Poppy sale means so much to VFW post Editor, OBSERVER: The Sheridan Memorial Post 6390 Veterans of Foreign Wars would like to extend a grateful thanks to Brad Balentine, manager of the Fredonia Walmart, for allowing us to sell poppies at the Route 60 store. We would also like to thank the ...

Columbus article insight appreciated Editor, OBSERVER: Dr. Ray Belliotti’s article about the establishment of Columbus Day is timely in light of the ongoing controversy over monuments honoring certain men who figured in the shaping of our country. Buffalo’s changing of “Columbus ...

Caution lights needed for roundabout Editor, OBSERVER: This letter is in regard to the new roundabout at Routes 20 and 60 that was designed by the New York state Department of Transportation. One with foresight should have known there would be accidents. Caution lights should have been ...

Class misses out on golden event Editor, OBSERVER, Life has been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the call to return home endures for the members of the Class of 1970 at Fredonia High School. Our 50th class reunion, set for the last weekend of July, only has been postponed. ...

‘Good people’ help in dilemma Editor, OBSERVER: I want to thank the person or persons that saw my car being hit in the Walmart parking lot on Monday morning. I appreciate that there are good people in this area that would take the time to take a picture of the license plate of a driver ...

Racism remains ‘serious’ problem Editor, OBSERVER: “What, then, is racism? I don’t know and neither do you.” So states a recent commentary to the OBSERVER (July 1). The author, a philosophy professor at SUNY Fredonia, laments anti-racism protests, denies the complexity of ...

“We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.” George Washington There comes a time when every writer suffers from writer’s block. And it is my belief that this malady is frequently not ...

Racism column was ‘misleading’ Editor, OBSERVER: I am responding to a column written by Stephen Kershnar on Wednesday. No easy answers regarding racism? Your supposition that racism is a complex, convoluted, philosophical subject that in the end no one “knows what it is” and that ...

Westfield engaged with its school Editor, OBSERVER: I am writing in regard to the Westfield Academy and Central School budget vote and board of education election. What a turnout! The budget passed by a vote of 955 to 296. It’s impressive to note how many voters are interested and ...

Editor, OBSERVER: Dr. Stephen Kershnar presents his views about “systemic racism” in his recent column “Another perspective on the protests,” (June 17) at a time when we have to strive always to discuss such critical topics openly if we are to seek to understand the history and future ...

Editor, OBSERVER: This is in response to “Goodell missed chance at rally” (June 13) in which the author claims to be disappointed about Assemblyman Andrew Goodell declining to speak at the recent peace demonstrations, aka political rally. She says Goodell might have helped to let people ...

Without a ‘D,’ Goodell has critics Editor, OBSERVER: This is in response to “Goodell missed chance at rally” (June 13) in which the author claims to be disappointed about Assemblyman Andrew Goodell declining to speak at the recent peace demonstrations, aka political rally. She ...

Respect is shown by listening Editor, OBSERVER: Recently I was asked why I did not speak at the “Black Lives Matter” rally in Dunkirk. The reason is simple. I went to the rally to support the peaceful demonstration, not to draw attention to myself or to score political points. ...

Editor, OBSERVER: With less than two weeks to go in Appeal 2020, we are continuing with a final push towards reaching the $10 million goal by June 30. Appeal 2020’s theme – Think of Me – reinforces how we come together as a faith community and think of our neighbors in need. To date, ...

We can change on local level Editor, OBSERVER: The same political machine has had complete control over Chautauqua County for more than a decade. Nothing has been done on a state or local level to address the issues that lead to the tragic murders like George Floyd’s. As a nation, and ...

Clippings can be dangerous Editor, OBSERVER: I’m a member of the Sons of Liberty in Dunkirk. I am offering a reminder to all those who mow their lawns close to traffic. Never, ever shoot grass into the road or street when mowing. It causes a very slick, ice-like surface. It could ...

Grades don’t off full picture Editor, OBSERVER: Dunkirk OBSERVER gets an “F” for investigative reporting. A recent article (May 21) headlined, “County government boards praised, criticized for openness” could be disturbing unless you explored the facts surrounding Open ...

White Inn has lost prominence Editor, OBSERVER: What happened to the White Inn? The queen of Fredonia sits on the corner of East Main and White streets. Her crown is tilted and she looks forlorn and empty. The lawn is straggly and unmowed and bushes untrimmed. Wake up, Fredonia. ...

Centers combine for special tribute Editor, OBSERVER, Hats off to the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for reaching out to the Dunkirk Senior Center residents who reside in the Home and thank you to Julie VanValkenburg and staff for the well- organized car parade tribute for the ...

Bashaw brings village down Editor, OBSERVER: Fredonia’s three majority trustees have not changed. James Lynden, Kara Christina and now EvaDawn Bashaw — who was not elected but put in the trustee post — continue to make poor choices. Bashaw just happened to be in the audience the ...