Population Would Benefit From Opening Businesses

May 13, 2020

To The Reader’s Forum: When the Coronavirus problem first became apparent I was terrified. New data has come out that has changed that thinking. I am concerned that in most cases, isolation may not be necessary. It may also create a bigger problem because you can’t gain immunity isolating at home. In recent weeks studies have proven that Coronavirus antibodies are present in the population to a larger extent than originally thought. At first that seems scary. Kind of like “Wow, it is even easier to get than I thought”. Fear kicks in, and we withdraw even more. The ...

Clerk Clarifies County DMV Services

May 12, 2020

To the Reader’s Forum: There seems to be some confusion about the operation of the county DMV offices, so I would like to outline what can and cannot be done at the local offices. Please remember that all DMV offices are closed to the public at this time. A limited staff is there working but all transactions are to be done by mail or drop box. Driver’s license renewals including CDLs cannot be done at this time as they require a personal visit. NYS has extended the expiration on all licenses that have expired on March 1, 2020 or after until further notice. You may continue ...

10 Commandments Of Virus Stay-Cation

May 8, 2020

To The Reader’s Forum: Well here we are — that’s Teddy (my dog) and I. It’s another COVID-19 Sunday – gosh that sounds like a song title from the 1960s. I may get enthusiastic and write it off! Well I was not doing anything productive so I thought I would put together a little sermon for those who are open to the leading of the Spirit since it is Sunday. I am in a spiritual mood because my circadian clock is pealing out the church bells. Please consider the following if you are not already there: The Ten Commandments of the COVID-19 Stay-cation! 1. Do get yourself ...

Give Local For #GivingTuesdayNow

May 5, 2020

Over the years, Giving Tuesday has emerged as a way to give back during the busy holiday season. With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, many communities have launched a #GivingTuesdayNow movement for May 5 to raise dollars for emerging community needs. In March, local foundations established the Chautauqua County Crisis Response Fund-COVID-19 to address emerging needs as a result of the outbreak. Since then, our generous community has contributed more than $887,000, making it possible to grant $218,522 to 16 community-based organizations who have stepped up in unprecedented ways to provide ...

Remember To Show Appreciation Of Teachers

May 2, 2020

To The Reader’s Forum: The first full week in May has the designation as a special time for TEACHER Appreciation. While it is not in our ability to change the official title of the recognition, as retired educators we propose to broaden the spectrum of gratitude to include everyone who plays such an important role in our educational system. Proper recognition must go to the non-instructional support personnel, instructional support staff, classroom teachers, providers of special education services, administrators and boards of education. Throughout our careers in education, we ...

This Massive Shutdown May Shed Some Light

April 24, 2020

To The Reader’s Forum: I see a similarity between the pandemic we are in the midst of and climate change. In both cases there has been scientific evidence indicating courses of action that would help us to best approach the given problems and minimize the tragic consequences of ignoring reality. In the case of COVD-19, precious time was wasted because we couldn’t see beyond our immediate situation earlier on. We didn’t want life as we know it to change. The same thing has been happening for years with climate change. I’m guessing that this massive shutdown of world ...