village government.

It’s hopeful that with the pending November election, a new village realignment will display renewed exhilaration to fully cooperate with community members to continue this end of summer event that brights together so many from near and far to sample new and traditional foods and view the various crafts.

TOM HEBEISEN,

Portland

Program urges cancer screenings

Editor, OBSERVER:

The Cancer Services Program would like to share a few facts about breast cancer in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that about one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime? Or that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in New York State? Additionally, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than other groups of women.

But there are other important facts about breast cancer too. Facts like, when breast cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat. Having regular mammograms gives you the best chance of finding breast cancer early and is the key to survival. Did you know most health insurance plans in New York state cover mammograms? For people without insurance, the Cancer Services Program of Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties may be able to help.

The CSP helps people without insurance get life-saving screenings for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. If more testing is needed, our program can pay for that too and help enroll eligible people in the state Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program if cancer is found.

Breast cancer screening is recommended beginning at age 50. If you or anyone you know needs breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screening, please call the CSP of Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties at 1-877-778-6857.

STAFF AT CANCER SERVICES PROGRAM OF STEUBEN, ALLEGANY, CATTARAUGUS & CHAUTAUQUA COUNTIES,

Hornell