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Peoples column

Magic surrounds us at holidays

’Tis the Christmas season! The brisk wintry season is here and the crisp temperatures are knocking at our doors. But the cold breezes on the outside is moderated by the warmth of citizens’ hearts on the inside. This is a season to rejoice, to renew contacts with friends, and to bring joy to those who are in need of friendship. To be sure, there is the normal hustle and bustle and last minute things to do. For children and for some adults, the waiting time seems to move so slowly, and for others, the time seems to move too quickly. But, on the face of it, most of us seem to enjoy the ...

Praise for work done by Brooks

Editor, OBSERVER: I recently had an outpatient procedure on the second floor of Brooks Hospital. I felt safe, informed and cared for by the Charge Nurse Laura’s staff. The staff explained and waited for questions. I had to share my positive experience. I feel so fortunate to have such competent doctors, nurses and staff and Brooks Hospital in our community. PAT MULDOWNEY, Dunkirk

Setting the table for a new year

I plan to look forward to the holidays and the new year, but I’d like to set the record straight — clear the table- before moving on. We do have bigger fish to fry — and may I plug the Sheridan VFW with one of the best fish fries around and Chloe’s Corner, a diner in the center of town with homemade breakfast and lunch as well as Friday fish fries. Regarding my November column, the word used in the headline was never used in the article and it has connotations that were not intended. I believe it led to negative impressions that could be taken out of the context of the ...

Following the Erie Canal

Suspecting I was being whisked away for a longer stay, I grabbed a book as I packed. Well, naturally when the immediate future seems a bit iffy, it makes sense to plan big. In this instance, that meant the 922-page “Three Stalwarts” by Walter D. Edmonds. I had already enjoyed “Drums Along the Mohawk” so this time chose “Erie Water.” It’s not a title I’m particularly fond of, my only complaint with a magnificent novel. I intentionally scheduled it as a suggestion for an ideal Christmas gift for any in your family. Amazon has/had my volume for $10.41 with prices zooming ...

Wife lives earthly life extraordinarily well

Hilary and Randy Elf were married (#KurtzElfWedding) on Dec. 28, 2019, and she died on April 11, 2021, the third anniversary of their engagement. In thankfulness for their marriage, excerpts from his eulogy for her are his column. Once when you, My HilaryLove, came to visit, you shared strategy for five-card draw. Including this: When you have nothing in your hand, keep your highest card and draw four. So for one hand, I drew four. You drew one card and had a straight. I had four kings. In utter astonishment, you said, “But you drew four cards.” Yes, you dealt me one ...

The Constitution and abortion

This Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization concerning Mississippi’s abortion law. Mississippi banned abortions performed after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The law does not permit abortion in the case of rape or incest but permits it when there is a medical emergency or severe fetal abnormality. The 15-week period is odd. A fetus begins to have a heartbeat after six weeks, forms a brain after six weeks, and – on one influential account — does not become conscious until 24 weeks. It is unclear what happens at 15 weeks. Other ...