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Peoples column

Winning the big one

Senior citizens like us dream a lot. It must be from all that napping. And winning the lottery is strictly the stuff of dreams for us members of the fixed-income crowd. Often, Dear Richard or I will spot an over-the-top wonderful goody on the TV screen or the computer, and comment, “Wow. When we win the lottery, I want one of those.” We smile and nod to each other, “Yup, when we win the big one.” Ain’t never gonna happen. I have long desired a backyard water feature in my garden. But fountains, pumps, and lily pads are expensive and require attention. And the fish ...

People’s column: With guns, there’s too much ‘control’

Editor, OBSERVER: We constantly hear “gun control,” which has now evolved into “we need to take illegal guns off the streets.” When you actually think about these statements – what are they saying? Or to be more precise, what are they not saying about personal responsibility. A gun is an object that has no control over its use. However, to anti-Second Amendment politicians and media, it is an out of control “thing” that is killing people. Where is the individual’s responsibility for his/her actions? Somehow, the criminal is the innocent bystander. The anti-Second ...

People’s column: Board responsible for Brooks’ troubles

Editor, OBSERVER: The discussion of what will happen with Brooks Memorial Hospital goes on, and on, and on. The Board of Directors have shown they have not done a good job of managing. Their total mismanagement of the resources has brought the situation at Brooks Hospital to what it is today. Where is Westfield Hospital located? One does wonder, when it is repeatedly stated that Brooks Hospital is in a rural area. It appears that Westfield is in a similar area, but from all appearances they are flourishing. Would the Board of Directors be a reason for this? Westfield Hospital ...

Deadline nearing on funding for food

Editor, OBSERVER: School districts across New York and the entire country are in jeopardy of losing crucial funding that allows all students to have equitable access to school meals. Without immediate action from Congress and the White House, school meals are in jeopardy and thousands of students are at a greater risk of hunger. Critical child nutrition waivers that were enacted during the pandemic will expire on June 30, leaving districts struggling to figure out how they’ll continue to feed students amongst rising food prices, skyrocketing inflation, high fuel prices and a ...

Reviews of Bach event appreciated

Editor, OBSERVER: I thank composer Andrew Martin Smith for his three insightful reviews, one for each of the three performances of the 2022 Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival. MICHAEL C. BARRIS, Ph.D., Fredonia

People’s column

Climate disasters loom for globe Editor, OBSERVER: “Ball Hill Wind Farm work back on track” (June 13) is good news for Western New York’s efforts to mitigate climate change. When completed, the wind farm will generate over 261 gigawatts of electricity. That means 28,000 homes powered by clean energy and not by health- and planet-destroying fossil fuels. But even as states like New York have stepped up in the fight against climate change disasters, the federal government must do more if we are going to get this crisis under control. President Joe Biden and forward-thinking ...