Editor, OBSERVER:
"Our home on Temple Road." What a wonderful place for those, many of whom were from the greatest generation, who in their prime were beautiful, intelligent productive mothers and fathers.
They helped build our country, now they are in their time of need because their doctors have kept them alive, with modern cures, that were not available fifty years ago.
A recent editorial in the OBSERVER (Jan. 29) made it clear the handwriting is on the wall. The legislature or some other committee will be mandated to find a way to keep this home, for our citizens - open or sold.
It is unfortunate that the Department of Health and Human Services of New York state, or whatever department oversees the elderly, does not have the clout the Department of Education in Albany has. Money flows like rushing water through their fingers into frivolous endeavors by this agency in every aspects of its operation.
There are other fat cat operations that can be added to the much needed money source.
Some think it is a shame people lose their homes and assets when a member in their family has to be admitted to the home. For sure it is a frightening thought. Some use the five-year loophole to prevent this from happening.
Here lies a bone of contention! We all know somewhat and imagine the rest. So I won't dwell on this point.
What I do know is the County Home employs a competent caring staff who can answer many of these questions. I would suggest any Legislature or designated committee member visit "Our Home", and see for them selves what a first rate institution we have on Temple Road.
JACK?BENSON,
Fredonia
AAA closing
inconvenient
Editor, OBSERVER:
The closure of the AAA office in Dunkirk-Fredonia seems to be a done deal.
After writing a letter requesting a reconsideration of said closure, I received a form letter indicating that I could go to the Orchard Park office, 38 miles away and expensive gasoline, for services. With an apologetic tone, the author of the letter said she really couldn't change things.
Knowing of a AAA office in Jamestown, closer to this area, I called them.
This office wasn't mentioned in the letter from Western and Central New York; happens it is affiliated with the AAA of PGH/Erie as is the Lockport, N.Y. office.
Lockport, N.Y.? North of Buffalo?
At any rate, we can receive services in Jamestown, which is a bit closer for us. But what of the loss of jobs here and tax revenue? Western and Central New York raises our dues even as they close our office.
In my letter I pointed out the number of senior citizens in this area, the driving classes for young people and bad driving conditions in the winter.
None of this makes any difference. If we use Jamestown services, we should really pay dues to them.
It really doesn't pay to live in Chautauqua County or rural America.
ELIZABETH
A. WOLL,
Dunkirk
