Editor:

I am proud to be a resident of the Town of Barre. For those who enjoy rural life, Barre is second to none.

Our town is considering the allowance of the construction of at least 33 industrial-size wind turbines at up to 680 feet each. Wanting to be an informed citizen, I have attended a number of meetings, both pro and con. I have come away with a strong opinion on the compatibility of such huge towers with our rural values.

I recently attended a Barre Town Board meeting, where I learned even more information from well informed citizens who have taken the time to research the issue in depth and shared it with all those in attendance.

I also listened to heated exchanges between some Town Board members and some residents in attendance, with accusations of board members lying to the public and underhanded practices. It was during those comments that I got the impression that the fire of intensity surrounding this issue was being fueled by some high-octane emotions.

After the meeting, I talked with several people who told me that this issue was pitting neighbors against neighbors, church members against church members and family members against family members. It has gotten to the point where people are uprooting and stealing each other’s lawn signs and dumping trash in place of the signs.

I know, firsthand, how destructive such divisive behavior can be. This isn’t the first time Barre has dealt with the issue of industrial turbines. A few years back, the town entertained a similar proposal.

Then, as with now, emotions ran so high that it damaged a number of relationships, including my own personal relationship with some of my friends and neighbors. This time around, I don’t want to see that happen to me or anyone else.

I can’t help but think that the political chasm that is dividing our nation today is contributing to an emotionally charged atmosphere of “us vs. them” divisiveness on the local front. So, to my fellow residents of Barre, we can’t let that happen here – not in our town.

Rev. Larry Eastlack

Barre

Editor:

Dancing, wood working, painting, reading, dogs, the Orleans County 4-H Fair and so much more were all part of this year’s wonderful Summer Reading Program at the Hoag Library.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Teresa Gaylard, the volunteers and the entire Hoag Library team for a well developed and run program.

My children are 4 and under and they loved the all of the programs we were able to attend, especially “Morning Moves” with Miss Amy and making a trinket box with Mr. Babcock.

As we drive through town any time we pass the library they want to stop. I also appreciate all of the programs for different age youth in our community, and recognizing that this is a program that my children will enjoy for many years to come. What a wonderful resource our library is to this community.

If you were not able to participate in this year’s summer reading program, make note of it for next year, and watch the Hoag Library website for other engaging and educational opportunities for youth and adults alike all year round.

Kerri Richardson

Barre

Editor:

To everyone involved with the Albion Strong Benefit in support of our family held at the Gallagher on August 11th, you have truly touched our hearts with your love, friendship, offers of help and assistance, and/or the generous support you showed at the benefit.

Many hands made this event a success in various ways but none less important than the other. We deeply appreciate each and every contribution, and we wish especially to thank the Albion Strong planning committee and all the volunteers who stepped up last minute to lend a helping hand.

We are completely overwhelmed by the support and generosity you have shown to us in this very difficult time. It was a beautiful occasion and showed us clearly how joy can be found in even the darkest of situations. As we continue to work though “thank you” cards, we ask for patience and forgiveness for anyone overlooked. You are in our hearts, even if our fingers fail to remember.

We are proud and humbled to be part of “Albion Strong.” Our tragedy does not define what Albion Strong is. Albion Strong defines us, our community and our supporters and will continue to live on well beyond these recent events.

With our love and heartfelt gratitude,

Erin, Rhiannon, Jackson Moody and Angel Rushing

Albion

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Editor:

To the residents of Gaines, I hereby endorse Kenneth Capurso for Town Board in Gains. I’ve known Kenneth and his family for some time now and in all honesty, he is one of the few people I know personally that puts the needs others before himself. When I’ve needed him most, he was there for me.

As for his qualifications, Mr. Capurso strives for excellence and has been fighting tooth and nail against the (highly opposed) Dollar General project in Gaines. Many in Gaines agree with his stance on this matter.

His constant dedication towards improving the Town of Gaines would have my immediate vote if I was a Gaines resident myself. Aside from being a NYS EMT-B, he proudly volunteers for the Cobblestone Museum Society.

He is a registered Democrat, but endorsed by the Libertarian party. I couldn’t think of a better person for the job.

Chase Tkach

Carlton

State Committee Member for the Libertarian Party of New York

Editor:

Nate McMurray has announced his candidacy for Congress in the 27th district. In his announcement he made clear four major themes of his candidacy.

Western New York’s need for infrastructure is obvious; bridges and roads are in need of repair. Businesses and the local economy suffers because of lack of infrastructure. Yet our present representative threatened to withhold federal highway funds to make businesses and the economy suffer for some perceived political gain.

Second, improve health care and lower drug prices. The current representative has done nothing for health care except threatened to remove pre-existing conditions from health care and force people to choose between medicine and food. He has threatened to cut Food Stamps, immunizations and other vital services needed in this district, while cutting taxes paid by himself.

Third, Mr. McMurray promised to bring back local government. The current representative refuses to have town hall-style meetings to discuss issues that affect citizens in the district. Mr. McMurray will bring back local government by holding town hall-style meetings and discussions with citizens to understand the issues that affect the citizens of the district.

Finally, Mr. McMurray rejects the politics of radicalization, the politics of fear and anger. Using a fact-based approach to problem solving, Mr. McMurray will bring back rational government. We deserve and need a representative who will listen and serve the citizens of the district. Thank you

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

This will meander.

When “your” team wins a game, do you care what your winning pitcher’s national origins are?  Whether the name is Masahiro Tanaka, Hyun Jinh Ryu, Clayton Kershaw or Luis Severino, it goes in the win column.

Did I care in my senior year that a descendant of slaves, Willie Torrance, hit the grand slam that helped end Lyndonville’s six-year baseball reign? Guess what? I did not. Much later, when Al Gibson lined a shot over Alexander elementary school to help us down the Trojans, none of his mates said we shouldn’t count the runs it produced because Al was an American Indian.

Yet racism is—and has long been—America’s Achilles heel.

Are certain words defined in The Constitution? Reading the document suggests that at least one word is so defined.

Again, racism is our Achilles heel. Putin knows it. And each of us can do something about it every day. Of course, doing so would make our “friend” Vladimir unhappy.

And then there is the rock—more than any other—this great nation was built upon. At least for most of us, that great nation was founded on our immigrant ancestry.

A study of American History will demonstrate, beyond doubt, that—practically regardless of your national origins—at one point, you and “your kind” were projected to be our nation’s undoing.  Our “kind” nonetheless built America and made it great, whether we were Irish, Chinese, Italian, German, Polish, or some other national origins group.

Today, it is Latinos who continue the legacy and remain too often hated by those whose ancestors were the earlier targets of hatred. This is the case even though without Latinos, Orleans County’s, San Diego County’s, and our Country’s economy would find other similarly resented substitutes—or collapse.

No amount of ranting will change the reality that immigrants have long been—and remain—exceptional people by their very circumstances.

It is past time to awaken from what is wishful thinking at best and take commitment to our pluralistic nation seriously.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

I am writing to you as the President of the Albion Music Boosters. During the past year, I have had the opportunity to work with a fabulous group of dedicated individuals and we have grown the support that we are able to give to the music students of the district.

This past spring, we decided to have a fundraising event showcasing a few of the many talented Alumni. We created a long list of names to ask. As I reached out to our alumni, I was astounded time and again, as the answer was an instant YES! from almost everyone who was invited to perform (some already had plans!) The response was so amazing, that there are spots already filled for an event next year!

For 12 years this community has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” and we know why! The support of the community and the willingness of our Alumni to “give back” is amazing. The music boosters will continue our mission well into the future and we hope the community will continue to support our efforts.

Miss Amy Sidari, has kindly partnered with us for this event which will be held at The Cabaret at Studio B. I want to personally invite everyone to come enjoy a great show and continue supporting our alumni and the students still in programs in the district. You can get tickets for either the 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. show on Aug. 10 at the Cabaret Website or by calling 354-2320.

Thank you,

Marlene Seielstad

Albion

Editor:

I would to thank the many people and organizations who contributed to the growth and success of the Village of Albion Recreation Summer Parks Program. The following organizations visited the parks with great messages for the youths attending: GCASA, Genesee Orleans Youth Bureau, Orleans Health Department, Hoag Library, Ice Cream Truck along with others.

The Park Supervisors did a wonderful job of providing a fun, safe and exciting time at the park each day. Well over 90 park children signed up for the Summer Parks Program which was held at Vet’s Park this summer due to the construction at Bullard Park. The program started on June 26 and ended on July 26. This was another banner summer for the Parks Program.

Special thanks to Orleans Community Action for busing the children on the field trips.  Thanks go out to the Albion Central School District for being the host of several sport clinics this summer.

Thanks to the Batavia Daily and the Orleans Hub for their coverage of the summer program.

Thanks to the Village of Albion Trustees, Mayor, Village Office Staff, Maintenance Department and the Recreation Committee all for their support throughout the summer.

In addition, thank you to the parents whose children participated in the summer program.  The Summer Parks Program will be held at Bullard Park next summer in hopes of new apparatus, amphitheater, storage and rest rooms along with a very popular Spray/Splash Pad. Next summer may be the best ever.

Hope to see you next year.

Thank you as always,

John J. Grillo

Village of Albion

Recreation Director

Editor:

My name is Paige Snook and I am a Youth Bowler who recently competed at the Junior Gold Championship Tournament in Detroit, Michigan.

I bowled 21 games in the five days of competition, and while the results weren’t exactly what I was looking for, the experience was! I was able to meet pros and made a lot of new friends! I want to say “thank you” to my family, friends and bowling family across the Genesee Region Bowling Association for helping to make this all possible!

Special thanks to Medina Lanes for letting me come and sell ball raffle tickets, Oak Orchard Bowl and the Hanks family (amazing people) for letting me practice, practice, practice and giving me my start and all you do for me!

To my coaches – Greg Gilman, Reid Cole and Curtis Foss – thank you for investing your time in me! To the Allis family, you are amazing. Thank you for all you have done to help me! Thanks to everyone who donated bottles! Time to start practicing for next season! Thank you all!

Paige Snook

Albion