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Local Commentaries

From One ‘Middle’ Paul To Another

In 1969, Noel Paul Stookey wrote a song and first performed it at the wedding of his Peter, Paul and Mary folk bandmate, Peter Yarrow’s, marriage to the niece of Senator Eugene McCarthy, Mary McCarthy. In 1971, it was released as a single, later added to his solo album titled “Paul and,” ...

The Sweetness Of March

By Margot Russell In March, winter never really loosens its grip—not in Western New York. It just shifts its weight. One day the snow softens and slides off the roof in heavy sheets, the next morning it’s back again—hard, frozen, and stubborn as ever. The calendar says spring, but no ...

What’s A ‘Studshaker’?

In February 1852, two brothers began making horse-drawn wagons and buggies in South Bend, Indiana. They eventually transitioned to building automobiles, including electric and gas-powered vehicles. Nearly 160 years later my family attended an auto show in Western New York state where we ...

Anchors Aweigh – And All That Jazz

When the Fredonia Opera House announced this concert, I closed my laptop and picked up the phone. The U.S. Navy Band’s Sea Chanters were at the Opera House for an evening concert last Friday and I wasn’t going to miss it. It seemed a shame for just Richard and me to enjoy it, so we ...

Lessons Learned On A Trip To Ohio

Recently, we took a road trip to Ohio with another couple. It was a good break from the winter doldrums. We stopped to see old friends, renew old memories and revisit old, familiar places. Ohio seems like it will never end. There are places of beautiful rolling hills, but then there are the ...

Lake Alliance Needs More Than A ‘Cone Of Silence’

Remember the television show Get Smart with Don Adams and Barbara Feldon and their “cone of silence” which they used for top secret conversations? Recall that it never really worked. Our own Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance has unsuccessfully attempted to operate in ...