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Peoples column

UPMC is here for our communities

Editor, OBSERVER: The health needs of a community can change over time, especially in rural areas. What matters most is making sure people can get care close to home, when they need it. You may have seen that Bradford Regional Medical Center recently closed its inpatient and emergency department services. Changes like this can be difficult for patients, families and the community — and can raise questions about where to turn for care. At UPMC, our focus is to make sure care remains accessible, reliable, and easy to navigate. We are committed to supporting people where ...

People’s column

Art teacher was ‘influential’ Editor, OBSERVER I read the article that was published 5/14 to honor Gary Worosz and Michele Dolce from Forestville Elementary. I had Mr. Worosz in second grade, and Mrs. Dolce as a fifth grade teacher. Although I had a lovely experience with Mr. Worosz, and he deserves recognition for his outstanding teaching career. I would like to add that Kristin Britz is by far the most influential person mentioned in that article without any recognition. She was my elementary art teacher and in my senior year of high school, Mrs. Beth Runkel had retired ...

People’s column

Going over the top on ‘scuffle’ Editor, OBSERVER; It was disappointing to read OBSERVER articles about recent Fredonia village board meetings, especially the May 18 front page “Comment critics chastise village.” Certainly, it is newsworthy when the mayor of a normally peaceful village resorts to a police escort to remove a citizen, a former school teacher/principal no less, who was speaking calmly, but strongly in favor of fiscal responsibility. However, the OBSERVER never reported that incident or any of the information and questions shared in the public comment segment ...

People’s column: Decisiveness of Trump angers many

Editor, OBSERVER: There are many people who won't like this. Perhaps Donald Trump is hated because he solves problems that others need to keep existing. Think about it for a moment, Trump is not a traditional politician. He is a businessman who came to the White House thinking like a businessman and that completely changes the rules of the game. A politician lives off rhetoric, long processes, summits and promises. A businessman lives off closing deals, resolving conflicts and moving forward. For one the problem is a political tool. For the other the problem is something that has ...

Healthier choice in automobiles

Editor, OBSERVER: As communities across the country grapple with rising fuel costs, air pollution, and the growing impacts of Global Warming, one solution is becoming increasingly clear; the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Electric cars offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. By producing zero tailpipe emissions, they reduce air pollution and improve public health, especially in urban areas where smog and poor air quality disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. When you factor in that EVs cost roughly 40% less to fuel, and ...

My memories of Wretched Group

Editor, OBSERVER The OBSERVER has published many articles about The Wretched Group over the years. As the founding member of the band, I would like to submit the following flashback from my own knowledge and belief to begin to straighten the record. I was the founding member of The Wretched Group, serving as lead guitar and vocals starting in 1964, when the band was initially known simply as The Group. Early rehearsals took place in my parents’ garage on Center Street in Fredonia. Leigh Green served as the first lead vocalist before being replaced by Hank McKee on lead vocals. ...