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The OBSERVER’s View

FREDONIA: Ovation perfect farewell for director

Before the State University of New York at Fredonia commencement celebration Saturday, a smaller — yet significant — ceremony was held before the Commencement eve pops in the King Concert Hall. Prior to an excellent performance of the “Sound of Music” by students and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, a longtime fixture was honored. Friday’s show was the finale for Jefferson Westwood as executive director of Rockefeller Arts Center. He announced his retirement in December after 42 years in the position. Westwood received a standing ovation once he took the stage. ...

Silver creek Collaboration puts community first

Silver Creek’s efforts to help those in need continue to grow. While the village holds a monthly mobile food pantry that is highly utilized, another organization is pitching in. Last week, Anderson-Lee Library announced it has partnered with FeedMore WNY to host The Farm Market every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon. Located behind the library, the truck will have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices for all community members. This is one example of an area library thinking outside the box. As a location where the community gathers, this weekly venue has ...

DEVELOPMENT: Projects brighten future in Hanover

For all the troubles facing some north county municipalities within the last year, it has been good to see some bright moments for two entities. Last week, the town Hanover and the village of Silver Creek were the recipients of positive happenings that will assist residents in the coming years. For the town, the completed sale of the former Lake Shore Hospital on Routes 5 and 20 to New York Medical Center will bring services that are greatly needed. The property is currently undergoing extensive renovations to transform it into a modern behavioral care center. It will be staffed and ...

CLOSING: Rite Aid filled need for rural areas

The news that Rite Aid is likely to close its New York stores if it can’t sell them by June is going to be a problem for those who live in rural areas. Closing the Dunkirk and Fredonia stores isn’t a huge inconvenience given that there are pharmacies very close to both locations. The same is true of locations in Jamestown; there are options for customers who don’t mean a lengthy drive to another pharmacy. But for those who use Rite Aid pharmacies in Mayville, Silver Creek, Salamanca and Gowanda, the loss of their pharmacy will make life more difficult. Welcome to the age ...

Fredonia: Saturday energy to fill the village

Fredonia will take on an exciting and energetic atmosphere this weekend that will include an influx of visitors and an annual return of a downtown venue. For starters, it is commencement weekend at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Graduates and families will gather to celebrate accomplishments and new beginnings. Keynote speakers are alumni including Dr. Kim D. Harrington, ’89, who is Associate Vice President for Arts, Belonging and Community at Georgia Institute of Technology for the morning ceremony, and for the afternoon ceremony, Gretchen Geitter, ’91, who was ...

SCHOOLS: Smart lessons in Westfield plans

In a week, area residents will be voting on millions of dollars when they decide on school budgets. One of the most interesting discussions this year took place in Westfield in recent months. Board of Education members were open and frank about the situation they were facing. Enrollment showed minor declines but costs were going up. One way to reduce the burden on taxpayers is to find positions that may not need to be replaced. Last year, Westfield decided not to hire an open second-grade teacher post. This year, they did something similar. At the board meeting on March 10, the ...