Letters to the Editor - July 05 2012

Do we have to hear ATV noise?

Should government regulate your inalienable rights? Do you want government regulating when you are allowed to enjoy peace and quiet or fresh air on your own private property, or when you can safely open a window, entertain company, perhaps read a book; without the onslaught of revving engines, fumes and dust? Councilmen Mark D’agostino, Thomas Dewhirst, and Joseph Norton are currently thwarting the wishes of almost 700 Stanford residents who have signed a petition that defends these basic “inalienable rights” to the “pursuit of happiness” as defined by the Declaration of Independence.

Is the right to cause disturbances to neighbors from recreational All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes protected in the Constitution? Should the right to disturb neighbors be protected?

Almost 700 Stanford residents, taxpayers and voters, along with 27 of the town’s farms (a sizable majority), have asked and petitioned that the recreational use of Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) be “set back” from adjoining property lines.

Michelle McGill
Stanford

Legion Hall a cool refuge in heat

On behalf of the town of North East Town Board, I want to publicly thank the American Legion Post 178 for making their hall available as a “cooling center” during the excessively hot days on June 20 and 21. It is so gratifying to know that our community has such a strong, civic-minded organization like the American Legion that is willing and able to help our community when the need arises.

In the event of any future weather-related emergencies, North East residents can obtain the necessary information concerning shelters/cooling centers by tuning in to WHDD Robin Hood Radio (91.9 FM) in Sharon, checking the  town’s new website (www.townofnortheastny.gov) or by calling the Town Hall at 518-789-3300, ext. 608.

Thank you.
John Merwin
Town Supervisor

North East Time to install a traffic light

Do we have to wait for a fatal accident to get a light installed at the Freshtown entrance on Route 22? There have already been far too many near misses, and it is only a matter of time before we have a death.

Diana H. King
Amenia

Extra-special supporters

On behalf of the E.X.T.R.A.S. board of directors, staff and the families we serve, thank you to all who participated in the E.X.T.R.A.S. “Cuts for Kids” fundraiser held on June 10 at Chad’s Hair Studio in Millerton. The funds raised will support the E.X.T.R.A.S. mission of providing quality care for school-age children of working parents in Lakeville and Salisbury.

Thank you first and foremost to Chad Malarchuck of Chad’s Hair Studio who graciously donated his salon to host the event. Thanks also to all the incredible stylists: Amy Carol, Ronda Dingee, Megan Edgeworth, Jessica Fowx, Loren Hawley, Tarah Kennedy, Kelly Kilmer and Suany Leedy. Without your offering of time and talent, this fundraiser could not have happened. Thank you, too, to all the trunk show vendors; your participation in provided the perfect complement to the event and demonstrated how diverse interests can serve a common good.

A special thank you to board member Amy Carol. Your leadership, energy, and enthusiasm set a high bar for all future events. You truly embody the spirit of volunteerism that makes E.X.T.R.A.S. a reality.

And finally, thank you to all those who stopped by Chad’s for a haircut or to do some shopping. The response from the public was both encouraging and touching, and the children served by E.X.T.R.A.S. will benefit from your donations for months to come!

Stephen Moore, president
E.X.T.R.A.S.
Salisbury