Editor:

I was recently named in a letter by Ed Urbanik. I had written you about my concern that some people might get scapegoated and blamed for the work of thugs and criminals during the recent, and ongoing, demonstrations regarding the outrage over the Floyd murder.

Mr. Urbanik seems to think that the fact some people threw bricks and worse is proof of a conspiracy and that I approve of people who belong in jail. Far from it, I merely believe, for example, that when 10,000 Christians march for a cause – let’s say it’s pro life – that if 10 or 100 get into fights, throw bricks, or shoot and kill abortion doctors that all pro-lifer advocates  must be condemned as murders because of the act(s) of a few. It was a simple point.

Moreover, to the extent Mr. Urbanik condemns the violent people who came out after dark to work their havoc, I join in his condemnation. He does forget that there were occasions when cameras clearly show protesters were merely standing there but were clubbed and gassed regardless.  I

I write as Mr. Urbanik went too far and seemingly condemned good people with exactly the broad brush I was concerned about. I did not in any way or manner tar the overwhelming majority of officers or suggest a conspiracy due to the acts of a few!

Ed’s letter, I think, is actually a good example of scapegoating – as I mentioned before it’s a frustrating sign of these times which people of good will need to put an end to. As I said before this starts with rededication to facts.

In respect to Ed’s reference to the use of the National Guard, domestic assistance is one if their ordinary and constitutional roles. I was referring to the threat of using our Military domestically with which both current and past Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, multiple Admirals and Generals, and the still current Secretary of Defense have taken extreme issue or outright condemned!

I repeat this is still the United States of America. Our Constitution and laws should never be treated as an inconvenience. We need to pay attention when they flouted. Allies we have taken generations to cultivate are – and of our reactions.

Ed, we are better than this and can be better still.  That is our way.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

With all the news focused on the Coronavirus and George Floyd’s death and national reaction, it is easy to overlook local news that affects us, even in a big way.

A few weeks ago, Orleans County lost a huge advocate and contributor to our community in the person of Edward Fancher, Director of Orleans County Community Action.

I had the pleasure of knowing Ed both personally and professionally. We were both part of the Holy Family Church Choir together, along with his daughter, Janelle. I first knew his wife, Christine, however, even before Ed as Chris was an intern at Orleans County Department of Social Services, where I worked for many years before recently retiring.

I also had the honor of working with Ed professionally in our capacities while working for the community. If I had a client as a foster care/preventive caseworker who I felt was in desperate need of help, I could go to Ed and more so than not, Ed and Community Action, would be there to come through for those people in our county who needed it.

With the true meaning of the word “Christianity” being tossed about in this world, and country, to be minimalized, by people pretending to act like Jesus Christ did while on earth, I submit that Ed Fancher exhibited the authentic life of a person sincerely trying to live as Jesus would.

Ed Fancher will be missed by this county, his friends and his co-workers. I think we could all use our lives to reflect on people who are around us like Ed and try to treat others as we would want to be treated.

To Christine, Janelle, Justine and Kyle and all his grandchildren and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was a great man and I am sorry you have lost him prematurely in this life. I am sure he is in heaven now having gone straight to God where he can hopefully look down on us and help this country, this world, even better where he stands. God bless you!

Gerry Golden

Rochester

Editor:

My name is Ayesha Kreutz. I moved to Ridgeway about a year and a half ago from Rochester.

As a Chaplain working with the Rochester City Police and other first responders, and, as the founder and once president of the devoted Christian, proud American, active republican Frederick Douglass Foundation of NY, I’ve done a lot in Republican politics over the years.

However, upon getting to Ridgeway, I discovered that my desire to help the local Republican Committee was not only not wanted, but also ignored. My repeated calls to the chairman of the committee went eerily ignored. At first, I thought it was because they were busy with life, as can happen, or elections etc. Then I thought maybe it was because I am an “outsider.” But then I discovered I was not the only one and that this was the response to anyone who was interested in getting involved in local politics.

The Ridgeway Committee had become an uninviting hermetic committee of a select few who prize their unwillingness to be transparent so much so that most people have no idea that they even hold meetings, let alone when. To harden the curmudgeonly impenetrable shell around the committee, the meeting announcements were made at the last minute and only to those who are “supposed” to be there.

In a representative government, aren’t we all allowed to be there when our representatives are making decisions that affect our lives? Since I’m not “supposed” to be there, I hope that you will vote for me as you committee representative to a new and transparent committee that isn’t afraid of the people it’s “supposed” to represent. Help me make the Ridgeway Republican Committee Great Again.

Thank You,

Chaplain Ayesha Kreutz

Ridgeway

Editor:

I was on the fence for a long time about the wind farm project in Barre. It wasn’t until a group of people in this town started going door to door and speaking at town meetings that I decided to take a really good look at this project and wind farms in general.

I saw my friends and neighbors who had signed up for leases and our town board being constantly criticized and harassed. When I started my research, I found that almost all of the so-called “facts” about negative impacts of wind turbines are put out by a few large groups of anti-wind activists.

Let me tell you, there is a lot of money and power behind some of these groups. It does take some digging, but most of the time you can find this same information was already posted somewhere by some other anti-group and sometimes even backed by the fossil fuel industry.

I have not found a shred of scientific evidence in a peer-reviewed study which supports the claims of the anti-wind  groups. On the flip side, there are many studies that show that if people believe that wind turbines will make them sick, then they probably will get some sort of effect from them.

I have negative health effects every time I attend a town board meeting. Every time I hear people call my friends, neighbors and even my husband stupid, selfish, uneducated farmers, corrupt, greedy.

The anti-wind folks would like everyone to think that they are victims, when in fact they have mocked, ridiculed, snickered and laughed while others are speaking at meetings. If I thought seriously for a moment that wind turbines would hurt my neighbors, birds or wildlife, I would be opposed, but the information just does not support the claims that they would.

Do I think that wind turbines are going to save the world or even Barre? No. Do I think we need to do something to change how we get our power and what we are doing to the Earth? Yes! Do I think this project will benefit the entire community? Yes.

Listen, our governor, like it or not, has an agenda to make 70 percent of power in New York come from renewable energy by 2030. We can either have our town, county and schools benefit from this or we can drive through some other town that has embraced it.

Before I believe anything that is sent to me in the mail, at a town meeting or in a Facebook post, I will do my own research. Whether it is someone asking for my vote or asking to put a wind farm near my home. Ask questions.

I am by no means trying to belittle anyone’s concerns. I am just asking that we all take a step back, research. Talk to your town board. Look outside of our little part of the world at what can make a difference for everyone.

Kelly Dudley

Barre resident for 26 years

Editor:

During the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of communities are under lockdown. And with the virus, a lot of families might have to mourn the loss of a loved one, have to deal with the stress of being unemployed, and live in close quarters with their family.

All of this can affect a family’s lifestyle while in self-quarantine.

• Dealing with loss of a loved one from afar

Mourning the death of a loved one is never easy. But in self-quarantine, it is even harder. For example, you cannot go out to a funeral as you would normally. If a loved one was in the emergency room, or the ICU, you cannot go there without full protective gear, or being tested for coronavirus. The only easy way for a family to see and talk to the loved one would be through technology. Nurses and doctors can call you, and then hold the phone up for the loved one so you can see them one last time.

• The mass loss of jobs during the pandemic

With the pandemic, there is a large loss of jobs throughout the country. Your parents may not be the only ones, as the Department of Labor reported more than 700,000 jobs have been lost over the past two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. It has even been reported that 10 million people have filed for unemployment in the last few weeks of March. That can affect a family’s lifestyle very much.

Parents who worked jobs that brought in large amounts of income now have to deal with not making nearly as much as they did before. However, some workers have not lost their jobs. These workers are called essential workers.

Regarding essential workers, Tennille Richards, owner of Liv Acupuncture, said, “The way we work has changed profoundly, as we have to take extra safety precautions. For example, we can only have three patients inside of the office at a time, even with everybody spaced out. Also, every patient and worker must wear a face mask and gloves.”

Tennille Richards also states, “That’s not all, though, as we have split the waiting room up into multiple sections with red tape. That way, we can make sure everybody is spaced out.”

• How families can deal with stress during the pandemic

Most families, (including my own), have dealt with the stress by taking it slow. For example, the unemployment problem. My grandpa is now unemployed. Every so often, he might look at if he can get unemployment insurance from the state. Instead of spending days and days going through every article, going onto every website, and sending messages to government officials, he will put in an application and wait. That will resolve a lot of stress for him, and he won’t be as tense. Because of that, he has time to do other things. For example, prepare the pool for summer. Or, he can go ahead and clean his barbeque.

I hope this article has helped you recognize what other families are doing during the pandemic, and maybe even help you with your own.

Jax Richards-Dyson

Holley sixth-grader

Miss Rider’s homeroom

Editor:

I’ve been seeing many social media posts from people in the more rural parts of New York. I’m not sure where exactly all my fellow Albion High School classmates landed, but many of them are on my friends’ list.

When I think on my memories of these people, most are wonderful. And I know in my heart of hearts that these are good people. In the sense of true community spirit, it’s important to not let anything divide us as a people.

First and foremost, anyone who loots, attacks, robs, steals or takes advantage of the situation in any way, is in no way a representative of what we protesters are trying to accomplish. I stand against a fundamentally corrupt system that is designed to let people slip through the cracks of society.

We each have personal examples of how the broken system has affected us, some of us just don’t realize it yet. But as more of our stories come out, as I know they will, more will realize just how close to home they have been affected.

And lastly, at the risk of personalizing, if I show you provable examples of corruption, and you do nothing, you effectively condone that corruption. No one can rest in complacency any longer. Stay informed! Spread truth! Stay safe!

Charlie Hunt

Syracuse, formerly of Albion

Editor:

In watching the recent unrest I have a different perspective as compared to Mr. Cropsey. Staged cache of bricks and explosives are not the common tactic of ordinary thugs. Watching mobs trying to find the weakest security position to breech takes coordination.

Throwing  urine and feces at police is not a looter but someone who has no respect for civility. Having local police force overwhelmed required assistance from the National Guard.

The leadership of this country needed to restore order to prevent anarchy. Peaceful protest were allowed even though these protesters certainly didn’t respect the current health recommendations regarding the pandemic.

I am certain Mr. Cropsey would have a different perspective if his law office was located in one of those targeted areas.

Edward Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

I would like to take a minute to thank Ken Daliusio of the Print Shop of 128 E. Center St., Medina for graciously stepping up during the Covid-19 epidemic, and for offering to print all the necessary postings that the Town of Ridgeway needs to have in our attempt to return to business as it now stands.

I have to say that Ken offered this service verbally to one of the Town’s Councilman and when I followed up on what seemed to be a “to good to be true offer” I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was true.

As a municipality, like any other business, we are required to have a return to work plan with the required postings, and as you can expect none of this has been budgeted for, who would have thought we would be here last year in September when budgets were due.

Ken is a local businessman and does the printing for several of our local businesses as well as business all over Orleans County and beyond. He is well aware of what kind of financial strain all of this has put on our town, our county and our nation.

He did not have to make the offer, but because of a sense of local pride and a love for his community he did. I wish to say that I am grateful and I wanted to take a moment to thank him publicly for his help and generosity during this very tough time and for once again showing that we are Medina Strong!

God bless those who step up to help their neighbors!

Karen L. Kaiser

Ridgeway Town Clerk

Medina

Editor:

I read with interest the New York State Sheriffs’ Association June 5 statement that they would like to engage “in open and honest discussions on … regaining the public’s trust in law enforcement through fact-based studies and training.”

While such a discussion is long overdue, their remarks regarding the death of George Floyd suggest that they don’t understand the problem.

The Association stated that politicians who talk of “systemic racism” are using it “for political gain.” In the United States of America, a white male born in 1997 has about a 1 in 23 chance of going to state or federal prison in his lifetime, whereas a black man has a 1 in 4 chance. African American children make up 32% of all children who are arrested, even though they make up far less of the underage population.

And an African American with a criminal record is about 50% more likely to be passed over for a job as a white person with a criminal record. If that isn’t systemic, I don’t know what is. Truly engaging in an open and honest discussion requires acknowledging that systemic racism is a problem in our country.

The sheriffs who signed the statement watched the video of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis and saw “one rogue cop.” The rest of America saw two other cops help him, and one more who made sure no bystanders interfered. Police in the U.S. kill far more people than police in other western nations.

It wasn’t politicians leaving their “mansions” who started the current protest movement. It was average people, of all colors, who decided they are tired of watching stories of “rogue” cops treating U.S. citizens in a way that police would never stand for their own families or friends being treated.

As a white woman with friends and family members who have worked or currently work in law enforcement, I recognize the difficult situations that police officers have to face every day. All of us have racial bias (including me), and to think that this bias isn’t affecting both how police behave and how they are perceived is naïve. But clearly police training in “recognizing implicit bias, and proper use of force” is not working in all police departments.

As part of the Sheriffs’ Association’s commitment to their communities, I ask that these leaders don’t just think about “us” doing outreach to “them,” but instead start by asking “What are WE willing to change to make sure this doesn’t happen anymore?”

Meaghan Green

Medina

Editor:

Nate McMurray has earned my vote for the NY District 27 congressional seat. Having talked with him multiple times over the past couple years as he attended Orleans County community dinners and provided education to others on running for office, he has maintained a consistent offer.

He sincerely seeks to be our voice in Washington D.C. He listens more than he speaks but is principled in his support of protecting social security, advocating for economic and infrastructure advantage for farms and industry, and ensuring we all have access to healthcare.

We are all eligible to use an absentee ballot for the June 23 special election.  Applications marked “temporary illness or physical disability” to apply due to concerns of keeping coronavirus under control must be postmarked by June 16.  Early voting at the County Office Building starts June 13.

Please join me in getting your vote in for representation of Orleans County in Washington D.C. – Nate McMurray for Congress.

Beth Wood

Barre

Editor:

On this anniversary of Normandy I write about twists and turns and rabbit holes – the right to truth that free people fought and died for.

Historically our troops stormed the beaches at Normandy and defeated the Nazis. Now Fox News and the President says “Antifa” is a terrorist organization even though the FBI says it has no evidence of its involvement in the Floyd demonstrations. I am concerned this is actually a rabbit hole to mislead and divide us. Not a truth.

It’s important today in terms of history as “Antifa” is a neologism constructed from a contraction of the phrase “anti-fascist.” Adherents to the philosophy are vehemently anti-nazi and white supremacist. It seems they formed in 2017 after Charlottesville when Trump sided with KKK types toting guns who terrorized the city, killing one.

Beyond that Antifa seems to be some sort of amalgam holding both Libertarian Party views and very progressive, but capitalist, views. They unite in not respecting President Trump and opposing cowards posing as tyrants. Are we being told the truth about them or are they a scapegoat?

I could be wrong but blaming them looks like a distraction when, in fact, the late night looting is the handiwork of common thugs and crooks.

In respect to the Floyd protesters themselves, well, when Floyd called out to his “mother” for help anyone with eyes, ears and a brain, knew he was in his final throes on his way to joining her in heaven. Casting about for distractions to avoid facing that terrible fact and the fallout is clearly politics.

Also now, in the aftermath of his death,  there has been a boastful threat to deploy troops against our own citizens. The Chinese did that in Tiananmen Square. It’s what tyrants and dictators do. It’s never done in democracies with real elections!

Using troops against our citizens is a betrayal to the greater purpose that led whites and blacks to join hands to defeat the Nazis. Talking about troops with guns turned on peaceful protestors is a rabbit hole.  Actually unilaterally doing this is not only unconstitutional but also a betrayal of our military’s great tradition to protect and defend us free of politics. This rabbit hole to my mind is not excusable.

I am personally very tired of the constant stream of stories about how my neighbors, people with a long history of dedicated service, our civil servants, or whatever are now out to get me – or, more often, out to get the President. I know it’s impossible that what I am told one week is not true the next;  reality does not work that way.

Anyone claiming to always be perfect strains credulity; this is particularly so when every Inspector General who investigates to find the facts sooner or later gets fired – even ones the President appointed. So what is the truth here we are not hearing?

This is still The UNITED States of America. It has a long history of being run by adults who put it and truth – not the news cycle – first. Holding a Bible, overhead and upside down, while photos are taken does not fit that bill. It seems like a staged distraction from something – a rabbit hole to keep us off balance

Old folks and history buffs remember the photos of Adolph garnering applause with his Bible hoisted overhead – right side up! He was always right and like all tyrants had a penchant for making up facts – rabbit holes to distract and persuade his country – until we put a stop to that at Normandy.

Normandy still has a lot to teach us today about the reasons we fought and knowing that at the end of the day that facts are facts. Falling prey to rabbit holes and lies is what we fought against.

The facts on which freedom rests are something to examine extremely carefully and then treat with respect. It takes hard work. On this anniversary we need to re-dedicate ourselves the task of staying true to our heritage and reject distractions.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I do not expect you to believe it but there are some people who don’t care. If you are wondering what I am talking about, I am talking about the dreaded coronavirus or its code name, Covid-19.

Almost every community in America is being affected by the virus. Businesses are shutting down, jobless claims now exceed 16 million, unemployment is its highest since the Great Depression.

When the coronavirus was first discovered, nobody expected it to blow up the way it did. In fact, the virus was not perceived as dangerous at all until it took lives in China and travelled to members of our county and community. The seemingly unpreventable spread of the virus can incite fear among individuals, installing a sense of panic in our entire community.

Sparse supplies 

Actions such as panic buying and hoarding reflect the fear we have that this epidemic will never end. Perpetrating this behavior confines valuable resources to our own homes, yet leaves those who may need it more defenseless and undersupplied.

It’s reasonable to be more self-serving during these times, and it’s hard to share with others due to the fear of the virus. However, as a kind, caring community, we should try to make an effort to think of others during this scary pandemic, not leave people without food supplies or things needed to shelter in place because they weren’t able to get to the supermarkets in time.

How one high school cares 

Yet, despite the instilled fear of the virus, community members are still fighting to do good. Members of Gunn High School in Palo Alto, California, have created a group called Gunn Cares, where people are made aware of opportunities where they are able to serve their community and help those in need.

Community members all over Palo Alto offer their services to those who are unprepared or high risk. These brave and generous actions show the capacity for their community to rise up beyond the fear and selfish actions to care for those who are impacted most by this virus.

Racially speaking

This virus has taught me a lot about human panic and fear. The vulnerability of people to a fearful virus often leads them to harbor blame and anger. Like many epidemics in the past, such as Ebola and the Spanish flu, the origins of epidemics cause tense, racially charged discussions, even though diseases do not discriminate.

People who have never even been to China experience discrimination and bias at the hands of those motivated by fear. Violent attacks have been reported around the world, and people are no longer safe, perhaps even in towns they have lived in their entire lives.

However, this virus has also shown me that this community, as well as our nation, is resilient and helpful in times of crisis. All around the world, people have been contributing to the efforts of providing resources to hospitals, donating food to those in need, and offering service to those who are at high risk.

People all around the world are thinking of ingenious solutions to help others and offering their own time, money, and resources to make a real difference. Entrepreneurs, tutors and engineers offer their services to help the public, free of financial motives.

Despite all of the negative news coverage that we are often attracted to, these inspiring actions heavily outweigh any negative activity. They represent the unwavering light of human spirit, and our capacity to be generous and kind, and to sacrifice ourselves to help other people. Covid-19 affects us all, whether in big or small ways. Let this be a time for us to become a tighter-knit community and find ways to push past this virus, while remaining resilient and strong.

Interview with Superintendent Bartalo

Schools are a place that are seeing major changes due to this pandemic. Superintendent Brian Bartalo of Holley Central School District does a lot of work, but his work has definitely changed since schools have closed.

When asked how he would say this pandemic has affected his daily work, he answered “Wow! My work has been very different. I still come into the office here at Holley Central School District Office. I come in every day but I’m usually alone or maybe one or two other people in the office in order to do payroll, work on the budget… and we stay distant.”

He goes on to say, “We work in separate offices and it affects me because I am used to working with lots of people like teachers and administrators and especially the students. I miss that the most. I have had to do different jobs that I never had to do before, so the work has changed as well.”

It will be interesting to see how Superintendent Bartalo’s job shifts as months go on.

Jayda Shampine

Holley sixth-grader

(Mr. Gardner’s homeroom)

Editor:

Shame on Steve Smith for his insincere and false stance on empathy towards the George Floyd murder. Lest you not forget our country follows the legal principle of presumption of innocence where we are all considered innocent until proven guilty.

Where the responsibility of the police officer is to apprehend and detain a suspect – not be judge, juror and executioner. Where the punishment for (allegedly) using a forged monetary instrument is not the death penalty.

You are right in not judging all police officers by a few bad apples, but every single police officer is held to a high standard of upholding our laws and not breaking or taking advantage of them themselves.

The black-on-black crime you speak of is something their communities are trying to heal and overcome. However, when that crime takes place those individuals are typically always apprehended, charged, held in custody without bail and tried with the long arm of the law. Justice was served, family and friends were able to receive some type of closure.

There is no justice served, and definitely no closure received, when a police officer can continue to murder, assault, abuse the suspects they are sent out to apprehend. Losing a job and still receiving a pension is no punishment at all.

Nicole Zelazny

Buffalo (formerly of Medina)

Editor:

I have seen and heard enough. I cannot believe how people can be appalled by a sports star kneeling on a field during the national anthem, can call them names and ask for them to fired when some of these same people think it’s justifiable to kneel on a man’s neck for almost nine minutes, until he dies and the man was already in handcuffs.

I took an oath to uphold and protect the constitution of this country when I went in the military and I served with pride. Now we have a leader in the White House who talks about sending our military against the citizens of our country. That same man also criticizes and tries to tear down military heroes like General Mattis.

I also ask you to remember that that same man in the White House I am talking about was the same one who did everything possible to not serve in the military. He has absolutely no right to say anything about any veteran or anyone’s military records.

We have to stand up to get justice for all people – not just people who can afford to buy it. I know we have to remember how important it is to get out and vote for representation for all of us, not just those who donated the most. I ask you to take a minute and think about the last few years.

Please get out and vote. It’s up to “we the people” to save this country.

Harvey Campbell

US Army veteran

Lyndonville

Editor:

Please protect our granddaughter, Paige, a physician’s assistant. Paige was a fierce 3-sports competitor, wanted the ball in crunch time, winning her high school B-ball league championship with last-second game-winning shots in consecutive games.

Although only 5’4” she could sky and won and dominated college and high school volleyball games with crushing kills.

She brought the same fire to her academics, graduating from D’Youville Physician Assistant School, Summa Cum Laude.

Now she brings the same energy and zest to serving patients in an Emergency Room, working many hours.

Please honor her and protect her and all health care workers and zealously follow the COVID-19 guidelines.

As we relax our safeguards slightly, don’t personally relax, as is the tendency. The U.S. is ravaged with the disease. Although only 1/18th of the world’s population, we’re nearly 1/3rd in reported cases and more than a 1/4th of the deaths.

Wall Street Journal’s Michael S. Derby: “Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said 5/21, it is unclear when the U.S. economy will fully recover from the coronavirus pandemic… With the economic outlook hinging on how the virus is contained, ‘it’s impossible to know exactly how and when workers and businesses will be fully back to work and when consumers will return…,’” Williams said.

Our diligence in guarding against spreading the virus is not a private health issue with only personally taking risks, but a public health issue: if we get ill, we’ll likely spread it to others. On Buffalo tv news, a doctor was featured saying that “a vigorous cough can project the virus 18 feet.”

Please do your part, obey the guidelines and protect our granddaughter Paige and her family and patients. Protect all those serving you, in health care offices, grocery stores, etc. and also our failing economy, the implications of which are life-threatening to the working and elderly poor, a large part of our country’s population.

Please maintain “social distance,” and wear your masks to protect others.

Please follow the guidelines. Protect our PA granddaughter.

Bob and Margaret Golden

Kent