Dear Editor:

The notion of spending $10,000 in search of a new city manager at this time is ill advised. John Capps has done a good job in holding down expenditures. The city, so far, has not seen the drastic measures such as layoffs or other cuts in service that has plagued other cities.

Because of the economy, the city is treading water until such time as we as a country recover from this recession. Spending $100,000 or so at this time to employ a person to maintain the status quo is a waste of taxpayer’s money.

Siri Cooper, assistant city manager, is able and could take over the city without missing a heartbeat. If she would be willing to take on the responsibility of the city manager during her final years of her career, the city would save money and maintain the discipline of expenditures.

The duration of the recession that we are experiencing is unknown and is predicted by economists to be a slow recovery. Once we do recover, Roswell is going to need a dynamic city manager to guide the city to a recovery of its own. Roswell has the chance to become a shopping hub for the neighboring villages and cities. If we reach the 50,000 population figure, many businesses will consider locating here. Roswell drastically needs to address the traffic on Main Street, the condition of the streets, and cleaning of private property. This will require an experienced city manager who goes beyond regular city duties, and interacts with the community and its needs.

This type of manager should have at least five years experience as a city manager or assistant city manager with proven experience as an administrator and community involvement. State Municipal League offers assistance to cities in this regard.

Ralph Fresquez

Former assistant city manager

City manager 1979-1992

Roswell

Dear Editor:

Every once in awhile we find that people are amazing animals. Despite everyday problems and inconveniences, the people we least expect come through with some extraordinary service. Please consider the following.

In the recent past, a disasterous fire damaged the local Salvation Army store. The cause of that blaze is questionable, but, in any event, the Salvation Army suffered a major loss. Since the primary income for the Salvation Army is donations, their income is limited, and the potential cost of the repairs for the store was enormous.

During the course of soliciting prices for the needed materials, it was discovered that a local business offered a program whereby they would assist, without compensation, in the restoration of a non-profit or charitable organization in the event of a disaster. It was also discovered that this business did not make a point of advertising their activities in this work, but simply helped without any recognition. In addition, the employees of that business gave their free time and efforts, without any compensation or recognition. Such unselfishness and concern for their friends and neighbors deserves that they be acknowledged for their hard work.

That outstanding business is the Home Depot of Roswell. I have, in the past, been a critic of Home Depot, but a relatively new store manager, Ms. Shannon Drake, put Captain Perez in contact with one of her employees, a Ms. Angela Lavolpa. With a Home Deport group referred to as “Team Depot,” Ms. Angela Lavolpa, a department supervisor, met with Captain Perez of the Salvation Army. She and her assistants made an estimate of the damages, determined what needed to be done and organized the repair and replacement of damaged materials. She had a group of volunteers from the store associates ranks made up of Rudy Quintana, Billy Quiroz, Erma Gonzales, Alyssa Lewis, Donna Walker, Chad Johnson, Dan Burlingame, Eddie Delosantos, Wayne Gluff, Sheridan Gluff, and Kathy Roberts. Each of these people gave of their free time to assist in the repairs. They deserve a great deal of credit.

The Home Depot store manager Shannon Drake, Ms. Angela Lavolpa and her assistants deserve a great round of applause.

I have no connection with either the Salvation Army nor Home Depot, but I am merely a social friend of Captain Perez. Let me say that I am extremely proud to have such people as named above for my fellow Roswellians. They are a credit to themselves and the community. What a fantastic group of people.

Jack Conway

Roswell

Dear Editor:

To thank the pastor and his congregation for their (Church on the Move) Veterans Dinner on July 2, 2010, and special USO Show, is not enough.

If you missed this event, then I am sorry you did. What an awesome job they did and gave God all the glory for it!

All veterans deserve to be honored for their service to our country; there are a lot of them out there.

The playing of “Taps” by the pastor was truly emotional for everyone. 

A room full of vets both young and old all fully knowing what war is about. It changes a person.

So if you see one ask “are you a vet?” Then thank them for their service. They do like to hear that.

Wayne is a disabled Vietnam veteran, combat medic.

Thanks to the Elks too.

Olin W. and Linda Chapin

Roswell

Dear Editor:

The orgy of Helen Thomas bashing has begun to subside, but after the TV pundits, columnists, politicians, and over the top radio talk and Fox News folks took their turns joyfully beating up on the 89-year-old journalist. The Roswell Daily Record decided to pile on. Their cartoonist Keith Bell, who draws ugly pictures with ugly comments about those he, and apparently his employer, despise, did a number on her. In his cartoon he crowns her “Helen on Goya.” Goya is a disparaging Yiddish expression directed at someone who is not Jewish.

Sitting on a bench in a public area in front of the White House she was approached by a rabbi, who without permission, put a camera in her face and began asking provocative questions about what Israel was doing in the Middle-East. This was shortly after Israeli commandos killed members of a flotilla bringing humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Her angry response was shopped around until the mainstream media picked it up. She apologized but it was too late.

Being labeled anti-Semitic ended Ms. Thomas’s remarkable career that spanned 60 years and covered presidential administrations from Eisenhower to Obama.

She had a front row seat at press conferences and she was never afraid to ask the tough questions. She asked Bush why he invaded Iraq and asked Obama when he was going to bring our troops home from Afghanistan.

She spoke up for women in the workplace and spoke against age discrimination. She wrote interesting and educational books about the news media and the White House. Her many columns over the years were great. She held government’s feet to the fire, asking only that they do what was right and fair.

Thank you Helen Thomas. I miss you already.

John Popham

Roswell

Dear Editor:

Let us inside those dastardly deeds of the Liberals.

Social Security: I believe its purpose was to prevent widows and orphans falling into poverty.

Dams: built starting with Teddy Roosevelt allowing irrigation of arid lands thus allowing food stuffs to be grown cheaply year round.

Then, I suppose the most dastardly deed was the TVA project which brought electricity and all its labor savings to the rural south.

Of course some would say Medicare and Medicaid giving elderly and those with low incomes adequate medical care.

Now, I wonder to whom would anyone run if their Medicare or Social Security were denied them?

Peg Briney

Roswell

Dear Editor:

In Sunday’s headline article about the recent UFO Festival the executive director of UFO Museum is quoted as saying, “My father and Glenn Dennis put Roswell on the map when they created the museum. Before that time, we did not even have a tourist industry.” 

Museum director Julie Shuster seems to have neglected to give credit to one of the three founders of the UFO Museum, Max Littell. Max was instrumental in organizing the museum from the business aspect in acquiring the 501c3/non-profit organization status that allowed the museum to incorporate, and was responsible for acquiring previous sites and the site that the museum occupies today.

Alongside Walter Haut and Glenn Dennis, Max Littell spent countless hours working at the museum, financially running it, assisting researchers, and greeting visitors as the public became more knowledgeable about the 1947 crash. Max also helped create a library in which those interested could research information about reported flying saucer sightings. Walter Haut and Glenn Dennis were the two men that had direct involvement with experiences to share about the 1947 incident but it was Max Littell who laid the groundwork for creating the International UFO Museum and Research Center, which was instrumental in encouraging the other two founders to tell their story.

If it had not been for Max Littell’s vision it is doubtful that the museum would have become the success it is today. How sad that Miss Shuster seems to have overlooked Max Littell’s invaluable input as one of the three founders.

Danny Boswell

Roswell

Dear Editor:

Congratulations are once again in order for all involved in the Hike It & Spike It flag football tournament held during Memorial Day weekend. Under the leadership of Cla Avery and Jim Matteucci, local organizers for the event, more than five hundred teams and thousands of spectators enjoyed a weekend full of family fun. Hike it & Spike It is the largest flag football tournament in the world right here in Roswell, New Mexico.

United Way of Chaves County is pleased to again have been chosen as the charity of choice. Five Thousand dollars was donated to United Way to help improve the lives of the residents of Chaves County.

None of this would be possible without the sponsors and volunteers who give both their time and money to support this event that brings positive attention to our community.

Even if you are not a football fan, please make an attempt to come out next year and enjoy watching children, adults and players of different abilities participate in this event.

There is no charge to come out to the event and you and your family can enjoy all the activities available. United Way is proud to help support this event in our community.

Once again, congratulations to all involved and as they say in the sports world, “Wait till next year.”

Harvey Robertson

Executive Director

United Way of Chaves County

Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to the letter published this week by the man who chose to sit at home and not cast his vote in the primary because he was offended by rude and squabbling candidates.

Thank you to that man. Because of what he wrote, I have been seriously considering the reasons why I first registered to vote and have gone to the polls faithfully and consistently to cast my vote.

My husband was on his second tour of duty in Vietnam when I was old enough to register to vote. I decided that if he and many others were brave enough to serve our country to maintain our freedoms, then it was my duty and honor to vote in every election. Since that time, I have kept that promise.

Do I feel proud of this? No. Every time I enter the voting booth, I feel humbled because I know the price that has been paid to give me this great privilege.

When I go to places like airports, I see many of our young men and women in uniform, I am reminded of the times I spent saying goodbye and welcoming home my soldier. I am reminded vividly of the pain of the farewells and the joy of the homecomings.

I heard of the local report that 85 percent of those registered to vote in Roswell did not cast their vote in the last election. This got me to wondering just how many people who could register haven’t and have never voted. It would be interesting to do the math. I am thinking that my vote was equal to 6-7 votes. That makes those of us who voted have quite a large voice indeed. If it is figured on the larger base of all those who could register, then my vote would be equal to a far greater number.

To those few hundred of my neighbors who got out of their chairs and went to vote, thank you! I am proud of you and I admire you. Anything you have to say about the state of our nation’s affairs, I will respect. I listen to your views because you earned the right to speak out.

To those thousands of voiceless people who stayed home in their easy chairs — stay there and keep quiet because you have given up any right to have a voice or opinion. Shame on you. How can we elect honest men and women to office, if YOU won’t get out to vote?

I challenge every one of you to register to vote and when election time comes again, go cast your vote. Look those soldiers in the eye and show them as well as tell them that you appreciate what they are doing to keep our nation free.

Sally Hamilton

Roswell

Dear Editor:

 I was disturbed by the headlines of your Sunday issue, “ENMMC cuts dialysis treatment.” I thought the headline was false, and therefore extremely unfair to the ENMMC administration and the Board of Directors.

The following is my opinion of events that occurred, and why ENMMC no longer can offer inpatient dialysis.

In late April 2010 or early May 2010, ENMMC received a phone call from Renal Medicine Associates in Albuquerque demanding “X” amount of dollars to continue to provide inpatient dialysis. The ENMMC staff and administration were surprised by this request, and the administration responded that they could not pay Renal Medicine the requested amount of dollars annually (“X”). (There are rules against paying a physician or physicians group an arbitrary amount of money that is not a “fair market” value amount.) ENMMC administrators did say that they could pay them 20 percent of the requested amount, if Dr. Adi agreed to be the “medical director” of inpatient dialysis at ENMMC. Renal Medicine declined this offer and told ENMMC that if they did not come up with the requested amount of money, they would end inpatient dialysis services effective 1 June 2010. (Hence the title of this editorial)

There are other issues about the Emily Hubbell article that disturb me. First, Dr. Adi’s statement that the reason the “talks” stalled was because ENMMC and RMA “could not come to an agreement with us regarding appropriate reimbursement.” This is not true because ENMMC has no control over RMA billing, and reimbursements they receive as a result of their billing practices. Their reimbursements are dictated by the insurance companies or other payors that they bill.

 Secondly, regardless of the reason for RMA independently deciding to end inpatient dialysis, I am disturbed that they did not give ENMMC enough notice to find an alternative solution for the community. The 1 June 2010 date was completely arbitrary on their part, and made it virtually impossible for ENMMC to find a replacement for Dr. Adi, or some other alternative solution to continue inpatient dialysis treatments (another reason for the “ransom” analogy) Lastly, I found it interesting that Ms. Hubbell decided to ask Rod Schumacher, CEO of Roswell Regional, to weigh in on the issue. And since he has received “a lot of phone calls from concerned people,” maybe he should also hold discussions with RMA to try to find a solution to this community problem.

For the patients affected by this unilateral decision by Renal Medicine Associates, (like Barbara Thomson) my advice would be to write your New Mexico Legislature, and/or the New Mexico State Board of Medicine and inquire if either can be of assistance in this unfortunate situation. (If you decide to write your legislative representative, you can postulate that the only reason RMA would make such demands is because they are feeling the financial burden of decreased reimbursements like another health organization.)

I am hoping that this account of the events of the last 30-60 days will not only give your readers a more accurate account of why inpatient dialysis is no longer offered an ENMMC, but also some avenues that may be explored to effect a solution.

Clarence Pearson, MD, FACC, FACP

Interventional Cardiology

ENMMC

Dear Editor:

When I read your Tuesday headline: “1,166 shells explode above city,” I didn’t realize that your reporter lived in my neighborhood. Then I read the article and realized he wasn’t writing about my neighborhood. But let me tell you that Sunday night into Monday morning till almost 4 a.m. I was sure that is how many fireworks went off in my neighborhood.

This was about the fourth night in a row that fireworks had kept us awake till almost midnight. I’m sure there must be an ordinance against fireworks after some set time (10 p.m. seems reasonable). If not, there should be. Don’t bother calling the Police Department as they won’t answer their non-emergency line. 

 When I drove sleepily to work on Monday morning I couldn’t believe the remnants of burnt out fireworks everywhere! Don’t any of these folks believe in cleaning up after themselves? I was greeted at work by other stories of co-workers who were kept up till all hours of the night also. Let’s return some peace and quiet at a reasonable hour to Independence Day.

Jimmy W. Allison

Roswell

Dear Editor:

I hope you had a happy Fourth of July. I didn’t.

Monday morning I opened the sliding doors in my family room and found a bottle rocket had gone through the screen and was resting against the glass. If the glass door had not been closed, I’m sure there would have been a fire.

Later that morning when I removed the car cover from my 4-month old car, I saw ash on it. Fireworks had burned through the car cover and through the paint on the new car. The other two cars in my driveway had similar burns.

Why is it when intelligent people have fireworks in their hands they become stupid!?

I wish the city would enforce — and strengthen ‚ our fireworks ordinances and prevent this type of incident.

I. McElrath

Roswell

Dear Editor:

In the face of vigorous opposition from the Republican Party, the 2,300 page, badly flawed, financial regulation bill passed both the House and the Senate, taking the United States one giant step toward European style socialism. By ramming through both the unpopular Obamacare and The Restoring American Financial Stability Act, the federal government has effectively taken over nearly one-third of our national economy.

The Obama administration politicalized opposition to the bill by accusing the Republicans of having a special relationship with large financial institutions and of “being in bed” with the worst of Wall Street. They failed to mention that in the last election cycle Wall Street gave three to four times as much to the Democratic candidates as they did to the Republican candidates. Also, in the 2008 presidential election, Wall Street was the second largest contributor to Obama, with Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs alone donating $970,000. Who’s in bed with whom?

This regulatory bill is potentially a greater threat to our free enterprise system than the ominous Obamacare. Although portions of the bill are worthy of support, it will do more harm than good to our economy. It will hurt innocent Main Street more than it will hinder Wall Street. The bill even provides a perpetual bailout for banks “too big to fail.” The CEO of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein, unabashedly said that “the biggest beneficiary of (this) reform is Wall Street.”

Several aspects of the bill are troublesome, but two especially deserve our attention. One is the creation of the Consumer Protection Agency. Most would agree we need to strengthen consumer protection within our financial system. But the problem with the agency is it overreaches, and not only regulates Wall Street but also Main Street. It goes beyond regulating large financial institutions and proposes to regulate community banks, credit unions, payday lenders, and almost any business that provides financing to their customers. It will be big government at its worst.

The other troubling aspect is not what is in the bill, but what is missing. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said it best: “The worst part of this legislation is what is missing — reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two mortgage agencies caused the financial crisis by backing loans to people who couldn’t afford them. But that didn’t stop Uncle Sam from bailing them out at a cost to the taxpayers of some $145 billion.” This shouldn’t surprise anyone since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been “cash cows” of the Democratic Party for a number of years.

This bill not only falls short of the necessary reforms to prevent another economic collapse, but will create costly burdens for the thousands of financial institutions that had nothing to do with the economic crisis of 2008-2009.

Respectfully yours,

Ted Traxler

Roswell

Dear Editor:

In his July 5, 2010, letter, Mr. Charles Parham states that he is disappointed with President Obama. “Instead of jumping in offering to try and find a way to stop the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, you used that disaster to push your far-left environmental agenda.” 

OK, Mr. Parham, just how many billions do you want the U.S. taxpayers to shell out to “jump in” and clean up the mess caused by BP’s disastrously shoddy and unsafe construction and safety practices? (BP is short for British Petroleum.) How much more in increased taxes do you propose we, and you, pay to help plug the oil volcano? Why are you not demanding that BP be held fully accountable for the damage they have caused? No, instead you want fewer regulations. 

Gross profits in the last year for BP were about $52 billion, with the net about $14 billion. They can afford to clean up their own mess.

And why do you blame our president for a greedy utility company’s proposal to raise its rates by 24 percent? Please try to keep in mind that big businesses have no “family values,” their sole motivation is profits that will increase the price of their Wall Street stocks and pay for big bonuses for their top executives. 

Thanks to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v FEC, these big businesses can now also use their profits to provide unlimited support to congressional candidates who share their “values,” for example, Steve Pearce.

Ellen Wedum

Democratic candidate, NM HD 59

Cloudcroft

Dear Editor:

Atta boy to the city fathers for the great fireworks display this Fourth of July; very impressive half hour. However, I have a question for the “All American City.”

Why can’t the city of Roswell display the “Flag of the United States” during patriotic holidays? “Fourth of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day,” etc.?

If not for private individuals, Krumland Auto Center, Leonard Bros., patriotic organizations such as the Elks, Eagles, etc. and Patriot Guard Riders, there would be no display of our nations colors.

If the city can afford a new amphitheater, seems to this poor old vet,  the city could afford flags to display down Main Street during holidays.

Be proud, display the “Stars and Stripes.”

M.F. Murphy

Vietnam Vet

Roswell

Dear Editor:

Once again the UFO Festival has come and gone, and once again a big disappointment that the city of Roswell and the UFO Museum chose not to work together during the event. And it’s the tourists and citizens caught in the middle. 

If the city of Roswell and UFO Museum would work together this event would be bigger and there would be no talk of budget cuts for the future UFO Festivals.

But for some reason year after year it only gets worse.

And the parade was an embarrassment, it was so much better last year. I called the city to enter like I’ve done every year. I was told by the UFO coordinator that they have decided to change it this year by telling all entries of the parade there would only be floats. When I was told that, I knew it would change the atmosphere of the parade. And the result of that, well, you saw it for yourself. The UFO Festival is not the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. This year it looked more like a car dealership parade than a UFO Parade and hardly any music, no bands, boring.

And why in the middle of the day at noon? If it weren’t for the clouds people would have been passing out in 103 temps. Could someone explain why there were no bands this year? The whole thing lasted 10 minutes.

I truly appreciate the UFO Festival and as a tax paying citizen I would love for the city to continue the UFO Festival. But to save it, there has to be changes and stop this silly little feud between the city of Roswell and the UFO Museum.

Steve Elrod

Roswell

Dear Editor:

Last March we purchased two recliners from a local furniture store. In March the mechanism on one of them broke. I called the store and their service manager came to the house to examine it. He told me they would order the part(s) and fix it.

 After two months with no action I called them again. The service manager came out to look at the chair again. He told me that my part had come in but they had used it on another customer’s chair. He said they would order another part and would fix the chair in two weeks. 

 Two weeks passed and still nothing. I called them again. This time they said the part that came in was actually for the other customer’s chair and they had been sent the wrong part for my chair.

 I told them it had been three months now and I wanted my chair fixed. The store owner told me he would get a chair from another store and swap out the parts. He assured me they would fix the chair on July 1.

 On the evening of July 1 I called the store and asked why my chair hadn’t been fixed. I was told they were getting the part in and it would be fixed on July 6. At 4 p.m. on that day I went to the store and again talked to the owner. He told me he tried to call and find out where the part was but the place was already closed.

After almost 100 days of waiting I feel I have been more than patient. I feel like a fish they are playing on the end of a line and indeed I probably am. I feel they are trying to wait me out until I give up.

 When I got back home I called the Better Business Bureau in Albuquerque to file a complaint. I was told that particular store has an “F” rating. 

 I would recommend that anybody who is going to make a major purchase like furniture or an appliance from a local merchant first call the Better Business Bureau (their number is in the phone book) and check them out first.

Noel Sivertson

Roswell

Dear editor:

I started reading the letter from Delma Craig (6-1-10) that attributes a “liberal/conservative” quote to Winston Churchill. This attribution serves her bias, but it is wrong. A discussion of the quote can be found at “The Churchill Centre and Museum” Website, http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/quotations/quotes-falsely-attributed :

“Conservative by the time you’re 35” 

“If you’re not a liberal when you’re 25, you have no heart. If you’re not a conservative by the time you’re 35, you have no brain.”

There is no record of anyone hearing Churchill say this. Paul Addison of Edinburgh University makes this comment: “Surely Churchill can’t have used the words attributed to him. He’d been a Conservative at 15 and a Liberal at 35! And would he have talked so disrespectfully of Clemmie (his wife), who is generally thought to have been a lifelong Liberal?”

Craig then continues and builds her house of cards on her original mistake.

What Churchill did say, however, is:

“What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone? How else can we put ourselves in harmonious relation with the great verities and consolations of the infinite and the eternal? And I avow my faith that we are marching towards better days. Humanity will not be cast down. We are going on swinging bravely forward along the grand high road and already behind the distant mountains is the promise of the sun” (October 10, 1908).

Sounds like a liberal to me.

Ellen Wedum

Democratic candidate for N.M. HD 59

Cloudcroft

Dear Editor:

Mr. Obama: I was disappointed in your speech last night (Jun. 15, 2010.) Instead of jumping in offering to try and find a way to stop the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, you used that disaster to push your far-left environmental agenda.

Unless we want to live naked in a cave and eat nothing but berries and grass, this world cannot live without oil.

Even throwing billions of dollars in the form of subsidies at “renewable energy” sources for the past 30-plus years, it is still not economical or logistically feasible, and costs jobs; it does not create them. 

New Mexico has a law that requires our electric utilities to use at least 15 percent renewable sources and they are back asking for 24 percent rate increase this year. This will put additional burden on people.

Your “green” (whatever that means) initiatives, such as cap and trade, will do nothing but cost this country more jobs and cause industry to move to other countries. 

Instead of vilifying the oil and gas industry, you need to tell the EPA to stop making and enforcing asinine regulations that tie the hands of people who are creating millions of “high paying jobs” and who pay billions of dollars in taxes to the states and federal government. Throw out those ridiculous restrictions and let our industries get us to real energy independence.

Your policies and “initiatives” are putting this “the greatest country” in history, in an unsustainable position.

Charles (Chuck) Parham

Roswell

Dear Editor:

I was born in Roswell in 1938 at the old St. Mary’s Hospital, like my mother and dad in 1911. 

We moved into our home in 1938 on 4 Riverside Drive, where my mother and I now reside. At that time, the Spring River was one block from our home and had an abundance of fish, turtles, frogs, crawfish, etc. When we were very young, about 5 to 10 years of age, Clarence Moon, Don Dickinson, Lonnie Moore and I played in the river all of the time. 

This was at the time when the German prisoners of war were laying rock along the banks of the river. Of course, the rock is still there to this day. The prisoners secretly made a large iron cross on the side of the river which measured maybe 3 by 5 feet. The iron cross was a symbol of the German Army. This was during World War II. The people of Roswell were unhappy with the cross; however, it is still there to this day. It is located behind DeBremond Stadium and they have made a little park for it. We played in the river while the German prisoners worked. They were very impressed with our blond hair and blue eyes. 

I remember when they would pick us up over their heads, throw us up and catch us. It was a lot of fun. 

My mother drove for the Red Cross and would drive prisoners to the dentist’s office. She would go to the prison camp and pick them up. One time, she was sitting in the waiting room with some of the prisoners, when a German officer came into the room. A whole row of German prisoners snapped to and yelled, “Heil Hitler.”

During the time when the prisoners were working in the river, I discovered a huge snapping turtle. They helped me get it on the bank. This was the largest turtle ever to come out of the Spring River. It was later given to a zoo. It must have weighed 75 to 100 pounds. 

As to another story, up the river about 2 or 3 miles, my father-in-law, Linton Floyd, lived by the river in 1936. They kept chickens and other fowl. They started losing some of these birds every night, almost. They decided to stay up all night and see what was going on. Well, at about 2 a.m., they saw this tremendous 7-foot alligator crawl out of the river and start to feed on the chickens. Well, they shot this beast. They took it down to the courthouse lawn and propped it up for all to see. It drew a large crowd. 

One Summer in 1950, we had a heavy rain. At one place on the river, there were a lot of goldfish and catfish trapped under the bridge, in front of our house. Bob Crosby (World Champion Cowboy), who lived next door to us, wanted some of these turtles and fish for his water tank on his ranch. So, Moon and I got under the bridge where the water was waist deep and caught the fish and turtles by hand. Mr. Crosby paid us 25 cents each. Like I said, Mr. Crosby was “THE COWBOY” in his time and won the Roosevelt Trophy three times, which is still a record. As I said, he lived next door to us and one time, a fellow named Leonard Franklin Slye (Roy Rogers) came to see him. I was so excited that I got to meet a REAL COWBOY. My parents got a kick out of my excitement over meeting Roy Rogers, since I lived next door to the world champion cowboy. 

There are many, many more tales that I and others could remember about Roswell and Chaves County — maybe in another letter. 

Tim W. Daniel

Roswell

Dear Editor:

John Wooden, 1910-2010. Legendary UCLA basketball coach. An educator, molder of men, teaching morals and bringing out the best of the college athlete. 

Ernie Core 1937-2010. Legendary Roswell High and Goddard coach of basketball and tennis, but a lot more than just a coach. An educator, molder of men, teaching morals and bringing out the best of the Roswell and Goddard high athlete. 

These two men took college and high school sports to a new level. They were more concerned about teaching and bringing out the best in a young man than just winning games.

The hundreds of men and women hitting a ball on New Mexico tennis courts and all across our land cannot help but think of Ernie Core and his teachings.

And so in closing, coach Core, we will try to keep our serves both on and off the court in between the lines. 

Eddie Jones

Capitan

Dear Editor:

Syndicated columnist Helen Thomas’ recent comment that Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and suggesting they go instead to Germany, Poland and the United States is outrageous. This liberal zealot’s comments show not only her anti-Semitic bias but her profound ignorance of history. It is irrelevant whether her comments come from pure bigotry, advanced senility or shear ignorance, any reputable news outlet should be ashamed of publishing her nonsensical diatribes.

There has never been a nation of Palestine while the nation of Israel existed there 3,000 years ago under King David and was a confederation hundreds of years before King David. The world has been brainwashed into thinking Israel is land taken from Palestinians while in reality this land as well as part of Lebanon, Jordan and Syria were originally part of Israel.

The Palestine issue has been a Muslim propaganda tool ever since the Jews were allowed to re-establish their country after World War II. The Muslims have done everything in their power to wipe out Israel. They have started and been defeated in two wars. The Muslims then switched to the cowardly act of shooting rockets into civilian areas of Israel from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Attempts to establish peace have continually resulted in Israel being browbeaten into giving something up for peace and the Palestinians returning the favor with more rockets being supplied by Muslim nations. One writer stated it correctly “If the Arabs laid down their arms there would be peace in Israel, if Israel laid down their arms there would be no more Israel.”

Maybe with Helen Thomas’ retirement she can join the Jimmy Carter foundation in campaigning against Israel and promoting those peace loving groups like Hamas. It seems that she may reflect the views of most liberals who only champion the cause of minorities that they can manipulate others to their own nefarious goals.

William Dawe

Roswell

Dear Editor:

In a letter published on June 15, Noel Sivertson said he did not vote in the recent primary elections because of negative campaigning with no positive plans. While I agree with him with regard to negative campaigning, I do not believe that just because a handful of candidates conduct negative campaigns is a reason to stay away from the polls.

There were a number of contested races which did not involve negative campaigning. Candidates in the lower profile races need votes just as much as the candidates for governor. If Mr. Sivertson feels the way he does about a handful of candidates, he should go to the polls, not vote in any of the races he is upset with, and vote in other races which are not conducted in a distasteful manner.

Our founding fathers established a democratic nation which allows its citizens to elect leaders for all positions. Every eligible citizen should exercise this right by voting. Voting is the way to continue to protect our democracy.

Robert G. Armstrong

Roswell

Dear Editor,

Chaves County has done it again!  We have one of the most caring and giving communities and I for one, am blessed to call her home. Last month we had our very first annual “Walk For Hope” cancer fundraiser and it was a great success due to the wonderful sponsors, donors and supporters for this worthwhile mission. The money raised will be given to the Chaves County Cancer Fund and used to help local residents with practical support as they go through cancer treatment.  

Sponsors included, Bank of the Southwest, Farmers Country Market, Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, Alpha-Omega Printing, Jim’s Screenprinting and Embroidery, KSFX Radio, United Drilling Inc, Frank’s Used Cars/Wholesale Tire, Roswell Elks Lodge #969, Pioneer Bank, Church On The Move, Desert Sun Motors, Applebee’s Restaurant, Senator Tim Jennings, Krumland Auto Group, RPM Redden Plumbing and Mechanical, Bell Gas, Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell,  Lakeside Dairy, Encompass Home Health, Frontier Medical, Kymera Independent Physicians and Cancer Center, Peppers Grill and Bar, Forrest Tire Company, New Mexico Department of Health Region 4, Nice Ice, Senior Circle, Keith Bell, Champion Motorsports, Vista Care, Leadingham Vision Center, Southern New Mexico Medical Association and  American Home Patient.  

Additional donors and supporters include, Roswell Parks and Recreation, Giselle Keyes, Vickie Sweeney, Roswell Lumber, 4-D Fiberglass and Marble Inc, Nana’s Gift Barn, Southwest Bearing Company, Air Gas, Hobby Lobby, Century 21, Wanda Porter, Christine Bobowski-Powell, Creations by Sarah, House of Flowers, Coca Cola, Southwest Dairy Farmers, Finishing Touches, Roswell Fire Department, Mayor Del Jurney and City Councilor Robert Maples, Sheila Smith and her pink tractor, New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy, Pastor Troy Smothermon and Pastor Sean Lee. Special thanks to the Roswell Coyotes Against Cancer Team who helped with cleanup after the event.  

There were also numerous people who gave monetary gifts and showed support in so many other ways and most important, those who gave of their time. It took months of planning and dedication from the Walk For Hope volunteer committee and I would like to thank them again from the bottom of my heart for all they did to make this a successful event.  I also apologize in advance for those whose names I may have left out.

We look forward to another great event next year and ask for those who are interested in participating to contact me at 575-637-9550. The tentative date for the next Walk For Hope will be Friday, May 13, 2011.  We are looking for strong committee members who will be committed to this most worthy cause.

Once again, thank you Chaves County for your generosity and support.

Julie Morrow, Co-Chair, 

Walk For Hope Committee

Dear Editor: 

Hi! Where has the time gone?

I would like to take this time to thank all my sponsors for helping The Rocha, Salas, And Naylor Adopt a Soldier Program.

To date 56,800 lbs. has been sent to Iraq and Afghanistan! Thank you Roswell for making this a successful program.

I am sooo proud we now have an Adopt A Soldier in Roswell, Ruidoso and Illinois! Wooooohoooo.

First and foremost I want to thank God, my family, and the people in Roswell that help me all the time!

To Mr. Urquides, my bookkeeper at the Post Office, to Bebe Quintana, who never complains when I walk in with 20 boxes ... lol.

Peter Pippers Pizza — Daniel Sedillo, Harley Davidson — Allison Family — Lauren, Cowboy Cafe, Roswell Livestock and Farm Supply — Ms. and Mr. Rogers, Roswell Daily Record, Farmers Insurance — Terri Hill Elliott Office, J & L Jewelers — much love coach and Jackie, Sweet Dreams (next to Johnson Jewelers) Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Johnsons Jewelers, Uphoria- Eli, Enrique, Pepsi, Impact Confections, Mr. J. Amos, Planet Roswell, Best Western  Sallyport — Rookies, Roswell Radio, Efren Moreno, Mr. Marlin Wells, David Sorenson and beautiful daughter, White Mattress — Indian Gallery, Berniece Fry, Mr. Esteban Gonzales, Parkview School, ENMMC — Brooke, Irma, Fats Burritos, Eddy Rays Autos, Bella Flores, El Marcianito Store, Savadras, Andy Herrera — Andys Shoe Repair, Pan Dulce, Albertsons, Starbucks, Albertsons — Tom, Farmers Country Market — Art, Mr. McCloud, thank u for the penthouse office!

Zia Guns, KBIM-radio Kevin and staff, Planet Roswell, Pebbles, Brian — Elite Gym, (best gym in town!) Roswell Ready Mix, Paul Taylor III, Alfredo Dominquez, Dan, Sara, Theron, Mcgraw —love ya, Bobby Villegas, Edbunia Morales,

Corina Hall — Soldier Donovan Romeros — Mom, Gloria Reyes —Soldier Mom to Monte Reyes, Amanda Paz. To all my supporters, love ya.

Velina Rocha, a very special thank you.

Laurie Silva and Dairy community, Candalerias Rods and Wheels, Krumland Toyota — Stacy, Joe, Krumland Family, Mr. Rick Callaway, Donnel, Jojo, Jojo’s mom and Mayham Cagefights, Maryann — Patriot Riders, 2010 Memorial Day ceremony, VFW — Ladies Auxiliary, Anderson Bethany family, Tricia at the Fairgrounds! Bob and Joann Hazel, Mr. and Ms. Hyatt —my angel quilter, Brothers and Sisters In Stitches, Roswell Marine League, Chaves County Memorial Committee, Veterans Parade Committee, VFW — Andrew and Michelle, Mr. and Ms. Lonnie Hendricks —love ya, Rodeway Inn, Burritos Express, Grace Community Church — Carol, love ya!

Mark and Halverson at Army Surplus. Please know everyone who has helped me I luv ya if I forgot to mention you, I’m sooo sorry. Your help is so appreciated from the bottom of my heart!

Always for our soldiers,

Nicole Vargas