Letters
Town should own meeting house

The historic Mennonite Meeting House, built in 1834, is one of the few public buildings that remain from the early years of this town. Located at Main and North Forest, it was erected with admirable skill by some of the first settlers. Architecturally, it's small but impressive, both inside and out. This little treasure has thick walls, which gives a sense of warmth and quiet when standing inside. Its tall windows are unique, and its simplicity transports you to another time. For all these reasons, I believe the meeting house belongs to everyone to be enjoyed with full access. Using it as a museum is a logical way to accommodate the public. But at the same time, I think the town should maintain ownership. In private hands, ownership can change, and public access might cease to be.

A comment was made recently in The Amherst Bee suggesting the Mennonite Meeting House is a burden on taxpayers. This building is eligible for grant money for its maintenance needs. Why has the little bit of painting needed on this half-stone structure been neglected? The town is also allowed to solicit assistance from a college or university for analysis and restoration of historic buildings. Any expense not covered by grant money and paid with taxes would be, per household, microscopic. We are not poverty-stricken in this town and should be able to support this historic place without blinking an eye.

The Mennonite Meeting House is something Amherst can be proud of. With some polish, it can shine again and respectably remain on the architectural and historical trail of Western New York. Let's make sure the doors are always open to the public by retaining the town as its keeper and using the Meeting House as a museum.

Judy Catalano

Park Club Lane

Amherst

New board member promises effort

I want to thank the voters of Amherst for their support in the November election. I appreciate their confidence in me, and I promise to do my best for the residents of Amherst.

Dr. Barry Weinstein

Member- elect Amherst Town Board