July 21, 2025 - JOHN’S CORNER: ON THE REBOUND
we shall overcome…someday
The Maria Gillard trio will be playing their great music in a free outdoor concert at 6:30 this Wednesday at the County Courthouse lawn on Main St.
Another concert of note is coming up in Rochester on August 2. Our good friend, Robert Pizzutiello of Indigo Breeze asked me to inform the public about it and get as many kids as we can to this stimulating musical event
I now have a sure fire way not to lose my sunglasses!
JOHN’S CORNER: ON THE REBOUND
Good morning folks,
Many have asked why I have taken a break from John’s Corner and the store. People have surmised that perhaps there are health issues involved or some other looming crisis. I assure you that neither is the case. In fact, I just got a very positive report from my doctor. The only ailment is old age! I’m just an old guy who needs a little bit of a break. So I’ve been scaling back a bit and spending a considerable amount of time by myself here in Penn Yan. And despite my reclusive behavior, I am still involved in all kinds of activities worth talking about. Additionally, I have been welcoming "guests" for tours of Penn Yan…send me a message to get added to the list and I’ll buy the beers! If you have any mobility issues, I have a mobility scooter to lend.
On Saturday I participated in the first public protest that I have been involved in since 1969 (remember back when). Every Saturday, a group of active local citizens stage an assembly at the Yates County Courthouse lawn on Main St. It was a great group of folks, including librarians, church workers and women my age wearing tie-dye shirts. They held up signs and waved to cars going by and, remarkably, the response from the local people was very positive. This past weeks protest was a particularly sensitive topic to me. It was pointed at the recent government cuts and opposition to what is commonly known as DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion. Why this has become a political talking point, mystifies me. I seldom comment on political activity as there are always two sides and multiple opinions on every topic, but the advancement of DEI always seemed to me to be something that was positive for society. After all, the opposite of DEI is UNIFORMITY (everyone just the same), INEQUITY (the balance of wealth in this country has tipped the scales) and EXCLUSION (leaving certain people out of the equation). These are elements that we have been trying to scourge from our society for 200 years. It’s not political, it is human.
With peace,
John Bernunzio
When the going gets tough, the tough go for ice cream and there is no place better than the Spotted Duck. All of their custard is made with duck eggs and it is a beautiful setting with picnic tables.
Downtown Penn Yan…..come on down, I’ll take you on a tour.