TOWN HALL-STYLE MEETING COMING UP FOR TOWN OF VERONA RESIDENTS

I have scheduled a town hall-style meeting for Tuesday, October 30^th in the Town of Verona. The meeting will take place at 6pm at the Verona Fire Hall, located at 5555 Volunteer Ave. in Verona and will last about 30 to 45 minutes. Additional meetings are in the process of being scheduled and will be announced in the near future.

NOTE:  This is not a town board meeting, but rather an opportunity for Town of Verona residents to connect with me personally.

For more information, go to: www.fritzscherz.com, call me at: (315) 363-3509 and/or email me at:

fritz [at] fritzscherz.com. 

 

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On September 11, 2010, I wrote the following "letter to the editor" and submitted it to a few newspapers. While it's now technically two years old, I still find that I agree with what I felt at that time. Time might heal some wounds or lessen the pain, but the words "never forget" hold true. (Please note:  I changed the original "9" at the beginning to an "11" to allow for considering our current year when referring to "years ago" and changed the "2010" to "2012".)

11 years ago, I was at work in Albany at the Office of the NYS Comptroller attending a training class when the 9/11 tragedy happened.  Obviously, people were stunned, saddened, scared, confused, and a whole lot of emotions mixed together.  Shortly after the first tower collapsed, we were told that non-essential people (like me) could go home. So, I left.

I remember leaving Albany and how slow traffic was going as well as how congested the roadways were, yet how polite friends and strangers alike had become.  Traffic on the thruway was a lot slower than usual.  I didn't see any road rage whatsoever.  I remember the goosebumps I got as well as tears in my eyes when I encountered firetrucks heading east (toward NYC).  In the few days that followed, our Nation had become one, if you will.  Gone were the vitriolic comments, gone were the democrat vs. republican issues, gone was the "usual behavior" of many. We were actually united, or at least it seemed that way.

Jump to 2012 and the way things are now.  What the heck happened to our country? Why so much derision?  Why so much vitriol?  Why so much corruption?  I just don't get it.  But, I am hopeful we can get back to being more united sometime soon.

Anyway, today I say a prayer for the men and women (of all nationalities) who were killed or injured in the 9/11 tragedy and to those who lost family or friends (in many cases, both) on that tragic day. 

God Bless America

In Remembrance.....

Fritz Scherz
Councilman, Verona Town Board

Bath Salts/Meth Forum for Town of Verona Residents

I'm hosting a Bath Salts/Meth Forum for Town of Verona Residents on Monday, August 13th at 6pm at the Verona Fire Hall, 5555 Volunteer Ave., in Verona. The forum will feature a panel of subject matter experts from a variety of backgrounds. There will be an opportunity to ask questions of the panel, too.

Memorial Day 2012

My wife and I stress to our kids (although they're old enough to know without us saying anything) that it's important to remember the real reason behind this special holiday and not view it as just a day off from school. I was trying to think of something special to write for Memorial Day, and figured the lyrics to the song, 'Tribute' that my Dad wrote would fit perfectly. He originally wrote that tune in memory of Corporal John P. Sigsbee, who was killed in Iraq. I'm thankful to say that Gold Star Mother, Sue Sigsbee is a very good friend of mine. Because of the ultimate sacrifice her son and so many others over the years have made, we live in the best country.

Here are some of those lyrics....

When I read your name...I felt the pain...
that your Mom and Dad... and all your friends had...
it was a real cold day...your friends came to pay...
tribute you to you...on that sad day...


You paid a big price...to keep us free...
the best service people...that will ever be...
you all served us well...it was like going through hell...
you are the best...that will ever be...

REMINDER RE: 3rd ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE!

I've always believed it's important to do good deeds in the community.  Given that, I wanted to post a reminder about the Fred Scherz Sr. Memorial Scholarship for Volunteer Community Service that I'm doing again.  The 3rd annual scholarship will be in the amount of $250 and will be awarded by me to a Town of Verona, New York student who is on track to graduate from 12th grade at a high school (public or private) or homeschool by June 30, 2012.  Additionally, the student must have lived in the Town of Verona, New York since at least December 1, 2011, and must be voluntarily engaged in community service or must have created a community project.  As with the last two years, the winner will be selected by a board of volunteers.

To view the complete rules and to get an application for the Fred Scherz Sr. Memorial Scholarship for Volunteer Community Service, go to:  www.fritzscherz.com. For more information, call me at: (315) 363-3509 or email me at: fritz[at]fritzscherz.com. Deadline to apply is May 1, 2012.

My Wishes for the CNY Region

(1/1/12):  Happy New Year! Here are my wishes for the CNY Region for 2012 (and beyond):

For the region, it'd be great to see crime drop more. Not that crime is bad here compared to some places, but even less crime would make the area that much better. Thankfully, we have some excellent law enforcement and other first responder agencies in our area.

In Verona, I'd like to see a sewer system improvement, as that would make it possible for more businesses to open up along the Route 365 corridor. More businesses (offices and stores) mean more tax dollars for the area as people have more choices as to where to spend their money. The idea is to get folks to spend more locally.

Lastly, I'd like to see our area colleges continue to grow. Within just a 25 mile radius of Verona, think of all the colleges there are and the number of different majors available. Moreover, think of the great training opportunities there are, such as Leadership Mohawk Valley.

Simply put, this area offers so much and the potential is there to offer even more.

Fritz Scherz
Councilman, Verona Town Board

www.fritzscherz.com
www.fritzscherz.blogspot.com

Christmas Memories

(12/24/11):  I wrote the note below two years ago today. I find it still captures my feelings regarding a very special time of the year for me, Christmas.....

Christmas has always had a special place in my heart. When I was growing up and I’d attend Christmas Eve church service with my mom and dad, the song “Silent Night” was always sung with the lights out and people holding candles. It certainly made the song even more moving. My mom, Shirley, passed away (Dec. 4, 1991) and ever since then, whenever I hear (or sing) this song, it brings back memories of those church services of years gone by and brings tears to my eyes. Now, with my dad just passing away a few weeks ago (Nov. 14), I’m sure this Christmas when I hear “Silent Night,” I will even be more emotionally touched. A few years ago, my band, Fritz’s Polka Band, put out a Christmas CD. This song was given even more special meaning to me, as my wife, Kathy, and two daughters, Katherine and Marissa, made their recording debut on that tune for the CD.

A few years ago, my band performed at Glen Burtnik’s Christmas Xtravaganza at B.B. King’s Club in New York City. During that performance, many different musicians performed Christmas-themed songs. That evening, a woman by the name of Antonique Smith (who’s now a very successful recording artist and actress) sang “Oh Holy Night.” Hearing Antonique sing that song gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes. In closing, Christmas always has been and will remain my favorite time of the year, as great memories of family and music remain fresh in my memory.