The air fell silent, as they walked into the room. All you could hear was the coordinated sound of footsteps. Left, right, left, right, left. The guns held shoulder tight, ready for action. The flags waving softly with the motion of their bodies.

Although it is not the end of the year it is my family’s first full year in Hornell, and over the last week I have reflected on the last 12 months and about what I’m thankful for.

I just can't help but wonder, what has the President done to you (as of today’s date and without speculation) personally, as an individual that makes you passionately “hate” him?

I don't like the Republican agenda, but I’ve never heard a Democrat say, “I hate Mitt Romney.” I would have been disappointed, if he had won, but I wouldn't be screaming, we're doomed, the end of the world is here. Or as Donald Trump said, it’s time for a violent revolution.

I thought this was a free country where people could express their political opinion. Apparently the small minded among us think differently. I find it disgusting that in this small community someone has chosen to steal Obama and Nate Shinagawa political signs.

I was surprised, bewildered and disappointed to read the contents of Priscilla Howe’s comments in the Genesee Country Express. This is exactly the type of thing I wrote about in my guest essay published in August in the Hornell Evening Tribune — individuals getting personal, not being tolerant and respectful of others or open to views different than our own.

The town board sees this man as an antagonist, we prefer watch dog. The person we are referring to is, Larry Graham, who appears to agitate and antagonize the Wayland town board merely with his presence.

Because of the cowardly and dastardly attacks on our embassy in Egypt and consulate in Libya, where our ambassador and three other Americans were murdered, I had to write this letter.

Please come to the Sept. 14 Hearing to request that the board enact a moratorium for the town immediately. To wait any longer is to signal to the state that we are open for drilling.

Dansville’s summer concerts in the park series is done for this year, and I am writing to thank all those people who make the series possible.

You folks who were around in 1972 remember that parts the west side of Dansville and Foster Wheeler flooded with the excessive rain from Hurricane Agnes. Whether you are a property owner or a renter, you might take a look at the tree and tree debris on the north side of the Route 436 bridge across Canaseraga Creek west of town.

I am writing to thank all of the kind and generous people of Dansville who helped my wife and young daughter and me when our rental car broke down just off Interstate 390 last year on a night in early June.

As a Dansville resident I am concerned about the plight of the Castle on the Hill building. I have a great appreciation for the role the Castle played in the involvement with Clara Barton’s restoration to health, and her subsequent starting of the American Red Cross.

Let me first make clear my families’ horror at discovering the graves of my ancestors had been so desecrated, but that horror was multiplied when I learned that the town of Dansville had the opportunity to rectify the deed, only to fall into a Hatfield and McCoy-like feud that borders on the comical.

I take issue with statements made in the article on June 21, “Supervisors appeal for responsible drilling.” “Responsible Drilling” is an oxymoron if I ever heard one.

Where do we go from here? Let's work together to get the swimming pools at Stonybrook State Park reopened. Ultimately, we are not talking about a huge amount of money. To reopen the pools will take some additional work and organization by the park manager and his staff, but the benefit to the public is exponential; the loss is too.

I am not necessarily opposed to the planned rate increase for these services. But, I think that any increase in rates should include the upgrade of software for billing.

I just wanted to express my sincere appreciation to those who helped out with the Sunshine Softball Game on May 20. This game allows 22 children with developmental disabilities from Dansville to feel like big league ball players. The kids have a great time playing baseball in front of a very enthusiastic crowd.

The closing of Stony Brook State Park pools is a travesty and without merit. The excuses purported by park administration are untrue. They are invalid and exaggerated at best.

Last week, May 7-14, was Teacher Appreciation Week.

The United States Department of Education urged the public to take to Facebook and Twitter to thank a teacher who has made a difference in their lives.

I’d like to contribute to that effort.