f e a t u r e d p o s t s
 BY MATTHEW MERITT
Scott Esty at Assemblyman Chris Friend’s office kindly replied to my recent inquiries about an assembly bill that could make the COVID vaccine mandatory. He made me aware of an additional bill that would prohibit mandatory vaccination against COVID. Mr. Esty, Assemblyman Friend’s chief of staff, noted there is no companion to these bills in the Senate and that January is the earliest further work on them can be done.
0 Comments
 Editor’s Note: Though the Echo is mostly a good-news and features blog, occasionally it will point out general news items worth taking a look at. I haven’t seen this one reported in local news sources yet.
By MATTHEW MERITT A bill in Albany could make the new COVID vaccine mandatory, a Buffalo TV news station reported Tuesday (Dec. 8). The decision would rest with state health officials, not with individuals and parents. The WGRZ news article and video are worth a few minutes. It seems if state officials decide at some point the level of immunity in the general population is too low, they may “mandate vaccination for all individuals or groups of individuals who, as shown by clinical data, are proven to be safe to receive” it. That’s apparently language from the bill, which looks to be number A11179. The science behind vaccines is one thing and individual choice is another. What’s worrisome is a quote from the story in which concerns over state overreach into the personal lives of individuals and families seems to be dismissed. 
Hairy Bean Wig Salon owner Amy Pencola
BY MATTHEW MERITT
There are some things one might not notice until they’re needed. That’s when Amy Pencola comes in with a little boost for those on a challenging journey. The proprietor of the Hairy Bean Wig Boutique recalls a teenage girl at her Elmira Heights shop. Though cancer and chemotherapy couldn’t quell the young lady’s spirit, it had left her without hair – and it not much seemed to be growing back.  Families and Little League succeed in running a season of baseball despite unusual circumstances.
BY MATTHEW MERITT I paid for a full seat but only used the edge while watching one of the Big Flats Little League Baseball championship games this year. As the Friday evening sun set the excitement rose, with a mere run separating the two Triple-A Division teams in the sixth and final inning. The Pirates’ pitcher deftly gathered up the needed three outs to nail down a 7-6 win for his team. His composure and good sportsmanship were matched by that of his teammates and their Yankee opponents in a game that could have gone either way.  Nick and Johnny Piet Pokémon group going strong despite lockdown
Editors Note: This Q&A was prepared before the lockdown. Though in-person play at Great Escape game room is suspended, the group still meets online and hopes to resume in-person play when the time comes. See below for contact information. By MATTHEW MERITT If size limits small towns on the variety of organized activities available, there’s a silver lining. Can’t find an existing club, team or group that matches your interest? Then start your own. That’s what Big Flats resident Nick Piet did. The husband and father of two explains in the Q&A below how he and his son, Johnny, got the Corning-Elmira Pokémon League off the ground. At weekly League gatherings, youth and adult players enjoy the casual and friendly competition. But it’s also official. Participants can earn points to qualify for regional events. Just last year, Johnny competed in the Pokémon World Tournament in Washington, D.C. You never know what cards you’ll be dealt in a card game. But at the local Pokémon club you will always find conversation, concentration, laughter and a handshake after every match. For Pokemon league questions, contact: [email protected] For general store inquiries or other gaming info, contact: [email protected] Where and when does this group meet? Every Sunday 3-5 p.m. at Great Escape Adventures' game room in the Arnot Mall. (Note: in-person play suspended but online meet-ups and play continue.) |
